Best Games for Family Night

ORIGINAL POST

We're trying to start a weekly family game night with our kids (ages 6 and 10) and want to make it a blast for everyone, including the adults! We’ve played the usuals like Uno and Monopoly, but we’re looking for new game suggestions that work for mixed ages and keep everyone engaged.

I'd like to hear any favorite board games, card games, or even DIY games you’ve tried with your family

2 replies

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1 upvotes on reddit

Thin_Rip8995 · 2 months ago

skip the classics everyone’s burned out on
go for games that hit fast, have simple rules, but still spark laughs and light competition

try these:

Spot It! — insane speed and pattern recognition, all ages
Kingdomino — tile placement with a strategic twist, easy to learn but deep enough for adults
Sushi Go! — fast card drafting, cute theme, quick rounds
Throw Throw Burrito — dodgeball meets cards, hilarious chaos for all ages
Codenames — word guessing game that flexes brain and teamwork, adjustable difficulty

for DIY fun, do “family trivia” with personal questions or silly challenges — keeps it fresh and custom

make game night less about “winning” and more about bonding
switch up who picks the game each week to keep it hype

NoFluffWisdom Newsletter has some solid ideas on building family habits and maximizing quality time worth a peek

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/boardgames • [2]

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Games for Younger Kids

Posted by true_colors1996 · in r/boardgames · 7 months ago

So we have four kids, ages 6, 6, 7, and 8. We’ve been trying to figure out some games to have a family game night and detach from electronics a bit. The problem we’re having is trying to find something we can all do together. Any recommendations?

2 upvotes on reddit

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zoeybeattheraccoon · 7 months ago

Labyrinth (from Ravensburger) has scalable difficulty so that different aged-kids can play together. And it's a great game in general.

Another one they'll love is Ghost Blitz. And they'll kick your butts.

1 upvotes on reddit

Meldamelda · 7 months ago

Incan Gold

Wandering Towers

Almost anything Ravensburger or Haba

1 upvotes on reddit

Senferanda · 7 months ago

Wandering Towers is a great choice for up to 6 players.

1 upvotes on reddit

PolishedArrow · 7 months ago

I will second Wandering Towers. Ours kids enjoy it.

1 upvotes on reddit

rscam09 · 7 months ago

Kingdomino, cat lady, draftosaurus, love letter

1 upvotes on reddit

boardgames-ModTeam · 7 months ago

Your submission was removed by a moderator for the following reason(s):

Recommendation Requests should be posted to our Daily Game Recommendations threads. Reddit is a great place to pick peoples' brains and get game suggestions, but we get a lot of recommendation requests, so much so that we have the "Daily Game Recs"-threads dedicated for them. Historically, almost all well formatted questions in the Daily thread get answers. If you're looking for further suggestions, we recommend taking a look at our growing list of Recommendation Roundups. There's also the What Should I Get (WSIG) section on our wiki for a more general list of common recommendations.

(If you believe this post was removed in error you can request a re-review by messaging the mods.)

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/gamesuggestions • [3]

Summarize

What’s your family’s go-to game night pick?

Posted by Fickle-Designer-7321 · in r/gamesuggestions · 2 months ago

Our family usually plays trivia game, but we’re looking to mix it up. What games always bring your crew together board, card, video, or even DIY? Would love to hear your favorites!

3 upvotes on reddit

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leggpurnell · 2 months ago

Video games:

Action - multiversus, Minecraft, overcooked, party animals, and rock band (we still break it out)

Puzzle - escape academy, the room, portal

Board games/card games:

Card: Unstable unicorns, sushi go, Michigan rummy

Board: can’t beat yahtzee.

Edit: I forgot about the jack box games!

2 upvotes on reddit

Fickle-Designer-7321 · OP · 2 months ago

Wow, what a lineup! 🎉 You’ve covered so many genre action chaos with Overcooked and Party Animals, cozy builds in Minecraft, mind-benders like Portal, and classics like Yahtzee and Jackbox.

Out of curiosity, have you ever tried mixing in a quick trivia round or “family stories” quiz between games? It’s a fun way to switch gears and keep everyone laughing, especially when you can’t be in the same room.

2 upvotes on reddit

Caliguy_1965 · 2 months ago

The board game we like to play is ticket to ride. It's a great fun game

2 upvotes on reddit

Fickle-Designer-7321 · OP · 2 months ago

Ticket to Ride really is a timeless one! 🎉 It’s easy to pick up but still brings out that fun, sneaky strategy. Do you guys get competitive with it or keep it chill? We’ve been trying out some remote trivia games lately too totally different vibe but just as fun in its own way!

1 upvotes on reddit

BigBoomer_ · 2 months ago

Cards mostly. Most of the time it’s a game called 31

2 upvotes on reddit

Fickle-Designer-7321 · OP · 2 months ago

Ah, 31! That one brings back memories super simple but always gets competitive fast 😂 Do you all play for fun or do you throw in little stakes to raise the tension? Lately I’ve been mixing it up with some virtual trivia games too easy to jump into even when everyone’s not in the same room!

1 upvotes on reddit

Distinct-Wheel4705 · 2 months ago

We have a couple in rotation: Wingspan, Space Base, and The Quacks of Quedlinburg (now called Quacks, I believe).

1 upvotes on reddit

Fickle-Designer-7321 · OP · 2 months ago

Those are fantastic picks! 🥳 Wingspan’s engine-building and gorgeous art never get old, and Quacks always delivers that delightful chaos. Space Base’s push‑your‑luck mechanics are a blast too.

1 upvotes on reddit

Distinct-Wheel4705 · 2 months ago

My spouse is an avid birder so when we play Wingspan, before we play a bird, we read the description and make him identify it.

1 upvotes on reddit

Prizmatik01 · 2 months ago

Catan, ROOT, wingspan, dominion, coup

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/AskReddit • [4]

Summarize

What are some Good Family night board games(4-5 ppl)?

Posted by Recent-Objective-954 · in r/AskReddit · 8 months ago

2 upvotes on reddit

5 replies

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5 replies

Jrockten · 8 months ago

Chemicards. it’s like Uno on steroids.

1 upvotes on reddit

ChronoSapien · 8 months ago

Wits & Wagers, Letter Jam, Take 5, No Thanks, Love Letter.

1 upvotes on reddit

Ok_Panic_7112 · 8 months ago

Risk. World domination

1 upvotes on reddit

Open-Sherbet-3790 · 8 months ago

Ouija

1 upvotes on reddit

perfectchaos007 · 8 months ago

If you’re in Alabama, spin the bottle

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/boardgames • [5]

Summarize

9 Games for Family Game Night with Younger Kids

Posted by kuhnk90 · in r/boardgames · 5 years ago

Hey All,

I wrote this article for work and thought you all might enjoy it. Especially those of you with young kids who may be looking for something new. If you've been in the hobby for a while, you've probably heard of most of these games. But, if you're looking for a resource to send to friends with kids this one might be helpful.

Also, I'd love to hear what you might add to the list or what you've played on the list that you've really enjoyed.

Happy Gaming!

Link: Game Night | A Board Game Guide for Families

-Ken (the board game librarian)

334 upvotes on reddit

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Nokomis34 · 5 years ago

My kids love Zombie Kids Evolution. We're still unlocking the whole game.

Also, Battle Sheep. My 5 year old is oddly really good at it. Like he's honestly beat me a few times.

Probably their favorite though is Chocobo's Crystal Hunt with the Dungeons and Monsters expansion. It's basically Go Fish, so it's really easy for them to understand, but it's more entertaining and less cutthroat with the expansion.

We just got the Scooby Doo Betrayal game but haven't played it yet.

32 upvotes on reddit

kvalle · 5 years ago

I second both Zombie Kidz and Battle Sheep. Had great success with both with my nephew and nieces.

Ticket to Ride First Journey and Catan Junior were popular when they were a few years younger.

5 upvotes on reddit

wncpython · 5 years ago

Zombie Kidz Evolution is our most played kids game ever.

16 upvotes on reddit

Quinez · 5 years ago

I am so stoked for my little baby girl to grow old enough to play games with me. I hope she likes them.

I've had my eye on a number of games on this list; two that aren't on here and haven't been mentioned in this thread are The Color Monster and Stuffed Fables. Stuffed Fables in particular... I've read two separate reviews of that game recounting experiences so touching they choked me up.

15 upvotes on reddit

dadliest_gamer · 5 years ago

My kids (7 & 9) both love stuffed fables. Our daughter wasn’t interested at first but when my wife and I painted the minis she was all in. She told us she wasn’t into it because all the characters were grey plastic and she didn’t like that.

Our favourite moment in the game so far has been when our son rescued some troll dolls stuck in the middle of a river. He rolled all 6’s so he said his character Lumpy picked up all the troll dolls, yelled “YEET!” and yeeted them to safety.

12 upvotes on reddit

misledox · 5 years ago

Does your family play with the Puppy and the Giraffe that came with the coloring book? I was so excited when I found them! We ordered the minis in Etsy and thought it would be perfect for bringing younger kids into the game.

Coloring book is here

Etsy minis here

2 upvotes on reddit

evanmckee · 5 years ago

My son just turned two and got his first four games. The learning process requires a little patience from both sides too start, but I'm so excited to finally be playing games with him!

1 upvotes on reddit

kuhnk90 · OP · 5 years ago

Yes! It’s every gamers dream to share games with kids. Turns out it’s not to hard because they’re great!

1 upvotes on reddit

skwm · 5 years ago

I’ve got an 8 year old daughter and a 12 year old son. For our weekly game night (which is tonight, yay!) the most popular games have been Quacks of Quedlinberg, Camel Up, Cartographers, Ticket To Ride, Azul, and Catan.

47 upvotes on reddit

WantedAutumn55 · 5 years ago

Catan is where it’s at. I bet they’d love the expansions

8 upvotes on reddit

Trihalomethaniac · 5 years ago

My kids (5,7,8) love Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters. It’s just as exciting and suspenseful for me as it is for them.

20 upvotes on reddit

Nokomis34 · 5 years ago

My kids, 5 and 7, love this game.

4 upvotes on reddit

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r/AskReddit • [6]

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What was the best game to play on family game night?

Posted by Truspintron · in r/AskReddit · 7 months ago

2 upvotes on reddit

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ThomasTanker022 · 7 months ago

If video games count, then Mario Kart

1 upvotes on reddit

ParallelDazu · 7 months ago

strip poker

1 upvotes on reddit

Plush-Body · 7 months ago

I was literally about to say the exact same thing. Lmao.

1 upvotes on reddit

Few-Anxiety-58 · 7 months ago

Naked twister

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 7 months ago

Monopoly

1 upvotes on reddit

Epic-Epileptic- · 7 months ago

depending on your family’s sense of humor, Cards Against Humanity

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/boardgames • [7]

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What games do you play with family over the holidays?

Posted by pghpresbyterian · in r/boardgames · 3 years ago

I'm curious what you play at holiday gatherings, especially if you aren't with gamers.

380 upvotes on reddit

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j3ddy_l33 · 3 years ago

I don’t have much of a gamer family but damnit if they don’t love Codenames.

264 upvotes on reddit

cC2Panda · 3 years ago

Decrypto is another good one that my family likes.

46 upvotes on reddit

LadyHigglesworth · 3 years ago

Decrypto is so much fun. We took it to the beach this summer and I actually felt bad for all the other games we brought. No one wanted to play anything else. It was Decrypto every night.

5 upvotes on reddit

fistful_of_metal · 3 years ago

I second this one! The family aren't really board gamers but they do love this one.

10 upvotes on reddit

Babetna · 3 years ago

Codenames is always a hit, although lately I got everyone hooked on Letter Jam. It's not as easy to teach, but people seem to embrace it quickly, especially Scrabble fans.

5 upvotes on reddit

donut2099 · 3 years ago

Just One is our new Codenames right now. My kids loved it.

19 upvotes on reddit

smaghammer · 3 years ago

Got Just One on the weekend, worked an absolute treat with my partners family who are not overly into games. Can definitely recommend.

7 upvotes on reddit

Stadia_Flakes · 3 years ago

Ticket to Ride is a family favorite.

97 upvotes on reddit

vexilobo · 3 years ago

Same i think the fact that there is strategy to it but individual turns dont require much brain power is a big draw for them

20 upvotes on reddit

elmopuck · 3 years ago

It’s offset, in my opinion, by the collaborative/cooperative nature of the game. If at least one person can play and introduce Pandemic reasonably well to newbies, then I can see how it might actually be easier than Catan — at least in the actual experience of fun play for families.

1 upvotes on reddit

BigBrokeApe · 3 years ago

My mother no longer invites me over for board games. She invites me over for Codenames lol

16 upvotes on reddit

hekmo · 3 years ago

My family goes for Catan at the most complicated. I've been able to get them into Pandemic, Sherrif of Nottingham, Just One (they're obsessed with it), Codenames, Dixit, Hanabi, Incan Gold, and lately The Crew. Especially the last one for any families who like standard card games.

66 upvotes on reddit

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r/Stadia • [8]

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What games can a family of 4 play together?

Posted by en6ads · in r/Stadia · 4 years ago

Hi,

Please recommend Stadia family friendly games that are 3 or 4 player local coop or local multiplayer. 2 of these players are under 10, so they definitely need to be family friendly! We are getting 4 controllers this week.
Many thanks.

13 upvotes on reddit

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Nadious · 4 years ago

Monopoly, Spitlings, Just Shapes & Beats, Family Feud, and Get Packed come to mind. There may be more, but these are some the ones that we have that get played often. Just Shapes & Beats is loved by my two children. Very fun.

7 upvotes on reddit

bryandhargrave · 4 years ago

Spitlings is super fun. Easy to grasp. Hard to master. My non gamer wife and I love it.

8 upvotes on reddit

fegodev · 4 years ago

Cake Bash!!

16 upvotes on reddit

KeepDreamingPal · 4 years ago

The ones others mentioned + just dance

4 upvotes on reddit

Vanterax · 4 years ago

Check out Family Feud. We have a good time with it.

4 upvotes on reddit

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r/boardgames • [9]

Summarize

What board (or card) games can I play with my kids (7&8) so I can reduce their screen time?

Posted by Commercial_Abroad_44 · in r/boardgames · 2 years ago

I love playing games but don’t like too easy / simple games. What are top family games that are fun for kids AND their parents?

84 upvotes on reddit

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Chromosis · 2 years ago

I have an 8 year old, and I have enjoyed more cooperative games like Forbidden Island to be a good board game to get started.

In terms of other stuff, I have found a lot depends on how good at reading your kids are. I have also played Settlers of Catan, Dominion, and Machi Koro with them too.

56 upvotes on reddit

Mendicant__ · 2 years ago

I would also like to promote forbidden island for this. My son loves it.

Generally, i've repeatedly overestimated how hard a game would be for him to get. We've played a bunch of games that aren't "for" seven year olds, and he's never really had a hard time grokking the rules. He isn't alwaysbsuper good at handling losing though, especially if it happens a few times in a row, so Forbidden Island is great because we're all on the same team. He also loved Kitchen Rush, which is co-op too, but it's timed and I discovered I'm not good at handling that lol

5 upvotes on reddit

Commercial_Abroad_44 · OP · 2 years ago

Wow, so many people that mention forbidden island. I forgot that I once received as a gift, but never tried it with the kids yet. I’ll make sure to rest it out this weekend if we stay indoors! Thanks for the tip!

2 upvotes on reddit

Commercial_Abroad_44 · OP · 2 years ago

Tried Catan and the oldest loved it! I haven’t tried dominion and the other games yet but I thought these would be too complicated for them; I’ll sure check these out! Thanks for your suggestions

1 upvotes on reddit

TaijiInstitute · 2 years ago

Our 7 year old also likes Forbidden Island. She’s also big into:

Mysterium

Carcassonne

Crokinole

Survive: Escape from Atlantis

Quirkle

Magic Square

Kabuto Sumo

Also, you might have to just deal with some simpler games. What’s more important to you, playing a game you enjoy more or getting your kids off of the screen?

Edit: formatting

19 upvotes on reddit

BLOODWORTHooc · 2 years ago

Mysterium Carcassonne Crokinole Survive: Escape from Atlantis Quirkle Magic Square Kabuto Sumo

What a title.

1 upvotes on reddit

Nerdfatha · 2 years ago

Happy Little Dinosaurs, from the same publisher, is a big hit in our house as well. The kiddos are clamboring for the expansions now.

6 upvotes on reddit

KG34thewin · 2 years ago

Dungeon Mayhem is a fun little battler. All very comic-booky art.

Forbidden Desert and Forbidden Island are both good fun coop games.

Santorini might be a fit.

8 upvotes on reddit

sproyd · 2 years ago

Santorini is great with kids, they love the tactile pieces and looking at the god power cards

1 upvotes on reddit

Lizagna73 · 2 years ago

Forbidden Sky could work, too. Especially if they’re into circuits and stuff like that.

2 upvotes on reddit

kyleroptix · 2 years ago

Sleeping Queens is super fun for all ages

10 upvotes on reddit

Shadow_wolf73 · 2 years ago

Horrified and Horrified: American Monsters are both fun.

12 upvotes on reddit

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r/TwoBestFriendsPlay • [10]

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Games to turn a Family Game Night into Family Fight night

Posted by Americanskidz · in r/TwoBestFriendsPlay · 5 years ago

I've got Mario Party and Monopoly lined up but I would love to hear suggestions for games to really try and shake things up and destroy some relationships. Board and/or card games are preferred but show me everything you got!

30 upvotes on reddit

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senchou-senchou · 5 years ago

Uno. Teaches kids how to mine for salt for as early as four.

6 upvotes on reddit

Dirkpytt_thehero · 5 years ago

but i don't have uno, it never came with my xbox

6 upvotes on reddit

senchou-senchou · 5 years ago

the actual card game's sold all around the place, much more than monopoly I might add :)

2 upvotes on reddit

Fool15h · 5 years ago

Fortune Street is pretty much monopoly but with Mario & Dragon Quest characters

16 upvotes on reddit

ContraryPython · 5 years ago

Dokapon Kingdom

64 upvotes on reddit

Doopashonuts · 5 years ago

Overcooked

10 upvotes on reddit

ThatmodderGrim · 5 years ago

Ultimate Chicken Horse.

17 upvotes on reddit

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