Three classic favorites — Battleship, Slime, and Trivial Pursuit — have officially been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester announced Thursday.
The newest inductees were chosen from a list of 12 finalists that also included Catan, Connect Four, cornhole, Furby, scooter, snow, Spirograph, Star Wars lightsaber, and Tickle Me Elmo. The newly honored toys are now on display at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, home of the Hall of Fame.
Battleship, originally a pencil-and-paper game dating back to the late 19th century, gained national fame with Milton Bradley’s 1967 plastic version, which has sold more than 100 million copies. “Battleship has long been a household name in the board game world,” said curator Mirek Stolee. “Its popularity even crested in 2012 with a Hollywood movie adaptation that helped cement its place in pop culture.”
Slime, first introduced commercially in 1976, earned its spot for decades of sensory fun and hands-on creativity. From toy aisles to DIY videos, slime continues to engage kids with its gooey, stretchy texture. “Though slime continues to carry icky connotations to slugs and swamps—all part of the fun for some—the toy offers meaningful play,” said curator Michelle Parnett-Dwyer. “For many, it also has therapeutic benefits, offering stress relief and improving fine motor skills.”
Trivial Pursuit, which burst onto the scene in 1981, has challenged players’ knowledge for more than 40 years. With more than 100 million copies sold and countless themed editions, the game remains a staple for trivia lovers. “Trivial Pursuit’s influence has spread beyond the realm of board games to game show versions and digital adaptations,” Stolee said.
Founded in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and maintained popularity across generations. Inductees are selected by a panel of historians, educators, and other experts in learning and play.
More information about the Hall of Fame and previous inductees can be found at museumofplay.org/exhibits/toy-hall-of-fame.
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