Sick of Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land and Monopoly? Try out a new board game, or “tabletop game,” as the new breed of IRL gamers call it. For ages 5-8, Qwirkle and Enchanted Forest are easy-to-learn favorites. For 8-11, try out Catan: Junior or Kids of Carcassone; both are kids’ versions of mega-popular tabletop games. Ages 12 and up can play most adult games, but look up reviews to suit your comfort level with monsters and other mayhem. Dixit is great for all ages, with picture-only cards to get those creative juices flowing and a rule set that can be molded to fit your group.
Ready to play? Check out the Austin area’s bounty of game stores. Many have copies of games you can try out first, some have game nights (which may or may not be kid-friendly, call and check), and all of them have employees who can help you find the perfect new game for your family.
Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy
2438 W. Anderson Ln., Suite B-1
Austin
(512) 454-2399
The store sells comics, graphic novels, board games, RPGs, CCGs, TCGs and miniatures, among other products. Events, which are posted on the store’s calendar, take place every day of the week, from D&D meet-ups to a Pokemon league, Friday night Magic and more.
Emerald Tavern Games & Cafe*
9012 Research Blvd., Ste. C6
Austin
(512) 994-4649
Emerald Tavern sells board games and hobby games, in addition to offering a space to play and coffee, tea, wine, beer and light fare. The cafe also hosts demos, events and hobby gaming related activities which are posted on the events calendar.
Great Hall Games
2521 Rutland Dr., Ste. 600
Austin
(512) 505-0055
Great Hall Games specializes in high-quality puzzles, traditional and board games, RPGs and historical miniatures. There is also an in-store space for gaming events and special gaming nights every week, details of which can be found on the Events Page.
Mothership Books & Games
2121 W. Parmer Lane, #119
Austin
(512) 291-7399
Mothership is a social gaming center and tabletop game store which features LAN gaming with custom built PCs, collectable trading card games, board games, miniatures, role-playing games and snack food and drinks. Visit the weekly schedule and a special events page for more information about upcoming events.
Outlaw Moon Games & Toys
5000 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 105
Austin
(512) 454-6648
Outlaw Moon specializes in tabletop and role-playing games, both new and vintage. The store also buys and sells vintage games and toys. Visit Outlaw’s Facebook page and click on Events to see what’s going on at the store.
Rogues Gallery
1601 IH-35
Round Rock
(512) 279-8888
Rogues offers a variety of comics, graphic novels, board games, card games, role-playing games, comic-themed t-shirts and more. The store hosts game nights four nights a week. Details can be found on the events pages.
Tenth Planet Games
200 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. F1
Cedar Park
(512) 506-8500
Tenth Planet sells games and comics and hosts gaming events every night of the week. Check the website for event details.
Tribe Comics & Games
3005 S. Lamar Boulevard, Ste. D113
Austin
(512) 693-4300
Tribe sells comic books, board games, role-playing games and miniatures. The events calendar provides more information about upcoming events.
Whose Turn Is It? Games
2708 S Lamar Blvd #100B
Austin
(512) 294-2740
Whose Turn Is It? sells board games, RPGs and miniatures. The event calendar provides details about nightly in-store gaming opportunities.
Wonko’s Toys & Games
13776 Hwy. 183, Ste. 116
Austin
(512) 335-1000
Wonko’s sells action figures, board games, collectable card games, miniatures, role-playing games, Magic cards, WOW CCG, Munchkin, Yu-Gi-oh, with table space for casual gaming, tournaments, Magic the Gathering and FNM. Events are posted on the website.
What’s your favorite place to take your tabletop gamer?
*As this is a restaurant and bar, children and teens 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and daytime and early evening may be the most appropriate time for families.
Share your photos on Instagram as you complete items off the Austin Summer Fun Checklist for Kids for a chance to win weekly prizes. Tag #AustinSummerFun and be sure your profile is set to public. We can’t wait to see your family having fun together this summer!
