The 3D and giant multi-storey versions bring something new to the classic. Instead of a flat board, counters travel up and around a tall structure, with the snakes and ladders running between levels, which children find far more exciting to watch. Larger garden versions scale the whole thing up for outdoor play, so the game moves from the kitchen table to the lawn on a sunny day.

To compare escape room games by difficulty and player count, and find one that suits your group, see the escape room range at educational games for kids.

If you want a shortlist of games tested for family play and grouped by how long they take, browse the family and party games chosen by educational games for kids.

Difficulty varies a lot, so read the age guidance and the suggested group size. A game aimed at families with younger children keeps the clues fairer and the reading lighter, while a harder title will have adults scratching their heads. Working through the puzzles together is good fun, and there is a real sense of satisfaction when the last lock clicks open.

The Genius Square has become a favourite for families and solo puzzlers who want a game that sets up in seconds and plays differently every time. You roll the seven dice, place a blocker on each grid square the dice point to, then fit the nine coloured shapes into the space that is left. There is always at least one solution, and often more than one, so nobody gets stuck on an impossible board.

Word games sit in a sweet spot between fun and family-friendly. They give players a reason to think about letters and words, but wrapped up in a race or a puzzle rather than a test. That makes them a popular choice for families who want screen-free play that keeps everyone reaching for letters at the same time.