Educational Board Games for Tweens and Early Teens
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Board games are a great fun way to squeeze in a little education outside of school. Of course homeschoolers are always ‘at school’ since we learn at home, but these games provide a nice break from traditional lesson plans.
I love having a closet full of games for my children. Sometimes they pull out a game to play in the evening as a family or with their friends. Other times I incorporate a game into the day for a bit of gameschooling (learning school topics while playing games). Kids are always changing and growing though, so the games they loved as young children are not the same ones they reach for now. These educational board games for tweens and early teens are favorites of my own children.
Educational Board Games for Tweens and Early Teens
Apple to Apples
- Apples to Apples is the family party game of hilarious comparisons, and even granny apples can play this version!
- A new judge plays a Green Apple Description card with a descriptive word each round!
- Players choose the Red Apple card from their hand that they think makes the best combination with the descriptive word
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My children loved the Apples to Apples Junior edition when they were little, but the cards were getting a little juvenile for them. They just don’t find Oscar the Grouch as funny as they once did.
The new standard adult version of Apples to Apples has my kids laughing hysterically every single time they play. They are learning new vocabulary words and context clues in a fun environment.
Ticket to Ride
- FAST-PACED STRATEGY: Race to build your train routes across iconic American cities in this award-winning board game.
- COMPETITIVE FUN: Challenge friends and family in a 2-5 player game, where every move counts.
- COLLECT TRAIN CARDS: Strategically gather train cards to claim routes and earn points.
Last update on 2026-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ticket to Ride is a game of strategy. Players try to earn the most points by completing their train routes and building the longest train. This game is great as a family. The game gets more difficult with more players because everyone is competing for the same route spaces.
Players are learning geography. Learn various geographical areas with different game boards.
Forbidden Island
- MISSION OF ADVENTURE: Embark on a daring quest with the Gamewright Forbidden Island Board Game, perfect for cooperative strategy seekers. Capture sacred…
- Family Fun for Six: Gather siblings, friends, or family for a rousing romp with 2-6 players, ages 6 and up. Enjoy competitive camaraderie as you vie to…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Chess
- PATENTED DESIGN: The chine of a traditional folding board always inevitably bulges, which creates a huge gap on the board centre. A&A original mini bracket…
- EXCELLENT CHESS BOARD: The A&A chess set is made of natural wood, smooth surface,15 inch board with 1.6 inch Walnut/Maple squares; the 0.5inch thick frame…
- STRONG MAGNETIC CHESS PIECES: The magnetic chess set comes with 2 extra queens, 34 pieces have the perfect amount of magnetism, it’s just enough magnetism…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Chess is another strategy game. It requires teens to pay attention to details and focus in order to win the game. It also encourages kids to think things through and plan ahead. One benefit of chess is that it only requires two players.
The Resistance
- DIVE INTO SOCIAL DEDUCTION – Step into a tense world of spies and resistance fighters where players test strategic thinking, bluffing, and negotiation…
- NON STOP GAMEPLAY FOR EVERYONE – Enjoy a hidden role experience with no player elimination, ensuring all players stay involved until the end as they lie…
- IDEAL FOR STRATEGY AND BLUFFING FANS – Combining deduction, tactical communication, and immersive tension, The Resistance delivers a dramatic science…
Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Players have to use social deduction skills to determine which players are lying. Reading people and their subtle body language clues is not a typical educational skill, but it certainly is a good life skill to learn.
What games do your tweens and early teens enjoy?
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