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Family game night can be a relaxed and fun way to connect, especially if you skip the typical competitive board game that results with only one winner. Cooperative games are perfect for families looking to team up rather than take down the competition. The best cooperative board games for kids will be suited for your child's age and accommodate the number of players you plan on gaming with so that you can start having fun straight out of the box.
You're probably already aware of some of the benefits of a cooperative board game, but they extend beyond just building unity and improving social skills. A 2019 study found that cooperative board games can encourage kids to be more generous and can teach them how to build trust with their fellow players. As they play, kids learn how to solve problems and strategize.
Most cooperative board games support a game with two to four players, though some games can also sometimes be played independently by a child, which is great if you're looking for a screen-free alternative for solo play.
Board games should be age appropriate for your kids so they can have fun playing without getting frustrated by a game that’s too complex for them. Play time will vary depending on the intended age range for the game; a toddler game usually takes 10 to 15 minutes while a board game for preteens or teens has a longer play time of about a half hour.
I go into more detail about how to play each of the non-competitive board games below. With all this in mind, below are the best cooperative board games for kids.
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