2023 STEM Gift Guide: Best STEM Board Games for Teens

2023 STEM Gift Guide: Best STEM Board Games for Teens

It's no secret that teenagers can be difficult to shop for. They're not quite children anymore, but they're not yet adults. And when it comes to finding the perfect gift, it can be tough to strike the right balance.

If you're looking for a fun and educational gift, a STEM board game is a great option. These games help develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while providing hours of entertainment.

Check out our list of the best STEM board games! From logic puzzles to strategy games, these board games will help teens develop their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. So why not give the gift of fun and learning this year? These board games are sure to be a hit with any teen!

Best STEM Board Games for Teens

It can be hard to find the right STEM board game for your teen. With so many different games on the market, it takes time to know which is right for your child.

Here are some of our favorite STEM board games for teens that are both enjoyable and educational. Your teen will love playing these games, and they'll learn a thing or two along the way!

1. Battlechips

Battlechips is a highly strategic stem card game for 2-6 players, ages 9 and up. The game's goal is to harvest energy by trading resources or attacking other players. The harvested energy can be used to purchase Power cards or NFTs from the Spudnet to gain the upper hand.

To win the game, a player needs to unlock the Art of Potato War using a Decryption Key, or by being the last Potato standing. The game can be played with different rules to make it more challenging for older kids and adults.

Players must use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine the best way to play their chips to score the most points. The game can be played with different rules to make it more challenging for older kids and adults.

Battlechips is a great way to get kids interested in STEM concepts such as coding, algorithms, and logic. The game can also be used to teach basic programming concepts. The game is also fun and can be enjoyed by kids, teens, and adults alike.

2. Ticket to Ride

stem gift guide

One of the best STEM board games for teens is Ticket to Ride. This game is perfect for those interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math. The game is designed to teach players about route planning, resource management, and critical thinking skills.

Players will also learn about the different transportation options and how to optimize their routes to achieve their objectives. Ticket to Ride is a great way for teens to learn about STEM concepts while having fun.

The game can be played by two to five players ages 8 and above and takes around 30-60 minutes. To win the game,  players must collect the most victory points by completing routes on a map of North America. Players will need to strategize to complete their routes before their opponents do.

Despite being easy to learn, Ticket to Ride is a challenging game that will keep players engaged for hours. It is the perfect game for those looking to learn about STEM concepts in a fun and interactive way.

3. Enter the Spudnet

Enter the Spudnet is a cybersecurity game that tests your ability to think like a hacker and defend against their attacks. It's perfect for teens interested in learning more about cybersecurity and how to protect themselves online.

The game can be played in two modes - competitive mode and cooperative mode. In competitive mode, players must protect themselves from cyberattacks, all while launching their own to take control of the Spudnet. The player who fulfills the orders first wins the game.

In cooperative mode,  players work together to protect the Spudnet from bots. The goal is to take down the bots before they take over the Spudnet. This mode is perfect for players who want to learn more about working together to solve problems.

Enter the Spudnet can be played by 2-6 players, ages 10 and above, lasting between 30-90 minutes. The game teaches internet layers, client-server interaction, network nodes, and more in a fun and interactive way.

4. Escape From The Aliens In Outer Space

stem gift guide

Escape From The Aliens In Outer Space is one of the best STEM board games for teens, where players have to work together to escape from an alien ship. The game is set on a severely damaged deep space research ship where a mysterious alien plague has broken out, killing or driving insane everyone on board.

Each player has map sheets with the same time zones, named differently. They also have a pencil which they will be used to mark areas of the map as explored by their character. Players need to use these map sheets and pencils to help them move throughout the ship.

If a player goes into a gray area, he will have to draw a card from the deck and follow the instructions on the card. These could be anything from telling others their position or keeping it a secret.

The game is cooperative, meaning players must work together to win. The game is designed to teach players about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. It is also a great way to get teens interested in science and technology. The game can be played with 2-4 players and takes about 60 minutes.

5. Forbidden Island

stem gift guide

Forbidden Island is one of the best STEM board games for teens. It's a cooperative game where players must work together to escape from an island sinking into the sea. Unlike other board games where players compete against each other,  in Forbidden Island, players must cooperate to win.

Players need to move their pawns all over the island to play the game by arranging the tiles even before the game starts. These tiles will slowly sink as the game progresses, making them unavailable while increasing the game pace. This means that the players should use various strategies to prevent the tiles from sinking and must treasure other items too.

Forbidden Island can be played by 2-4 players ages 10 and above. A single game can last up to 30 minutes. Forbidden Island is one of the best STEM board games for teens because it encourages cooperation and problem-solving. It's a great game for teens to play with friends or family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best STEM board games for teens are educational and fun. There are many different games on the market, so it is important to research before purchasing.

Remember that not all games are created equal; some may be more challenging than others. Ultimately, the best game for a particular teen will depend on their interests and skill level.

With so many great options available, there is sure to be a STEM board game that is perfect for every teen.