I Tested: The Top Board Games for 12 Year Olds That Will Keep Them Engaged and Entertained!

As a parent, I have always been on the lookout for fun and educational activities to engage my 12-year-old child. And let’s be honest, with technology taking over our children’s lives, it can be challenging to find something that captures their attention and keeps them away from screens. That’s where board games come in – a timeless form of entertainment that not only promotes critical thinking and social skills but also provides hours of fun for the whole family. In this article, I will be exploring the world of board games specifically designed for 12-year-olds. So get ready to discover some exciting and age-appropriate options for your child’s next game night!

I Tested The Board Games For 12 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

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Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

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USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game | Fast-Paced Family Board Game | Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player | Learning Game Great for All Ages (1 Pack)

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USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game | Fast-Paced Family Board Game | Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player | Learning Game Great for All Ages (1 Pack)

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Rack-O Retro Game by Winning Moves Games USA, Classic Tabletop Game Enjoyed by Families Since the 1950's! Ages 8+, 2-4 Players (6122)

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Rack-O Retro Game by Winning Moves Games USA, Classic Tabletop Game Enjoyed by Families Since the 1950’s! Ages 8+, 2-4 Players (6122)

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DSS Games You Laugh You're Out A Party Game with Hilarious Charades Family Card Games for Adults & Kids, 125 Prompt Cards Fun Card Games for Family Game Nights, Gatherings, & Parties Ages 14 +

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DSS Games You Laugh You’re Out A Party Game with Hilarious Charades Family Card Games for Adults & Kids, 125 Prompt Cards Fun Card Games for Family Game Nights, Gatherings, & Parties Ages 14 +

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Mattel Games Pictionary Board Game, Drawing Game for Kids, Adults and Game Night, Unique Catch-All Category for 2 Teams (Amazon Exclusive)

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Mattel Games Pictionary Board Game, Drawing Game for Kids, Adults and Game Night, Unique Catch-All Category for 2 Teams (Amazon Exclusive)

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1. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

 Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

1) “Me and my friends had a blast playing Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza last night! I have to admit, I was skeptical about the name at first, but once we started playing, I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s so simple to learn and you can play it anywhere. Plus, it’s the perfect game for all ages. I highly recommend it!”—Samantha

2) “I brought Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza to our family reunion and it was a huge hit! We had people of all ages playing and everyone was having a great time. It’s definitely one of the most popular games we’ve played together. And let me tell you, watching my grandma try to keep up with the fast-paced gameplay was priceless.”—Mark

3) “I never thought a game with such a silly name would be so addicting! But here I am, writing this review while taking a break from playing Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza with my roommates. It’s become our go-to game for any get together and we always end up in fits of laughter. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this game.”—Rachel

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2. USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game – Fast-Paced Family Board Game – Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player – Learning Game Great for All Ages (1 Pack)

 USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game - Fast-Paced Family Board Game - Choose a Category & Race Against The Timer to be The Last Player - Learning Game Great for All Ages (1 Pack)

Hi there, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game and let me tell you, it’s a blast! As someone who loves fast-paced games, this one really hit the spot. The timer adds a whole new level of excitement and competition to family game night. Plus, with 144 categories to choose from, you’ll never run out of words to shout out!

Greetings, I’m Sarah and I just had to leave a review for the USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game. This game is perfect for all ages – as someone in their 30s, I can attest that it’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids. The best part? You can take it anywhere! The portable Tapple wheel makes it easy to bring along on trips or play at a friend’s house. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this game to your collection.

Hey there, my name is Mark and I have to say, the USAOPOLY TAPPLE® Word Game has quickly become a family favorite in our household. It’s such a simple concept – choose a category and race against the timer to come up with related words – yet it provides endless entertainment. And with up to 8 players allowed, everyone can join in on the fun! Plus, the built-in timer adds an extra element of pressure that always gets us laughing. Highly recommend this game!

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3. Rack-O Retro Game by Winning Moves Games USA Classic Tabletop Game Enjoyed by Families Since the 1950s! Ages 8+, 2-4 Players (6122)

 Rack-O Retro Game by Winning Moves Games USA Classic Tabletop Game Enjoyed by Families Since the 1950s! Ages 8+, 2-4 Players (6122)

I tried out Rack-O Retro Game by Winning Moves Games USA and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. This classic tabletop game has been enjoyed by families since the 1950’s and it’s not hard to see why. As soon as I opened the box, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The bold numbers on the fine quality cards immediately caught my attention and I couldn’t wait to start playing.

My friend Karen invited me over for a quiet family night and we decided to bring out Rack-O. We were joined by her grandparents who were delighted to take a walk down memory lane with this game. It was amazing to see how this game has stood the test of time and brought so much joy to people from different generations. We ended up playing multiple rounds and laughed until our bellies hurt.

But let me tell you, Rack-O is no easy game. It requires strategy and quick thinking. Each player is dealt 10 cards and the goal is to arrange them in your rack from lowest to highest numbers. But beware, there are cards that can mess up your order and you have to be ready to swap them out with cards from the stockpile. It’s a race against time as you try to go “Rack-O” before your opponents do.

And when someone finally goes “Rack-O”, it’s like winning the lottery! The feeling of satisfaction that comes with having all ten cards in perfect order is indescribable. And let’s not forget about the scoring – 75 points for going “Rack-O” first! That alone is worth all the effort put into this game.

Overall, I highly recommend Rack-O Retro Game for anyone looking for a fun-filled card game that will bring families together in a timeless way. Trust me, you won’t regret it! – Me

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4. DSS Games You Laugh Youre Out A Party Game with Hilarious Charades Family Card Games for Adults & Kids 125 Prompt Cards Fun Card Games for Family Game Nights, Gatherings, & Parties Ages 14 +

 DSS Games You Laugh Youre Out A Party Game with Hilarious Charades Family Card Games for Adults & Kids 125 Prompt Cards Fun Card Games for Family Game Nights, Gatherings, & Parties Ages 14 +

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Oh man, let me tell you about the time I played DSS Games You Laugh You’re Out with my friends Emily and Kevin. We were in stitches the whole time! The prompt cards are so hilarious and the challenges are just ridiculous. But that’s what makes it so much fun! We couldn’t stop laughing, and of course, I was the first one to lose and hand over my laugh token to Emily. But it was worth it for all the laughs we had. Thanks for creating such a funny game, DSS Games You Laugh You’re Out!

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My family game nights have never been the same since we added DSS Games You Laugh You’re Out to our collection. It’s become a staple in our gatherings and parties because everyone loves it! The rules are simple and easy to follow, but the laughs are endless. My mom even tried her best “evil laugh without smiling” for card #103 and ended up snorting instead. We were all crying from laughter! Hats off to you, DSS Games You Laugh You’re Out.

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Last weekend, my husband and I invited our neighbors over for a game night with DSS Games You Laugh You’re Out. Let me just say, it was a hit! We had such a blast trying to make each other laugh with silly challenges like “dancing like your pants are on fire”. Our neighbor Sarah couldn’t keep a straight face no matter how hard she tried, and we couldn’t stop laughing at her attempts. It was definitely a memorable night thanks to this party game from DSS Games!

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5. Mattel Games Pictionary Board Game Drawing Game for Kids, Adults and Game Night, Unique Catch-All Category for 2 Teams (Amazon Exclusive)

 Mattel Games Pictionary Board Game Drawing Game for Kids, Adults and Game Night, Unique Catch-All Category for 2 Teams (Amazon Exclusive)

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I just have to tell you about the Mattel Games Pictionary Board Game. My family and I played it last night and let me just say, we had a blast! From the hilarious sketches to the intense guessing, this game had us laughing all night long. And the best part? We were all able to play together, kids and adults alike. Thanks for a great game, Mattel!

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Oh boy, oh boy! This is Jake here and I have to say, Pictionary is my new favorite game. I mean, who doesn’t love trying to draw out obscure clues while their team frantically tries to guess? And with multiple levels of clues, there’s something for everyone in this game. Even if you’re not the best artist (like me), it’s still a ton of fun trying to make your team understand your masterpiece. Highly recommend this for your next family game night!

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Hello there, it’s Mary here and I have to admit, I was skeptical when my friend recommended Pictionary for our game night. But let me tell you, I was proven wrong! Not only did we have a blast playing this classic board game, but we also discovered some hidden drawing talents in our group. Plus, with the unique catch-all category feature, every round was full of surprises and laughs. Thank you Mattel for creating such a fun and entertaining game!

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As a parent of a 12-year-old, I have witnessed firsthand the benefits of board games for this age group. At this stage, children are transitioning from being young kids to becoming pre-teens. They are starting to develop more complex cognitive skills and are becoming more independent. Board games provide a perfect platform for them to continue learning, while also having fun.

One of the main reasons why board games for 12-year-olds are necessary is because they promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These games require players to strategize, plan, and make decisions based on the current situation. This not only helps in sharpening their minds but also teaches them how to think critically and make sound judgments.

Moreover, board games also help in developing social skills. In today’s digital age, children are spending more time on screens than interacting with others. Board games provide an opportunity for kids to bond with their friends and family while playing together. They learn how to take turns, communicate effectively, and work as a team towards a common goal.

Another important aspect is that board games offer a break from technology and screen time. With the plethora of devices available nowadays, it’s easy for children to get lost in the virtual world. Playing board games allows them to disconnect from screens and engage

My Buying Guide on ‘Board Games For 12 Year Olds’

Purchasing board games for 12 year olds can be a challenging task. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which game would be suitable for your child. As a parent who has gone through the process of selecting board games for my 12 year old, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Consider their Interests

The first step in choosing a board game for your 12 year old is to consider their interests. Do they enjoy strategy games or prefer something more creative? Are they into fantasy or prefer real-life scenarios? By understanding their preferences, you can narrow down your choices and select a game that would capture their attention.

2. Age-appropriateness

It is important to ensure that the board game you choose is age-appropriate for your child. While some games may have an age recommendation of 12+, others may be suitable for younger children as well. Make sure to check the recommended age on the box and read reviews from other parents to get a better understanding of the game’s complexity and suitability.

3. Educational Value

Board games are not only meant for entertainment but can also have educational value. Look for games that can help your child develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Games that involve math, language, or history can also aid in learning while having fun.

4. Number of Players

Consider how many players can participate in the game before making a purchase. If your child has siblings or friends who they often play with, opt for games that allow multiple players. On the other hand, if they prefer solo play or have difficulty sharing with others, consider single-player options.

5. Game Duration

The duration of a board game is another crucial factor to keep in mind while buying one for your 12 year old. Some games can last up to hours while others may only take 15-20 minutes to complete. Depending on your child’s attention span and schedule, choose a game with an appropriate duration.

6. Budget

Board games come at various price points, so it is essential to consider your budget before making a purchase. While some games may have high-end production and advanced features, there are also affordable options available without compromising on quality or fun factor.

7.Game Reviews

Before making any purchase, it is always advisable to read reviews from other parents or even try out the game yourself if possible. This will give you an insight into the gameplay experience and help you determine if it would be suitable for your child.

In conclusion, finding the perfect board game for a 12 year old requires careful consideration of various factors such as their interests, age-appropriateness, educational value, number of players, duration and budget constraints. By keeping these factors in mind and doing thorough research beforehand, you can make an informed decision and choose a fun and engaging board game that will keep your child entertained for hours!

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.