Parks (Second Edition)

Parks (Second Edition)

Board Game

10+, 2025, Animals, Environmental

WISE
94%

WISE Score

A gorgeous, zen-like hike through the US National Parks that looks better on your table than your actual vacation photos.

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Parks is arguably the most beautiful board game produced in the last decade. It’s the antithesis of 'brain rot'—it’s tactile, thoughtful, and genuinely educational without feeling like a school assignment.

The Second Edition is the version to get. It cleans up the rules and adds more variety to the wildlife encounters. If you're looking for a way to get the family off their phones for an hour without the inevitable screaming match that comes with Monopoly, this is your winner.

Age Fit

While the box says 10+, an 8-year-old who has played basic games like Ticket to Ride will handle this just fine. It’s a total hit for adults too, making it a rare 'forever' game for the shelf.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
96

It is a literal walk in the park. The game focuses on appreciation for nature, shared experiences, and the quiet joy of hiking. No combat, no aggression—just wood tokens and beautiful vistas.

Imaginative
88

The stunning art by Lisk Feng and Josh Emrich does most of the heavy lifting here, turning a mechanical resource game into a visual journey. It invites kids to imagine the actual trails they are 'hiking.'

Safe
98

Board games are the gold standard for safety. No hidden chat rooms, no microtransactions, and the theme is as G-rated as it gets. The worst thing that happens is someone taking the trail spot you wanted.

Enriching
92

Great for teaching resource management and spatial planning. Plus, it’s a stealth geography lesson on the US National Park system that might actually make your kids want to go outside.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The components are top-tier: wooden wildlife tokens and thick, illustrated cards make it feel like a premium experience.
  • It strikes a perfect balance—complex enough to engage adults but simple enough for a 10-year-old to master.
  • The Second Edition includes the best parts of previous expansions, so you get the full 'Nightfall' and 'Wildlife' vibes in one box.
  • It's a 'zen' game; even if you aren't winning, the process of collecting photos and visiting parks feels rewarding.
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What to Watch For

  • Analysis paralysis: Some kids (and adults) might take five minutes to decide which trail site to hit, which can kill the 'brisk hike' vibe.
  • Space: It takes up a decent amount of table real estate once all the park cards and gear are laid out.

Conversation Starters

  • "If we could fly to any of these parks tomorrow, which one are we picking?"
  • "What’s the coolest animal you’ve ever spotted in the wild?"
  • "Why do you think the government decided to protect these specific areas instead of building houses on them?"
  • "Which piece of 'gear' from the game would be the most useful on a real camping trip?"

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