snakes and ladders

Snakes and Ladders has been a favorite at family game night for years. The basic addition and anticipation of whether your next roll will send you climbing up a ladder or sliding down a snake is simple and exciting for children. The game takes virtually no time to learn, and will help improve your child’s basic math skills—you can even put your own educational twist on the game by playing with subtraction or multiplication rules. Check out the list below for the classic versions you know and love, as well as modern versions designed to appeal to the next generation. Have fun climbing and sliding!

9 Snakes and Ladders Games Perfect for Family Game Night

Super Hero Squad
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Magnetic Snakes and Ladders Set
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3D Snakes ‘N’ Ladders
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Classic Chutes and Ladders
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Folding Wooden Snakes & Ladders
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1. Super Hero Squad

The Superhero Squad Chutes and Ladders game puts a modern twist on the classic game. Forget about simple snakes and plain old pawns—players must choose a superhero and then race past friends and foes waiting at every turn! Your child will love identifying all of their favorite characters as they learn how to count and add. Up to four players can choose between eight superheroes: Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Silver Surfer, Wolverine, Captain America, Thor, and Phoenix.

Players: 2–4
Ages: 3+

2. Magnetic Snakes and Ladders Set

Look out! You’ll encounter dangerous and poisonous snakes everywhere you look in this Snakes and Ladders Set. The travel-sized game from Yellow Mountain Imports is about 6″ x 7″, and is magnetized for on-the-go fun. It’s all about the snakes with this version—not only is it decorated with detailed drawings of colorful cartoon snakes, but the playing pieces appear to be modeled after the feared cobra! Parents love being able to transport the game, naming it a family favorite for repeat play.

Players: 2–4
Ages: 6+

3. Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders is “the classic up and down game for pre-schoolers!” This modern version of the game is bright and fun, and teaches children more than just simple math. The characters across the board demonstrate “right from wrong”: characters doing something good advance up the ladder, while the naughty characters slide back down the chutes. As many of the characters are helping out around the house, you can also use the game to introduce the concept of chores to your child. Educational and fun! What more can you ask for?

Players: 2–4
Ages: 3+

4. Jumbo Mat Snakes & Ladders

Supersized snakes and spinner! Extra large ladders! This Jumbo Mat doubles the fun of the classic addition game. At 31.5″ x 25.5″, this giant mat and playing pieces are ideal for little hands. The durable mat can be folded up and stored in the included muslin bag or decorative tin. You can even take the game on a picnic for outdoor math practice. Wherever you decide to play, kids will certainly be delighted by the the Jumbo Mat.

Players: 2–4
Ages: 3+

5. 3D Snakes ‘N’ Ladders

3D Snakes and Ladders maximizes sliding fun. When you land on a snake, your marble will go rolling backwards. Land on a ladder or slide, and you’ll roll right past your opponents! Slightly smaller than the original game, this version is great for little ones who need extra encouragement to engage in a math-based game.

Players: 2–4
Ages: 4+

6. Snakes & Ladders, Vintage Edition

Feeling old school? Vintage Edition Snakes and Ladders will transport you back to your childhood with this classic vintage design. The game is imported from Great Britain and includes wooden playing pieces and die. Check out the back of the box for more information on the rich history of the game: “It dates back as far as the 16th century. The game made its way to Britain in the late 1800s. The ladders represented virtues like generosity, faith, and humility while the snakes represented vices.” Who knew?

Players: 2–4
Ages: 3+

7. Classic Chutes and Ladders

Keep it classic with the 1970’s Chutes and Ladders game. Winning Moves Games has captured the nostalgia of the bright bold colors and fun characters racing up ladders and slipping down slides. Help your child learn basic addition while you tell stories about “the good old days” of your childhood!

Players: 2–4
Ages: 4+

8. Folding Wooden Snakes & Ladders

Looking for an elegant and durable way to play? Then this wooden Snakes and Ladders game is right for you! The board is crafted from a light, solid wood, with a rich, primary-colored playing field. It comes with four wooden pawns and yellow dice, which match the game’s ladders. Best of all, the board can be folded up, and the pieces stored inside. Perfect if you’re traveling or just looking for a simple storage solution.

Players: 2–4
Ages: 8+

9. Magnetic Go Snakes n’ Ladders

Bring fun on the road with Magnetic Go Snakes and Ladders. The 5″ x 10.25″ foldable game board is perfect for transporting the sixteen magnetic pieces and spinner in the car, on a plane or in a train! While you race towards your destination, your kiddos will be racing towards the finish line. The game also includes bonus instructions for Nim, a subtraction-based game, for even more math fun.

Players: 2–4
Ages: 5+

 

Do you know of any cool themed or different versions of snakes and ladders? Let us know, we love to find variations of these classic games!

 

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, jacqui.brown33.

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