Turn off phones and other technology to promote concentration and bonding. Choose a dedicated spot in your home to host the game night, whether that’s the kitchen or dining room table, around the coffee table in the living room, or at a dedicated game table. Next, choose a game that everyone likes to play (guess if you're not sure). First, choose a day and time of the week that works for everyone in your family’s schedule and mark it on the calendar as game night. Making game night a regular family activity takes a little planning and follow-through, but once you get it going it can easily become a family tradition that everyone enjoys and nobody wants to miss. Some board games and strategy games take upwards of an hour to play, while lots of card games involve super-quick rounds that take 15 minutes or less. We also recommend checking the time commitment for each game.
Additionally, some cap out at five players, while others can be played with eight or more people. Most games need at least two players, though some call for three or more. That said, there are lots of excellent options for ages four or five and older that the whole family will enjoy.Īn important option to consider is the minimum and maximum number of players for each game. The options on this list were selected because they're fun for adults and kids alike, though some may be too challenging for younger children. Age Rangeīefore buying a family game, be sure to check the recommended age range. This includes everything from board games, card games, and dice games to trivia, physical challenges, and activities involving drawing, guessing, or building things. When buying a family game, you'll see there are several different types. That said, if you're looking for something that allows for more players, your best bet is Telestrations, a hilarious award-winning mashup of telephone and Pictionary ( view at Walmart). Our number one pick for family games is Exploding Kittens, a ridiculously silly and easy-to-learn card game-all you need to succeed is a bit of luck and a sense of humor ( view at Amazon). Once they get the hang of it, players of all ages will delight in this simple game of chance.
It takes a few rounds to remember what the graphic on each card represents, but overall our testers found that gameplay evoked laughter round after round. (The party pack edition accommodates up to 10 players.) Since the only game pieces are cards, it's also great for travel.Ĭontrary to the name, the game doesn't depict or promote violence, but the themes may be inappropriate for some players. There are no strategies involved, which means fewer frustrations for little ones, and you can include up to five players. While it's a luck-based game, each round is still super exciting. The objective of this card game (appropriate for ages 7 and up) is to take turns drawing a card from the pile without pulling an exploding kitten, and the process continues until one player is left and crowned the winner. The Spruce Home Improvement Review BoardĮxploding Kittens has all the elements of a great family game-it's easy to learn, competitive, and provides just the right amount of silly fun.