Here are 12 of the most popular board games the whole family will enjoy.
We are a game-playing family.
I mean everyone in my family likes to play games, from my 8-year-old niece all the way up to my 80-year-old mom.
Given the age range, it can be difficult to find games that are enjoyable for everyone.
The games recommended here are games that are engaging for all ages.
‘Cuz let’s face it. Hi Ho Cheerio and Candyland can only be played so often before it is yawnsville.
In fact, can we all just agree that any game with a spinner just isn’t worth playing???
As you browse this list, you’ll find a few games that have a junior version for the younger crowd, so you can make the determination if opting for the younger version is needed.
Personally, we’ve never bought a junior version. When they were really little, our girls were content to be paired up with a parent if needed. Or, we relaxed the rules and created our own way to play to accommodate younger players.
On this list, you’ll also find games that have expansion packs. What’s not to like about the ability to change up a game you already love?!?!
I’ve also indicated which games my husband and I will play when it is just the two of us.
12 of the Most Popular Board Games That Will Make The Whole Family Happy
These are the games we’ve tested with our family. We bring these out whenever we are all together.
These are also the games my husband and I will play when it is just the two of us.
1. Ticket to Ride or Ticket to Ride First Journey
This is our current favorite game. In fact, I like it so much I bought the app for my phone so I can play it whenever I want.
There is a strategy that comes into play, but luck has a lot to do with it too. It keeps the game fresh and exciting each time.
As a bonus, this game takes about an hour to play. Perfect for a family game night.
Oh! And if you have an Alexa, did you know you can ask her “Alexa, Launch Ticket to Ride?” and she will play with you?
2. Carcassone or My First Carcassone
Carcassone is an easy-to-learn game perfect for the whole family.
In this game, you place tiles to build roads. You need to think strategically to acquire the most points to win.
Want to encourage critical thinking in kids? Buy this game!
John
The standard version is best for kiddos age 7 and up. If you have younger players, you may want to invest in My First Carcassone.
3. Qwirkle
The whole family will want to join in on this game.
Qwirkle requires tactical maneuvers and strategic thinking.
But if it is too hard for your younger ones, skip the scoring and focus on matching. It won’t take them long before they pick the game up and can hold their own.
4. Rummikub
This is the game I grew up playing. I love this game.
Based on classic card games, Rummikub is easy to pick up.
We have a family tradition. After Thanksgiving, we play a round of Rummikub. Whoever wins, gets out of doing the dishes. Everyone else has to pitch in!
As a bonus, Rummikub is also a good two-person game. Perfect for date night.
5. Dominoes
This iconic game deserves a place in your family game night cabinet.
There are so many different ways to play dominoes. And it is a game that you can play your whole life. In fact, there are even dominoes clubs in certain communities.
In our family, we tend to play Mexican Train or Chicken Foot. These are fairly simple games you can easily learn by watching a YouTube video or two.
Dominoes also provide endless fun for kiddos interested in creating a domino show – standing them up in a row only to knock them down Rube Goldberg style.
6. Sequence
True story: My aunt and uncle have the sequence board game set up permanently on their kitchen island. They play a game or two every night. In fact, they have played so often, they wore the pictures off the board and had to buy a new one!
This is a strategy game, but there is also a bit of luck. It is the perfect blend of easy-to-learn and competitive.
7. Labyrinth
The fun in this game is the ever-changing board.
Each game takes about 20 minutes. It is challenging and fun, but it doesn’t take your whole evening.
A great game. It can be played with kids for the fun of getting to the treasure or as a difficult strategy game with adults as you try to block everyone from getting to their treasure. We really enjoyed it and look forward to playing again.
Beth
8. Blokus
I’m so reluctant to add this game to the list because I am notoriously BAD at this game! LOL
Blokus is easy to learn, but it requires spatial relation skills – of which I have none.
What I do love about this game is all ages enjoy – even those of us who never seem to win.
9. Yahtzee
No house is complete without a Yahtzee game.
This classic dice game combines luck and strategy while secretly building math skills.
If you don’t have this game, it is the first one I’d add. It is inexpensive, and no family gathering is complete without a rousing game of Yahtzee.
10. Catan or Catan Junior
This is another fun game that has expansion packs to extend your play options.
I know my homeschooling friends always recommend this game since you get need to combine strategy and skill – both of which build those critical thinking skills.
Beware! Don’t try this (Catan) unless you plan on getting addicted. Your life will forever be altered. You’ll find yourself begging strangers to come over to play. Watching youtube videos to improve your game, bribing your children.
Your spouse will become a tricky, sneaky person you hardly recognize. While you will plot ways to take over.
Side effects include: less tv watching, more under the table kicking, spontaneous manical laughter, snacking while plotting the demise of your friends and family. Best fun you’ve had in hours!
Catan is recommended for ages 10 and up, so the junior version may be a good investment for families with younger kiddos.
11. Five Crowns
We just added Five Crowns to our game collection at Christmas and have been playing it ever since.
The game is similar to gin rummy but each round there is a new wild card.
Not only is this a fun family game, but it is a hit at any adult game night.
12. Tenzi
This game is simple but it also builds number recognition.
With 77 different ways to play, you can change up the game as often as you’d like.
Because the game can be played quickly, it makes a great reward. Finish your homework and we can play a round of Tenzi.
It is also portable – so great for in airports or on vacations.
BONUS! FAMILY FAVORITE FOR UNDER $10!!!
We are not fans of the Monopoly board game – but we love, love, love this card game.
It is similar to the board game, but it goes much quicker.
This is another great game to have on hand for airports and vacations.
What games did I miss in this roundup of the most popular board games???? Would love your suggestions!
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