Let’s talk about big feelings: Download our free printable emotions board game

Helping children understand and talk about their feelings can be challenging. Whether you're a parent, carer, or educator it isn't always easy to know how to start conversations about emotions. That's why we've created a free printable Emotions Board Game – a fun, interactive way to build emotional regulation, emotional literacy, and social and emotional learning through play. Designed for children of different ages and abilities, it's a great resource for families, classrooms, and allied health sessions.

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Why talking about emotions matters

Every emotion is valid. Children benefit from learning that it's okay to feel happy, excited, sad, angry, frustrated or scared. Rather than trying to avoid difficult emotions, we can help children recognise them, understand them, and learn healthy ways to respond. Our printable board game encourages conversations around emotions in a relaxed, low-pressure way, helping children build confidence in expressing how they feel.

Learning through play

Play is one of the most effective ways for children to develop emotional skills. As players move through the colourful game board, they'll explore emotions including:

😃 Happy and excited

😡 Mad and angry

😢 Sad and upset

😨 Scared and worried

The game reminds children that feelings don't last forever. Like moving around the board, emotions come and go, and every feeling can be managed with the right support and strategies.

Gentle conversation starters

This isn't a quiz, and there are no right or wrong answers. If a child says, "I don't know," that's completely okay. These moments create opportunities to explore emotions together and model helpful coping strategies. For example: "Sometimes when I feel frustrated, taking a few deep breaths or having a drink of water helps me feel calmer. What helps you?" These shared conversations help children develop emotional awareness over time.

What's included?

The free printable pack includes:

A colourful emotions board game
Printable character game pieces
15 conversation prompt cards

The prompts encourage children to think about emotions, problem-solving and asking for support, including questions such as:

What can you do when you feel angry?
Who can help when you're upset?
What helps your body feel calm?
What can you do if you feel frustrated?
What can you say if you need a break?
What can you do if something goes wrong?

These evidence-informed prompts support children to develop emotional regulation skills in a fun and engaging way.

Printable game pieces included

Everything you need is included in the download. Children can choose from a range of fun character tokens. Simply cut them out, fold the base, and they're ready to use.

How to play

Download and print the board game, prompt cards and character pieces.
Cut out the game pieces and cards; and grab a standard dice.
Take turns rolling and moving around the board.
When you land on a prompt space, read the question together and encourage conversation.
Listen with curiosity, celebrate every response, and remember there are no wrong answers.

Who is this printable for?

This free emotions board game is ideal for:

Parents and carers
Teachers and early childhood educators
Occupational therapists
Speech pathologists
Psychologists
Support workers
Children learning emotional regulation skills

It can be used at home, in classrooms, during therapy sessions, or alongside NDIS-funded allied health supports.

Download your free emotions board game

Helping children build emotional awareness doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Download our free printable emotions board game and start meaningful conversations that support confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing—one turn at a time.