Can you mix fun, education, and family time? I know, a package that amazing has to be too good to be true, but we found the one thing that encompasses all three…AND it’s cost-effective!

Board games. Yes, you heard me. Board games!

Every family knows that things can get a little competitive when board games are involved. Whether it’s the thrill of winning or just having a nice night in, board games are a favorite for all ages. A bonus for parents: it’s a foolproof way of sharpening your kids’ skills without making them feel resentful about playing board games instead of being at the movies with their friends.

While it is true that some board games just involve the right amount of luck, a lot of them also involve careful strategizing and analytical thinking.

Our Personal Recommendations

1. Scrabble! Talk about the perfect way to expand everyone’s vocabulary. This is a classic game that involves each player having to build new words from already created words, while only using the 7 letters they have. In addition to having to churn out words every few minutes, there’s also that desire to get the triple word score space. Each player will have to use their creative and strategic skills to thrive in this game.

2. Apples to Apples is a classic that always provides laughter. Not only does it allow each player to showcase their perspective, but it also introduces new vocabulary words. Each player will have the opportunity to draw the green card which will include an adjective, and a few synonyms. Plus, it’s the perfect game to entertain large crowds of people. (ahem: family reunions!)

3. For young ones, Chutes and Ladders or Candyland are ideal ways to get them to start counting and learning different colors.

4. Another classic is Monopoly. It’s named after the economic concept of monopoly, meaning the domination of a market by a single entity. This is a game that definitely requires money management and strategic thinking. Players have the opportunity to build houses or hotels on the properties they buy. The only way for the game to end is for all but one player to go bankrupt. It’s a highly competitive game, but definitely encourages players to think carefully before making any one decision. Also, with its widespread popularity, the game is often released in different versions whether it’s New York City, Hello Kitty, or Disney-themed, so at the very least, the kids can marvel at how cute the boards are!

The Best of the Best

High IQ society American Mensa just selected five Mensa Select winners at its 2011 Mind Games event. Out of 58 entries, these five games were chosen as the winners: InStructures, Pastiche, Pirate versus Pirate, Stomple, and Uncle Chestnut’s Table Gype.

Our fav among these? InStructures! InStructures is a construction-themed game that involves quick thinking. It comes with 38 wooden blocks, 72 pairs of blueprints, and a timer! It’s fast-paced and it helps people of all ages improve their communication and listening skills, and encourages problem solving.

The games listed above are just a few that can help improve your children’s skills while also delivering fun for the whole family. So go ahead! Dig through your board game cabinet, dust them off, and have a family night! It’s a win-win situation…

It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?