Pop the popcorn and round up the kids, it’s time for a family board game night!
Try some of our top picks and see if you find a new family favorite!
10 Favorite Family Board Games
1. Catan Junior
Ages: 6+
2 to 4 players
Catan Junior is a great introduction to strategy games for younger kids. The players are pirates and build lairs and ships to win. The pirate who builds all their ships first is the winner. This game is for younger kids, but adults and older kids will enjoy playing along. And if your kids are older, check out Catan.
2. Carcassonne
Ages: 7+
2 to 4 players
Carcassonne is another good first strategy game. The players lay tiles to form roads, cities, and rivers to earn points. It’s easy to learn, and younger kids can play, too, with My First Carcassonne, for children ages 4+.
3. Exploding Kittens
Ages: 7+
2 to 5 players
These silly cards will have the kids giggling each turn. Make sure you take the time to read the card descriptions before you start. And this card game is perfect for a quick game before bedtime, since each game is 15 minutes or less. Also, you can add to the fun with expansion decks.
4. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Ages: 8+
3 to 8 players
This card game involves slapping the cards while stating the correct word “taco/cat/goat/cheese/pizza.” And the more players you have, the better. This game is easily mastered and will keep your family entertained.
5. Labyrinth
Ages: 7+
2 to 4 players
Labyrinth has a unique game board with sliding tiles to move the maze paths. Kids love moving the paths so their opponents can’t get to their treasure. Also, there are many different versions of this game including Pokémon and Disney Villains. And also a junior version, but we could play the regular version with our 5-year-old.
6. Blokus
Ages: 7+
2 to 4 players
This is a simple game for all ages. A younger player could play with help; we would do teams with the younger kids so they could play. This strategy game is quick, which makes it perfect for family get-togethers. And we have played it tournament-style for many family holidays.
7. The Game of Life
Ages: 8+
2 to 4 players
The Game of Life is a classic game many of us grew up playing. The game takes the characters from early adulthood to retirement with life decisions to make along the way. Kids love filling their little car with babies and pets and driving it on the board.
8. Ticket to Ride
Ages: 8+
2 to 5 players
This strategy game allows you to build railroad tracks across the map to connect cities. The game can take up to 60 minutes to play, so it’s a great game to play when you have more time. And it’s a good choice for older kids, younger kids might lose interest by the end.
9. Uno
Ages: 7+
2 to 10 players
Uno is a tried-and-true card game that many of us are familiar with. You can also shake things up with Uno Attack or Uno Flip. And there is also a junior version for younger kids. It has larger, easier-to-hold cards for kids aged 3+. This game is easy to pack for vacations and my Uno cards have been used in many hotels and campground picnic tables!
10. Mouse Trap
Ages: 8+
2 to 4 players
This game has an elaborate mouse trap that is set up during play. The players, as mice characters, must make it to the end without getting caught in the trap. Kids love setting off the trap in this game and it’s best for younger kids.
Overall, I hope this list inspires you to dust off your board games or buy some new ones for the whole family to enjoy!
And for more family fun at home, check out our post Family Movie Night: Create a Movie-Themed Dinner.
What are some of your favorite family board games? Let us know in the comments below!
