Board games have always been a staple of family gatherings and entertainment. They provide an excellent way to bond, have fun, and even learn something new. Whether you’re looking for a game that’s full of strategy or something light-hearted and silly, there’s a board game out there for every family.
We all love watching TV, and there’s no short supply of amazing shows thanks to Netflix, Now TV, Disney+, and Sky Stream Box, to name but a few. But when it comes to spending quality time and bonding with your loved ones, few things can beat a board game. Here’s a list of the top 14 board games that are guaranteed to bring joy and excitement to your family game nights.
The best board games for 2024 are:
- Best overall – Monopoly classic: £24, Tesco.com
- Best family board game for big groups – Mentality: The utterly addictive family board game: £17.49, Amazon.co.uk
- Best adult board game – 5-second rule uncensored version 2 party game: £15, Argos.co.uk
- Best challenging board game – Race to Escape: The 3D replayable escape room board game: £17.81, Amazon.co.uk
- Best competitive board game – Taskmaster board game: £18.75, Whsmith.co.uk
14 Board Games for Family Fun and Entertainment
If you just have a few minutes to squeeze in a quick round of competition between dinner and bed, or you’re staring down a rainy day full of indoor activities, there’s never a bad time to break out a good board game and invite the family to play. There are actually plenty of benefits to gathering around the table this way.
Games “teach children to work as a team, negotiate, follow rules, and use spatial reasoning and logic,” says Ellie Dix, a former school behavior specialist. Board games are a slower burn, and regular play can re-train brains to get the same buzz from a delayed release of chemicals. That helps kids focus on long-term projects like schoolwork too.
1. Inspiration Play Double Ditto $17
To play, simply pick a card, read it aloud, and then quickly write down two answers you think other players will write. Players will have a blast learning who among their playmates they’re most in sync with. For four or more players ages 10+
2. Hasbro Gaming Wordle The Party Game $15
Wordle is fun to play online, but it’s a solo venture … until now. With this game, you can bring the fun of Wordle into the real world and play with family and friends. A host picks a five-letter word and then uses colored tiles to mark the other players’ guesses and tell them if they have the right letters in the correct or wrong spots. After that word is guessed, it’s someone else’s turn to be the host. For two to four players ages 14+
3. Funko Games Last Defense $20
When you have just a few minutes between dinner and bedtime, bust out this game, which is designed to be played in 20 minutes or less. In a cooperative game, players work together to save their town from a host of sci-fi threats, like space aliens or spider robots. Players have to collect the tools and people (like scientists) necessary to fight them off before time runs out. For two to six players ages 8+
4. Hog Wild T.A.P.E.S! $29
This one relies on players’ spatial relation skills since it challenges them to look at the room around them and describe how big or small objects are. That might not sound hard, but wait until you hear the units: Instead of inches or centimeters, players have to guess how tall things are in gummy bears, hamsters, or bananas! It comes with four tape measures in “wacky units” to check the results. Good Housekeeping game testers had a lot of fun with this one and also appreciated how simple it was to break out and play at a moment’s notice. For two to four players ages 6+
5. Pandasaurus Games The Mind $18
This deck comes with cards numbered 1 to 100, and players have to play them in ascending order. Sound simple? The twist: No one can speak. Everyone has to learn how to play in sync with each other without talking! Families who get good at it can try The Mind: Extreme, which makes the gameplay faster and also runs the numbers backward. For two to four players ages 8+
6. Skillmatics Guess in 10 Junior Animal Kingdom $12
Kids can play this guessing game even if they don’t know how to read yet. Kids try to guess the animal on the card by asking questions like, “What does it eat?” or “Where does it live?” If they’re stumped for queries, picture tiles will give them hints about questions to ask. It’ll get them working on their logic skills before they enter elementary school! In addition to animals, there are also games about food and about what you can find in a house. Good Housekeeping testers found older kids who can read still liked to play with their younger siblings. For two to six players ages 3+
7. Spontaneous Spontaneous: The Song Game $21
In this musical game, each player takes turns saying a word while the other players try to blurt out a song that contains that word before time runs out. And don’t worry, no singing skills are required to have fun. For four to ten players ages 8+
8. Peaceable Kingdom Gnomes at Night $26
This looks like a Battleship-style, head-to-head game, but players here have to actually work together. The goal is to race around a labyrinth and recover stolen treasures before time runs out. Players have to sharpen their communication skills and help each other maneuver around the vertical, magnetic board in order to do it in time. For two to four players ages 6+
9. Exploding Kittens Throw, Throw Burrito $25
You can think of this game as a faster-paced version of Go Fish but with airborne burritos involved. Players attempt to collect matching sets of cards faster than their opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging, and throwing adorable, squishy burrito-shaped toys. For two to six players ages 7+
10. Peaceable Kingdom Stories of the Three Coins $28
This cooperative game challenges players to use their imaginations and spin good yarns. Everyone gets cards that help them prompt the story, and then each player uses a magic coin to mark where they want the story to go next, and the others must guess which path they’ve chosen. If everyone works together, they can guide the story to a happy ending. Testers said this was a good game for older and younger siblings to play together. For two to five players ages 6+
11. Winning Moves Games Pass The Pigs $14
Take those pigs, shake ’em up, and roll! Players get points based on how they land. Good Housekeeping testers liked how funny this game was, and how easy it is to bring this one on the go — it’s perfect to take to Grandma’s house. For two to four players ages 7+
12. The Pokémon Company Pokemon Trading Card Game Battle Academy £13
If your family is just getting into the Pokémon trading cards and want to learn how to play the game, this gives you a step-by-step guide to how to play. Once it walks players through the first few moves, they’re on their own. It comes with three decks Pikachu, Eevee, and Cinderace so players can dive right in. For two players ages 6+
13. Wilder Games MasterChef Family Cooking Game $15
Who’s hungry? Yes, players actually cook during this game and eat what they make! Family members compete to earn the most points, and along the way, they face mini-challenges, like trying to identify an ingredient while blindfolded or doing prep with only one hand. For two to six players ages 8+
14. Czech Games Codenames $20
The leaders of each team act as spymasters and use one-word clues to communicate special messages, or card code names, to their teammates. It’ll have them working on their vocabulary for sure. The team that solves more cards in the end wins. For four or more players ages 10+
How we choose the best games
Choosing the best board games for family fun and entertainment involves considering a variety of factors to ensure the game suits the preferences and dynamics of your family. Here are some key considerations when selecting board games:
1. Duration and Time Commitment
- Game Length: Consider how much time you have available for playing. Choose games that fit within your desired time frame.
- Quick vs. Long Play: Decide if you want quick games that can be played in 30 minutes or less, or longer games that may take an hour or more.
2. Theme and Setting
- Interests: Select games with themes that appeal to your family’s interests. Themes could include history, fantasy, science fiction, or everyday life.
- Setting: Consider where you will play the game. Some games require a large playing area or a specific surface.
3. Replayability
- Variety: Choose games with high replayability. This can be achieved through random setups, different strategies, or expansions that add new elements to the game.
4. Budget
- Cost: Consider your budget when choosing games. Board games can range from inexpensive to quite costly, depending on their complexity and components.
5. Family Preferences
- Discuss: Talk to your family members about their preferences and interests. Involve them in the decision-making process to ensure everyone is excited about playing.
How do we test board games?
Testing board games effectively ensures that the games you choose are not only fun but also suitable for your family’s dynamics and preferences. Here’s how you can systematically test board games to find the best ones for your family:
Understanding the Game
Before testing a board game, it’s crucial to understand its rules, gameplay mechanics, and overall objective. Read through the rulebook carefully and familiarize yourself with how the game is played. This understanding will help you teach the game to your family and evaluate its suitability.
Gathering Your Test Group
Select a diverse group of family members to participate in the game testing. This should include people of different ages, interests, and gaming experience levels. Having a mix of participants allows you to gauge how the game appeals to various demographics and skill levels.
Initial Impressions
Start by observing the initial reactions of your family members as they read the game’s components and rules. Note any confusion or excitement they may express. First impressions are crucial because they indicate whether the game has captured the interest of your family.
Playing the Game
- Game Setup: Follow the setup instructions to prepare the game for play. Pay attention to the time required for setup and whether it’s straightforward or complex.
- Learning the Rules: Explain the rules to your family members, ensuring everyone understands their roles and objectives. Note how easily they grasp the rules and whether any adjustments or clarifications are necessary.
- Gameplay Experience: Play through the game, keeping track of the following aspects.
What is the most fun family board game?
We’d recommend starting with something like Wordle if you’re looking for the most fun family board game. Besides being easy to get the hang of, it’s light-hearted and silly in a charming sort of way. While it doesn’t have as much longevity as Hasbro, it’s an easy-going board game for families that’ll keep everyone in high spirits.
What is the best game to play as a family?
There are plenty of board games for families to choose from, but we’d always recommend starting with Ticket to Ride. Besides being a very gentle sort of game that doesn’t require lots of brain power, it strikes a great balance between accessibility and longevity. It’s not so competitive that you’ll have everyone falling out, either – always a plus so far as we’re concerned.
Herd Mentality is also a favorite board game for families. It’s really easy to get into and doesn’t put any pressure on its players. At the same time, it’s still a lot of easy-going fun that won’t leave you feeling bored.
Conclusion
Board games offer an excellent opportunity for families to come together, have fun, and create lasting memories. Whether you prefer cooperative play, strategic challenges, or light-hearted fun, there’s a game on this list that will appeal to everyone in your family. So gather around the table, roll the dice, draw your cards, and let the fun begin!
