Board games have an uncanny ability to spark the imagination, bring people together and teach new skills and information to players of all ages.
For preschoolers
Pengoloo, The Fun South Pole Eggspedition!
This memory game adds a darling 3-D element and quality wood components to simple and classic play. More challenging rules can be added as your child grows. Blue Orange Games, $29.99; www.blueorangegames.com; ages 4 and up.
For ages 5 and up
Kingka
It's a game, a puzzle and a teaching tool all in one. Kingka can be played as a memory, matching or bingo game. Players of varying ages can play together and begin learning Chinese, too. $24.99; www.kingkagames.com; ages 5 and up.
For ages 7 and up
Flibbix
Imagination is the key as players make up the rules and build the game themselves with innovative magnetic game parts and inspiration gleaned from the included guide. $39.99; www.merillian.com; ages 7 and up.
Family fun
Set Cubed
This twist on the card game adds the chance of dice and the consideration of dominoes while maintaining the challenge of the original game. A handsome game board and components give a sophisticated feel. Set Enterprises, $20; www.setgame.com; ages 8 and up.
Family fun
Captain Clueless
You're Captain Clueless, so teammates tell you which way to go as you navigate the map of the Caribbean while blindfolded. Try not to run into islands and mermaids with your dry-erase marker. Gamewright, $19.99; www.gamewright.com; ages 8 and up.
