Board games are one of the best ways to bring families together, and in Malta where family gatherings are a cornerstone of daily life, a great game can become a treasured tradition. But with hundreds of options available, how do you pick the right one? The key is matching the game to the player’s age and ability. Here is our guide to choosing board games that everyone will actually enjoy.
Ages 3–5: First Games
At this age, children are learning to take turns, follow simple rules, and handle winning and losing. The best games here are short, colourful, and cooperative. Orchard Toys makes some of the finest first games — Shopping List, Bus Stop, and Insey Winsey Spider teach counting, matching, and memory without any reading required. Haba’s My First Orchard is a cooperative game where everyone works together, which avoids the tears that competitive games can bring at this age. Games should last no more than ten to fifteen minutes to match short attention spans.
Ages 6–8: Introducing Strategy
Children in this age group can handle more complex rules and are ready for games that require thinking ahead. Dobble is a brilliant fast-paced matching game that sharpens observation skills. Guess Who teaches deductive reasoning through yes-or-no questions. Connect 4 introduces basic strategy in a format that is easy to learn but hard to master. Labyrinth by Ravensburger is a family favourite where players shift maze tiles to reach treasures — it combines spatial thinking with planning. Games at this stage can last twenty to thirty minutes.
Ages 9–12: Deeper Challenges
Older children are ready for games with layered strategies and longer play times. Ticket to Ride is a modern classic where players build railway routes across maps — it is accessible enough for newcomers but strategic enough to keep adults engaged. Catan Junior provides an excellent introduction to resource management and trading. For word lovers, Scrabble Junior bridges the gap to the adult version. Clue remains a fantastic deduction game that the whole family can enjoy together. Game sessions can comfortably last thirty to sixty minutes at this age.
Teens and Family Game Night
Teenagers enjoy games that challenge them intellectually or make them laugh. Codenames is a brilliant word-association party game for groups. Azul, with its beautiful tile-laying mechanic, appeals to players who enjoy visual patterns and planning. Wingspan brings nature to the table with a gorgeous bird-themed engine-building game. For pure fun, Exploding Kittens and Throw Throw Burrito add hilarity to any gathering.
Party Games for Every Age
When you have a mixed-age group — which is common at Maltese family events — party games save the day. Pictionary, Charades, and Uno work across generations. Dixit, with its gorgeous illustrated cards, sparks creativity in players aged eight and up. These games are also perfect for birthday parties and holiday gatherings.
Choosing the Right Game
Always check the recommended age on the box, but use it as a guide rather than a strict rule. Consider the number of players, the game length, and whether the child prefers competition or cooperation. If you are unsure, ask our team at Juniors — we play these games ourselves and love recommending the right fit for your family.