50 Fun and Fantastic History Games to Add to Your Homeschool
As an adult, history has become one of my favorite subjects, and I’m always amazed by all the new things I learn. However, not all children have the same love of history as their homeschooling moms, but that’s okay.
There are so many ways we can make history exciting, and one of the quickest ways to make it fun is through history games.
From Archaeology to World War II, there is a game that will make history tangible in a way books never can. So on the next rainy afternoon when you all need a break, find a new history game to take your gameschool to a new level.
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The Wide Sweep of History
First, let’s start with the games that provide a look at the broad sweep of history. These history games focus on the big picture of history or archaeology.
Timeline Classic is one of our favorite games, and I was worried it would lose its play value after just a few games, but it can still throw us for a loop even after many plays. There are other versions such as Timeline Inventions and Timeline Events that would be great additions to your game rotation.
With the History of the World Game, you command the great empires of history and compete by best utilizing your civilization’s unique characteristics. What a terrific way to learn about the rise and fall of history’s great empires.
Additional games, in this category, are Chronology and Queen of Thebes, which both have an archaeological theme, as well as World Monuments, in which you are the master builders of some of the world’s greatest structures.
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History Games for Studying Ancient Times
Now that we’ve looked at some games that cover history with a broad brush, let’s narrow down our focus and see what fun we can find for our ancient history studies.
There are a few games that cover the whole of ancient civilization and make a great introduction to the entire ancient world. Here are some interesting ones to consider:
- 7 Wonders
- Professor Noggin’s Wonders of the World
- Professor Noggin’s Ancient Civilizations
- The Ancient World
Next up is Ancient Egypt with games such as Imhotep and Heir of Egypt. In Imhotep, you are battling to be the greatest builder and complete the construction of the Pyramids. It takes strategy and luck, but someone will be Imhotep.
Heir of Egypt is a face-paced card game that is based on the hierarchy and mythology of Ancient Egypt. There are different levels of the game to play, so once you master the basics, you can make it more difficult (and educational) by focusing more on the mythology of Ancient Egypt.
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For the younger kids, Ancient Egypt Go Fish is a great game that is easy to play but will easily introduce them to the art of Ancient Egypt.
Next, is the board game Duel by 7 Wonders. Duel is a two-person game, making it perfect if not all your family loves board games. In this game, your battle for supremacy of the Ancient World.
When studying Ancient Rome, there are a few fun games that will make history a little more interesting. First is Neptun, which focuses on the Mediterranean Sea and Roman merchants. As a merchant, you deliver goods to temples and cities along the Mediterranean coast.
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Julius Caesar is the next game with a focus on the Roman Civil War 49-45 BC. Will Rome become a republic or an empire? From Cleopatra to Brutus, the notable players all make an appearance in this dramatic game.
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Medieval Games for Your Kings and Queens
Next up, the Middle Ages!
The first game on my list would be Professor Noggin’s Medieval Times game. I have these listed in almost every category because they are more than just a game to play. The cards have three questions with increasing levels of difficulty. These would be great to use during morning time as a question of the day.
Next up are the fun castle-themed games, since most children love stories and play about kings, queens, and knights.
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Another game with the Medieval knight theme is Carcassonne. This game is a tile-laying game in which you fill in the countryside outside a fortified city. I love that this is a fairly quick game for two to five players. We love some more in-depth games, but we don’t always have that much time.
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Pillars of the Earth isn’t a castle-themed game, but a game inspired by Ken Follett’s book by the same name. In this game, you are building a cathedral in England at the beginning of the 12th century. This is the perfect game when you are learning about these churches that so many lovingly labored on their entire lives without ever seeing the completion.
Cathedral is another medieval-themed strategy game. It is a two-player game where the goal is to acquire the most land within a walled city.
Finally, Kashgar is a quick-playing card game with a focus on spice trading along the Silk Road. Everyone has a caravan traveling from Asia to Europe.
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Enlightenment and Exploration History Through Games
As we move through history, we now arrive at the Age of Enlightenment and Exploration. Whether we’re studying pirates, inventors, or exploration, there is a game that will bring those ideas to life.
First, we start with Renaissance Art Game. Not exactly the enlightenment period, but certainly a precursor.
Next, we have our games of exploration and expansion. There are several that have this theme:
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What goes hand in hand with exploration? Pirates!
Just for fun, have a battle between the pirates and the dinosaurs. I’m not sure there could be a better game for my son!
For more plundering fun, try Loot: The Pirate Plundering Game. Your goal is to storm your opponent’s merchant ships, seize their treasure, and rule the high seas.
Lastly, we take a look at inventors. Some of these would cross over to the modern era, and could also be included with your science studies. Newton is a game where the players are scientists in the 18th century who travels throughout Europe in search of scientific advancement and immortality.
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Modern and American History Gameschooling
Finally, we come to Modern and American history games that everyone will love.
First, I have my beloved Professor Noggin games. These can be played as intended, but the cards can serve so many more purposes in your homeschool.
When focusing on Colonial American history, Made for Trade is the perfect game. This game gives your a glimpse into colonial life as well as learning about bartering and economics.
Westward expansion and developments in transportation are the focus of the next three games:
Finally, we’ll finish this list off with some games that focus on the 20th century, and particularly World War II. Axis and Allies is a battle between the five major forces of the Second World War. Memoir ’44 is also a World War II game with a focus on actual battles of the war.
Finally, we have The Manhattan Project which focuses on energy and resource management in the later 20th century.
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Use Games to Bring History to Life
Fortunately, we can learn and experience history in so many ways. With books, field trips, and documentaries, you’re sure to find numerous ways to enjoy history.
However, adding games to your homeschool routine can give you the spark you need to ignite curiosity in your children.
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Is that game cabinet a little overwhelming and you’re not sure where to start? Download my Gameschool Inventory and Log printable to get you gameschool organized.
