Science board games are more popular than you may think. If you’re having fun, you won’t notice how much you’re learning! While this theory mainly applies to kids, it can also work for adults too. Remember those classes you used to skip in high school? Well, let’s see how good you are at biology now. These are the best science board games available today and most of them are great for the whole family. You may find some of them tough but that just means you have a lot of learning to do. Good thing they are this much fun!
#1 Editor’s Choice
Wingspan
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- 170 artfully designed bird cards
- Be the first to build a successful aviary
- Includes unique dice rolling bird feeder
#2 Editor’s Choice
Evolution
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- Create your own species
- Acquire traits to help your species thrive
- High replay value with over 12,000 combinations
Periodic: A Game Of The Elements
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- Gameboard is an accurate periodic table of the elements
- Utilizes knowledge of chemistry reactions
- Play moves fast
Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game
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- Teaches cell biology
- Excellent for high school students
- Rewards strategic gameplay
Herd Your Horses
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- Learn in-depth about various horse breeds
- Includes 3 different ways to play
- Artwork is detailed and beautiful
Peptide: A Protein Building Game
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- Excellent biology game
- Perfect for future high school students
- A game of strategy and planning ahead
Ion: A Compound Building Game
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- Focus is on introductory chemistry
- Players must use opponent's deck
- Gameplay is quick and exciting
Subatomic: An Atom Building Game
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- Explore the vast world of atoms and particles
- Exercise strategy and planning
- Geared towards experienced physics and chemistry players
Science Ninjas: Valence Card Game
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- Fun twist on a chemistry board game
- Artwork is professionally done
- Perfect for younger kids to get a head start
Wildcraft!
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- No reading or plant knowledge required
- Teaches memory retention and teamwork
- Great for young kids
1. Wingspan
Editor’s Choice #1: This game separates itself from the pack based on how much we learned about birds. As a science board game, it’s still tons of fun to play, and you will find yourself talking and knowing about birds you’ve never heard of before this game. It’s extra cool when you start recognizing them in your everyday life.
A game about birds may not strike you as one of the best science board games available, but this isn’t your average bird game…if there is such a thing. Right away, your eye is drawn to the vibrant artwork that displays the birds in great detail.
Artfully Designed To Improve Retention
This artwork adorns all 170 different bird cards in the game. The card depicts facts about each bird that is true in real life and will help you win the game as well. The object is to build your aviary with food tokens to attract more birds. Those birds each have their own set of advantages that they provide to help you further your progress. The game board and pieces are impressive. It includes a bird feeder that acts as your dice roller. It also includes different colored game pieces shaped like eggs for when your aviary earns them. This award-winning game is praised for the scientific accuracy of the birds. It has won the most prestigious award in its category, the KennerSpiel des Jahres (Connoisseur’s Game of the Year).
Pros
- Detailed information on many birds
- Cards are beautifully designed
- Contains 170 different kinds of birds
- Includes bird feeder dice and replica eggs
- Learn facts about birds from all over the world
- Play with up to 5 people
Cons
- Play does not move fast
2. Evolution
Editor’s Choice #2: This game tackles the theory of evolution, except now you’re in charge. This option is a great science game to learn about not only how fragile life is but also how resilient it can be. It requires players to demonstrate a sound strategy as there are multiple avenues to win.
This strategy game has the unique feature of having you create life. It’s your goal to create species that can not only survive but thrive in the harsh climate. There are many things out to get you, so be sure your species are equipped.
Thousands Of Species To Create
Evolution has excellent replay value as there are many different combinations when creating your species. The variety comes from the pairing of trait cards and from the different players at the table. Traits like a hard shell and horns will protect your species from carnivores, while a long neck will help them get food that others can’t reach. It’s up to you to decide which traits you value and which will benefit your species. The artwork in this game is also very noteworthy, designed and developed by world-renown artist Catherine Hamilton. It’s the mix of play styles at the table that ultimately determines the ecosystem in which the players are competing. So gather your friends and see who can best adapt to this ever-changing world.
Pros
- Rewards strategy skills
- Create your own species
- High replay value with 12,000 different species combinations
- Colorful and artistic cards
- Gameplay is easy to understand and teach
Cons
- Only learning strategy and organization, not about real-life animals or ecosystems
3. Periodic: A Game Of The Elements
For the future chemist – or current one – in your family, you can test their mettle with this one-of-a-kind board game. Some may feel like they are back in chemistry class at first, but the swift gameplay and intuitive strategy will win over even the biggest class clown. The gameboard is quite impressive on its own: an accurate depiction of the periodic table of the elements. Players race their flask around the board as fast as they can to win the game.
Use Your Knowledge To Advance Quicker
Players must activate trends which are real-life chemistry reactions such as “decrease atomic mass” or “increase atomic radii”. These will help you advance faster or continue your turn. You can also score points by collecting elements. Land your flask on these and you get to dictate which elements are available for other players to collect. Cards like “liquid at room temperature” and “stainless steel” are worth a lot of points and can help you win faster.
This is one of the more advanced educational board games available, with a strong focus on science and will definitely teach everyone about chemistry.
Pros
- Based on the entire periodic table of the elements
- Play moves fast
- Makes learning the elements easy and fun
- Great for future science students
- Gameboard is large, colorful, and 100% accurate
Cons
- May take a couple games to fully understand the gameplay
4. Cytosis: A Cell Biology Game
Biology is always a favorite class among students because it’s the study of life; a great way to get the younger generation started in science, and this board game is a great jumping off point.
All the terminology in this game is accurate. You will be directing the cellular action, like placing workers on available organelles and collecting resources. Players then invest those resources to build enzymes, hormones and hormone receptors to score health points.
Many Biological Ways To Win
You can also collect Cell Component cards, like enzymes and hormones, that exchange molecules for health points. They are your cells and you will have to decide how to nourish them better than your opponents.
This fun game tests your science knowledge. It’s engaging enough for adults yet simple enough to get teens involved.
Pros
- Demonstrates real-life applications
- Encourages strategic gameplay
- Fun for adults and kids
- Everything is 100% accurate
- A great way to introduce the world of biology
Cons
- Can be a bit confusing at first
5. Herd Your Horses
Humanity’s relationship with horses dates back centuries; the love for these majestic creatures continues today. If you’re one of them, then this game was made for you. The best part about this board game is that it’s three games in one. With three different ways to play, you’ll never lose interest.
Challenge Opponents In Multiple Ways
The most common format puts you as the lead horse of a herd who has just escaped the ranch where you were held. Now you’re free, you must collect nine mares/foals and make it to Green River Valley as quickly as possible. The other two variations have you as the rancher trying to grow your herd by raising different types of horses.
The cards in this game are beautifully designed and contain many accurate facts about horses such as breed, color, markings and habitual traits.
Pros
- Get immersed in the world of horses
- Cards contain accurate facts about many types of horses
- 3 different ways to play
- Artwork is beautifully done to show details of each horse
- Fun game for any animal lover
Cons
- Game play is quite simple
6. Peptide: A Protein Building Game
If you’re looking for a true science board game you’ll be very happy with Peptide. For some, this may feel like your back in high school lab class again but this game is much more fun. You won’t want to cut this class!
Competitive Fun For Biology Fans
As one of the best biology themed games it’s also very strategic; up there with some of the greats. Your goal is to draft organelles to get different resources and actions. With these, you match colored RNA cards with Amino Acid cards, which each take 3 specific RNA. Players connect Amino Acid cards in succession to form a protein chain to score points.
Not only is this how you win but it’s all scientifically accurate. Students can get a head start on the school year with this board game and will pass their biology class with flying colors.
Pros
- Great way to learn about organelles, proteins, amino acids
- Encourages good strategy and planning
- Appropriate for adults and kids
- Colorful and detailed cards
- High replay value
Cons
- Only really for fans of biology
7. Ion: A Compound Building Game
Give your kids a head start on high school with this introductory board game to chemistry. It tackles all the relevant theories they’ll need to know to get good grades in high school. Learning through playing board games is proven to increase retention.
Use sound strategy to connect chemical bonds correctly. The goal is to form neutrally charged compounds or sets of noble gasses.
Game With A Unique Twist
The catch with this board game is that you can only draw one card at a time, from a different deck every time. Once you use a card from your hand, you pass the rest of your hand to the player on your left. They will play the next turn with your hand and you will play with the hand given to you by the player on your right.
This means you will have to adapt your strategy numerous times throughout the game. It rewards players who can think on the spot and know a thing or two about chemistry.
Pros
- Focus on introductory chemistry
- Perfect for new high school students and younger
- Unique strategy by playing with different hands
- 100% accurate terminology
- Game play is fast-moving and exciting
Cons
- Only good for beginner chemistry students
8. Subatomic: An Atom Building Game
Subatomic is geared towards players who find other science games too easy. The content of this game is an advanced deep dive into the world of atoms and will test the knowledge of each player intensely.
At its core, it’s a deck building game. Players collect photons and quarks to create protons, neutrons and electrons. You can then use those to buy more powerful cards or to construct elements and score points.
Not ALL About Science
While the theory is relatively simple, mastering this game is no small feat, testing your knowledge of physics and chemistry. Even if you have a degree in those subjects it won’t excuse you from having to demonstrate efficient strategy.
This card game has received rave board game reviews, praised for its attention to detail and falls in the category of genius games. Push your brainpower to the limit with Subatomic.
Pros
- In-depth information on atoms and particles
- Targeted towards experienced players
- Build protons, neurons and electrons to score points
- Rewards proper strategy
- Great for advanced science players
Cons
- May be too difficult for some
9. Science Ninjas: Valence Card Game
Getting kids involved and interested in science can be difficult sometimes. To solve this, the makers of Science Ninjas have created a fun way to introduce kids to chemistry.
The name gives it away but the concept is much more clever than you think. Assemble teams of Science Ninjas to build new molecules out of elements to earn points. Each player must find a set of Valence numbers that add up to 0, coordinate the color of each element and create a molecule.
Game Created By Scientists…Lots Of Them
All the scientific terminology is accurate since this game was invented by a rocket scientist, an alternative energy expert and a New York Times bestselling cartoonist, along with many other scientific advisors to fact check.
The artwork is worth noting. This is the star of the show and a huge reason why your kids will love this game. The illustrations of the ninjas are done in a fun way that will help everyone retain the information they are learning. Turn game night into a chemistry ninja lab with this one-of-a-kind board game.
Pros
- Great for younger kids
- Simplifies chemical reactions
- Cards are playfully illustrated
- Easy rules to understand
- Helps introduce kids to science in a fun manner
Cons
- Moves a little slow
10. Wildcraft!
For a lighter science board game, we present Wildcraft!, a great game that the whole family can enjoy. Perfect for younger players as there is no reading required and no prior knowledge of plantlife is needed.
This game introduces kids to an exciting quest through several ecosystems, while learning about 25 edible and medicinal plants, where they grow, and how to use them, with waterfalls to slide down, logs to cross and deer trails to wander down.
Work Together Or Individually
This is a cooperative board game that will teach children not only about plants but about patience, teamwork and strategy. The best part about this game happens when your kids start recognizing plants in real life. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they learn and how much they retain.
A bonus to this game is that it’s the most environmentally produced game on this list, made in the USA with 100% recycled and recyclable materials. They use a water-based coating instead of varnish, and the beautiful detailed watercolor illustrations are printed with vegetable oil-based inks.
Safe for your kids and the planet!
Pros
- Excellent for younger children
- Easy to follow rules
- No reading or prior plant knowledge required
- Teaches teamwork
- Artwork is very detailed
Cons
- May be too simple for older kids
Buyer’s Guide
Here you’ll find insider knowledge on how to choose one of the best science games available.
The Benefits Of Science Board Games
These are the advantages to getting a science board game.
Fun Ways To Learn
Everyone knows the best way to learn something is to find a fun way to practice it. Developing fun games or rhymes has always been a staple in classrooms, and this theory is applied to board games.
If you’re playing with a younger crowd they won’t even realize how much information they are retaining. Adding the element of competition encourages the brain to work a little harder. Kids will benefit from this style of learning as whatever they learn now will stay with them for years to come.
Strengthen Family Bonding
With so few chances to spend time with your family these days it can be hard to gather everyone for a game night. Taking a night away from the TV, tablets and cell phones will create lasting memories that will stay with your kids.
Helpful Supplement To Formal Learning
Learning how to learn is one of the best attributes you can teach a child. If they’re familiar with how they absorb information then there is nothing they can’t do in life. Playing science board games is a great introduction to this process.
They will see firsthand that learning something doesn’t have to be boring and can be tons of fun. As they get older they will learn to develop their own fun systems for learning unfamiliar things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Game Is Best For Science?
The best game for science is Wingspan. It combines strategic gameplay while learning about all types of birds. Build the most successful aviary to attract more birds to help them thrive. Whoever does this the best wins. The vibrant artwork is really appealing, and you will enjoy starting to recognize birds in real life.
Do Board Games Help Kids Learn About Science?
Yes, board games help kids learn about science. This is a great way to introduce them to the vast and ever-changing world of science. It’s a broad topic that is sure to grab the attention of everyone in one way or another. It doesn’t have to be made up science fiction to be appealing!
What Are The Benefits Of Science Board Games?
The benefits of science board games give people an avenue to exercise their brain in a fun and competitive advantage. You can learn about many different subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and geography. All this while you share some laughs and light-hearted competition with your family and loved ones.
Conclusion
The best science board games are those that teach you something you didn’t know before. Some of them will surprise you while you may find others easy due to your background. Either way, these games are still a ton of fun. Most can be played with all ages so grab the family and organized a good old-fashioned board games night. Your kids won’t even realize how much they are learning!
