Now that my boys are 5 and 7, we’re finally in that sweet spot where family game night doesn’t feel chaotic… it actually feels fun.

We’re starting to pull games off the shelf that Adam and I have owned for years and think, “Okay… I think they’re ready.”

And one that surprised me with how quickly they caught on?

Blokus.

Adam and I have had this one in our collection for a long time. We’ve played it just the two of us plenty of times. It’s one of those games that doesn’t feel like a “kid game”… but it’s simple enough that kids can totally handle it.

And after ONE playthrough, my boys were playing it on their own.

That alone makes it a win.

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How It Works (Mom Version)

• Each player picks a color.
• You get a set of different shaped pieces (they look kind of like Tetris blocks).
• You take turns placing pieces on the board.
• Your pieces must touch your own pieces diagonally only.
• They cannot touch side-to-side.
• You’re trying to fit as many of your pieces on the board as possible.
• At the end, whatever pieces you couldn’t play count as your points.
• Lowest score wins.

That’s it.

It sounds strategic (and it is)… but it’s not complicated.

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Why We Love It

• ✔️ Easy to teach
• ✔️ 20–30 minutes max
• ✔️ Works for 2–4 players
• ✔️ Teaches strategy without feeling overwhelming
• ✔️ My kids can now play it without us
• ✔️ Adam and I still enjoy playing it just the two of us

It’s competitive in a fun way — which matters in this house because my 7-year-old and I are… let’s just say… equally competitive.

And my 5-year-old? He can still jump in and feel successful.

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Real-Life Mom Take

I’m not buying a bunch of new “little kid” games right now.

We’re just starting to introduce our boys to the games Adam and I already love. And honestly? That feels better.

It’s fun seeing them step into something we’ve enjoyed for years.

Blokus has officially earned its spot in our regular rotation.

If you’re looking for something simple, strategic, and not painfully long… this one’s a great place to start.

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