Ages 10-13

Kids who can handle deeper choices and more game mechanics.

Cascadia

Build habitats and arrange wildlife patterns; calm, strategic, very popular.

7 Wonders

Drafting game with civilizations; plays quickly even with many players.

Everdell (Family Rules)

Gorgeous woodland world with card combos; can be simplified for kids.

The Isle of Cats (Family Mode)

Tetris-style boat-filling with cute cats.

Forbidden Island

Adventure coop game where the island sinks while you race to escape.

Ages 13+ / Teens & Parents Together

More complex modern games, but still approachable.

Wingspan

Beautiful engine-building game about birds.

Catan

Resource trading + building. A classic modern strategy game.

Terraforming Mars (Ares Expedition)

Manage resources and build projects to terraform Mars-simpler than the original.

Root (with simpler factions)

Asymmetric strategy with woodland animals; deep but rewarding.

Spirit Island

Cooperative, strategic, challenging-you work together to defend your island.