Board games are used for a variety of purposes, whether that’s family or friends bonding time, competition, or relaxation. For children though, board games are more than that. Research shows that when children regularly engage with board games, they’re training their brains to plan ahead, control impulses, and think flexibly. These mental abilities are known as executive functions. Strong executive function skills are foundational for success in classrooms, friendships, and family life.

Based on findings from Vita-Barrull et al. (2024), Rodríguez Timaná et al. (2024), and Alotaibi (2024), structured game programs consistently strengthen working memory (holding and updating information), inhibitory control (thinking before acting), and cognitive flexibility (trying new strategies when old ones don’t work). These studies also find that game-based learning gains in academic skills, attention, and motivation. When a child strengthens their executive functions, their learning improves significantly in reading, math, and problem-solving.

When a child learns multi-step rules, strategy adaptability, turn taking, and good sportsmanship, they are quietly building executive-function skills. These skills help them stay focused during lessons, manage frustration when work is hard, and tackle long-term goals.

Campspire intentionally integrates board games that are selected not just for fun, but for the specific executive functions they challenge. Our programs are designed so campers can practice planning, self-control, and flexible thinking with guided support. Our structured game time helps kids connect what they learned at the table to real-life situations—group projects, sibling conflicts, and new experiences. We make learning so engaging, kids don’t even realize they’re learning—they’re just having fun.

Read the full studies:

“Do you play in class? Board games to promote cognitive and educational development in primary school: A cluster randomized controlled trials.”

“Use of Serious Games in Interventions of Executive Functions in Neurodiverse Children: Systematic Review.”

“Game-based learning in early childhood education: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”