top of page
Writer's pictureBen Hofstetter

10 Must-Play Financial Board Games for Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs

Updated: Dec 27, 2023


Hey parents and guardians! Are you looking to give your kids a head start in understanding the world of finance and entrepreneurship? Well, you're in the right place. Board games are a fantastic, interactive way to introduce complex concepts like budgeting, investing, and strategic thinking in a fun environment. In this blog post, I'll share with you ten amazing financial board games for kids that are not only entertaining but also packed with educational value. So, let's dive in and explore these games that make learning about money matters an enjoyable experience!


For a look at our pick for top video games, check out our article "7 Interactive Video Games that Teach Kids Real-World Money Skills"!

 

Table of Contents

 


Cashflow for kids the game!


Overview

First on our list is "Cashflow for Kids." Created by Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the famous "Rich Dad Poor Dad," this game is a fantastic way to introduce your children to the basics of financial literacy. It's designed to teach kids how to manage their money by investing in assets while avoiding liabilities.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Understand assets vs. liabilities, basic investment principles.

  • Age Group: Suitable for children aged 6 and up.

  • Family Fun: A great way to spend quality time with the family while educating your kids.


In-Depth

"Cashflow for Kids" is perfect for young learners. It simplifies complex financial concepts into engaging gameplay that children can easily grasp. The game encourages them to think about how money can be used to generate more income, a fundamental concept in financial education. It's not just about making money; it's about making smart decisions with that money.


Get it on Amazon here!


 




Monopoly teaches kids the basics of personal finance


Overview

No list of financial games for kids would be complete without mentioning Monopoly. This timeless classic teaches property trading and money management. It's a game of strategy, negotiation, and a bit of luck.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Develops strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and an understanding of risk management.

  • Age Group: Best for kids aged 8 and up.

  • Classic Fun: A well-loved game that spans generations.


In-Depth

Monopoly is more than just buying properties and building hotels. It's a game that mirrors real-life economic strategies, like managing cash flow, investing wisely, and negotiating deals. While playing Monopoly, kids learn the importance of financial planning and the consequences of their financial decisions.


Get it on Amazon here!


 




The Payday finance game for kids



Overview

"Pay Day" is all about managing your monthly finances. It teaches kids how to handle bills, expenses, and loans, making it an excellent game for practical money management skills.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Budgeting, handling bills, understanding loans and interest.

  • Age Group: Ideal for kids aged 8 and older.

  • Real-World Skills: Teaches practical financial skills.


In-Depth

This game is a brilliant way to show young ones how to navigate through a typical month filled with financial decisions. From receiving a paycheck to paying bills and handling unexpected expenses, "Pay Day" reflects the real financial challenges they'll face as adults. It's a proactive way to teach kids about the importance of budgeting and planning.


Get it on Amazon here!


 



The Game of Life - teaching kids about finance

4. The Game of Life


Overview

"The Game of Life" simulates a journey from college to retirement, with all the financial decisions that come along the way. It's a fantastic tool for teaching kids about the various financial stages and decisions they'll encounter in life.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Teaches about career choices, insurance, loans, and dealing with unexpected life events.

  • Age Group: Suitable for ages 8 and up.

  • Life Lessons: Prepares kids for real-life financial decisions.


In-Depth

As players navigate through the game, they make choices about their education, career, and family life, all of which have financial implications. It's a great conversation starter about the financial impact of life choices, such as the cost of education, the importance of insurance, and the concept of loans and interest.


Get it on Amazon here!


 


Acquire is a game that teaches kids about investing


Overview

"Acquire" is all about investment and corporate mergers. It's a sophisticated game that introduces older kids to the basics of the stock market and business.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Understanding the stock market, mergers, and acquisitions.

  • Age Group: Best for ages 12 and up.

  • Strategic Play: Develops advanced business strategy skills.


In-Depth

In "Acquire," players are investors who buy and trade stock in various companies. The goal is to amass the most wealth through savvy investments and mergers. It's a fantastic way to introduce older kids to complex financial concepts like stock market fluctuations and corporate takeovers, in a simplified and engaging way.


Get it on Amazon here!


 


For sale teaches kids about investing through games


Overview

"For Sale" is a fast-paced real estate trading game. Players buy and sell properties, aiming to make the most profit. It's a great game for understanding the basics of real estate and the concept of value.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Teaches real estate basics, auction strategy, and the concept of value.

  • Age Group: Ideal for ages 10 and up.

  • Quick and Engaging: A fast-paced game that teaches quick decision-making.


In-Depth

This game is fantastic for teaching kids about the real estate market in a simplified format. They learn to assess the value of properties, understand the timing of buying and selling, and develop strategies to maximize profits. It's a great introduction to the concepts of investment and market timing.


Get it on Amazon here!


 


Stockpile teaches kids about investing and the stock market!


Overview

"Stockpile" centers around the stock market, focusing on trading and insider information. It's an excellent game for teaching the basics of stock investments and the risks involved.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Understanding stock market basics and the implications of insider trading.

  • Age Group: Best for ages 13 and up.

  • Market Mechanics: Introduces the dynamics of stock trading.


In-Depth

In this game, players act as stock market investors, aiming to amass the greatest wealth through strategic buying and selling of stocks. "Stockpile" encourages players to think about market trends, risk assessment, and the ethics of insider information. It's a great way to introduce older kids to the complexities of the financial market.


Get it on Amazon here!


 


Power Grid teaches kids to be young entrepreneurs!


Overview

"Power Grid" is about running power plants and managing resources. It teaches important concepts like resource management, auctioning, and understanding supply and demand.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Resource management, auction strategy, and the economics of supply and demand.

  • Age Group: Suitable for ages 12 and up.

  • Strategic Thinking: Encourages planning and foresight.


In-Depth

Players in "Power Grid" face the challenge of buying power plants, acquiring resources, and expanding their electric grid to cities. This game is excellent for teaching strategic resource management, planning, and the economic principle of supply and demand. It's a more complex game that encourages forward-thinking and economic planning.


Get it on Amazon here!


 


Lords of Vegas teach kids about personal finance!


Overview

In "Lords of Vegas," players build and develop casinos in Las Vegas. It's a game about risk assessment, resource allocation, and strategic growth in the competitive world of casino management.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Understanding risk management, resource allocation, and business growth strategies.

  • Age Group: Best for ages 12 and up.

  • Business Acumen: Develops a sense of competition and strategic planning.


In-Depth

This game is not just about luck; it requires strategic planning and risk assessment. Players have to manage their resources wisely, invest in the right properties, and outsmart their competitors. It's an exciting way to introduce concepts like business growth, competitive strategy, and the importance of location in real estate.


Get it on Amazon here!


 


The stock exchange game teaches kids about investing!


Overview

"The Stock Exchange Game" immerses players in the dynamic world of stock trading. This game provides a realistic simulation of the stock market, where players buy, sell, and trade shares to maximize their wealth.


Why It's Great

  • Learning Outcomes: Offers insights into stock market operations, investment strategies, and economic principles.

  • Age Group: Ideal for ages 10 and up, especially those interested in economics and finance.

  • Financial Literacy: Enhances understanding of market fluctuations, portfolio management, and financial decision-making.


In-Depth

This game is a fantastic tool for teaching kids about the complexities of the stock market in an accessible and engaging manner. It encourages players to think critically about investing, understand market trends, and learn the value of strategic planning and timing. "The Stock Exchange Game" is not just about accumulating wealth; it's about making smart financial decisions, understanding risk, and learning how to navigate the ups and downs of the market. This interactive experience is perfect for budding young entrepreneurs who show an interest in finance and investment, providing them with a practical understanding of how the stock market works.



Get it on Amazon here!


 


Conclusion

Incorporating these financial board games into your family time can be a powerful tool in educating your kids about money and business. Not only do they provide a platform for learning important financial concepts, but they also offer an opportunity for family bonding and fun. By playing these games, your kids will develop a solid foundation in financial literacy, setting them up for success in their future entrepreneurial endeavors.


Check out the article "Integrating Financial Literacy into Playtime: A Guide for Parents and Educators" to learn more about why this is important!


 

Want Free Lesson Plans?

Visit our site and become a member! When you do, you'll get access to our member only section, including free downloads of Lesson Plans and Presentation slides to use when teaching personal finance to your children!


Interested in Our Books and Services? Click the link below to visit our store!


Become an Affiliate Seller!

Interested in Joining our team as an Affiliate Sales member? We offer a competitive 10% flat-rate commission on all sales!




Comments


bottom of page