Every year, thousands of new board games flood the market, making it overwhelming to find the perfect additions to a collection, especially when seeking options that are enjoyable for the whole family. Maintaining a diverse selection is crucial for any game night, whether entertaining friends or kids, as having a variety ensures readiness for any occasion.
Sorting through every new release to discover the family board games worth your time can be daunting. Fortunately, a curated selection of engaging and entertaining games is available, each guaranteed to create lasting memories and keep everyone entertained. These fantastic picks will enhance any game shelf and foster connections among loved ones.
Top 12 Family Board Games
To help you find the perfect game for your family, we carefully tested and researched top choices based on age range, playtime, number of players, and game type. Our list features everything from quick, fast-paced games that can be played in just 10 minutes, ideal for some lively fun, to longer options that last up to an hour, perfect for older kids and adults. This way, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy, no matter the occasion.
1. GameWright Splurt
If you’re searching for a fun gift for a young teen, Splurt is a fantastic choice that brings the whole family together for some lively competition. The game has a deck of cards, each showing a category and a letter in a specific word spot, like “a movie star starting with W” or “a pizza topping ending with T.” Players race to shout out a fitting word, and whoever gets it first wins the card.
The game keeps going until all the cards are claimed, and the player with the most at the end is crowned the winner. It’s just as enjoyable with two players as it is with a big group, making it perfect for any gathering. Plus, it’s great for ages ten and up and wraps up in about 15 minutes.
2. USAOPOLY Telestrations
Highly recommended by Arneson and a favorite during our testing, Telestrations is a hilarious drawing game that guarantees endless fun. Each round feels unique, and while there are several versions available, the six-player Family Pack is perfect for players of all ages. In this game, players take turns drawing and guessing the original phrase, leading to some side-splitting interpretations and creative mishaps.
It’s a silly twist on the classic games of telephone and Pictionary, featuring over 800 words along with all the drawing materials you’ll need. As Arneson puts it, “No artistic skill is needed.” This makes it a fantastic choice for family game nights. Plus, it’s suitable for ages 12 and up, accommodating 4 to 8 players, and each game lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Dolphin Hat Games Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza has lightning-fast gameplay, making it ideal for busy families looking to squeeze in some quality time together. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to finish. The goal is to discard all your cards. Players take turns saying a word from the sequence while flipping over a card, and when the word matches the card just played, everyone slaps the pile. The last person to slap has to take the stack, adding a fun twist to the mix. It’s a hilarious, engaging game that’s sure to bring everyone together in a snap.
4. Hasbro Gaming Trivial Pursuit Game: Family Edition
Put your knowledge to the test with the family edition of Trivial Pursuit. Players navigate the board, answering trivia questions from categories like music, sports, art, and history, all while aiming to collect “wedges” to fill their game pieces and claim victory. This version is thoughtfully designed for families, making it accessible for kids as young as eight so everyone can join in on the fun. Whether you’re competing in teams or going head-to-head, it’s a great way to spark some friendly competition and learn something new along the way.
5. Asmodee Spot It
A board game café in Manhattan swears by Spot It. as a top pick for families. This simple yet incredibly engaging card game combines memory, matching, visual perception, and quick thinking, making it a hit with players of all ages. As May points out, “You can play even with young kids.” The game’s premise is straightforward: players race to spot the image that appears on both cards, and the first one to find it wins that round.
With various themed versions available, there’s something for everyone from animal lovers to Disney and Marvel fans so everyone can hunt for their favorites. It’s perfect for ages six and up, accommodates 2 to 8 players, and wraps up in just 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Underdog Games Trekking the National Parks
In Trekking the National Parks, players embark on an exciting journey around a beautifully illustrated game board, aiming to visit as many national parks as possible. As you explore, you’ll discover fun facts about each park, its unique wildlife, and important conservation efforts that help protect these natural treasures.
The game’s setup varies each time you play, offering endless replay value. Created by a family who visited every national park, this game also supports a great cause by donating a portion of each sale to the National Parks Conservation Association so you can help preserve these stunning locations as you enjoy the game. Perfect for ages ten and up, it accommodates 2 to 5 players and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to play, making it a fantastic choice for family game nights or gatherings with friends.
7. Mattel Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is a wildly entertaining card game that encourages creativity and strategy in your responses. Players draw from two types of cards, Things, and Descriptions, and each round challenges them to create funny combinations that a rotating judge will evaluate. Think of it as a PG-rated version of Cards Against Humanity. With countless combinations and scenarios, every round feels unique, fresh, and filled with laughter. It’s perfect for ages 12 and up and can accommodate 4 to 8 players, making it a great choice for family gatherings or game nights with friends.
8. Gatwick Games: It’s in the Bag
It’s in the Bag simplifies the classic game of charades, making it a fantastic choice for family fun. Teams compete to help their players guess the word on the card using three different approaches each round: first, they can describe it with words, then narrow it down to a single-word clue, and finally, they can act it out in classic charade style using just their bodies. With its mix of creativity and laughter, this game is perfect for ages ten and up, requires at least four players, and typically takes between 20 to 45 minutes to play, making it an entertaining addition to any family game night.
9. George & Company LLC Left Center Right
Left Center Right is a fast-paced and addictive dice game that’s perfect for the whole family. Packaged in a travel-friendly tin, it includes three dice and 24 playing chips, making it easy to take anywhere. The game is all about rolling the dice to determine where to pass your chips, with no complicated decisions to make, just pure competitive fun. The last player with chips standing wins, and its luck-based nature means anyone can pick it up quickly and enjoy it over and over. Suitable for ages five and up, it’s a fantastic choice for gatherings, accommodating three or more players and bringing everyone together for some lively competition.
10. CultureTags: A Game for People Who Love Hashtags
In a world where tech often takes the spotlight, this game stands out as a fantastic way to unite the family through laughter and cultural references. Players take turns giving hints to guess various acronyms before time runs out, and it’s a blast to see everyone get involved. What makes it even more engaging are the expansion packs, which include tailored questions for specific interests, whether it’s moms, ’90s music fans, or anyone who experienced the year 2020. Ideal for ages 13 and up, it accommodates 2 to 5 players and typically runs for 30 to 60 minutes, making it a great choice for a fun-filled family game night.
11. ThinkFun Zingo
Zingo. is a super fun and easy-to-learn bingo-style game that’s perfect for younger kids, but don’t be surprised if adults have a great time, too. With 24 double-sided cards and 72 tiles, players slide the Zinger to reveal images and fill in their cards when they find a match. It’s a fantastic way for kids to develop essential language and matching skills while having fun. Plus, you can amp up the excitement by adding small prizes for extra motivation. Suitable for ages four and up, it’s a delightful game for 2 to 6 players, making it an excellent choice for family game nights.
12. Gamewright Forbidden Island
This exciting game is all about teamwork, strategy, and a bit of problem-solving as players embark on a daring adventure through a forbidden island in search of four treasures. It’s thrilling how often the game comes down to the wire, keeping everyone on their toes until the very end. With a focus on cooperation, it’s a great way for family and friends to bond while working together to overcome challenges. Suitable for ages ten and up, it’s designed for 2 to 4 players and typically wraps up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and engaging game night.
Must-Have Family Board Games for Everyone
As you gear up for your next family game night, remember that having a variety of board games at your fingertips can transform an ordinary evening into a memorable adventure. The joy of playing together, sharing laughter, and maybe even a little friendly competition is what truly brings families closer. Whether you’re introducing a new game or revisiting an old favorite, these experiences create lasting memories that everyone will cherish.
With our curated list of beloved board games, you’re well-equipped to tackle any game night scenario. From fast-paced card games that are perfect for quick fun to more strategic adventures that invite everyone to collaborate, there’s something here for every age and interest. So, gather your loved ones, pick a game, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic evening filled with laughter, excitement, and connection.
