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There are many board games that everyone can enjoy!
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7 ADHD-Friendly Board Games for the Festive Season

We’re excited about the upcoming holidays, and we know you are too! The end of the year is a great time to get together with loved ones and share some laughs. But for adults and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), our brains can feel under stimulated if they’re not engaged in a fun game or one that requires strategic thinking skills to test our abilities.

In this article, we’ll be highlighting 7 of the most fun ADHD-friendly board games that cater to those with a poor attention span but are super into structure and organization in their daily lives. These fun games will help get you through the holiday season and not feel too “board!” (pun very much intended).

Bluey Scavenger Hunt

Starting our list is Bluey Scavenger Hunt, an excellent game for children and adults that’s perfect for neurodivergent kids and adults alike. That’s because everyone wins or everyone loses together!

Parents of children all over the world will be familiar with Bluey and the Heeler family as you pick one of the many characters in the game. In this game you take turns to move around a board and depending on where you land, pick a card and complete a task.

The best thing about this game is not only does it encourage kids the importance of teamwork and co-operation, but also the notion that not every game has to be a competition against another person.

It’s a game I’ve personally used to bond over my kids with during tough times. It’s one of the best games for kids as it encourages social skills and executive function development through game play. In fact, it even involves some physical activity and comedy too – they love my impression of Grandma!

Know!

Are you fed-up of knowing all the answers to Trivial Pursuit? Well, try Know!

Know is a game that puts a modern twist on classic general knowledge games, and it’s a game-changer. That’s because it works with your Google Assistant so the answers are always up-to-date. Clever questions such as “Who is the best-selling artist of all time?” mean that the answer will always be the right one!

Of course, it’s a general knowledge game at heart, but that makes it great for brain activity, exercising your memory skills whilst having simple rules that everyone can enjoy. It’s a genius idea and fantastic use case of Google Assistant that doesn’t involve shouting at your speakers to turn off the loudest timer in the world.

It’s one of my favorite board games of all time thanks to its innovative use of modern technology, taking classic games to a new level.

Pandemic

Pandemic is a popular board game among people with ADHD. In this game, you’re trying to stop an epidemic from spreading across the globe by using cards to build cities, research cures, and buy supplies.

Averaging a gameplay length of 45 minutes means it also doesn’t drag on like other games that can take hours. It’s also easy to teach and learn, which makes it perfect for families who want an engaging game that allows for critical thinking and spending time together.

Just like the Bluey game we mentioned above, it’s a co-operative board game where everyone wins or loses together. It’s a brilliant way to teach older kids how to manage their own resources and make tactical decisions that benefit everyone!

Twister

We’re including this one for nostalgic value. If you’ve got excess energy to burn, then this is the game for you. Channel your boundless energy as you try to stay upright while everyone else becomes entangled underneath you in a web of bodies full of festive food!

Twister is a fast-paced party game for kids and adults that requires participants to work together to avoid being caught under each other. Its reliance on physical activity makes it a fun game for adults and kids alike, and is perfect for those looking for something different to do at Christmas parties. Plus, the benefits of physical activity on cognitive function are well-documented too.

Definitely a game for those who want to improve their physical dexterity as well as their concentration skills to try and work out how to place their left hand on yellow without slipping!

Herd Mentality

Herd Mentality is a board-game meets card-game that engages your cognitive skills and critical thinking. In this game you have to try and guess the same answer as everyone else. Even if you know the answer, and it’s obscure, trying to make sure you write the obvious answer is a challenge in itself!

The game has been designed to help children and adults develop their ability to think critically and logically. The more you play, the better you get at guessing the right (or wrong) answer!

Emotional Rollercoaster

Emotional Rollercoaster is actually an anger management game for kids and adults that encourages everyone to discuss their emotions and learn more about themselves. It’s one of the more advanced games in terms of its innovative take on the board game genre.

Kids and adults with ADHD are known to have trouble regulating emotions which can affect their quality of life as well as their professional life later on. So playing a game like Emotional Rollercoaster can be a marvelous way of bringing everyone together, especially families who struggle with their emotions.

Wit’s End

For the heavily intellectual loved one with cognitive abilities out of this world and an innate curiosity, take a look at Wit’s End.

Wit’s End is a lateral-thinking game that tests your cognitive skills, attention skills and executive function skills as you make your way to the middle of the board by solving riddles and puzzles.

It’s a brilliant game for anyone who loves to study or really test their cognitive functions. For anyone looking for something a little more stimulating and challenging during the festive season, you’ll be at your Wit’s End with this one!

Burn Off Excess Energy and Stop Your ADHD from Getting “Bored”!

These are just a small selection of the dozens of games out there that are marvellous for adults and children with ADHD. Although video games and online games have their advantages too, sometimes you can’t beat a traditional board game to boost social interactions around the dinner table.

So whatever festival you’re celebrating in the coming weeks and months, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – even the most distracted minds!

Keep reading our articles for more inspirational ideas for spending time with loved ones!

FAQ

What board games can be played with a group?

When it comes to board games, the possibilities are endless! There are games that are perfect for small groups, such as the classic game of Scrabble or the more modern game of Settlers of Catan.

There are also games that can accommodate larger groups, like the ever-popular game of Monopoly or the strategic game of Risk. No matter how many people are in your group, there’s sure to be a board game that will provide hours of entertainment and fun.

Are board games beneficial for all ages?

Board games are beneficial for all ages! Board games encourage social interaction and communication, which is beneficial for children and adults alike. They provide a great opportunity for family members to bond and get to know each other better.

Additionally, board games can help improve cognitive skills, particularly for children. They can help increase problem-solving ability, foster creativity, and improve memory. Board games also give everyone the chance to have some fun and relaxation, no matter their age.

What are the educational benefits of board games?

Board games are one of the best educational tools available for both children and adults. They can help develop critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and strategy skills. Board games can also be a great way to help children learn math, social skills, and explore other topics in a fun and interactive way.

Board games that require players to make decisions can help children learn how to think through their choices and develop better decision-making skills. Board games can also be used to introduce children to history, geography, and other topics in an engaging way. Finally, board games can be used to help students practice their reading and writing skills.

What are the cognitive benefits of playing board games?

Board games can bring a variety of cognitive benefits. From developing problem-solving skills to honing decision-making and strategy, board games have been consistently proven to promote mental growth.

These games can also improve memory, foster creativity, and help children learn how to think independently. Board games also encourage social interaction, helping children and adults alike practice their communication and collaboration skills. As a result, board games can be an effective tool to deepen relationships and build friendships.

How can board games help with problem solving?

Board games can provide an ideal environment for problem solving. Games like Monopoly and Chess provide a space for players to think strategically and plan ahead. By playing these games, you can hone your problem-solving skills and build up your cognitive abilities.

The ability to think ahead and anticipate the actions of your opponents can help you to make better decisions in real-life situations. Board games also foster collaboration, as you work with others to develop a strategy and work towards a common goal. This team-building exercise can also help teach you how to work together to solve complex problems.

In conclusion, board games provide a fun and engaging way for people of all ages to enjoy quality time together. They can help improve problem-solving skills, increase cognitive flexibility, build social skills, and foster creativity. Furthermore, they provide an engaging way to practice collaboration, communication, and strategizing. With all the benefits that come with playing board games, it’s no wonder why they remain popular and timeless.

Last Updated on December 23, 2022 by Neurodadversity

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Neurodadversity
30-Something Millennial with ADHD and suspected Autistic and Dyspraxic. Thought leader behind this website. Big visions of a better future for everyone, but forgets where he is half the time.Loves Rugby, his kids, and anything silly. Hates U2 and Marmite.

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