Fifteen Hot Summer Board Games
Summer means longer days and warm evenings. This post harkens back to my youth, of cool evenings chasing fireflies with my cousins, to warm days at theme parks. Whatever your summer looks like, stay cool with these hot summer board games.
Great Games to Play With Cousins
Gnomes at Night
One of my favorite things about my childhood summers was playing games in the woods with my cousins. Recreate those experiences with this nighttime maze game.
Ages: 5+
Players: 2-6
Time:15″
Difficulty: Easy
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Throw Throw Burrito Extreme
There is no doubt at all that my cousins and I would have had a heck of a time playing this, had it been around in the 80s! It’s the same version of Throw Throw but SUPERSIZE! Tip: You’ll need an air pump.
Age: 7+
Players: 2-6
Time: 15″
Difficulty: Easy
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Cosmic Kick the Can
All of the fun of the original street game, but safer & glow in the dark! Kick and race across the yard and beat your cousins. It’s a family show down!
Age: 8+
Players: 4-12
Time: 30″
Difficulty: Easy, physical challenge
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Soggy Doggy
Cool off a little with this water game. Rae around the board catching the doggy for a bath – but watch out! When he shakes you’re in the splash zone & you’re out!
Age: 4+
Players: 2-4
Time: 5″
Difficulty: Easy
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Hanabi
Hanabi translates from Japense as “Fire Flowers”. What says summer more than fireworks? In this cooperative card game you race to put together the greatest fireworks display of all time.
Age: 8+
Players: 2-5
Time: 25″
Difficulty: Easy
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Trailblazers
“Trailblazers are the gutsy folks who pave and brave the trails of the great outdoors.” -BoardGameGeek. Become a trailblazer by carving out new hiking trails that always lead back to camp. Oh,Trailblazers is a great solo game too!
Age: 8+
Players: 1-8
Time: 30″
Difficulty: Easy
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Parks
A next natural in the hiking theme is Parks. Hike your way through National Parks from season to season. Take photos of things you love and admire the scenery along the way. This is in my top 3 games to play in solo mode.
Ages: 10+
Players: 1-5
Time: 45″
Difficulty: Medium
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Trekking the National Parks
Speaking of National Parks, you can visit a bunch of them this summer without leaving home! Add some informational videos about the Parks & animals for a full virtual vacation!
Age: 8+
Players: 2-6
Time: 45″
Difficulty: Easy
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Patchwork Americana
The 4th of July isn’t far away, why not celebrate with one of my favorite games, Patchwork? The Americana version finds you using traditional patterns to make the quilt of your dreams.
Age: 8+
Players: 2
Time: 20″
Difficulty: Easy
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Ants Picnic Party
What screams summer more than a picnic? Ants a picnic, that’s what. This game, perfect for preschoolers, pits the ants against the humans. Collect all of the snacks you can before it’s too late!
Age: 4+
Players: 2-4
Time: 20″
Difficulty: Easy
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The Perfect Wave
Grab your suit and surf board – it’s time to make a name for yourself! Catch the perfect wave and put together moves on your way to victory in this light strategy, sequencing card game.
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Time: 45″
Difficulty: Easy
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Summer Camp
Find your cabin assignment, wring out your swimsuit, and relive the days of canoeing, friendship bracelets, and s’mores with Summer Camp, a competitive deck-building game in which players race to earn merit badges.
Age: 10+
Players: 2-4
Time: 30″
Difficulty: Easy
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Fun Fair
A favorite summer memory is the days my friends & I spent at amusement parks. Recreate the fun of the roller coasters and other rides by playing FunFair.
Age: 14+
Players: 2-4
Time: 45″
Difficulty: Easy
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Draftosaurus
Zoos are a wonderful place to spend your summer days. But what, and hear me out, it was a dinosaur park? Draftosaurus is a roll & write I really love. Play it for free online when you join our Board Game Arena community.
Age: 8+
Players: 2-5
Time: 15″
Difficulty: Easy
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Wingspan
I’ve mentioned hiking a lot in this post, but now to my favorite park of hiking–bird watching! Watch the birds while learning ornithology facts with Wingspan.
Age: 10+
Players: 1-5
Time: 60″
Difficulty: Medium
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