1. In Tower Grove South, Leah Royelle maintains a puzzle exchange box and loves playing games with her siblings. She recommends Dinosaur Tea Party, an updated version of Guess Who?, for great art and variable difficulty.
2. Looking for a trivia game for all ages? Circle of Knowledge Toys owner John Erysian recommends Mind the Gap. Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers act, hum, and dance while answering pop-culture questions.
3. Mari Williams, general manager of Pieces Board Game Bar and Restaurant, suggests My Little Scythe, a strategy game involving animals, friendship, and pie fights. (Bonus: It’s published by St. Louis–based Stonemaier Games.)
4. Families have a blast quickly imagining and pitching products for specific professions in Snake Oil, says Royelle. Expect an outbreak of creativity and silliness.
5. Across the Board in Crestwood specializes in handcrafted wooden board games—no screens or batteries. Owner Kim McDaniel recommends the Marbles & Jokers game, a luck and strategy adventure for up to six kids.
6. In a baseball city like St. Louis, Across the Board Baseball Game (see image above) is a sure home run for rookies and major leaguers alike. Learn it fast, and play for hours.
7. Puzzle Warehouse, dubbed “World’s Largest Puzzle Store,” is right here in St. Louis. Marketing manager Greg Brown says Family Talk by Continuum Games is a great way to spur conversation, whether at home or on the road.
8. Kids as young as age 3 can learn one of the world’s most classic games through stories and mini-games with Story Time Chess, the folks at Circle of Knowledge suggest. Children and parents graduate to a traditional chess board when they’re ready.
9. For more experienced puzzlers, the beautiful 1,000-piece Chickadees and Lilacs puzzle by Cobble Hill is a challenge and a bestseller at Puzzle Warehouse.
10. A brave knight needs your help to save the kingdom in Slide Quest, a Pieces favorite. Players have to cooperatively tip levers to guide the rolling “knight” past obstacles, all while the clock is ticking.
