Best Dexterity Board Games (Top 6 Picks for 2024)

As your child grows older, they begin to find interest in many physical activities and want to take part in day-to-day tasks. 

Building dexterity is extremely important in your child’s development, as it strengthens their fingers, wrists, and hand muscles. This strength makes it easier for them to effectively take part in sports while also decreasing clumsiness, which may save you a favorite vase or piece of expensive China.

Overall, we find it hard to go past the classic dexterity game, Crokinole. However, there are many great options, so without further ado, here are some great dexterity games that you and your little one(s) can enjoy.

Related post: Best Educational Board Games

Best Dexterity Board Games

1. Best Overall — Crokinole

Crokinole has been around for hundreds of years and is still beloved by many players. The reason why this game has lasted so long is that it is easy to understand and satisfying to play.

This flicking game’s goal is for one player to reach 100 points first by flicking their disc as close to the center of the board as possible. The rules of this game vary because of its age, and you can always choose which rules you prefer to play with!

Over time, your fingers and hands can become more dexterous. Plus, it boosts your creativity as you come up with imaginative ways to make the lives of your opponent hell — knocking their discs out of their positions and setting yourself up to win. By moving your hands, wrists, and bodies at different angles to make your flick, you are stretching and actively strengthening muscles that you may not use during your day to day activities. This constant and fun way to build dexterity is always a great family option to consider, especially if you enjoy a quick game.

You can get cheap Crokinole boards, but you get what you pay for. A higher-quality board can last for generations!

2. Best Dexterity Board Game for Many Players — Flick ’em Up

Flick ’em Up is set on a western backdrop, and players choose between being a sheriff that protects the town or an outlaw that wreaks havoc on the town, robbing banks, freeing prisoners, and much more. 

In this game, you can either move or shoot. If you move, you pick up a ‘move’ disc and place it where your character currently stands. Flick it with your index finger and wherever it lands is the new place where you put your character. If you want to shoot, to knock out one of the bandits, use the ‘shoot’ disc and flick it at the outlaw and hope that it hits!

This simple game focuses on your finger dexterity and strategy building. You must think of the best places to put your characters, with the goal of eliminating everyone else on the field. After you determine where your character should go or who they should shoot, you need to flick your disk at the right angle with a controlled amount of force so that it will end up where you want it. This takes time, thought, and a strong hand, which can be developed the more you play!

Note: This flicking board game has small parts and is not suitable for children under age 3.

3. Best Budget Option — Loopin’ Chewie

Loopin’ Chewie is a Star Wars-themed remake of Loopin’ Louie. The easy and fun game is great for young children. Plus, it is a budget game option for your child and their friends!

This great game features Chewbacca on the Millenium Falcon, rotating on a motor in the middle. Chewie wants to eliminate the Stormtroopers located in the arms. Each player is tasked with defending an arm with their stormtroopers but clicking a button to swat Chewie away every time he comes around to knock out one of your Stormtroopers. The player with one Stormtrooper left wins the game.

Loopin’ Chewie is one of the best dexterity board games because it builds hand-eye coordination and improves your reflexes. Each quick motion to swat Chewie away from the Stormtroopers trains the mind to focus, as you must follow Chewie around the game.

4. Best for Coordination & Reflexes — Klask

Klask is an exciting and fast-paced board game, bringing all of the fun from air hockey and foosball to your can coffee table! There certainly aren’t many games like Klask!

It is a simple two-player game, where each player has a moving magnetic piece that slides on the board. The object is to hit a ball into the opponent’s goal and rack up 6 points. During this game, you will face obstacles, which are the little white magnets, while you defend your goal. If you get two or more of these white magnets stuck to your piece, your opponent gets the point!

Your children can benefit from playing this board game often, as it builds focus. Over time, it can also improve your child’s reaction times and hand-eye coordination. This makes it easier for them to learn new instruments and play high-paced sports that require focus and quick thinking.

A small inconvenience for families is thee fact that the original game is designed for 2-players. However, there is good news: Klask4 is a 4-player version of Klask that is played on a circular board. Great fun for the whole family! 

5. Best Balance-Based Dexterity Game — Junk Art

Junk Art is a dexterity game that tells the story of artists traveling from city to city, making cool art, and gaining fans. This game has a lot of rules and can be daunting to understand at first. However, it’s pretty easy to get into once you understand how the cards work.

When a city is chosen, each player builds their art based on the three Junk Art Pieces they have available from the Junk Art cards that are turned face up. You must balance each piece, one on top of the next, and follow the rules of each city to win.

This game focuses on balance. Your moves must be slow and calculated while stacking pieces so that they do not fall. You must choose your pieces carefully and think ahead while also maintaining smooth, steady hands. If you can manage all of that, you will be able to dominate this game!

6. Best Strategic Board Game — Tumblin’ Dice

Tumblin’ Dice is one of the dexterity board games that also you to use a little strategy to secure a win. This game has a big board, so you should consider that when thinking about shipping. 

This game follows the trend of simplicity. You must roll your dice down the stair-like board. Depending on the level on which you die lands, you are allocated points. These points are determined by the level you landed on (whether 1, 2 3 or 4) multiplied by the amount you rolled on the dice. Whoever gets the most points after four rounds wins!

This game is an excellent option to help build aim and coordination. The more calculated and graceful your roll, the better chance you have of staying on the board and making the most points. With that in mind, it may be a better idea to slide the dice down the board for more accuracy. This kind of gameplay is a wonderful way to improve fine motor skills.

What to Consider When Buying a Dexterity Board Game

Improving Motor Skills

Every dexterity game is different, and they all help you to improve your motor skills in one way or another, but if you are looking to improve your coordination, Loopin’ Chewie is a better fit than Crokinole. If you are looking to increase your reaction time and speed, then Klack may be your best bet. Whenever you are looking at dexterity games, it is important to make sure you know which skill you are looking to improve, whether it is aiming, coordination, balancing, speed, reaction, or timing.

Other Important Game Play Elements

While dexterity games have many physical and mental benefits, you may be interested in building other skill sets as well. There are many great games that have a more creative, storytelling feel, like Flick ’em Up that can call upon your imagination or more strategic games like Tumblin’ Dice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of playing board games?

Board games are a great hobby. They can help reduce stress, strengthen the bonds between family and friends, as well as build on your strategic thinking and dexterity. 

Why should I play dexterity board games?

Dexterity board games are a great pastime because you are still learning and improving important functions in your body. They help people — especially children and senior citizens — to improve their fine motor skills while keeping your hands, wrists, and fingers healthy and active.

Does playing board games make you smarter?

They could! Board games make you think, some make you use your body, and in general, they keep your mind active. You are always learning and thinking logically and over time, this practice can improve cognitive abilities.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API