Part slot machine, part bingo, part vocabulary flash cards, Zingo combines fast-paced bingo-style play with sight words and simple pictures. The result is a fun, educational game that my four-year-old asks to play several times per week. Older kids and adults will enjoy it too, but they may need to …

How many details can you recall in just 30 seconds of looking at a scene? Can your son or daughter remember more than you? If you have a tired brain like me, the answers are “a couple” and “way more than I can,” respectively. Stare! Junior is a fun way …

Swish is one of the most unique card games we’ve seen in a while. The “cards” are actually transparent pieces of plastic, and you stack them to line up the shapes, racing against your opponents. Swish is the epitome of the skill “spatial orientation” because you’ll have to flip and …

Quiddler is a word-forming card game that’s been described as “Scrabble with a shot of gin (rummy) and a twist of Phase 10.” It’s fun for both young and old players because you can choose strategies that suit your skill level and counter another player’s advanced vocabulary with some judicious …

Set is the paragon of what a learning game should be. It’s fun, gives your brain a great workout, and is easily adapted for all ages. Set is inexpensive and very portable, so bring it with you often. We’ve given Set our Rich Classic award because it deserves a place …

Spot It is a fast, fun game that parents and kids can both enjoy equally well. It’s a race to see who can spot the matching pictures between cards, and several different variations keep the game fresh over the years. Spot It earns our highest recommendation and has become a …