Do You love to play games in your house? Whenever you get together as a family, whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, vacations, or just any reason, you end up playing board games. You should have family game nights as often as possible at home, too. You could even argue about a particularly heated game of Scattergories that happened at the Jersey Shore about eight years ago. During that game, you tried to earn double points by claiming a French fry was a vegetable.
Since you often buy games as gifts for each other, you thought it would be fun to put together a list of your favorite games to play with your kids. And to make sure the list is complete, you turned to your sister, a self-proclaimed board game geek. When asking for suggestions, you made it clear you were looking for games for kids aged 4-14 that parents can play without feeling frustrated.
10 Best Games for Family Game Night
When it comes to picking the best games for family game night, each game offers something unique. Some have become beloved classics, while others stand out for their creativity and innovation. With so many great options, it’s important to consider both how fun the game is to play and how it brings everyone together. Here are our top picks for family-friendly games that are sure to make your game nights unforgettable.
Beat The Parents
Your kids take the name of this game very seriously. Out of all the times you’ve played, your family may have won once. The game includes both kids’ questions, so everyone gets a fair shot, but in reality, the kids usually crush you. It’s a fun, pressure-filled game where getting a question wrong means falling behind. The game has a lot of excitement, especially with the kids getting extra points.
You’ll find yourself scrambling to catch up, but it’s all in good fun. It’s a great way for families to bond over trivia and lighthearted competition. Whether you win or lose, you’ll definitely laugh a lot!
Uno
There are so many versions of Uno these days, but you love the classic. It’s simple, quick, and fun, with the goal being to get rid of all your cards. The rules are easy to learn, and no complicated instructions are needed. It’s the perfect game for families, with each round lasting only a few minutes. You can play round after round, and it’s fast enough that everyone can join in.
It’s easy to carry around for travel or family gatherings, and anyone can jump in at any time. Uno is an ideal game when you want something simple, engaging, and competitive. It’s the perfect addition to family game night.
Trouble
You have the Cars 2 edition, where the pop-o-matic roller is part of Mater’s head. The game is about racing to get your pieces home, and the pop-o-matic roller adds a fun twist. It’s simple yet exciting, keeping everyone engaged throughout the game. Every time you push that roller, it feels like a new adventure. The game is straightforward, making it easy for even younger kids to understand.
The thrill of the roller and the race to get all your pieces home keeps everyone on their toes. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve played a hundred times, it’s always a blast. Trouble guarantees fun for the whole family.
Wits & Wagers Family
This game doesn’t require answering questions correctly to win. Players guess answers to trivia questions and place their Meeple on the answer they think is closest to being correct. Even if your guess is wrong, you can still win, so it’s all about strategy. It’s a fun and educational game, perfect for both kids and adults. Wits & Wagers mixes knowledge with fun guessing, and that’s what makes it so appealing.
The game encourages everyone to think strategically, not just answer questions. It’s a great way to include younger players who may not know all the answers. Whether you win or lose, the laughter never stops.
Qwirkle
This game is like Scrabble, but instead of letters, you match colors and shapes. It’s perfect for younger kids and helps develop critical thinking skills. You build lines with matching shapes or colors to score points. The bright colors make it visually appealing and fun for all ages. The game is simple enough for beginners to grasp quickly, but offers enough challenge for seasoned players.
It’s a great way to get everyone involved in a family-friendly competition. As the game progresses, the tension builds as everyone tries to make the perfect match. Qwirkle is a perfect mix of fun and brainpower.
Googly Eyes
Players wear glasses that distort their vision while drawing in this game. It’s a hilarious twist on Pictionary, where the challenge is to draw while seeing through the glasses. The distorted vision levels the playing field between players of all ages. It’s a fun and chaotic way to enjoy a drawing game with lots of laughter.
The game is easy to play but incredibly fun to watch. Seeing how everyone struggles to draw with distorted vision makes for a great time. Whether you’re good at drawing or not, it’s about having fun and guessing the right answer.
Spot It
In this game, players try to be the first to match the icon on two cards. It’s more difficult than it sounds and gets more intense as the timer ticks down. The game is small and portable, making it perfect for trips or family outings. It’s easy to carry around and is always a great addition to family gatherings.
The fast pace of the game keeps everyone on their toes, and it’s a great way to pass the time. There are several editions, like NFL and MLB, making it even more exciting for fans of those sports. Spot It is perfect when you need a quick game that doesn’t require a lot of setup. You can play anywhere and anytime.
Left Center Right (LCR)
LCR is easy to understand and great for fast-paced fun. Players roll three dice and move chips based on the dice results. The kids love how quickly the game goes, and everyone competes to keep their chips. It’s simple, fast, and always a hit with the family. The game is incredibly easy to play, making it perfect for younger kids.
Everyone gets a chance to roll the dice and see how it goes, which keeps things exciting. Whether you’re playing for fun or with a little competition, LCR is perfect for family night. It’s a great game to play with large groups, too.
Labyrinth
It is a treasure hunt through a constantly changing maze. As you move through the maze, you must find the treasures listed on your cards. The maze shifts every time you move a piece, making the game interesting and dynamic. It’s a great mix of luck and strategy, perfect for kids and adults alike.
If you enjoy maze-based challenges and puzzle solving, you might also like real-life escape room experiences such as Labyrinth Reality Games in Lindon, which combine problem-solving with physical obstacles for groups and families.
Tenzi
Tenzi is a fast-paced game where everyone rolls their ten dice at once. The goal is to get 10 matching dice, and when you do, you shout “Tenzi!” It’s a quick game that gets intense as everyone races to finish first. The 77 Ways to Play Tenzi pack adds even more fun with new challenges for everyone. The game is simple and easy to learn, making it perfect for kids and adults.
Tenzi’s quick rounds keep things moving fast, ensuring no one gets bored. Whether you’re playing with a large group or just a few people, it’s always exciting. It’s a game that brings everyone together with laughter and competition.
Conclusion
Family game nights are a perfect way to bond, laugh, and create lasting memories. These 10 best games for family game night offer a perfect balance of fun, strategy, and excitement for kids and elders alike. Whether you’re looking for quick, action-packed games or more strategic challenges, there’s something here for every family. Now, make your next game night unforgettable with these top-rated games.
