Gear

Get Ready for Summer With These Nature-Themed Board Games

We selected a few great outdoorsy games that are perfect for playing on the patio or by an open window.
Get Ready for Summer With These NatureThemed Board Games
Photograph: John Lamparski/Getty Images

With vaccination rates climbing in the United States and pandemic restrictions easing, I am eagerly anticipating the return of in-person board game nights. Many of us want to reconnect with friends and family after a year of isolation, and playing tabletop and other board games together is a great way to spend time with those you love.

After hiking a few local trails by the river, I can sense the restlessness of summer in the air. Feeling moved by nature, I tested a bunch of environment-focused board games. Whether you are obsessed with birding, need a good game to take camping, or want to share a passion for the outdoors with your family, these are the best nature board games to play all summer long.

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  • For Birdwatchers

    Wingspan

    If my grandfather’s field guide for identifying North American birds had been magically transformed into a board game, it would look something like Wingspan. Blending a deep knowledge of birds—their various needs, skills, and environments—with a stunning aesthetic and a satisfying dose of strategy, this was the best overall nature board game that I tested. Scientifically accurate details about the species of birds are incorporated in a creative manner as gameplay actions. Enthralled, I played Wingspan multiple times in single sitting and left better informed about the life of our feathery friends.

    My only objection is that the rules were a little hard to follow at first, but after watching a YouTube video explaining the game, I had a better grasp on the game as a whole. (If you are more of a visual learner and find instructional booklets intimidating, this is a great way to learn the rules of any new-to-you board game.)

    $61 at Amazon
    $52 at Walmart

  • For Those With a Green Thumb

    Photosynthesis

    Get lost inside a forest you created. Succinctly described as a forest management simulator, in Photosynthesis you cultivate trees through their life cycle and attempt to soak up as much sunlight as possible while your opponents compete for those same UV rays. The box includes over 50 miniature trees that are quite pleasing to look at as each game’s uniquely curated forest grows more dense. With rules that were easy to comprehend, there was not much of a learning curve with Photosynthesis. I would recommend this game to people looking for an engaging strategy experience without a complex encyclopedia of rules.

    $33 at Amazon
    $32 at Walmart

  • For Family Game Night

    Root

    Featuring adorable woodland critter art by Kyle Ferrin, in Root you lend a hand to one of four factions competing to rule the forest. Will you exploit the natural resources for economic gain as Marquise de Cat? Or will you take a more even-handed, diplomatic approach as part of the Woodland Alliance? This game is recommended for ages 10 and up, but following the entire flow of play might be difficult for younger gamers during their first few times. If approached with patience, Root is a competitive adventure that the family can enjoy time and time again on game night.

    Players looking for additional options on their woodland adventures will have fun with The Riverfolk Expansion ($30). This pack adds two new factions to the game: Riverfolk Company and The Lizard Cult. Discarding lost souls, performing conspiracies, and welcoming the outcasts, my personal favorite was The Lizard Cult.

    $105 at Amazon
    $60 at Leder Games

  • For Campers

    Hive

    Of all the games I tested, Hive was the best for actually playing outdoors. The two-player game where you attempt to surround your opponent’s queen bee is affordable, portable, and the tiles aren’t going anywhere even if it gets a little windy! This game is perfect for an afternoon in the park or a weekend trip. The next time I go on an outdoor excursion, I’ll bring Hive in my backpack as a lighthearted way to make new friends at the campsite.

    $24 at Amazon
    $24 at Walmart
    $35 at Target

  • For the Hiker at Home

    Parks

    After getting fully vaccinated, I plan on visiting one of America’s national parks for vacation. (Grand Teton is the current front runner, but I’m open minded!) Parks is a card drafting and resource management game where players hike trails and accumulate memories. Until I’m back on the trails, this board game will scratch my itch for long days of hiking and boozy nights around the campfire. If you want even more to explore, Parks: Expansion Nightfall ($22) features multiple new locations and introduces the camping mechanic.

    $49 at Amazon
    $49 at Walmart
    $49 at Target
Reece Rogers is a freelance writer from Kansas. 
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