General 14 board games that double as learning tools By Sarina Grewal Published: December 5, 2018 Updated: October 7, 2022 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by charnsitr/Shutterstock Uno This classic game is a family favourite, but more than that, it’s a game that’ll improve many skills. From pattern recognition to numbers and colours, this card game will ensure the youngest at the table are learning. $6.93 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by Littlekidmoment/Shutterstock Connect 4 A game that seems low-key but fosters healthy competition in all of its players, Connect 4 will nurture critical thinking skills and the ability to divide and focus one’s attention. $19.99 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by txking/Shutterstock Monopoly Is there any board game enthusiast who doesn’t own this iconic game? If so, grab this one to provide your family with not just a fun night, but introductions to financial concepts such as planning, saving, and budgeting. $25.59 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by shinobi/Shutterstock Battleship This game, with its many ships, also betters many necessary skills: reasoning, problem-solving, deductive skills, and memory reinforcement. $17.65 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by Ekaterina_Minaeva/Shutterstock Scrabble Scrabble brings with it a double-whammy on the learning front: math and English components help reinforce and improve basic math skills, spelling, reading, strategy, and word recognition. $22.00 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from Days of Wonder website Ticket to Ride A game about trains, yes, but also a game about strategy, logic, minor geography — fun times guaranteed. All aboard! $62.88 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by Ivan Milankovic/Shutterstock Risk For the politically savvy and politically disinterested alike, Risk is a game known for its emphasis on ‘cause-and-effect’, and forces players to consider the consequence of every action. $32.49 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo by Niferure/Shutterstock Pandemic Pandemic is a great gift idea if you want to build cooperation and teamwork amongst the players, whether that be your family, friends, or coworkers. $46.84 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from GameShack website Dixit Dixit, a lesser known but highly engaging storytelling game, is great for bring out your loved ones’ creative side. You have the freedom to come up with any kind of story in this game, from a cute cottage tale to a wild wilderness adventure. $43.99 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from Board Game Quest Agricola From the same people who brought us Settlers of Catan, this underrated gem supports important skills such as resource and strategic planning. Become an agricultural wizard in your own home! $47.99 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from Totem website Totem It’s fitting that this game known for its feel-good vibes and self-esteem boosting effect was created by Canadians. Totem is a great choice for anyone who wants to spread a little positivity. You’ll learn a lot about how others see you, how you see yourself, and gain a boost all the while. $24.95 on Amazon.ca. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from Genius Games website Subatomic Test your physics knowledge with this Genius Games creation. From particles to atoms to the many elements on the table, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the world. $34.99 on geniusgames.org. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from Genius Games website Cytosis Build on your understanding of biology and learn about the ecosystems around you to a minute level. Tons of new facts await you with this game. Spoiler alert: the mitochondria is indeed the powerhouse of the cell. $39.99 on geniusgames.org. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Photo taken from Genius Games website Covalence Bond with your family and friends over chemical bonds. This game will ensure your cottage game nights are informative, education, and most importantly, a great time. $19.99 on geniusgames.org. 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