Do you remember those long nights spent playing board games with your family? The laughter, the excitement, and the friendly competition? Family board games have been a staple in households for generations, providing a fun and engaging way to spend quality time with loved ones. Below we are sharing some of the best game night games to bring your family together for a night of fun.
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Not only do board games promote family bonding and communication, but they also help to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
We cover everything from strategy board games to unique board games, so you can find the right picks for your favorite game night. The main objective of game night should be bringing the whole family together for a fun and memorable evening.
Best Family Board Games
Below are some of our family’s game night favorite games that we reach for again and again. And if you’re concerned about having all of the boxes that don’t match around the house, no worries! There is a company that has created these aesthetic board games to be a perfect accent on your bookshelf!
Benefits of Family Board Games
From classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble to newer favorites like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, there is a board game out there for every family. We have gathered up some of the best board games for families to play together and have the perfect game night.
Board games have evolved over the years, with many incorporating new technology and innovative gameplay mechanics. However, the basic concept remains the same – gather around a table, roll the dice, draw some cards, and have a blast with your family.
Whether you’re looking for a way to entertain your kids on a rainy day or hoping to start a new family tradition, board games are an excellent choice. They provide a break from screens and technology, encourage face-to-face interaction, and offer endless hours of entertainment. So why not dust off your old board games or head to the store to pick up a new one and start creating memories with your family today?
Playing board games with your family is not only a fun way to spend time together, but it also has many benefits that can positively impact your family’s life. Below are some of the benefits of family board games.
Family Bonding
Playing board games with your family can help strengthen your family bond. It provides an opportunity for everyone to come together, have fun, and create memories. Board games can also help improve communication skills and encourage teamwork.
For younger players, it also allows them time to build their confidence and creates a way for them to flex their problem-solving skills while having fun!
Educational Value
Many board games are designed to be educational, and they can teach children a variety of skills, including math, reading, and critical thinking. For example, games like Scrabble and Boggle (8+) can help improve spelling and vocabulary, while games like Monopoly and Life (8+) can teach children about money management and budgeting. Many games also can improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
Our family also loves the board game Cash Flow to teach the importance of money management and investing.
Found in photo: Cash Flow Board Game
This game is best suited for older kids and it is a great way to introduce tweens and teens to the idea of investing. If you’re familiar with the Rich Dad Poor Dad book series, it compliments the books in that series.
Popular Family Board Games
Looking for a fun way to spend quality time with your family? Board games are a great way to bring everyone together and create lasting memories. Here are some popular family board games that are sure to entertain. Most of the games in the strategy and cooperative section are rated for ages 8-10 and up.
Strategy Games
If you enjoy games that require strategic thinking and planning, then these games are for you:
- Settlers of Catan: A classic game that has been enjoyed by families for years. Players compete to build settlements and cities on an island, while trading resources and negotiating with other players. (10+)
- Ticket to Ride: A game that involves building train routes across North America. Players must collect and play cards to claim routes and connect cities, while also trying to block their opponents. (8+)
- Carcassonne: A game that involves building a medieval landscape, complete with cities, roads, and farms. Players take turns placing tiles and claiming territories, while trying to score the most points. (7+)
Found in photo: Ticket to Ride
Cooperative Game Play
If you prefer games that encourage teamwork and collaboration, then these games are for you:
- Earth: A game where players come together to build their island. With simple rules and countless strategies, the possibilities are endless! (8+)
- Forbidden Island: A game that involves exploring a mysterious island and collecting treasures, while trying to avoid sinking into the ocean. Players must work together to keep the island from sinking and escape before it’s too late. (10+)
- Mysterium: A game that involves solving a murder mystery with the help of a ghost. Players must interpret clues and visions to identify the suspect, location, and weapon. (10+)
Classic Games
If you’re looking for games that have stood the test of time, then these games are for you:
- Monopoly: A game that involves buying and selling properties, collecting rent, and trying to bankrupt your opponents. It’s a classic game that has been enjoyed by families for generations. (8+)
- Scrabble: A game that involves creating words from letter tiles and scoring points based on the letters used and the placement on the board. It’s a great way to improve your vocabulary and spelling skills. (8+)
- Clue: A game that involves solving a murder mystery by collecting clues and eliminating suspects, weapons, and locations. It’s a classic game that has been enjoyed by families for decades. (8+)
No matter which game you choose, playing board games with your family is a great way to bond and have fun together. So gather around the table, roll the dice, and let the games begin!
Choosing the Right Game
When it comes to family board games, choosing the right game is crucial to ensure everyone has a good time. We tend to stick to one game a night, so that game time doesn’t run too long or become exhausting. Here are some other factors to consider:
Age Appropriateness
The age range listed on the game box is a good indicator of the game’s complexity and suitability for different age groups. Make sure to choose a game that is appropriate for the youngest player in your group. You don’t want anyone to feel left out or frustrated because they don’t understand the rules.
Have tweens or teens? Check out our post all about the best board games for tweens and teens ages 10-14.
Game Length
Consider the length of time it takes to play the game. Younger children may have a shorter attention span and may not be able to sit through a long game. On the other hand, older children and adults may enjoy a longer game that allows for more strategy and complexity.
Player Count
Make sure to choose a game that accommodates the number of players in your group. Some games are designed for two players, while others can accommodate larger groups. Keep in mind that some games may not be as enjoyable with fewer players, while others may become too chaotic with too many players.
Setting Up for Game Night
We love having a themed game night environment and it can be fun to add all of the additional elements around a theme. Just like our movie night parties, you can theme everything from snacks, decorations, and activities around a central theme. Theme it as much or as little as you like, and use the general outline below to start game night prepared.
Here are a few tips to help you set up for game night:
Creating Your Game Night Environment
Setting the right atmosphere can make all the difference for a successful game night. Make sure the lighting is adequate and comfortable, that there is a good amount of flat surfaces for game play, and consider playing some background music for ambience.
Themed Game Nights
Themed game nights can be a super fun way to create an immersive night of fun for the whole family! This is an especially great way to entertain large groups of people if you’re having an extended family gathering.
Pick your favorite board game, and create a theme around it for the evening – including snacks, decorations, and possibly even costumes!
You can also play games that put members of the family on teams and team members can have matching shirts. This is a great way to have fun at a family gathering like a family reunion or cabin weekend, where you looking for unique ways to keep everyone entertained.
Accessible Games for All Ages
When selecting games for your family game night, it’s important to choose games that are accessible for all ages. Look for games that have simple rules and are easy to learn. Games like Uno, Connect Four, and Jenga are great options that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Additionally, consider games that are designed specifically for younger children, such as Candy Land (3+) or Chutes and Ladders (3+). These games often have bright colors and simple gameplay that can keep younger children engaged.
For older family members, consider games that require more strategy, such as Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride. These games can be challenging but are still accessible to players of all ages.
Games for Diverse Interests
Not everyone in your family may have the same interests, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy game night. Look for games that cater to a variety of interests, such as trivia games or games based on popular TV shows or movies.
For example, if you have a family member who loves Harry Potter, consider playing Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit (8+) or Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle (11+).
There are also tons of great Disney themed games on the marketing. Some of our favorites are Disney Villains Clue and Pixar Monopoly. We also really love the Disney version of Pictopia when you have younger players.
Found in photo: Disney Pictopia
Game Room Essentials
When creating an inviting space to play board games at home, there are a few essentials you’ll need to consider. From board games to modern options, entertainment systems to snack areas, incorporating various game tables can make your game room the perfect place to relax and have fun.
Board Games and Modern Options
No game room is complete without a selection of board games. Classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue are always popular, but don’t forget to include some modern options as well. Games like Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and What Do You Meme? Family Edition are great choices for groups of all sizes. Make sure to have a variety of games with different themes and difficulty levels to keep things interesting.
There are also funny games that keep kids engaged like Exploding Kittens, a card game for ages 7 and up. And Kids Against Maturity, another great family card game for ages 10 years and up.
Adding Entertainment Systems
If you’re looking to add some extra entertainment to your game room, consider adding a TV or projector for video games or movie nights. A sound system can also enhance the gaming experience. We like to play games in our basement area that has a gaming area set up to one side with a table and chairs, and has our video game system on the other side of the basement.
Setting Up a Bar and Snack Area
Having a designated area for snacks and drinks can make your game room even more inviting. Consider setting up a small bar with a mini fridge, sink, and countertop for mixing drinks. A snack area with a microwave, popcorn maker, and mini-fridge can also be a great addition. Make sure to stock up on snacks and drinks that are easy to grab and won’t make a mess.
Incorporating Various Game Tables
Game tables can add a lot of variety to your game room. A pool table, ping pong table, or foosball table can provide hours of entertainment. If you’re a fan of card games or poker, consider adding a card table or poker table. For a more unique option, try adding a shuffleboard table. Just make sure to choose game tables that fit your space and budget.
Enhancing Play Experience for All Ages
Creating an inviting space to play board games at home is a great way to bring family and friends together for some quality time. Whether you’re playing with kids or adults, there are several ways to enhance the play experience for all ages.
Creating Kid-Friendly Zones
If you have young children, it’s important to create a space that’s safe and accessible for them. Consider setting up a designated play area with a child-sized table and chairs, as well as age-appropriate toys and games. You can also incorporate educational elements, such as an alphabet chart or reading nook, to make learning fun.
We have a special cabinet where we keep their board games and craft items accessible at a lower level.
Integrating Educational and Creative Elements
Board games can be a great way to promote creativity and learning. Consider incorporating games that focus on strategy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. You can also add elements of creativity by encouraging players to create their own game pieces or design their own game boards.
Storage and Organization Solutions
When it comes to creating an inviting space to play board games at home, storage and organization are essential. Not only do they keep your games and accessories tidy and accessible, but they also help to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
Here are some storage and organization solutions that will help you achieve just that.
Game Piece and Board Game Storage
One of the most important aspects of board game storage is ensuring that your game pieces and boards are stored safely and securely. Shelves and game closets are great options for storing your board games, but they can be limiting when it comes to storing game pieces.
Consider using large zippered bags to create a storage space specifically for game pieces. This will help keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
Utilizing Multi-Functional Furniture
Another great storage solution is to use multi-functional furniture. A TV stand or entertainment center with built-in storage can be a great way to store your board games and accessories while also serving as a focal point for your entertainment room. Additionally, using a coffee table with built-in storage can provide a convenient and accessible space for your games.
Family Game Night Fun
We love family game night as a way to bring everyone together and have an enjoyable time doing a fun activity. There are tons of great options above and I hope this has given you some ideas on how to plan your own family game night. Above all, just have fun with it!
Hopefully you’ve found the perfect choice for your own family game night – now let’s get gaming!
** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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