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Finding the right board games to play with kids between the ages of 5 and 7 can be a challenge for even the most experienced parent. We've rounded up some terrific choices for family game night that won't tempt someone to cheat, cause a meltdown or bore you (and your older children) to tears.
Monopoly Junior
Monopoly has brought many an adult to her knees but Monopoly Junior makes playing a cinch. The objective is the same (to own all the real estate on the board) but the rules are simplified for kids even as young as 4 years old. (Amazon, $12)
Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It Game
Designed to encourage cooperation, Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It Game comes with a six-foot board that features intricate depictions of Busytown. Players have to find specific objects on the board — together — in order to win the game. (Amazon, $17)
Spot It!
There is only one matching image between any two cards in Spot It!, a fast-paced game, and the objective is to, well, spot it! There are multiple ways to play Spot It!, letting you decide how easy (or challenging) to make it. (Toys R Us, $13)
Uno
Who doesn’t love Uno? This game has been around so long that it officially qualifies as a classic, and for good reason. A riff on "Go Fish," it's a simple way to introduce kids to card games. Even kids as young as 5 can get in on the action. Bonus: It's super portable, making it a great game to take on road trips. (Toys R Us, $7)
Guess Who?
Guess Who? is a twist on "20 Questions." Two players try to figure out the identity of an opponent's "mystery person." Asking yes or no questions helps get to the answer. One mom told me that even her 9-year-old still loves this game. (Toys R Us, $11)
Hiss: The Colorful Snake-Making Tile Game
Hiss: The Colorful Snake-Making Tile Game is a simple game in which players work together to create a colorful snake by matching tiles. It takes a sharp eye and has the added benefit of helping younger kids work on their pattern skills, a prerequisite for math. And, it's really fun! (Toys R Us, $15)
Sleeping Queens
A mom of three recommends Sleeping Queens for families with kids with a wide range of ages. In this card game, a Ladybug Queen and her friends are under a sleeping spell and it's up to the players to wake them up. For two to five players, this game can be finished up in about 15 minutes, great for some pre-bedtime family fun. (Toys R Us, $12)
Clue Junior
Was it Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the candlestick? Clue might be too old for your crew, but Clue Junior replaces the gloomy mansion with a carnival adventure. The objective is the same (solve the mystery), but this time you're looking for missing carnival prizes and the rules are simplified for younger players. (Amazon, $20)
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