Board games are a classic way to pass the time and bond with your family.
Whether you’re a fan of tried-and-true classics or you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there’s a board game out there that’s perfect for your family.
The Classics
Let’s start with some classic board games that are always a hit with families: Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, Life, and Chess.
These games have stood the test of time and are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Monopoly is a classic game of buying, selling, and trading properties, while Scrabble challenges players to use their vocabulary skills to form words on a game board.
Clue is a mystery game where players gather clues and try to solve a crime, and Life simulates the journey of life, complete with decisions about careers and education.
Chess, of course, is a classic strategy game that is great for families with older kids and adults.
Newer Options
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, there are plenty of newer board games that are great for families as well.
Carcassonne is a tile-laying game where players build the medieval landscape of Carcassonne, and Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together to stop the spread of deadly diseases.
Dixit is a storytelling game that encourages players to use their imaginations, and Codenames is a word game where players work in teams to guess secret words based on clues.
Mysterium is a cooperative game where one player takes on the role of a ghost, trying to communicate with the other players to help them solve a murder mystery.
Finally, Takenoko is a strategy game where players care for and grow a bamboo garden, trying to score points by completing objectives.
Top Picks
My top two picks for board games to play with families are Ticket to Ride and Catan. These games are both excellent choices for families because they are easy to learn but have plenty of depth, so they can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Ticket to Ride:
This board game is all about collecting and playing train cards to claim railway routes on a map. Players draw cards, collect trains, and try to be the first to complete their destination tickets. The game is easy to learn and has a great balance of strategy and luck, making it a hit with families of all ages.
Catan:
In this classic strategy game, players build and settle the island of Catan. Players roll dice to collect resources, and then use those resources to build settlements, cities, and roads. The goal is to be the first player to reach 10 points by building and expanding your territory. Catan is a great game for families because it is easy to learn but has plenty of depth, so it can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
So start playing
Overall, both Ticket to Ride and Catan are excellent choices for families looking for a fun and engaging board game experience. They both offer a great balance of strategy and luck, and they are easy to learn and quick to play, making them perfect for family game nights.
But no matter what type of board game you and your family enjoy, there is sure to be something out there that will provide hours of entertainment.
So gather the family around the table, choose a game, and get ready for some quality time together.