A Mighty Girl's top picks of games for children and teens where you work together to win!
Most people associate board games with competition: players who work against one another in hopes of being the ultimate winner. And while these games can teach important skills — including how to be a good winner or loser — there's one skill they don't teach: cooperation. Working together as a team is an equally important lesson to learn, and it's also a great way to play when you've got a mixed group of different ages and abilities playing together!
Cooperative board games are becoming increasingly common, and they provide a totally different flavor for a family or classroom game session. To introduce you to fun twist on the classic board game, in this blog post, we've featured our favorite cooperative games for all ages! From simple games that encourage preschoolers to cooperate in order to achieve a common goal to complex games in which teens and adults have to strategize together and collaborate to complete a mission, these games do more than provide an evening's entertainment: they create a sense of teamwork and unity that players will love.
For a wide variety of logic and strategy games, single-player games, competitive party games, and more, visit our extensive Games Collection.
Cooperative Games For Mighty Girls
Little Cooperation Toddler Game
Little Cooperation Toddler Game
Rescue the Arctic animals with this cooperative game from Djeco that's perfect for a toddler's first game! Four animal characters are on the ice field when the icy bridge begins to break. Your job is to get them all safely home. Roll the die and see how far you can move an animal. If you roll the piece of ice, you have to remove one of the posts under the bridge. Talk over which animal to move, or which post to take out to keep the bridge strong as long as possible. With simple rules and quick gameplay, it's an excellent introduction to cooperative games.
My Very First Games: First Orchard Cooperative Game
My Very First Games: First Orchard Cooperative Game
Fans of the original Orchard cooperative game will love this modified version that's the perfect "first" game for toddlers! In My First Orchard, one to four players work together to harvest all the colorful fruit before the raven reaches the orchard and eats it all. Roll the die and collect a fruit of the matching color; if you roll the raven, it gets one step closer to the orchard! Large, colorful wooden fruit are perfect for smaller hands and double as a play food set when game time is done.
Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game
Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game
The friends and neighbors in this game have a variety of problems — from being afraid of the dark to getting wet in the rain — and if you're going to solve them, you'll need to work together! Grab a token out of the Helping Bag and see if you can figure out a way to help one of the people on the board. Kids will learn how to recognize and name emotions and develop a sense of empathy and compassion as they work together in this game.
Dinosaur Escape Cooperative Game
Dinosaur Escape Cooperative Game
The volcano is about to erupt, and the dinosaurs need to escape! This game combines both die rolling and memory components to help your dinosaurs get to Dinosaur Island: roll the die to move your dinosaur tokens, and flip fern tokens to match dinosaur pictures with dinosaur tokens. If the fern token matches a dinosaur token in the same habitat, the dinosaur escapes! And make sure to avoid the T-Rex, who chases all your dinosaurs back to start. Kids will enjoy the combination of mechanics, as well as the 3D volcano puzzle "timer."
Happy Bunny Cooperative Game
Happy Bunny Cooperative Game
There's a bunch of delicious carrots in the box of this game from Blue Orange! In Happy Bunny, you're helping the bunny find the longest, yummiest carrots to bring home. You can tell which ones they are because the bunny has already had a nibble! The rest are for the farmer hard at work in the field. Kids will roll and move their way around the board, plucking carrots from the "field" in the box, and then compare the length of the farmer's carrots to the length of the bunny's to see who got the best harvest. This 1 to 4 player game is a great introduction to dice rolling and basic math skills.
Snug as a Bug in a Rug Cooperative Game
Snug as a Bug in a Rug Cooperative Game
To win this game, players have to get all the colorful bugs snuggled under the rug! Roll the die or spin the spinner to figure out what attributes the bug needs, then tuck a matching bug in safe and sound. If there's no match, you have to pull out a stink bug — three stink bugs and the game is over! Three variants of play get kids matching color, eye sizes, shapes, and more.
Feed the Woozle Cooperative Game
Feed the Woozle Cooperative Game
The cheerful, fuzzy Woozle is hungry! Fortunately, you've got a selection of yummy snacks the Woozle loves, like chocolate covered flies and hairy pickles. Roll the die to see how many snacks you should stack on your spoon, then flick the spinner to see how to get it to the Woozle — you might have to bunny hop, walk backwards, or just go crazy! It's a great option to incorporate some physical play into game time.
Zimbbos Dexterity Game
Zimbbos Dexterity Game
Under the Big Top, the animals are creating an incredible pyramid — and they need your help! You need to stack the elephants in order from 1 to 10; if you get the tenth elephant up, you win! Roll the dice to see how many elephants you need to place, or if you'll have to place another animal or a balance bar instead. This game can be played competitively, but it's also an excellent cooperative building project — with a helping of number recognition and sequencing along the way.
Count Your Chickens Cooperative Game
Count Your Chickens Cooperative Game
Those silly baby chicks have gotten out of the barn, and Mother Hen has to get them all back home! Spin to figure out how far to move, then collect one chick for every space you moved. Your objective is to get all the chicks in the coop before Mother Hen runs out of spaces. Watch out for the fox, who will scare one chick back out of the coop, and try to land on the +1 spaces that let you put an extra chick in! This game reinforces early counting skills and turn taking as well as cooperation.
My First Castle Panic Cooperative Strategy Game
My First Castle Panic Cooperative Strategy Game
Save the castle in this adaptation of the popular Castle Panic tower defense board game that's perfect for preschoolers! Monsters are racing out of the woods towards your castle. To stop them, you match your cards — which include a mix of female and male heroes — with the color and shape of the spaces the monsters are standing on. But every turn, more monsters join the board, and the ones already there move closer. You'll have to work together to stop the invasion! This game for 1 to 4 players requires no reading skills, so it's sure to be a hit with younger gamers.
Hoot Owl Hoot Cooperative Game
Hoot Owl Hoot Cooperative Game
The owls have had a busy night — but they have to get home before the sun comes up! Players work together to fly the owls back to their nest. Draw a color card and you can move one owl to the next space of that color; think strategically and talk through which owl you should move. But be careful: draw a sun card and you're one step closer to the night being over! Two versions of this game allow the rules to grow along with your kids for extra years of playtime.
Mermaid Island Cooperative Game
Mermaid Island Cooperative Game
Look out, mermaids — the Sea Witch is on the move! Players need to work together to get all of the mermaids safely to Mermaid Island. Each turn, players get to choose which mermaid to move. If you get a wand, you can push the Sea Witch back, but make sure that doesn't block one of the other mermaids from getting safely home! Kids will love this game's seemingly simple but lively and strategic play style.
Stone Soup Cooperative Game
Stone Soup Cooperative Game
The classic story of cooperation gets a memory game adaptation in this board game! Players have to work together to "cook" a soup by matching ingredients. Make sure you work fast — if the fire under the kettle goes out, your soup won't cook, and everyone goes hungry. Kids will love the vivid colors and cheerful design of the cards and board, and they'll quickly discover how much easier it is to make the matches when you all remember together.
Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game
Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game
Learn about edible and medicinal plants in this unique cooperative board game! Players have to connect the icon on the challenge cards with icons on the plant card to move forward on the board — edible plants for hunger, medicinal plants for ailments like sore muscles and fever. Make your way up the mountain to the huckleberry patch and back to Grandma's before time runs out! This beautifully illustrated and educational game, with its "chutes and ladders" play style, is a fun way for kids to learn about the plants around us.
Lion In My Way Cooperative Game
Lion In My Way Cooperative Game
On this cooperative adventure, you'll run into all sorts of unexpected obstacles: everything from a giant wall to a dry desert to a roaming lion! Fortunately, each player has a set of tool cards they can use... but figuring out how to, say, defeat an ogre with a vacuum cleaner is half of the fun. In the end, they all have to get back home safely. This game encourages storytelling and creativity as well as fostering cooperation.
Race to the Treasure Cooperative Game
Race to the Treasure Cooperative Game
The race is on! Players are trying to beat an Ogre to the treasure by creating a path from Start to End. It's not quite as simple as heading straight there, though! If you don't stop to pick up the three keys, you won't be able to get into the treasure. Players will have to cooperate and strategize so they can build their path quickly and get the gold. In addition to cooperation and strategy, this game gets kids thinking about math grid concepts and encourages collaborative decision making.
Dragon Dash Cooperative Game
Dragon Dash Cooperative Game
The Queen has called her fearless knights to help unite the kingdom — but to do it, they'll have to avoid or defeat the diving dragons! Players need to build a safe path across the board by placing tiles. However, dragons are going to appear in unexpected spots throughout the game. The knights can make detours to pick up equipment like helms, swords, and shields to defeat dragons blocking their way. This clever, quick-playing game is sure to be a favorite.
Outfoxed Cooperative Game
Outfoxed Cooperative Game
Mrs. Plumpert is missing a prize pot pie, and her chickens are determined to crack the case! Move around the board to gather clues and use your special evidence scanner to rule out suspects. If you roll a success with the dice, you'll learn useful information... but if you fail, the fox gets that much closer to making good on his escape. This deduction-based cooperative game is perfect for budding detectives.
Cauldron Quest Cooperative Game
Cauldron Quest Cooperative Game
The evil wizard has cast a spell, but if you can figure out the ingredients necessary for a magic potion, you can break it! Once you know what ingredients you need, you have to move their bottles across the board and into the cauldron — before the wizard arrives to stop you. It'll take cooperation, strategy, and a handful of luck to save the day! In addition to reinforcing concepts like evens and odds, this game also teaches strategy and deduction.
The Fairy Game Cooperative Game
The Fairy Game Cooperative Game
Mr. Winter is trying to freeze over the fairies' flowers, and only you can help! Collect matching sets of fairy cards in order to move gems to the fairies' magic wand — before four snowflakes land on one flower. Some cards will let you trade fairy cards with a fellow player, or even remove a snowflake. You'll need to think beyond your own hand and keep an eye on the board to keep the flowers blooming bright!
Shadows in the Forest Cooperative Game
Shadows in the Forest Cooperative Game
Put the "night" in game night with this cooperative game from ThinkFun that you play in the dark! In Shadows in the Forest, you're trying to keep your Shadowlings out of the light cast by a mini LED lantern. Strategically move your Shadowlings so that they stay in the real shadows on the game board. If all of your Shadowlings can meet in one shadow before they're frozen by the light, you win! This innovative and award-winning board game will challenge kids to think strategically about where the light could fall, and provides a unique option for lights-out play.
Gnomes at Night Cooperative Board Game
Gnomes at Night Cooperative Board Game
The Queen is hosting a special celebration where she's giving away 12 extraordinary treasures — but the night before the party, she discovers a thief has stolen them! Players have until daybreak to find all the prizes in the maze by moving their magnetic gnome movers. The trick? Each side of the board shows a different maze, meaning that your partner can move your gnome in ways that you can't — like through a wall! Talk through your options to figure out the most efficient path and save the day!
Rory's Story Cubes
Rory's Story Cubes
Tell some amazing stories with these clever cubes designed to spark your imagination! Each cube features a variety of images; roll them like dice and then create a story using the pictures. Although there are competitive variants of this game, it provides plenty of fodder for cooperation: maybe your storytelling teammates know just how to work in that sheep, flower, or lightning bolt! Rory's Story Cubes are also available in three more fun versions: Rory's Story Cubes - Voyages, designed to inspire stories of epic adventures; Rory's Story Cubes - Actions, featuring 54 everyday verbs; and Rory's Story Cubes - Fantasia, full of elements from fantasies and fairy tales. Or, for the ultimate set, check out the Rory's Story Cubes Bundle which includes all four full sets plus three mini sets, Clues, Enchanted, and Prehistoria.
Mole Rats in Space Cooperative Game
Mole Rats in Space Cooperative Game
The Mole Rats need to get to the escape pod, without getting bitten by invading snakes — or accidentally falling though the airlock! Flip up cards to determine what to do each turn, from moving a Mole Rat to adding a snake to the board. Ladder spaces allow snakes and Mole Rats to move from level to level, either closer to the escape pod or out to the vacuum of space. Get your Mole Rats to the pod — without a snake getting in — to win! A supplementary deck of cards is included for an added layer of challenge after you've mastered the base game.
Zombie Kidz Evolution Legacy Cooperative Game
Zombie Kidz Evolution Legacy Cooperative Game
Introduce kids to legacy-style gameplay with Zombie Kidz Evolution! Your school is under attack by zombies, and the adults have abandoned their posts. You need to lock all four entries to the school to win. But in this evolving game, the more times you play, the more the game transforms. If you complete special missions, you'll get achievements that change the game — or, open the mystery envelopes for even more surprises! Every group's experience will be different, creating a one-of-a-kind way to play. This cooperative game for 2 to 4 players takes only 5 to 15 minutes to play, so kids will eagerly play round after round to discover all the surprises in store!
Hocus Pocus Cooperative Board Game
Hocus Pocus Cooperative Board Game
Fans of Hocus Pocus will love this officially licensed cooperative board game! The Sanderson sisters are creating a wicked potion, and the players have to work together to stop them and save Salem's children. Take turns playing cards to ruin the potion three times, and you'll be victorious. However, you can't show the other players your hand, so you will need to ask clever questions to plan your strategy! Spell cards, a Binx meeple, and trick tokens make your task a little more complicated, too. This game for 2 to 6 players takes approximately 30 minutes to play and comes with clear instructions so you can get playing right out of the box!
5-Minute Dungeon Cooperative Game
5-Minute Dungeon Cooperative Game
Cooperate or perish in this dungeon-themed game with a five-minute time limit! Each player takes the role of an intrepid hero, one of a party working their way through a dungeon. Dangerous monsters, perilous obstacles, and terrifying Dungeon Bosses stand between you and your goal. With no turns, the gameplay is fast and furious! Five different dungeons and a randomly selected mix of obstacles mean endless replayability for this clever game. For a variant full of all your favorite Marvel characters, check out 5-Minute Marvel.
Mysterium Cooperative Game
Mysterium Cooperative Game
A terrible crime has been committed — and the ghost of the victim is the only witness. Psychic investigators are trying to find the culprit, but the ghost can only communicate through a series of visions, represented by images on game cards. The investigators have a week — and the ghost's guidance — to try to identify the weapon, the location, and the killer. Unless they manage to interpret the visions correctly, a horrible criminal will get away with a perfect murder... The unique vision mechanic of this game is sure to provoke lots of discussion among members of your game group!
Pandemic Cooperative Board Game
Pandemic Cooperative Board Game
Across the world, four diseases have broken out, threatening the future of humanity! Players take on the role of a team of specialists working together to eradicate these plagues. Each specialist has their own strengths that can help stem the tide of infection as the team works together to slow the diseases' spread, find cures, and save the world. This cooperative game for 2 to 4 players will keep the tension high to the end! Fans of this game can also check out Pandemic Legacy (Season 1 Red), a version where the decisions you make have permanent consequences on the game board.
Hanabi Cooperative Card Game
Hanabi Cooperative Card Game
You and your fellow players are going to create the most spectacular fireworks display ever! The only problem is that, in the dark, you can't exactly see what you're doing... Players hold their cards so that only the other players can see them; your friends will have to give you critical information — and you'll have to remember the details — if you're going to make the audience cheer. Finish the fireworks display before you run out of cards, and it will be a night to remember!
Mindfulness Matters Card Game
Mindfulness Matters Card Game
Mindfulness is a valuable skill to learn — and this game is a playful way to do it. Players take turns drawing a card, and then everyone performs the activity or reflection listed. When you're done, flip the card over to show the letter, and keep going until you've spelled out the word "mindfulness." While a competitive variant is also included, the cooperative gameplay option both encourages kids (and adults) to be mindful together and also helps them practice these techniques for everyday life.
Legends of Andor Cooperative Game
Legends of Andor Cooperative Game
The country of Andor is in danger! Enemies are invading, and only your band of heroes can defend the castle of King Brandur. Make your plans, but be ready for unexpected changes as time progresses. If you succeed in defending the castle, there are more challenges to face: finding a medicinal herb to heal the king, descending into the mines for gems, and facing the ancient dragon. Are you ready to become legends? You can add two more players with the New Heroes expansion or play through even more legends with the Star Shield and Journey to the North expansion packs.
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine Cooperative Game
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine Cooperative Game
Blast off for an outer space adventure in this cooperative game from Thames & Kosmos! Players are on a mission to discover if there really is a ninth planet at the edge of our solar system. The game spans 50 missions, each of which take approximately 5 minutes to play. To achieve your goals, you'll have to work together to win card tricks — but there's a wrinkle: you can't talk to on another. Once per mission you can show another player one card in your hand, so you'll have to choose wisely to succeed and win! This innovative game for 3 to 5 players also includes a separate set of rules that makes it just as fun for two players. And for more cooperative adventures — this time set in the deep ocean — check out the follow-up game The Crew: Mission Deep Sea.
Ravine: A Crafty and Cooperative Card Game
Ravine: A Crafty and Cooperative Card Game
You've survived the crash — but can you survive until you're rescued? In Ravine from Stellar Factory, you and your fellow players are survivors of a plane crash. During the day, you'll risk your health to get cards representing food and crafting supplies that you can use to protect yourself from the dangers on cards in the Night deck — wild animals, bad weather, and other more mysterious things. Keep yourselves healthy so you avoid madness, which could risk everything... or could just mean that you demand to be called Captain Cranberries. Easy to learn but challenging to win, this game for 3 to 6 players is alternately tense and hilarious. For larger game groups, The Spirits expansion allows up to 9 players.
Dungeons & Dragons: Adventure Begins Cooperative Game
Dungeons & Dragons: Adventure Begins Cooperative Game
Step into the exciting world of D&D with this cooperative board game! In this innovative game, players collaborate as they explore the lands of Neverwinter. Each player chooses and customizes their hero, and then the party decides which iconic D&D monster they'll battle! Then, they start making their way through their quest. The role of Dungeon Master changes every turn, so everyone gets to be part of bringing the story to life! This game for 2 to 4 players is perfect for a quick introduction to the world of Dungeons & Dragons; those interested in exploring the original game further can check out the Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Kit.
Codenames Social Party Game
Codenames Social Party Game
To win this social word game, you'll have to work your brain! The spymaster knows the secret identities of multiple agents, and their teammates need to get in touch with the ones on their side. Spymasters choose one-word clues, and teammates need to pick codenames without accidentally choosing opposing spies or the assassin who ends the game. Play cooperatively for points, or choose a competitive variant where teams play against one another. Win or lose, it's fun to figure out the clues!
Hacker Cybersecurity Logic Game
Hacker Cybersecurity Logic Game
Outsmart cybercriminals and protect your programs from hackers with this clever logic game from ThinkFun! In 120 challenges that gradually increase in difficulty, kids will play the role of coder, hacker, and security engineer. First, program your Agent pieces to collect data chips and exit safely. Then, take advantage of vulnerabilities in your programs by unleashing Viruses that block them! Finally, secure the program with Alarms that help data stay safe. Kids can play collaboratively or solo as they develop logic skills and learn basic principles of coding and cybersecurity.
Untold: Adventures Await Storytelling Game
Untold: Adventures Await Storytelling Game
This game from Creativity Hub is a customizable storytelling project powered by Rory's Story Cubes! Every game of Untold is an episode that features five distinct scenes, complete with distinct locations, threats, and plot twists. In addition to the Story Cubes, Scene Cards provide more elements, while Reaction Cards show what happens when the players step into their various roles. It can be played solo or together for a single 60 minute episode, or use it to create a series — the only limit is your imagination.
Forbidden Island Cooperative Game
Forbidden Island Cooperative Game
You're a team of daring adventurers, seeking four sacred treasures from the ruins on this island — but the island is sinking fast and it won't be long before it sinks beneath the waves. Capture all four treasures and make it to the helicopter rendezvous point at Fools' Landing, and you win, but the water level is rising with every step! Careful collaboration and strategy are necessary to successfully complete this treasure hunt, which is sure to be a hit. Fans of this game can also check out the standalone follow-up games, Forbidden Desert and Forbidden Sky.
Cities: Skylines Cooperative Game
Cities: Skylines Cooperative Game
Fans of the PC game Cities: Skylines can now bring their city-building fun into real life with this cooperative game from Thames & Kosmos! Players work together to build a new, thriving city, starting with a completely vacant space. You'll need residential, commercial, and industrial areas, but you also need to keep in mind environmental impact, traffic flow, education, and of course, the city's budget. Meet milestones to finish each scenario — and then tackle one with new challenges! This game for 1 to 4 players takes 40 to 70 minutes to play.
Hogwarts Battle: A Cooperative Deck-Building Game
Hogwarts Battle: A Cooperative Deck-Building Game
Imagine yourself as Hermione, Ron, Harry, or Neville as you defend Hogwarts and save the day! Seven different cooperative games, each building upon the last, are included in this box; each game parallels one of the seven books in the series. Players needs to find Locations and learn how to counter Dark Arts if they're going to keep the Villains from overtaking their beloved school. It's the perfect choice for any Hermione Granger fan.
Coraline: Beware The Other Mother Cooperative Game
Coraline: Beware The Other Mother Cooperative Game
You never know what you'll find on the Other Side... In this cooperative card game based on the best-selling book and movie Coraline, players assume the roles of the Ghost Children, trying to save Coraline. Players take turn playing cards to help Coraline evade the dangers of the house and collect the five items she needs to win. But careful — if the beldam is in the Living Room when you try to play your Win card, you can't declare victory! And the beldam gets her own turn, where she can make Coraline drop items, advance the moon timer, or get closer... This game for 1 to 4 players is just as pulse-pounding as the story that inspired it!
One Deck Dungeon Game
One Deck Dungeon Game
This all-female team of heroes is ready to delve into the dungeon — all they need is you! In this game from Asmadi Games, one or two players work together to get as far into the dungeon as they can. Pick your character class from five options and roll dice to break down doors, defeat enemies, and (hopefully) live to fight another day. If you do, your character will get tougher... but think carefully, because one wrong move and the dungeon will do you in! With an easy-to-learn mechanic that combines cards and dice rolling and a style that imitates rogue-like video games, this will be a popular choice for any would-be adventurer.
Eldritch Horror Cooperative Game
Eldritch Horror Cooperative Game
Ancient evils are stirring around the world, and only your team of colleagues can decipher the obscure mysteries and withstand the terrifying truth in hopes of saving humanity. Solve Mysteries, survive Encounters, and overcome Conditions both physical and psychological as you race against time to discover Azathoth's true name or battle Cthulhu at sea. The narrative, story-driven component adds to the appeal and makes your game group feel invested in helping their characters succeed...or at least survive. Multiple expansions, including Mountains of Madness and Forsaken Lore, ensure you'll get hours of mysterious, horrifying fun from this game.
Nancy Drew: Mystery at Magnolia Gardens Immersive Game
Nancy Drew: Mystery at Magnolia Gardens Immersive Game
Nancy Drew is investigating a potential poisoning at the Magnolia Gardens — but when she is poisoned herself, she needs your help to crack the case! In the short window before she succumbs to the poison, players will have to work together to collect evidence, interview potential suspects, create a crime timeline, and try to untangle all of the clues. To unearth the culprit, you'll have to figure out which suspect had the means, motive, and opportunity to commit the crime. This immersive game for 1 to 6 players from Hunt a Killer, with a play time of 60 to 90 minutes, lets Nancy Drew fans and mystery lovers get into the heart of the action as you try to solve the mystery — before it's too late.
Agatha Christie: The Mystery at Hunter’s Lodge Immersive Mystery Game
Agatha Christie: The Mystery at Hunter’s Lodge Immersive Mystery Game
Help one of Agatha Christie's most beloved characters, Hercule Poirot, as he tries to crack the case in this exciting, immersive mystery game from Hunt a Killer! Wealthy magnate Harrington Pace has been found dead by foul play, but Poirot is too sick to investigate — so he sends his assistant Arthur Hastings to ask you to step in. Players will investigate each of the clues Poirot and Hastings were able to collect, slowly confirming (or debunking) alibis and piecing together who had the motive and the opportunity to commit the crime. This gorgeous, detailed game can be played with 1 to 6 players and takes four hours or more to play.
