Codenames is probably the easiest of our clue-giving games. However, it works better with bigger groups. There are lots of different versions available and you can get games with pictures or words. We had the Disney version that came with pictures on one side of the card, words on the other. We preferred playing with the picture side up.

If your kids are also learning about chemistry, try Covalence! No chemistry knowledge is actually needed so it’s suitable for middle-age kids (7+?) that don’t necessarily know any chemistry. However, it’s lots of fun and you can learn a bit of chemistry while you’re playing it, too!

The hardest of these games is definitely First Contact. The box says it’s for 14+, and it’s not too far off. In order to play, kids need to be able to think abstractly, handle frustration, and not talk.