Top Science Board Games for Kids (Educational Gift Guide)

Published:
July 7, 2022

Carrie Fernandez

Contributor:
Carrie

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Science games are an excellent way to review complex concepts. Whether you have older kids or younger children, kids of all ages will much prefer educational board games over dull curriculum. Let’s take a look at some of the best science board games. 

Science Board Games

Science Board Games

The best thing about science games, whether a board game or science card games is that you can play with your whole family. Playing themed games is great for problem solving, critical thinking, and memory retention. Science concepts are learned in an easy way through game play.

You can build your collection of different games for all topics in science, such as earth science, human anatomy, biology, chemistry, animal science, the solar system and space exploration, and more. 

Top Science Board Games

Planet Game

Planet Game (8+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Strategy

Do your children ever ask about the different planets in space? With the Planet Game, kids can have a great time developing their very own planet! Each turn is a step closer to creating an ecosystem that can sustain life on their very own 3D planet. After a few turns, the game throws an interesting twist.

As kids start developing their planet, life begins to take habitat on their planet. The game then becomes a fun challenge for children to try and keep the new species alive and well. Depending on which animal emerges on their planet, the challenge is to build a habitat known for those animals to live and thrive. One example is how squirrels thrive better in woody areas with grass and trees while fish need oceans and rivers to survive.

This is a great way for children to develop a deeper understanding about animals and the science of their natural habitat. The Planet Game is much fun for kids eight years and older, while only lasting about 30 minutes each game. Also, check out this planets information sheet freebie. 

Periodic: A Game of the Elements

Periodic: A Game of the Elements (10+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-5
  • Game Type: Board Game / Strategy

This science game is perfect for anyone interested or looking into bettering their chemistry. As the title suggests, this game utilizes the periodic elements in its gameplay. The board is a periodic table and players challenge each other to research the elements on the board in order to complete goals.

Each goal gets players more points to put towards their total at the end of the game. Whoever has the most points wins! This game is well crafted and is engaging for children to learn more about the periodic elements. The game comes with pawns and players land on spaces with elements on them. They can use a turn to research these elements.

Players need to use the elements in order to move about the periodic table. They must gain or lose kinetic energy in order to move. Other elements have different effects on the players. This game is a great introduction into the periodic table and turns a hard subject into a simple, fun game for anyone to enjoy. 

If you are studying the periodic table, you might appreciate this periodic table of elements cheat sheet.

Nature Matching and Memory Game

Nature Matching and Memory Game (7+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Card Game / Trivia

Butterfly Wings | Cats & Kittens | Match a Leaf | Match a Pair of Birds | Match a Track | Pick a Flower | You Callin’ Me a Cheetah?

Do you have any children that are nature lovers? This is the perfect game for them. This game is a card game with different types of animals and wildlife illustrated on each card. It has a basic concept for anyone to pick up on and enjoy a couple rounds of this memory game. The idea is that the cards have a form of wildlife on it. The goal here is to find another card with its’ counterpart.

For example, there will be a card with a set of animal tracks on them. Players have to find the animal that made the tracks and put the cards together. Similarly, there will be a flower and players must find the card that has a picture of its’ uses. It is a relaxing game for anyone who truly enjoys nature and the wildlife that inhabit it.

This game is also perfect for children around the age or 7 looking to learn more about the wildlife. It can be used in a classroom setting as well as right at home. Pick up a set of these adorable cards for your children to enjoy.

Wingspan

Wingspan (9+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 1-5
  • Game Type: Card Game / Strategy

Wingspan is a great game for animal lovers and children interested in learning more about the birds of the world. In this fun card-based game, each player is a bird enthusiast looking to add different kinds of birds into their natural habitat.

Those with more types of birds unlock various effects to their habitat to make it stronger. Strategy comes into play when each addition to their habitat can weaken it as well, while also competing against other players for points. The components for the game are well illustrated and informative.

Kids can learn so much playing a couple rounds of this game during game night. It is perfect for kids around the age of nine. Wingspan lasts about 40 minutes to an hour and a half. Kids can use strategies to combine strengths that each bird provides (found on the bird cards) to the habitat they are building and build the strongest bird habitat against their friends. This fun game will help your kids learn more about birds and their natural habitats. We enjoy playing Wingspan alongside our bird studies and our favorite, The Big Book of Birds.

A Favorite Science Board Game

Everyone has a favorite board game, right? I really enjoy playing Ecologies. Learning about animal habitats and types of biomes has always been super interesting to me, which is probably why I think creating an ecosystem is fun.

Ecologies Card Game

Ecologies Card Game (9+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 1-6
  • Game Type: Card Game / Strategy

Looking for a science game that is as informative as it is fun? This card game is so intuitive, any one interested in science will have a great time with it. The main goal in the game is to create sustainable ecosystems across different countries. Playing this game gives players a better understanding of what goes into the ecosystems of the world.

You have to manage the animals and the plants that live in it. Many factors are involved such as temperature, vegetation, and even how the soil affects animals. Ecologies really breaks down nature and puts it in this easy to understand game for children to enjoy all while learning so much about natural life.

It is perfect for any classroom setting or for children to enjoy at home. Picking up a copy of this game is sure to open their minds to biology and the science behind life in the wild. Are you ready for some learning fun? You might enjoy doing some biology experiments for kids too. 

Ecosystem

Ecosystem (10+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-6
  • Game Type: Card Game / Strategy

This game is just as it sounds. Players compete to create the best and most diverse ecosystems for their animals to flourish in. The game is played with cards and each player starts off with their hand. The first move is to choose a card in the hand that will best fit your environment. Once everyone chooses a card, they then pass the hand over and receive another player’s hand.

From here, you choose another card that will put a new element into the environment. Everything has a trickle effect and it’s important to decide what is best and how it will live in your ecosystem. Points are earned by what you have accomplished.

The goal is to make your ecosystem diverse but with animals and environments that make sense. If things are ideal for the wildlife in your ecosystem, extra points are earned. This game is very creative and intuitive. It allows players to think about nature and dictate their own small world.

It is great for students learning environmental science or about animal life. It is also a blast to play with the family to see what your children can come up with. 

Science Using Board Games

Playing science board games is a fun way to take an often complicated subject and make it appealing. Perhaps studying genetics and cell biology is boring using a textbook. Or, using botany worksheets seems dreadful. Changing it up with a science board game can be fun and exciting and help your kids look forward to science time.

Genotype

Genotype (14+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 1-5
  • Game Type: Card Game / Strategy

Are any of your children interested in gardening or plants? This game is the perfect game for kids looking to learn more about plants and how they work. This game brings about all the traits of a plant, even the genetic code for them!

Players have to try and find different parts of the genetic code in order to create high value plants. Most genetic codes are common so it’ll be tough to pull together the genetics needed to create rarer plants. Players earn points by how many plants and what kind they are.

It is a fun competitive game for children to enjoy and obtain knowledge from. It is perfect for students learning about botany in science class and is a fun way to make it interesting. Pick up a copy for your children to enjoy today. Finding a way to make science more enjoyable for them has never been so easy.

Cytosis: Cell Biology

Cytosis: Cell Biology (10+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-5
  • Game Type: Board Game / Strategy

Looking for a cell biology science game that will teach your kids about the their body? This is the perfect game to get them excited about biology at a young age. The game is great for kids around the age of ten and plays 2 to 5 players. Not only will they have a blast, but kids will also learn facts about animal and plant cells.

In this game, players take on the role of a single cell. Their goal is to look for resources such as carbohydrates. They can also obtain actions by strategically placing workmen and organelles on the cell board. Players earn health points by building enzymes and hormones to help deal with toxins.

As you can see this game gets very detailed and involved with those starting to learn about cells in science class. Pick up a copy today for your kids to enjoy and find fun in learning more about their biology.

Virulence: An Infectious Card Game

Virulence: An Infectious Card Game (8+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-5
  • Game Type: Card Game / Strategy

This game can be a scary one for some. It is oriented on several viruses and in fact, players take on the role of the virus. Each player has a hand of cards and chooses the one that will benefit them the best. Whoever has the strongest virulence gets to choose from the components cards first.

Being one of the last people to draw from this deck may leave you with a vaccine and ruin the virus you have created! This card game is lots of fun for kids to challenge each other and try to become the worst virus they can create! The game lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes and plays 2 to 5 players.

Everyone can have a blast with this interesting science game while learning more about the viruses of the world. Pick up a set for you and your family to enjoy today.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis (8+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Board Game / Strategy

Play this fun science game with your kids to help them learn about the life cycle of plants while competing with their friends. In Photosynthesis, your goal is to grow an entire forest by placing trees in the right places on the land for them to grow.

With each turn, there are two phases. The first phase rotates the sun while the second phase generates new life points for trees that sit in direct sunlight. Just like in reality, each tree creates new pockets of shade preventing trees from growing near it. It is important to think about where each tree is placed. The second phase involves players buying seeds with the points they earn.

They can use them to plant new trees or to grow several while sacrificing a larger tree. This is a great science strategy game for your kids to play time and time again. Improve their knowledge on photosynthesis with your very own copy today! Grab this game for you and your children to enjoy together.

Science Board Games for Review

I’ve never seen a game that was created for review of an entire subject alongside science curriculum. That is, until I discovered Biology Review. Read about this game below. 

Biology Review Board Game

Biology Review Game (High School Level)

  • Subject: Biology
  • Players: Suitable for groups/classrooms
  • Game Type: Board Game / Strategy

This biology board game covers everything your student needs to know about biology! They’ll learn about the science of biology, cell science, nucleic acids & protein synthesis, photosynthesis, genetics & heredity, DNA, classification, intro to plants, ecology, microorganisms, introduction to animals, invertebrates, vertebrates, human body, lab investigations and the scientific method. Note: There was a mention of evolution in the game description, but I am sure you could leave that out if you chose to. 

This game includes sets of 30 biology review cards per topic – a total of 750 curriculum-based questions! Also included are teacher planning resources. If you are looking for more ideas to teach biology, download some free DNA worksheets or even some cell coloring worksheets.

Pandemic

Pandemic (10+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Board Game / Strategy

Cooperative games seem to be just for children, but Pandemic is a perfect cooperative game for those who are older and looking for a challenge. Perfect for children age ten and older, players must work as a team to cure four different diseases spreading rapidly in various regions of the world.

In each round, cards are randomly drawn which decide what the occupation is for each player. These occupations come with different skills and abilities. With each turn players can decide to treat someone who is sick, travel to another city to help other players or prevent spread, or pass a card to another player. Each round plays differently due to features such as card shuffling, five different role cards, and various epidemic cards providing a different outcome to each disease.

This allows for replay without the game ever getting old. Perfect for an older crowd, this game will definitely keep everyone engaged and on their toes. The game supports up to four players. Try out this classic game with your family today!

Fun Science Board Games

Whoever said science was boring? Well, even if your child thinks so, I bet whipping out a science game will help them change their tune!

Beez Board Game

Beez Board Game (all ages)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Board Game / Strategy

Beez is a fun game for 2 to 4 players. You play as bees trying to collect the most points. Players compete to optimize their flight paths to collect nectar for their hives. Be careful of the competition as you will compete against them over a set of scoring goals. Each player controls a single bee and must move through the board collecting flowers. When a flower is collected, it is turned into honey which is then added to your score.

Beez is a board game that challenges players to plan their own bee flights. The challenge of planning and storing the nectars will make your brain buzz. Learn some facts about bees and discover why they are essential for life on earth. If you’d like to explore more, download some free bee printables.

Space Bingo Board Game

Space Bingo Board Game (3+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-6
  • Game Type: Bingo Game

Not much needs to be said about a space bingo game. You get various Bingo cards and play Bingo, matching different objects and tasks in space. It’s an awesome game to play while studying space! The images are beautiful and the cards are made out of sturdy cardstock.

If you are studying astronomy, you might enjoy learning about famous astronauts too. How about space exploration? You can download a free space exploration worksheet for even further study. If your kids love hands-on activities, check out these solar system project ideas.

Life on Earth Memory and Matching Game

Life on Earth Memory and Matching Game (ages 3-5)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-6
  • Game Type: Memory Matching Game

Memory matching games sharpen recognition, concentration and memory skills. They are great for early learners. Life on Earth Memory and Matching Game is a great game for science time.

This memory and matching game teaches children about flora and faunal life from around the world while promoting memory and matching skills. Twenty-four different images depict plants, animals, birds, fish and other wildlife on sturdy and thick tiles, making this a fun and educational game for young children. This memory and matching board game can be played alone or together with friends. This is one of the more colorful memory matching games suitable for play during earth science activities.

Into the Forest, Nature's Food Chain Game

Into the Forest, Nature’s Food Chain Game (7+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-6
  • Game Type: Card Game

Into The Forest, Nature’s Food Chain Game is designed to help children understand the relationship between plants and animals in nature. By using the game cards, kids will learn about the different parts of the food chain, and how each part affects the other. Kids will also learn about the importance of plants in our daily lives.

Into the Forest, Nature’s Food Chain Game includes informational cards, a food chain chart, and a scorepad. Download our free food chain fact cards for further study and review. 

Professor Noggin's Life in The Ocean

Professor Noggin’s Life in The Ocean (all ages)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Trivia

Are you learning about the ocean? These fun trivia cards will teach you and your students all sort of fun facts about the ocean, as well as ocean animals. This game is designed to teach children about marine biology. Players roll the dice and pick up a card. Each card contains information about a different animal. Some questions are easy, while others are harder. When you get a question right, you keep the card. But, if it’s answers incorrectly, the reader shares the correct answer, and the card goes back to the bottom of the pile.

Discover facts about the amazing creatures in our oceans. Learn about the different types of marine life, including fish, whales, dolphins, sharks, octopuses, jellyfish, crabs, lobsters, turtles, birds, seals, and many others. You’ll also learn about the different habitats found in the ocean, like coral reefs, kelp forests, and mangroves.

Each of 30 game cards includes trivia, true or false and multiple choice questions. There is also a special 3-number die that creates interaction and promotes communication among players. Kids will enjoy playing the game because it keeps them engaged and challenges them to think about what they’re doing.

Also recommended: Ocean Notebook, a companion to Ocean Anatomy.

Board Games for Science

Science games can be more for review, but some are just for fun. Take Totally Gross for example. It’s well, GROSS. But, your kids are sure to love it. Along the way they’ll pick up some fun science facts through trivia questions. 

Totally Gross: The Game of Science

Totally Gross: The Game of Science (8+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Board Game

Totally Gross is an educational game designed to help children learn about science through play. Each round of the game involves answering trivia questions and performing easy science experiments for kids. Players stretch their slime all the way to the top of the board when they answer a question correctly. Once players reach the top of the board, they must stretch their slime to the bottom of the board to win the game.

This kit includes everything you need to play the game! You will receive the game board, four playing pieces, a jar of Totally Gross Slime, a bag of question cards, a bag of gross-out cards, and a bag of lab cards.

Classic Operation Game

Classic Operation Game (6+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 1 at a time
  • Game Type: Strategy Game

The game of Operation was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. I mean, who doesn’t remember jumping to the buzz when you accidentally touched the side with your tweezers?

Kids will love to operate and make Cavity Sam better. Using the tweezers, players can remove all of Cavity Sam’s 12 funny illness parts that parents might remember – like a wishbone, Charlie Horse and Adam’s Apple. Players choose a doctor and operate to remove that ailment, and collect the money when they can avoid the buzz! The player with the most cash wins!

Subatomic: an Atom Building Game

Subatomic: an Atom Building Game (10+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Strategy Game

Subatomic puts you in charge of building your own atomic structure. You start out with a small deck of subatomic particles and each turn you get to add another card to your hand. Your goal is to build the strongest possible atom using all of your cards. This is a fun chemistry game for high school students too.

But there are a few rules to keep in mind: 1) You can only add cards to your hand if you have enough energy to do so. 2) You can only add a single particle at a time. 3) You can only add particles to your deck if you have enough money to do so. 4) You can only hire scientists once per round. 5) You cannot duplicate any card played by another player. 6) You can only play cards that are not already in your hand. 7) You can only play one card per turn. 8)

Herd Your Horses Board Game

Herd Your Horses Board Game (8+)

  • Subject: Science
  • Players: 2-4
  • Game Type: Board Game

Herd Your Horses is an educational card game designed to teach children ages 8 and older about the lives of working ranch hands. Players must collect cards depicting different types of horses and then play them against other players to earn points. The goal is to get rid of all your opponents’ horses before your turn ends. You will need to pay attention to the actions of your opponents and keep track of your own horses’ health. If any of your horses fall down, they may not be able to stand back up again. When you’re done, you can compare your score to others around the country.

Herd Your Horses has multiple stories, and each story has a set of rules. You can also simplify the rules if you have younger players (or you just want a quicker game. For instance, collect 4 cards instead of 8. The best part is that you don’t simply follow a trail to the finish line; instead you roam the various trails. You move whichever direction you want, but you can’t pass over the same spot twice within the same movements from one roll of the die. 

Do you have a child that loves horses? Be sure to download these free realistic horse coloring pages and horse journal.

More Educational Board Games

Check out our Top Geography Board Games list for some geography fun!

top geography board games for kids educational gift guide

Final Summary

When you engage the minds of younger children and even older students with an exciting game, the subject matter is more interesting. You can beef up your scientific knowledge using a science board game and get in some quality time as a family as a benefit. Whether you are creating your own planet or trying to cure infectious diseases, games are the way to go!

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