Best Board Games That Teach Kids About Money in 2025 [Top 10 Ranked by Fun & Learning]

Vicky Parry 9th Apr 2025 No Comments

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Looking for fun and educational ways to teach your kids about money? These 10 board games help children learn how to save, spend, budget and invest—all while having a blast.


Why Board Games Are Perfect for Teaching Kids About Finances

In a world where money is increasingly digital, it’s harder than ever to help kids understand the value of a pound. That’s where money-themed board games come in.

They combine play with practical lessons in:

  • Saving and spending wisely

  • Budgeting for the future

  • Understanding needs vs. wants

  • Making financial decisions in real-time

And best of all? Kids actually enjoy them.


Top 10 Board Games That Teach Financial Literacy (With Fun Ratings!)

We’ve reviewed the best financial board games for kids in 2025, ranking them by:

  • Fun factor (based on parent/teacher reviews and playtesting)

  • Skills taught (from basic counting to investing)

  • Age suitability and replay value

 

 


1. Monopoly (Ages 8+)

⭐ Fun rating: 4/5
Teaches: Budgeting, investing, negotiation, property ownership

A timeless classic, Monopoly introduces kids to buying, selling, and managing property—plus the thrill of watching the rent roll in. Themed editions (Pokemon, Animal Crossing) keep it fresh for all interests.

Why kids love it: The drama of deals and the race to own it all.

Tip: Try Monopoly Junior for younger kids aged 5–8.


2. The Game of Life (Ages 8+)

⭐ Fun rating: 4/5
Teaches: Life choices, career paths, debt, taxes

A colourful ride through adulthood, with financial twists at every turn—college costs, job decisions, house-buying, and retirement planning.

Why it’s a hit: It mirrors real life in a fun, low-stress way.


3. Payday (Ages 8+)

⭐ Fun rating: 4/5
Teaches: Monthly budgeting, managing bills, saving

Kids get paid, pay bills, and deal with unexpected expenses in this realistic yet easy-to-grasp money game.

Why they enjoy it: Fast-paced play and real-world scenarios make learning stick.


4. Money Bags (Ages 7+)

⭐ Fun rating: 3.5/5
Teaches: Counting coins, making change, currency recognition

Perfect for early learners, Money Bags makes maths tactile. Players earn coins and learn how to make correct change.

Why it works: Great for building number confidence through physical play.


5. Thrive Time for Teens (Ages 13+)

⭐ Fun rating: 4.5/5
Teaches: Budgeting, investing, paying bills, real-life choices

This realistic, scenario-based game helps teens prepare for adult money decisions—choosing jobs, managing car repairs, budgeting for life.

Why teens like it: It feels grown-up, relevant, and empowering.


6. Cashflow for Kids (Ages 6–12)

⭐ Fun rating: 4/5
Teaches: Passive income, saving, assets vs. liabilities

Created by Rich Dad Poor Dad’s Robert Kiyosaki, this game teaches kids how to build wealth—not just earn it. Ideal for slightly older children ready to level up their financial thinking.

Bonus: Introduces key investing concepts early.


7. Financial Peace Junior (Ages 3–12)

⭐ Fun rating: 3.5/5
Teaches: Earning money, saving, giving, spending wisely

Less of a game, more of a toolkit. Kids earn play money through chores, then choose how to allocate it. Comes with storybooks and charts.

Great for: Reinforcing real-life money habits at home.


8. Exact Change (Ages 5+)

⭐ Fun rating: 4/5
Teaches: Coin values, mental maths, counting change

A quick and easy Uno-style game where kids match coins by colour or value. Great for younger kids learning the basics of UK currency.

Why it’s fun: Fast gameplay, bright cards, and competitive edge.


9. Billionnaire (Ages 6+)

⭐ Fun rating: 3.5/5
Teaches: Saving for goals, financial cooperation

A cooperative game where players work to build their empire. Teaches negotiation and financial planning.

Good for: Kids who like negotiation games.


️ Expert Tips to Maximise the Learning

  • Talk through choices: Ask kids why they spent or saved a certain way.

  • Play banker: Let them handle money, make change, and track income.

  • Use real money examples: Link the game to chores, allowance or spending goals.

  • Replay regularly: The more they play, the more they learn.


FAQs: Board Games That Teach Kids About Money

What’s the best board game to teach kids about budgeting?
Try Payday or Budget Town — both are tailored for learning monthly money management.

Are there any board games that teach investing to kids?
Yes! Cashflow for Kids and Thrive Time for Teens are great for that.

Can younger children learn about money through games?
Absolutely. Money Bags and Exact Change are perfect for ages 5–7.


✅ Final Word: Make Financial Literacy Fun and Memorable

Money lessons don’t have to come from textbooks. With these games, your kids will absorb lifelong skills—like saving, budgeting, and thinking ahead—without even realising they’re learning.

So grab one of these for your next family game night—it could be the smartest investment you make in their future.


Suggested Next Reads on MoneyMagpie:

What’s your favourite money game? Drop us a comment below or share your game night pics on social using #MoneyMagpieGames!



0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest


0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Jasmine Birtles

Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.

Jasmine Birtles

Send this to a friend