Inside: Discover tons of great ideas for family game night! These 25 games will bring smiles to children–ranging from toddler to teen–and their parents, too!
Playing games together is an excellent way to have fun, strengthen family bonds, and develop skills like sportsmanship and strategic thinking. Arranged roughly from youngest to oldest, these top picks from Sarah, Karis, and Valerie cover cooperative games, creative games, and–of course–competitive games. They’re great for making lasting memories and growing closer together.
(There’s room to expand this list, so be sure to tell us your favorite family games in the comments below.)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for products we love. If you purchase, we get a small commission at no cost to you. We’re just as happy for you to buy local or thrift, and we’ve provided some links on our Resources page.
Games for the Whole Family
Though some of these family games are rated for older kids, they are lively enough to engage toddlers and preschoolers too with some help from caregivers.
Apples to Apples Jr. (Creative/Competitive)
This family favorite has tons of laugh potential as players create comparisons. Be as serious or silly as you like!
Happy Salmon (ACTIVE GAME)
Easy to learn, active, and boisterous (read: loud), this is a great family game or party game for all ages.
Peace
A sweet alternative to the classic card game War. Beautiful design, witty peace offerings, and a high-stakes tie breaker make it fun for all.
Ouisi (Creative Game)
Another game with great design, OuiSi [we-see] offers many ways to play as a family as you celebrate creative solutions.
Taco vs. Burrito
Quick. Funny. Created by a seven-year-old!
Jenga
A classic that needs no description! (Karis’s kids (ages 3, 8, 12, 14) are on a major Jenga kick right now!)
Throw, Throw Burrito (Active FAMILY Game)
Part card game. Part dodgeball. All fun!
Family Games for Toddlers & Preschoolers
Toddlers and preschoolers will love these games. (And you won’t hate them.)
MOLLYBEE TODDLER SCAVENGER HUNT GAME – AT HOME
Try the “At the Park” version too.
Hoot, Owl, Hoot (Cooperative Game)
Work together to help the owls get home in the family game that’s perfect for little ones.
Zingo
Like Bingo but with an exciting slidy-card-dealer thingy. You’ll see!
Race to the Treasure (Cooperative GAME)
This new-every-time grid game will have you working together to beat the troll to the treasure. Slightly more complex than Hoot Owl Hoot, it’s a great next step for preschoolers.
Family Games for YOUNGER ELEMENTARY KIDS
Ticket to Ride – First Journey
In this exciting junior version of Ticket to Ride, players travel across the country and try to claim the longest railway route.
Clue Junior
Even now as a teen, Sarah’s oldest daughter loves the unique strategy of this Clue Junior game.
Now there’s also a Clue game for even younger kids which has both a cooperative and competitive version in one box. We haven’t tried this preschool version yet, but it looks fun!
GNOMES AT NIGHT
We love the unique magnetic maze where players must work together to gather articles and escape.
Battle Sheep
Players create a different game board every time they play this kid-friendly introduction to abstract strategy games.
Scrambled States of America (Educational Game)
This fast-paced geography game will have your family laughing and learning.
Forbidden Island (Cooperative Game)
Work together to find the four treasures before the island waters rise. Also try Forbidden Desert where you cooperate to build an escape vehicle in shifting sands.
Family Games for Older Kids and Teens
Catan (DICE Game)
Same building fun as the original Catan Board Game but quicker and better for travel. There’s even a single player version!
Space Base
A new family favorite at Valerie’s house! It’s great because even when it’s not your turn, you’re still actively playing.
Double Ditto
Be quick. Be creative. And score when your answers sync with other players’ answers.
Farkle
Castle Panic (Cooperative Game)
A cooperative game for older kids? Yes, please!
Scattegories
Yes, the board game is fun, but your big kids will also love playing together on the app. The Hasbro-approved app is available from Magmic on Android and iOS. For family game night, you can even display endless Scattegories fun on your TV screen using Swellfargo.com/scattergories. Just bring up the website and tap play. (Everyone will still need paper to write their answers.)
Codenames
This addictive family game will make you think as you try to give your partner/team clues without giving too much away. Great for older kids, teens, and adults.
One more thing…
While making this list, we realized some of our favorite family board games are no longer being made (sniff). If you ever see these winners at a garage sale or thrift store, be sure to pick them up!
Share Your Favorite Family Games
We’re always looking for new game recommendations, and we’d love your advice on what to add to family game night. Share in the comments below!
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