Best cooperative board games for kids: games where everyone wins or loses together

Cooperative board games make the players a team against the game. They are ideal for children who struggle with losing, and good fun for mixed ages.

Why play cooperative games?

Children practise talking, listening and planning together, and there is no single loser. Parents get a game they can enjoy with children of different ages.

What are the best cooperative games for young children?

• Outfoxed! is a whodunnit for ages 5 and up.
• Space Escape, The Fairy Game and Mermaid Island are gentle themed games.
• Rolly Poly is a collaborative number game.

What are the best cooperative games for older children and families?

• Bandido is a card game where you work together to block the prisoner's tunnel.
• Accomplices is a team game.
• Investigation Express is a detective game.
• Frozen Passage is a compact co-op puzzle.

FAQ

Are cooperative games too easy?

Not necessarily. Many are hard to beat, which is the fun.

What if one player takes over?

Agree beforehand that everyone gets a say.

Browse all cooperative games.