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12 Unbelievable Educational Games For Kids 8-12 for 2024

12-unbelievable-educational-games-for-kids-8-12-for-2023

Introducing "12 Unbelievable Educational Games For Kids 8-12 for 2023," a comprehensive guide that highlights the most captivating and enriching games available for young learners in the coming year. Designed to enhance educational experiences, these games seamlessly blend entertainment with knowledge acquisition, making learning an enjoyable adventure for children aged 8 to 12. From exciting virtual quests that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills to interactive challenges that promote creativity and STEM learning, this curated selection guarantees an immersive and rewarding educational journey for budding minds. Stay tuned as we delve into the world of educational games and uncover the top picks for 2023.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Adsumudi Math Game is a monstrously fun and smart game designed to help kids practice multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. It serves as a fantastic alternative to traditional math workbooks, making math practice enjoyable for kids ages 8-12. The game offers different levels of play on each card, providing a personalized experience for players of varying skills. With 52 double-sided cards containing 416 unique challenges, this durable card game is perfect for families, homeschool math classes, or remote learning. It can be played competitively, collaboratively, individually, or even online. Made in Michigan, this math game is a great educational resource that encourages learning in a fun and engaging way.

Key Features

  • Sharpens mental math skills
  • Great for kids ages 8-12
  • Adaptable difficulty levels
  • Suitable for remote learning
  • Made in Michigan

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 5.50Lx5.50Wx1.13H

Pros

  • Provides a fun alternative to math workbooks
  • Different levels of play for personalized experience
  • Great for remote learning or homeschool math class
  • Includes 52 double-sided cards with 416 unique challenges

Cons

  • May become repetitive after extended use
  • Not suitable for all learning styles or interests

The Adsumudi Math Game is a fantastic educational tool for children aged 8-12 to practice their mathematical skills. By providing a captivating alternative to traditional math workbooks, this game keeps kids engaged while sharpening their mental math abilities. The adaptable difficulty levels and multiple ways to play make it suitable for various learning environments, including remote learning or homeschooling. With its durable design and 416 unique challenges, this game offers hours of educational fun. Although it may become repetitive over time and may not appeal to all learning styles, the Adsumudi Math Game is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to make math practice enjoyable and effective.

Overall Score: 9/10

Emotional Rollercoaster is a fun and educational board game designed to help kids and families manage anger and emotions. With this game, children can learn valuable coping strategies and problem-solving skills while expressing themselves in a safe and enjoyable way. It is a great addition to classroom activities and learning games for kindergarten-age children. The game promotes self-regulation and encourages players to explore different coping strategies. It is also suitable for parents or teachers looking for autism learning materials. The game features a colorful design and dimensions of 9.00Lx6.00Wx1.75H. Overall, Emotional Rollercoaster is a highly recommended game for teaching anger management and social-emotional skills to kids.

Key Features

  • Anger management for kids and families
  • Mindfulness and breathing exercises
  • Problem-solving activity
  • Enhances self-expression
  • Promotes self-regulation

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 9.00Lx6.00Wx1.75H

Pros

  • Fun and motivating therapy game
  • Great for starting conversations about emotions
  • Engaging learning tool for classrooms
  • Improves communication between parents and kids
  • Relevant and practical coping strategies

Cons

  • Some missing pieces
  • Short game duration for some players
  • Misspelled words in the glossary

Emotional Rollercoaster is an excellent anger management board game that provides a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about emotions, coping strategies, and problem-solving. Despite some minor flaws like missing pieces and short game duration for some players, the game offers valuable discussions and promotes open communication between children and adults. The engaging gameplay, colorful design, and practical coping strategies make it a highly recommended resource for parents, therapists, and educators. Playing Emotional Rollercoaster can help kids develop vital social-emotional skills while having fun and strengthening their self-regulation abilities. It is a valuable addition to any therapy session, classroom, or family game night.

Overall Score: 8/10

Osmo – Pizza Co. is a fun-filled and award-winning educational learning game that brings the world of business and math to life. Children can make pizzas, collect payments, make change, and learn the profitability of running a business. The game covers various concepts like addition, subtraction, fractions, and communication skills. With real-time audio and visual feedback, kids can learn and experiment in a stress-free environment. Osmo – Pizza Co. is designed for children between the ages of 5 to 12 and is compatible with iPads and Fire Tablets. It comes with pizza pieces, toppings, money tiles, and a game app. Overall, it is an engaging and educational STEM toy that promotes learning through play.

Key Features

  • Transforms learning into a fun and interactive experience
  • Teaches real-world math, money, and basic business concepts
  • Enhances critical thinking, social interaction, and communication skills
  • Provides real-time audio and visual feedback
  • Suitable for ages 5 to 12

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 5.55Lx2.20Wx9.15H
  • Size: 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Pros

  • Adjustable difficulty levels for different age groups
  • Encourages creativity and problem-solving skills
  • Includes stackable storage for game pieces
  • Compatible with a wide range of i Pads and Fire Tablets

Cons

  • May be too fast-paced for some children
  • Not compatible with certain older i Pad and Fire Tablet models
  • Missing pieces reported by some customers

Osmo – Pizza Co. is a fantastic educational game that combines fun and learning seamlessly. It promotes critical thinking, math skills, communication, and business concepts in an interactive way. The adjustable difficulty levels make it suitable for children of different ages, ensuring a personalized learning experience. The game is visually appealing and the real-time feedback keeps kids engaged and motivated. However, some children may find the gameplay too fast-paced, and there have been a few reports of missing pieces. Overall, Osmo – Pizza Co. is a valuable addition to any child’s learning journey, providing hours of educational entertainment.

Overall Score: 9/10

Get ready to rumble with Skillmatics Board Game – Rapid Rumble! This super fun and fast-paced category game is perfect for kids, teens, and adults. Roll the die, set the timer, and race to shout out answers for various categories. The game includes 120 category cards covering Animals, Things, Culture, Science, and Nature. The objective is to get rid of all your letter cards by thinking quickly and answering correctly. Rapid Rumble is an award-winning game that guarantees excitement for the whole family. With simple rules and easy gameplay, it's the perfect gift for any occasion.

Key Features

  • Super fun and clever category game
  • 120 category cards covering Animals, Things, Culture, Science, and Nature
  • Race to get rid of your letter cards
  • Simple to learn and easy to play
  • Suitable for ages 6 and up

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimensions: 8.26Lx7.20Wx1.97H

Pros

  • Fast-paced and engaging gameplay
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Encourages quick thinking and enhances brain function
  • Great for family game nights

Cons

  • Some categories may be challenging for younger players
  • Packaging and card organization may be subpar

Skillmatics Board Game – Rapid Rumble is an excellent choice for a fun and educational game night. It stimulates critical thinking, improves knowledge in various categories, and guarantees entertainment for the whole family. Although younger players may find certain categories challenging, the game overall received high praise for its engaging gameplay. With its compact size and simple rules, it’s perfect for taking on trips or playing at home. Get ready to shout out answers and enjoy the rumble of excitement with Skillmatics Rapid Rumble!

Overall Score: 9.2/10

Exact Change Card Game is a fun and educational money counting game for kids. It is designed to teach children how to count money while enjoying a game that the whole family can play. The objective of the game is to play all of your cards first by matching the color or currency value of the last card played, or by making exact change. Players are motivated to learn and practice their money counting skills in a fun and engaging way. Winner of multiple awards, including iParenting Media, Dr. Toy’s Top 100, Creative Child Magazines Seal of Excellence, and the National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval!

Key Features

  • Teaches children how to count money in a fun game
  • Suitable for the whole family to enjoy
  • Motivates kids to learn and make exact change
  • Winner of multiple educational awards

Specifications

  • Color: Green
  • Dimension: 6.00Lx1.50Wx5.00H

Pros

  • Fun and educational game for the whole family
  • Motivates kids to learn and practice money counting
  • Suitable for classroom and homeschool use
  • Winner of prestigious awards

Cons

  • Cards may not be very durable
  • Not as effective at teaching money handling as hoped

The Exact Change Card Game is a fantastic educational tool disguised as a fun game. It effectively teaches children how to count money while engaging the entire family. With multiple award wins, it’s clear that this game is highly regarded by both parents and educators. The game’s objective of making exact change keeps children motivated to learn and improve their money counting skills. Although the cards may not be highly durable and it may not be as effective at teaching money handling as some might hope, the game excels in providing an entertaining and educational experience. Overall, it’s a great addition to any classroom or family game night.

Overall Score: 9/10

Get ready for some fast-paced, rowdy fun with the Arizona GameCo Smack it! Card Game for Kids. This game is a fun and exciting twist on the classic kid's card games Slap Jack and War. It is easy to learn, outrageously fun to play, and perfect for family game night. With an average play time between 7 and 14 minutes, it is suitable for kids aged 6 and above. Smack it! can be used to reinforce beginner math skills, making it an educational game as well. The game features colorful cards and a fast-moving gameplay that will keep the kids engaged. It is a great addition to any game collection.

Key Features

  • Fast-paced and rowdy twist on classic card games
  • Easy to learn and perfect for family game night
  • Suitable for kids aged 6 and above
  • Reinforces beginner math skills (numbers 1 thru 50)

Specifications

  • Color: Multi-color
  • Dimension: 5.50Lx3.00Wx0.91H

Pros

  • Easy to learn
  • Fun and engaging gameplay
  • Reinforces math skills
  • Suitable for family game night

Cons

  • Bigger size of smack it and challenge cards
  • Subpar card quality for the price

The Arizona GameCo Smack it! Card Game for Kids is a fast-paced and exciting game that offers a twist on classic card games. It is easy to learn and perfect for family game night. The game not only provides entertainment but also reinforces math skills for young players. However, the larger size of smack it and challenge cards may create some imbalance in gameplay, and the card quality could be better. Overall, this game is great for kids aged 6 and above who are looking for a fun and engaging card game.

Overall Score: 9/10

The ThinkFun Zingo Bingo game is an award-winning preschool game designed for early readers ages 4 and up. It is a popular board game loved by both boys and girls, as well as their parents. With over 50 million units sold, ThinkFun is a trusted brand in brain games and puzzles. This game helps develop critical skills such as language and matching skills through fun and fast-paced play. The Amazon exclusive version includes an extra Zingo card, allowing up to 7 players to join in on the fun. It also comes with a unique Zinger device that adds excitement to the game. Easy-to-follow instructions make it easy to start playing right away. Zingo has received numerous awards, making it an excellent gift choice. The game's dimensions are 8.25Lx3.50Wx10.25H and it comes in a vibrant multicolor design.

Key Features

  • Trusted by Families Worldwide – Over 50 million sold
  • Develops critical skills – Perfect for pre-readers and early readers
  • What you get – Amazon exclusive version with extra Zingo card and unique Zinger device
  • Clear instructions – Easy to learn and play
  • Award winner – Multiple awards including Oppenheim Gold and Parents' Choice Award

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 8.25Lx3.50Wx10.25H

Pros

  • Fun and engaging for preschool-aged kids
  • Suitable for both home and classroom play
  • High-quality instruction manual
  • Extra Zingo card for multiplayer action
  • Unique Zinger device adds excitement

Cons

  • Limited number of sight words (24)
  • Not ideal for advanced learning beyond preschool level

Overall, the ThinkFun Zingo Bingo game is a highly recommended preschool game for early readers. It provides a fun and interactive way for kids to develop important language and matching skills. With its multiple awards and millions of units sold, it has proven to be a trusted and loved game for families worldwide. While the limited number of sight words may be a drawback for advanced learning, it still offers valuable educational benefits and endless entertainment. Whether played at home or in the classroom, Zingo Bingo is sure to bring joy and learning to young minds.

Overall Score: 9/10

Pressman Charades for Kids is a classic game designed for kids, but great for the whole family to play together. With clues featuring pictures, this game is perfect for non-readers while also reinforcing early reading skills. It offers 3 levels of play, catering to both younger and older players. This stimulating game gets kids moving around as they act out clues. It is suitable for 3 or more players, ages 4 and up.

Key Features

  • Classic game designed for kids, but great for the whole family to play together
  • Cards have clues with pictures, making this easy for non-readers, but also reinforces early reading skills
  • 3 levels of play allow younger players to participate while still making it challenging enough for older players
  • Stimulating game gets kids moving around as they have fun acting out clues
  • Suitable for 3 or more players, ages 4 and up

Specifications

  • Color: Other
  • Dimension: 8.20Lx2.50Wx6.25H
  • Size: 5"

Pros

  • Fun and engaging gameplay for the whole family
  • Reinforces early reading skills
  • Encourages physical activity
  • Different levels of difficulty for players of all ages

Cons

  • Some clues may be difficult for younger players
  • Pictures on the cards may be over the heads of young children

Pressman Charades for Kids is a fantastic game that brings the whole family together for hours of fun. Its emphasis on pictures allows non-readers to fully participate while also helping them develop early reading skills. The multi-level play ensures that the game remains enjoyable for players of all ages. Kids will love acting out the clues and getting active, making it an excellent choice for both entertainment and physical activity. While some clues may be challenging for younger players, the overall gameplay is engaging and provides opportunities for creativity and laughter. With its combination of educational and entertainment value, Pressman Charades for Kids is a must-have addition to any family game night.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Learning Resources Math Island Addition & Subtraction Game is an educational indoor game designed for children aged 6 and above. This fun and fast-paced math game challenges players to escape Math Island by using their elementary math skills. Players roll the equation dice, solve the addition or subtraction problems, and move spaces accordingly. The game includes various obstacles such as an erupting volcano that adds excitement to gameplay. It is specially designed to help young students build addition and subtraction skills. With its educational value and engaging gameplay, it's an ideal gift for kids. The game is suitable for 2-4 players. The color of the game is multi and its dimensions are 10.00Lx2.60Wx10.00H.

Key Features

  • Designed for 2-4 players
  • Challenges players to escape Math Island using elementary math skills
  • Equation dice for solving addition and subtraction problems
  • Obstacles and volcanoes add excitement to gameplay
  • Builds school-ready addition and subtraction skills

Specifications

  • Color: Multi
  • Dimension: 10.00Lx2.60Wx10.00H

Pros

  • Fun and engaging gameplay
  • Helps improve math skills
  • Suitable for young students
  • Ideal as a gift
  • Can be played independently

Cons

  • Game pieces are bigger than the spaces
  • Some paths are confusing

Learning Resources Math Island Addition & Subtraction Game is a fantastic educational tool. It combines fun gameplay with the opportunity for children to enhance their math skills. Designed for elementary students, the game effectively helps them build addition and subtraction skills in a playful manner. The inclusion of obstacles and a volcano adds excitement and keeps players engaged. Although the game has a few minor issues, such as larger game pieces and confusing paths, its overall benefits outweigh these drawbacks. It serves as an excellent gift option for kids and provides an enjoyable way to introduce math concepts. With a score of 8.5, this game is highly recommended for both educational and entertainment purposes.

Overall Score: 8.5/10

Get ready for an exhilarating experience with BRAIN GAMES KIDS! This mind-blowing game is designed to challenge your brain, explore its limits, and provide endless entertainment. With 128 Challenge Cards and a game board, you'll embark on a journey to solve brain puzzles, discover fascinating facts, and test your knowledge. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this game is perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends. Easy to learn but difficult to master, BRAIN GAMES KIDS guarantees fun for everyone. Unlock the power of your mind and prepare to be amazed!

Key Features

  • PLAY fun games designed to MESS WITH YOUR MIND!
  • EXPLORE the limits of the HUMAN BRAIN and how it works!
  • DISCOVER fascinating facts and brainy news nuggets!
  • Includes 128 Challenge Cards, Game Board, Card Holder, 6 Pawns and Instructions
  • 8 years and up; 2 or more players

Specifications

  • Color: Multicolor
  • Dimension: 16.00Lx16.00Wx0.13H

Pros

  • Challenging and entertaining brain games
  • Suitable for a wide age range
  • High replayability with 128 Challenge Cards
  • Engages the whole family in fun brain exercises

Cons

  • Limited replayability after going through all the cards
  • Game may not suit those expecting factual trivia

BRAIN GAMES KIDS lives up to its name by delivering a mind-blowing experience for players of all ages. It offers a unique combination of challenging brain games, fascinating facts, and endless fun. This game is perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends, providing entertainment and stimulating the mind. While the replayability may decrease once all the cards have been played, the overall experience and engagement make it well worth the purchase. If you’re looking to exercise your brain and have a blast while doing so, BRAIN GAMES KIDS is a must-have addition to your game collection.

Overall Score: 9/10

Introduce your little one to letter-matching fun with the Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Junior Game. This game features cute character tokens for score keeping and has an advanced level for players to create their own words. The 2-sided gameboard grows with your players and the game is perfect for building thinking skills. With adorable tokens and a colorful design, Scrabble Junior is a great learning game for kids of all ages.

Key Features

  • Letter-matching fun for your little one
  • Cute character tokens for score keeping
  • Players create their own words in the advanced level
  • 2-sided gameboard with advanced level on the opposite side
  • 4 adorable tokens

Specifications

  • Color: Multi-colored
  • Dimension: 1.89Lx13.11Wx10.51H
  • Size: 2.0 H x 13.2 L x 10.5 W

Pros

  • Engaging and colorful game for kids
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Great for building thinking skills
  • Assists with letter recognition and word matching
  • Learning game for kids with difficulties

Cons

  • Missing 2 scrabble letters in one case

The Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Junior Game is a fantastic learning tool for kids. It introduces them to letter recognition, word matching, and strategy building. The cute character tokens and colorful design make it engaging for young players. The 2-sided gameboard allows for progression as players advance to creating their own words. Suitable for all ages, this game is enjoyable for the whole family. The only downside is occasional missing letters in some cases. Overall, Scrabble Junior is a great game to promote learning and fun!

Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Winning Fingers Flashing Cube is a 4-in-1 handheld game that is perfect for kids ages 6-12 years old. This STEM toy helps improve brain skills, hand-eye coordination, and reaction time. It features challenging speed games that test your ability to race and react with your fingers, as well as memory games that require you to memorize and repeat flashing light sequences. The durable plastic construction ensures long-lasting durability for endless hours of brain-teasing fun. When you're done playing, press the light show button to enjoy a fun display of flashing lights! This cube game is not only entertaining for kids but also adults.

Key Features

  • Improve brain skills, hand-eye coordination, and reaction time
  • Challenging speed and memory games
  • Light show button for a fun display of flashing lights
  • Durable plastic construction for long-lasting durability

Specifications

  • Color: Multi-color
  • Dimension: 3.43Lx3.23Wx3.46H

Pros

  • Improves brain skills and hand-eye coordination
  • Challenging and entertaining gameplay
  • Durable construction for long-lasting use

Cons

  • Batteries not included
  • Learning curve for multiple game modes
  • Tool required for battery replacement

The Winning Fingers Flashing Cube is a fun and interactive brain game that provides hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. With its challenging speed and memory games, it helps improve brain skills while keeping you engaged and entertained. The durable plastic construction ensures that it will last for a long time, making it a worthwhile investment. The light show feature adds an extra element of fun, and the compact size makes it perfect for both home and travel. Overall, this cube game is a great gift option for kids ages 6-12 and a fun way to exercise your brain and improve your reflexes.

Buyer's Guide: Educational Games for Kids 8-12

Whether you're a parent, guardian, or teacher, finding the right educational games for kids aged 8-12 can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's important to choose games that are both entertaining and educational. To help you navigate through this decision-making process, we've prepared a comprehensive buyer's guide. Here, we'll provide you with essential tips and considerations for selecting the best educational games for kids in this age group.

Factors to Consider:

When selecting educational games for kids aged 8-12, keep the following factors in mind:

  1. Curriculum Alignment: Look for games that align with the curriculum your child is learning at school. Games that reinforce topics such as math, science, language arts, and critical thinking are beneficial for educational growth.
  2. Engaging and Interactive: Opt for games that captivate your child's attention and keep them actively engaged throughout the learning process. Interactive features and visually appealing graphics enhance the overall learning experience.
  3. Progressive Difficulty: Choose games that gradually increase in difficulty, allowing your child to build upon their knowledge and skills. Progressive difficulty ensures a challenging yet rewarding experience that encourages continuous learning.
  4. Appropriate Content: Ensure the game's content is age-appropriate, aligning with your child's cognitive and emotional development. It should strike a balance between educational substance and entertainment value.
  5. User-Friendly Interface: Look for games with intuitive and easy-to-navigate interfaces that allow kids to play independently without constant assistance. Clear instructions and accessible controls enhance the overall user experience.
  6. Multiplayer or Collaboration Options: Games that offer multiplayer or collaboration features allow kids to socialize and learn with their peers. These features promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  7. Variety of Learning Activities: Seek games that offer a variety of learning activities such as quizzes, puzzles, challenges, and simulations. Diversified activities maintain interest and cater to different learning styles.

Pros of Using Educational Games for Kids 8-12:

  • Encourages active learning and engagement.
  • Reinforces academic concepts in a fun and interactive way.
  • Fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Enhances memory retention through repetition and practice.
  • Spawns creativity and imagination through open-ended gameplay.
  • Facilitates the development of technology and digital literacy skills.
  • Builds confidence and motivation through achievement and rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions about 12 Unbelievable Educational Games For Kids 8-12 for 2023

Are educational games suitable for kids aged 8-12?

Yes, educational games are highly suitable for this age group. They help reinforce academic concepts and foster essential skills in an enjoyable way.

How can I ensure the educational games I choose align with my child's curriculum?

Look for games that specify their alignment with educational standards or consult with your child’s teacher to gain recommendations.

Are there educational games that can be played offline?

While many educational games require an internet connection or specific devices, there are also offline options available, such as board games or puzzle sets.

Can I limit screen time while still allowing my child to play educational games?

Absolutely! Set clear guidelines for screen time and balance it with other activities like outdoor play, reading books, or engaging in hobbies.

How can I ensure the games are safe for my child to play?

Prioritize parental controls, read reviews, and check ratings of games. Also, consider downloading games from reputable app stores to minimize the risk of exposure to inappropriate content.