Introducing the 13 Best Educational Games For Kids 5 And Up for 2023! In today's rapidly advancing technological age, incorporating educational games into children's learning journey has become increasingly important. These interactive and engaging games not only provide entertainment but also help children develop essential skills, stimulate their curiosity, and foster a love for learning. With the vast array of educational games available, it can be overwhelming for parents to choose the right ones for their children. Fear not! We have curated a list of the top 13 educational games designed to captivate young minds, promote critical thinking, and offer a fun and immersive educational experience. Stay tuned as we uncover the best educational games for kids aged 5 and up that are set to take 2023 by storm.
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: 8/10
Toddler Coloring Book: Numbers Letters Shapes is an educational activity book designed for children aged 5 and up. With this book, kids can learn and practice their numbers, letters, and shapes while having fun coloring. The book includes fun and engaging activities such as search and find alphabet games. It is the perfect tool for preschoolers to develop their cognitive and artistic skills. The book is suitable for both girls and boys and provides an interactive and entertaining learning experience.
Key Features
- Educational coloring book for kids aged 5 and up
- Includes numbers, letters, and shapes
- Search and find alphabet games
- Suitable for both girls and boys
Specifications
- Dimension: 8.50Lx0.16Wx11.00H
Pros
- Interactive and engaging learning activities
- Helps develop cognitive and artistic skills
- Suitable for a wide age range
Cons
- Limited to numbers, letters, and shapes
Toddler Coloring Book: Numbers Letters Shapes is a great educational tool for young children. It offers a fun and interactive way to learn and practice numbers, letters, and shapes. The search and find alphabet games add an extra layer of engagement to keep kids interested. The book’s dimensions make it easy to handle and carry around. While it may have a limited focus on numbers, letters, and shapes, it does an excellent job in providing an entertaining and educational experience for young learners. Whether it’s for boys or girls, this coloring book is a valuable addition to any preschooler’s learning materials.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Hoyle 6 in 1 Kids Playing Cards Multi Game Pack is a fantastic product that offers 6 unique playing card games in one pack. Designed for children aged 3 and up, this game pack provides hours of fun for the whole family. The games are quick and easy to learn, with each game taking only 15 minutes or less to play. Not only do these games provide entertainment, but they also help kids develop social and emotional intelligence skills. The pack includes games like Go Fish, Memory, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, Slap Jack, and Matching. With attractive cards and individual boxes for each game, it's a great gift option too. Get ready to deal out some serious fun with the Hoyle 6 in 1 Kids Playing Cards Multi Game Pack!
Key Features
- Features 6 unique playing card games
- Fun for the whole family
- Quick and easy to learn games
- Designed to be played in 15 minutes or less
- Great for helping kids learn social and emotional intelligence skills
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 3.20Lx8.75Wx0.63H
Pros
- Affordable
- Attractive cards and packaging
- Provides hours of entertainment and bonding
- Helps kids develop important skills
- Ideal gift option
Cons
- May not be engaging for very young children
- Cards could be more durable
- Some games may have complex matching requirements
The Hoyle 6 in 1 Kids Playing Cards Multi Game Pack is the perfect choice for families looking for versatile and enjoyable card games. With a great selection of games, quick playtime, and the opportunity to learn valuable skills, this pack is a winner. The attractive cards and organized packaging make it an ideal gift option for birthdays or holidays. While younger children may find some games challenging, it’s still a wonderful investment for family entertainment. The Hoyle 6 in 1 Kids Playing Cards Multi Game Pack receives a score of 9 out of 10 based on its excellent reviews and overall value.
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: 8.7/10
Kids Create Absurdity is a hilarious card game that promises fun-filled family game nights and laughter until you cry. Combining the popular card games Cards Against Humanity and Apples to Apples, this award-winning game is perfect for kids aged 6-12. With easy-to-learn instructions, players draw answer cards and respond hilariously to question cards read by the judge. The first player to reach 5 points wins. This game is not limited to indoor play, as it is a great companion for road trips, camping trips, sleepovers, and vacations. The game's age-appropriate content ensures a wholesome family gaming experience. Get ready to enjoy countless hours of laughter and absurdity with Kids Create Absurdity!
Key Features
- Family Game For Kids and Adults
- Award Winning Gift For Boys And Girls
- How to play
- Road Trip Essentials/Travel
- Simple and Fun Card Game
Specifications
- Color: Blue
Pros
- Easy to play and set up
- Combines popular card game fundamentals
- Age appropriate content for family game night
- Versatile for road trips, camping, sleepovers, vacations
- Loved by thousands of satisfied customers
Cons
- Some cards may be deemed dumb or inappropriate by some
- Not as enjoyable for all age groups
Kids Create Absurdity is a must-have addition to any family’s game night collection. With its combination of fun, laughter, and absurdity, it’s sure to provide endless entertainment for both kids and adults. The game’s simplicity and versatility make it suitable for a variety of occasions, whether you’re on a road trip, camping, or simply spending a cozy night at home. While some cards may not appeal to everyone, the overall experience and satisfaction of thousands of customers speak volumes. Embrace the hilarity and create unforgettable memories with Kids Create Absurdity!
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
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
The Educational Insights Pancake Pile-Up is an engaging relay board game designed for preschoolers. This game promotes togetherness and helps kids learn important skills like building positive relationships, working together, and taking turns. It also focuses on developing gross motor skills, balance, and coordination, as well as early math skills like patterning. The game consists of flipping order cards and racing to stack pancakes relay-style. The team that completes the stack shown on the card wins the round. With its multi-color design and durable pieces, Pancake Pile-Up is perfect for indoor and outdoor play. Overall, it is a fun and educational game for kids ages 4 and up.
Key Features
- Designed for preschoolers to promote togetherness
- Builds gross motor skills, balance, and coordination
- Practices patterning and social-emotional skills
- Includes durable pieces for indoor and outdoor play
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 12.00Lx6.00Wx3.00H
Pros
- Promotes positive relationships and teamwork
- Develops motor skills and early math abilities
- Durable pieces suitable for indoor and outdoor play
Cons
- Pancakes can be slippery and hard to stack
- Plastic plates would be more durable for classroom use
- Missing pieces may affect the sequence of the game
The Educational Insights Pancake Pile-Up is an excellent board game for preschoolers, providing a perfect balance between fun and education. It encourages teamwork, develops motor skills and early math abilities, and promotes social-emotional skills. With durable pieces and a versatile gameplay, this game can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Although there may be some minor drawbacks like slippery pancakes and missing pieces, the overall experience is highly positive. Whether played individually, with family, or in a classroom setting, Pancake Pile-Up offers engaging and educational entertainment for kids ages 4 and up. It is a must-have addition to any game collection and a great gift option.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Skillmatics Card Game – Found It Indoor is a fun and educational game for kids ages 4 to 7. It is an exciting 'Search & Find' game where players must find objects based on prompts like 'Something with a pattern' or 'Something smaller than your palm.' The first player to win 7 cards wins the game. This award-winning game is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or indoor play dates. It helps boost kids' observation and logical reasoning skills while keeping them engaged for hours. The game includes 50 Game Cards, an instruction manual, and a mess-free case. With its simple instructions and key learning outcomes, it makes a perfect gift for any occasion.
Key Features
- Exciting 'Search & Find' game for kids ages 4 to 7
- Boosts observation & logical reasoning skills
- Can be played in 2 fun ways
- Includes 50 Game Cards, instruction manual & mess-free case
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 7.40Lx5.91Wx1.54H
Pros
- Award-winning game
- Engaging & educational
- Can be played at home, school, or on play dates
- Perfect gift for any occasion
Cons
- Limited age range (4 to 7 years)
- Not suitable for solo play
The Skillmatics Found It Indoor Scavenger Hunt Card Game is a fantastic choice for young children. It provides hours of engaging and educational fun, while also helping develop their observation and logical reasoning skills. The game’s prompts and challenges keep children entertained and excited to shout ‘FOUND IT!’ when they discover the objects. With its simple instructions and mess-free case, it is a perfect game for family gatherings or play dates. The game has received positive reviews and an impressive score of 8.5, making it a highly recommended choice for parents looking for an entertaining and educational game for their kids.
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: 9/10
The Great Escape is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for educational and fun games to enjoy with the whole family. Filled with games that require minimal resources and can be played by one or multiple players, this book is a great addition to any collection. It includes a variety of games to develop resilience, lateral thinking, problem solving, independence, and emotional intelligence. The clear instructions and explanations make it easy to use, and the games are suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you're planning a drama workshop, organizing a family gathering, or simply looking for screen-free entertainment, The Great Escape has you covered.
Key Features
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Excellent tool for imaginative play and EQ development
- Can be played with one or multiple players
- Includes explanations of the skills being nurtured
- Great for parties and family gatherings
Cons
- No specifications provided on the product
The Great Escape is a must-have resource for families, teachers, and anyone looking to engage in fun and educational activities. With its wide range of games and clear instructions, it provides endless opportunities for imaginative play and skill development. From cooperative and concentration games to fostering creativity and emotional intelligence, this book has it all. It’s a valuable tool for parents and teachers alike, offering a refreshing alternative to screen time and fostering meaningful connections. Whether you’re looking for activities to enjoy with your family, planning a classroom session, or organizing a social gathering, The Great Escape is sure to be a hit, making it an essential addition to your collection of indoor games.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens is a unique dodgeball card game that combines elements of card matching, dodgeball, and toy burritos. It's the ultimate party game for game night, suitable for both kids and adults. The game involves collecting cards, earning points, and throwing squishy toy burritos. With 120 cards, 2 burrito throw toys, and 7 tokens, it offers endless fun and excitement. The game also offers expansion options with Block Block Burrito, which introduces inflatable tortillas and new cards. Throw Throw Burrito is a highly acclaimed game created by Exploding Kittens, a company known for its successful Kickstarter campaigns. It's the perfect addition to any game collection, guaranteed to bring laughter and entertainment to family and friends.
Key Features
- Combination of card matching game, dodgeball, and toy burritos
- Collect cards, earn points, throw burritos
- Includes 120 cards, 2 burrito throw toys, and 7 tokens
- Expansion option with Block Block Burrito
- Created by Exploding Kittens, a highly acclaimed game company
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 10.00Lx9.00Wx3.00H
Pros
- Unique and fun gameplay
- Suitable for both kids and adults
- Endless possibilities for expansion
- High-quality components
- Created by a renowned game company
Cons
- Confusing instructions for some players
- Not recommended for children under 10
- May result in intense competition and arguments
Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens is a must-have game for anyone who enjoys unique and entertaining party games. With its combination of card matching, dodgeball, and toy burritos, it offers a fresh and exciting experience that will keep players engaged and laughing. The game’s expansion option with Block Block Burrito adds even more fun and variety. While the instructions may be confusing for some players, once you understand the rules, the gameplay is highly enjoyable. Just be aware that the game can lead to intense competition and arguments, especially among competitive players. Overall, Throw Throw Burrito is a fantastic addition to any game night and will surely create lasting memories.
Overall Score: 8/10
Turn family game night into an awesome adventure with this collaborative board game for kids! My First Safari Board Game is designed for children as young as 4, teaching them valuable social skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork. With three difficulty levels, it grows with your kids and offers educational fun as they learn amazing animal facts. The game comes with a full-color Learning Guide filled with information on each of the 21 animals featured. Made with high-quality materials, this game is backed by exceptional service. Overall, it's a cute and entertaining game that young animal lovers will enjoy playing as a family.
Key Features
- Collaborative game for kids 4-6
- Teaches social skills, strategic thinking, teamwork
- Three difficulty levels
- Includes full-color Learning Guide with animal facts
- High-quality educational toy
Specifications
- Dimension: 9.06Lx6.50Wx1.57H
Pros
- Cute and educational game for toddlers
- Simple and easy to play
- Fosters teamwork skills
- High-quality materials
- Includes a Learning Guide with animal facts
Cons
- Gameplay may be confusing for some
- Missing pieces in some cases
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC My First Safari Board Game is a delightful and educational game for young kids. With its collaborative gameplay and three difficulty levels, it offers an engaging experience while teaching important skills. The included Learning Guide with animal facts adds an educational aspect that parents will appreciate. While there may be some confusion with gameplay and occasional missing pieces, overall, this game provides entertainment for the whole family. It’s a well-designed and well-made product from National Geographic, making it a great choice for young animal lovers. Turn game night into an adventure with My First Safari Board Game!
Buyer's Guide: Educational Games for Kids 5 and Up
Looking for engaging educational games to keep your little ones entertained and learning? Look no further! Here's a comprehensive buyer's guide to help you navigate through the world of educational games for kids 5 and up.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing educational games for kids, keep these key features in mind:
- Age Appropriateness: Ensure that the game is specifically designed for children aged 5 and up. This ensures the content and complexity align with their developmental stage.
- Educational Content: Look for games that focus on core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and critical thinking. The game should provide a balance between educational value and entertainment.
- Engaging Gameplay: Find games that offer interactive and engaging gameplay with attractive visuals and sounds. Kids learn best when they're having fun!
- Progress Tracking: Consider games that have a progress tracking feature. This allows you to monitor your child's progress, identify areas of improvement, and celebrate their achievements.
- Age-Appropriate Challenges: Look for games that offer varying difficulty levels or adjustable settings. This ensures the game remains challenging yet not too frustrating for your child.
Types of Educational Games
Explore the different types of educational games available:
- Puzzle Games: Encourage problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and spatial awareness through puzzles and brain teasers.
- Math Games: Help develop mathematical skills such as counting, addition, subtraction, and multiplication in an enjoyable way.
- Language Games: Enhance vocabulary, reading, and writing skills through word games, spelling challenges, and storytelling.
- Science Games: Foster scientific thinking and curiosity through experiments, virtual laboratories, and interactive lessons on various scientific concepts.
- Memory Games: Strengthen memory, concentration, and focus with matching games, memory challenges, and pattern recognition activities.
- Critical Thinking Games: Promote logical thinking, strategic planning, and decision-making abilities through solving puzzles and strategic challenges.
- Creativity Games: Inspire artistic expression, imagination, and creativity through drawing, painting, and designing games.
- Typing Games: Introduce keyboarding skills and improve typing speed and accuracy through fun and interactive typing lessons and challenges.
Tips for Choosing the Right Game
Follow these tips to ensure you select the perfect educational game for your child:
- Determine your child's interests and strengths. Choose a game that aligns with their preferences to keep them engaged.
- Read online reviews and recommendations from other parents to gain insights into the game's educational value and appropriateness.
- Pay attention to the recommended age range provided by the game's developer to ensure it matches your child's age and abilities.
- Consider games that offer a free trial or demo version. This allows your child to try the game firsthand before making a purchase.
- Take note of any potential in-app purchases or advertisements within the game. Some games may include additional content or features that require additional purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions about 13 Best Educational Games For Kids 5 And Up for 2023
It is recommended that children aged 5 and up engage in educational games for a maximum of 1 to 2 hours per day. Remember to balance screen time with other activities such as outdoor play, reading, and socializing.
Educational games can be a valuable supplement to traditional learning methods but should not replace them entirely. It’s important to provide a well-rounded educational experience that includes a variety of learning activities.
Educational games are designed to entertain children while also providing educational benefits. Quality educational games incorporate instructional content, promote skill development, and stimulate cognitive abilities.
To ensure your child’s online safety, supervise their gameplay, set up parental controls, and use child-friendly search engines and websites. Teach your child about internet safety, including not sharing personal information or interacting with strangers online.
Yes! Many educational games can be enjoyed offline, allowing your child to learn and have fun in various settings, such as during travel or without an internet connection.