20 Board Games For Families To Play Together

Like games but not board games? Check out out list of 10 Fun Family Games To Play Over Winter Break instead.

20 Board Games For Families To Play Together

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When we say “families” for this list, we’re really focused on games that are easiest for the youngest members of your family. So these games lean towards that end of the family. They’re not adult-only games.

Some of the games require a strategy that your 5-year-old many not have down yet. But the 5-year-old can still under the rules and can still play along. And that’s what matters.

Memory Game

A couple weekends ago, I spent a long time playing Memory with our friends’ daughter, and I forgot how much fun it could be for kids. The version we played came inside a piece of candy and only had eight cards, and we still played for almost an hour.

The version we have linked is Memory Game (Mermaid World) because it’s really bold and the photos are different enough so it’s easy for kids. But you can find a bunch of different versions online and choose one with photos that would be most memorable for your kids.

Perfection

Pop goes Perfection. I don’t know if that is still the game’s tagline, but I do remember growing up, playing this, listening to the timer tick down, and hoping I could get all the pieces in place before the game exploded.

This isn’t recommended for super young kids because the tiny pieces could be a choking hazard, but it’s a great way for older kids to match shapes and hep their hand-eye coordination.

Connect 4

I would love a gigantic Connect 4 that we could set up in the backyard when we have parties. We’ve played them out at bars before and it’s a lot of fun to play Connect 4 with an oversized version.

A tabletop Connect 4 is probably more realistic for family fun nights though. It’s an easy concept, so even the little ones can play, but it takes some skill, so the older kids will love it too.

Trouble Game

We played Trouble not too long ago at a bar with my dad and it was actually a pretty fun game with just adults. I was pretty surprised that a trio of adults could play it over and over, but we did.

So be sure to grab it for your next family game night and be surprised like I was.

Jenga

Who doesn’t love Jenga? We actually built a gigantic Jenga a few years ago so we could set it up during backyard parties.

If you don’t have the space for that oversized version of the game, the tabletop Jenga is great too. Plus, if you really wanted, you (or your kids) could play it solo too. It’ll keep your kids quiet. At least until the entire structure falls.

Monopoly

Monopoly is such a classic game. Every family should have it and play it together. We used to set it up in the basement and have a game that would last a week before someone would accidentally bump the table and send the pieces flying and we’d have to quit.

Playing Monopoly is a great way for kids to learn how to count money too, so it’s fun and educational.

Guess Who

I have so many good memories of playing Guess Who. I played it so much growing up and then a couple years ago with our friends’ daughters.

I saw a version on Pinterest where someone used family photos to make a personalized Guess Who game, so I’m going to end up making that version one day.

Clue

I loved playing Clue growing up. It’s a game where you have to use your brain, figure out … clues. That was an unintended pun, but the game is named appropriately.

The game is different every time you play, so it’s a lot of fun. The answer isn’t always “Colonel Mustard with the revolver in the Conservatory,” but it probably should be. That guy is has a lot of ‘splaining to do to Miss Scarlet.

Cootie

Cootie is another one of those very classic games that everyone can play. It’s one of the few games on this list on the younger end, with ages 3+.

So if you’re looking for a family game to incorporate the littles, this is perfect.

Hi Ho! Cherry-O

I only vaguely remember Hi Ho! Cherry-O because we never owned it, but I think my cousins did.

So maybe you guys should buy one for your family game nights and then buy a copy for your favorite blogger too.

Let’s Go Fishin’

Let’s Go Fishin’ is so much fun, unless you’re the person who is just listening to the game. The motor and fish can get really loud.

So you might as well jump in and have the whole family play. Or set it up out of earshot.

Sorry!

Sorry! is another of those very classic board games. It’s a fun family game until someone gets knocked back to start and starts crying.

But, hey, is it really family fun if it doesn’t end in tears? Just kidding.

Operation

I haven’t played Operation since I was a kid. I wonder if my hands have gotten steadier or shakier since then. Only one way to find out: Picking this up for our next game night.

This one definitely takes patience and steady hands, so it’s best for kids who are just a little bit older.

Cranium

Cranium was our favorite family game night game for a long time. Every time we had company over, we would split into teams and play.

If you haven’t played Cranium yet, definitely check it out. There are two versions of the game available for sale. Look for the older version. There’s a “best of” game that speeds up the game overall, but it’s not as good.

Ants in the Pants

If you’re looking for a game for younger kids, Ants in the Pants is perfect. Ants in the Pants one of the few games on our list for younger kids (starting at ages 3+).

The name is funny enough, but your kids will laugh through the whole game. And isn’t that the best?

Candy Land

Candy Land is my go to gift for kids. I gift it all the time because it’s such an easy and fun game for kids to play. And as an adult, I don’t mind playing Candy Land for hours (even though kids tend to accidentally cheat a lot in Candy Land).

So definitely add Candy Land to your family game night.

The Game Of Life

I spent so many hours playing The Game Of Life growing up, but, honestly, none of my outcomes ever ended up in quarantine for months, wearing a mask, seeing my family over video chat only, so keep in mind it’s a game, not a crystal ball.

If you want to play with really young kids, there’s also The Game Of Life Junior that’s geared towards them.

Pizza Party Throwdown

Pete’s favorite meal is pizza, so of course, we have to own Pizza Party Throwdown, a board game about pizza.

The pizza spins and players fling pizza toppings — pepperoni, peppers, anchovies, and mushrooms — onto the pizza. There are a few versions of play, so you can play a simple game with younger kids or a more competitive version with older kids.

Don’t Break The Ice

Don’t Break The Ice was one of my favorite games growing up. It reminds me of Jenga, just in a different form.

We would play for hours at a time, all night long while our parents hung out upstairs. So if you want a game to keep your kids quiet, Don’t Break The Ice is it.

Apples To Apples

Apples To Apples is my favorite board game. It’s basically a G-rated version of Cards Against Humanity, which is perfect for me because Cards Against Humanity is too dirty for me to play in mixed company. It makes me uncomfortable. Apples To Apples doesn’t.

Plus, you can play Apples To Apples with young kids, and you shouldn’t play Cards Against Humanity with anyone under 18.

Trivial Pursuit: Family Edition

My parents would have game nights with their friends and they would always play Trivial Pursuit. Us kids wanted to play, but we never knew the answers.

So I’m excited that there’s a Trivial Pursuit: Family Edition that you can play during family game night. This is geared towards the family, so your kids will know some stuff and they’ll still be impressed with your knowledge.

Purchase Board Games Online:

Of course, these aren’t the only board games online, just our favorite. There are others out there, like Chutes And Ladders, pictured above.

For more options, check out the stores below:

• Amazon
• Best Buy
• CVS
• Etsy
• Fun.com
• Target
• Walgreens
• Walmart

Be sure to check a store’s minimum cart total to qualify for free shipping. Also, consider curbside or instore pickup to avoid shipping charges.

More Family Fun:

For more family fun, be sure to check out our 10+ Fun Outdoor Games For Families post.