:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2021-f9bc5eec829e46bb9191615c22852e07.jpeg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2021-f9bc5eec829e46bb9191615c22852e07.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RichPic15-d247bd4bdc2d4e4daf3f2bb743624dfe.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-8-best-family-board-games-4151145-01-485610e2ea57428791d20866211951e8.jpg)
The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
A good family board game is more than just for hosting a game night—it can also strengthen the family bond, create lasting memories and encourage cognitive skills along the way.
"Choosing one best family board game is a tough challenge," says Erik Arneson, a game expert and the author of How to Host a Game Night. But as he explains, the best options are usually suitable for a range of ages, meaning younger players can easily pick up the rules, and also entertaining enough for adults.
Cardner Clark, store manager of Guardian Games in Portland, Oregon, weighs in. "When I'm looking for a family game, I want something that's both easy to learn and can be played again and again," he says. In addition to the recommended age range, you'll want to consider the type of game (cooperative, strategy, mystery, guessing, drawing, trivia, etc.), along with the required number of players and time commitment. With pointers from these experts in mind, we rounded up standout picks in every category.
Here, the best family board games to play with your loved ones.
Best Overall
Days of Wonder Ticket To Ride
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/days-of-wonder-ticket-to-ride-a7a0a4c60faa4feeb8708c14beab5304.jpg)
Amazon
Easy to learn
Competitive
Award-winning
Pricey
Clark is a big fan of Ticket to Ride, and we can see why. This adventurous family board game involves collecting cards with the goal of claiming cross-country railroad routes and connecting cities throughout North America. Since there are multiple ways to score and win, players can use creativity and careful planning skills to gain the most points.
"What starts as a fun puzzle of matching colors to build train routes can get cutthroat when you block someone's path," says Clark. The fast-paced, award-winning game can be picked up by players 8 and up in just a few minutes and encourages strategic thinking.
Price at time of publish: $55
Type: Strategy | Age Range: 8 and up | Number of Players: 2-5 players | Playing Time: 30-60 minutes
Best for Small Families
Hasbro Gaming Sorry! Board Game
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81hjo6PjFsL._AC_SL1500_-3e1348be659a4eb1892f6b1ec6c526a0.jpg)
Budget-friendly
Easy to learn
Nostalgic
Only three pawns per color
If your family is on the smaller side, you can't go wrong with Hasbro's classic game of Sorry! It's a great way to bring back memories for some players, while creating new ones for the youngest ones. In this unpredictable game, players take turns sending other players back at the starting point. It comes with a board, 12 pawns, and 44 cards. Since the game calls for two to four players, it is ideal for intimate groups—plus kids as young as 6 can pick it up.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Strategy | Age Range: 6 and up | Number of Players: 2-4 players | Playing Time: 15 minutes
Best for Large Families
Inspiration Play Double Ditto
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71N05hx8uL._AC_SL1200_-7a3e630baeea4e78a78c9ba0971cb95b.jpg)
Up to 20 players
Easy to learn
Award-winning
Somewhat repetitive
The next time you head to a bigger outing like a family reunion, you should definitely consider bringing Double Ditto. It can be played with as many as 20 people and is easy to learn for anyone about 9 and older. Players race against the clock to think of answers to various category questions while hoping to match their responses to other players.' We like that this board game encourages quick thinking, clever wit, and creativity.
Price at time of publish: $35
Type: Card | Age Range: 10 and up | Number of Players: 4-10 players | Playing Time: 20-30 minutes
Best for Younger Kids
Wonder Forge Richard Scarry's Busytown, Eye Found It
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wonder-forge-richard-scarrys-busytown-eye-found-it-593537d4b38f421aad5d73418add7c3f.jpg)
Amazon
Ages 3 and up
Easy to learn
Cooperative
Requires lots of space
Four-player maximum
Super easy to learn with almost no teaching required, Busytown is ideal for younger children. It comes with a jumbo game board, plus a variety of movers, bases, tokens, and tiles. Note that because it's on the larger side, you're going to need a bigger play space to lay the game on. This cooperative game is recommended for ages 3 and up, but you can expect adults to enjoy themselves too.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Cooperative | Age Range: 4 and up | Number of Players: 2-4 players | Playing Time: 20 minutes
Best for Older Kids
Gamewright Forbidden Island
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/forbidden-island--the-cooperative-strategy-survival-island-board-game-6eae9fdc268a44d69b727533a4a6dcae.jpg)
Amazon
Cooperative
Award-winning
Encourages problem-solving
Four-player maximum
Forbidden Island comes highly recommended by both Arneson and Clark. "It's a cooperative game where everyone works together to rescue artifacts from a sinking island—and then gets to the helicopter before it's too late," says Arneson.
Suggested for ages 10 and up, this adventurous board game encourages older kids to use their problem-solving and strategic skills. "It comes with different challenge levels," adds Clark. "Once you master the easy mode, that's just the beginning!"
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Strategy | Age Range: 10 and up | Number of Players: 2-4 players | Playing Time: Not listed
Best Fantasy
Dirk Baumann The Magic Labyrinth
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/91qUnN6W68L._AC_SL1500_-e50307092d5b43af8c950988d84cbc65.jpg)
Easy to learn
Quick playing time
Fun for all ages
Not very sturdy
Four-player maximum
When it comes to family board games, Arneson appreciates The Magic Labyrinth because it's easy to understand without being boring for adults. This whimsical game can be picked up by kiddos as young as 6 and is super engaging for players of all ages. It's an invisible maze and you have to watch out—if you hit a wall, you have to return to the starting point. Each game takes about 15 minutes of play time.
Price at time of publish: $58
Type: Fantasy | Age Range: 6 and up | Number of Players: 2-4 players | Playing Time: 15 minutes
Best Strategy
Catan Studio Catan Board Game
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/catan-board-game-base-game--family-board-game--board-game-for-adults-and-family--adventure-board-game--ages-10---for-3-to-4-players--average-8b711e181a86484997e8f97d935bb37f.jpg)
Amazon
Creative concept
Strategic
High-quality pieces
Expensive
Not ideal for younger kids
If you appreciate a good strategy game, we think you'll love Catan. Encouraging problem-solving skills and explorative tactics, there's a reason this compelling and addictive game is a cult classic.
While it's not recommended for younger children and takes a little while for beginners to pick up, Greg May, founder and CEO of The Uncommons board game cafe, likes the educational aspect of Catan.
Price at time of publish: $60
Type: Strategy | Age Range: 10 and up | Number of Players: 3-6 players | Playing Time: 60-90 minutes
Best Cooperative
Peaceable Kingdom Cauldron Quest
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81ofjK7MCiL._AC_SL1500_-7ef9fc2030344e3ea85bc41532b37295.jpg)
Cooperative
Fun for all ages
Quick playing time
Four-player maximum
Created for magic-lovers aged 6 and up, Cauldron Quest is all about breaking a wizard's spell while searching for ingredients for a mysterious potion. Kids and adults alike will have fun honing their problem-solving skills while cooperating with one another to save the kingdom. What's more, each game only takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Price at time of publish: $24
Type: Cooperative | Age Range: 6 and up | Number of Players: 2-4 players | Playing Time: Not listed
Best Trivia
What Do You Meme? All of Us Family Trivia Game
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/91Bu-CugVL._AC_SL1500_-566341226a8446119e3ac087f69cf583.jpg)
Transcends generations
Good for bigger groups
Travel-friendly
Not ideal for younger kids
Depending on when the cards were printed, trivia can sometimes feel unfair—but that's not the case with All of Us. Boasting nearly 600 cards with questions aimed at Baby Boomers, Gen Zers, and generations in between, anyone 12 or older can expect to know a good portion of the answers. We also appreciate that you can play with larger groups.
Price at time of publish: $18
Type: Trivia | Age Range: 12 and up | Number of Players: 4+ players | Playing Time: Not listed
Best Guessing
Restoration Games Dinosaur Tea Party
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DTP_NewBoxtop-7ac68658924a475fb2abcc515021c666.jpeg)
Silly
Quick playing time
Encourages deductive reasoning
Five-player maximum
Arneson is a big fan of the guessing game Dinosaur Tea Party. Recommended for ages 7 and up, players take turns questioning one another to figure out everyone's hidden prehistoric identity. We like that this silly game is fun for all ages, is educational, and encourages deductive reasoning. It's definitely an ideal choice for players who puzzles, problem solving, and mystery.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Guessing | Age Range: 7 and up | Number of Players: 3-5 players | Playing Time: 30 minutes
Best Drawing
USAOPOLY Telestrations
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/usaopoly-telestrations-6fb3c3af87dd40ecb5cd44e65e579423.jpg)
Amazon
Engaging
Funny
Award-winning
Poor-quality drawing materials
Players will laugh for hours when participating in a game of Telestrations. This drawing game comes in a few different versions, though the 6-Player Family Pack is perfect for relatives of all ages.
A goofy take on the classic games of Pictionary and Telephone, it comes with over 800 words, along with drawing materials. And as Arneson points out, "No artistic skill is needed!"
Price at time of publish: $30
Type: Drawing | Age Range: 12 and up | Number of Players: 8 players | Playing Time: 30-60 minutes
The best family board game is Ticket to Ride (view at Amazon), a fast-paced and competitive game that's easy to learn but also engaging for all ages. We like that it encourages strategic thinking and fosters a sense of adventure. However, if you're looking for something that allows for several players, your best bet is Double Ditto (view at Amazon), an award-winning board game that can be played with up to 20 people.
What to Look for in a Family Board Game
Type
When shopping around for family board games, you'll notice there are various types to choose from. This includes strategy, cooperative, trivia, drawing, and guessing games, along with different themes, such as mystery, fantasy, and adventure.
Age Range
Before buying a family board game, make sure to check the recommended age range. "The best family games work well with a variety of ages, meaning that younger players can understand the rules and take part, while older players are not bored out of their minds," says Erik Arneson, a game expert and the author of How to Host a Game Night.
Number of Players
The other thing to consider about board games is the minimum and maximum number of players. Most games call for at least two players, though some require three or more. Additionally, some board games cap out at five players, while others can be played with anywhere from eight to 20 or more people.
Playing Time
We also recommend looking at the playing time for each board game. Some games, strategy in particular, can take upwards of 60 minutes to play. On the other hand, lots of options are much less time-consuming, taking as little as 15 minutes to complete.
-
How do you store board games?
How you store your board games depends on your space. If you play board games often, store your favorites in an accessible space, like a cabinet or closet on your main level. Storage furniture, like a bench, ottoman, or coffee table, is also an option for avid game-players. Try organizing the rest of your board games by age or category, then storing them on shelves or in labeled bins in another area of your home.
-
Where can you donate board games?
If you're done with a board game, first make sure it has enough pieces to be functional, and that it's clean and in working condition. Local thrift stores or charities often accept donations of games and toys, or you can inquire with local schools or libraries. You can also try your community's "Buy Nothing" group on Facebook, or passing your board games along to loved ones who may appreciate them more than you.
-
How can you display board games?
You don't have to hide your games if you'd rather keep them on display — plus, they'll always be within reach. If you want to use your board games as decor and keep them accessible, try keeping them on a bookshelf, organizing by color for extra flair. Ladder-style shelves, sturdy floating shelves, or cube shelves are other options for creatively displaying your board games.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance content creator specializing in consumer goods, parenting, and lifestyle. Before writing this story, she interviewed three game experts who provided specific recommendations and insight into the most important qualities of a family board game. The game experts she consulted included the following:
- Erik Arneson, a game expert and the author of How to Host a Game Night
- Cardner Clark, store manager of Guardian Games in Portland, Oregon
- Greg May, founder and CEO of The Uncommons board game cafe
She also pored over reviews and considered the playing time, recommended age range, and number of players before making her selections, all of which are easy to learn and fun for adults and kids alike. Holland loves board games and has played several hands of Telestrations, Sorry!, and Double Ditto over the years. She has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers recreation, travel, family products. Additional reporting was done by Ashley Abramson, a writer whose work has appeared in MyDomaine, the New York Times, Washington Post, Allure, InStyle, and more.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/C068371B-9D61-4990-9C09-E0ADE6FE5467-23d481c755c4431e8a765528345bdd82.JPG)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-v2-8-best-family-games-4151161-final-01-a5cc2ecd4c4641e9b80cc0af7f7b4b38.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BestGames.rev-554109dbe1624732bdb072e6bffaf253.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-cooperative-games-4164635_final-1433e7b432ba443696a8b0e8482473c3.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-board-games-for-kids-4158094-v1-e9df38838feb4c9e8c392c37192e580a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-lawn-games-4154373-b344b3e07b304534ae100f8a3cce4545.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-8-best-party-games-for-adults-4172302-38a11c94c36441808b20819c63248547.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-two-player-board-games-4579804-v1-704552bc01ff41b0a3841ef2cd98ae31.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-mahjong-sets-5181503-1c3fdc2fcd9a406582140a54e4b1f544.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Strategy-Board-Games-4580670-5fa2c350a6dc4d4e9d248873ee2d3cfa.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Board-games-for-college-kids-3570593_final-b55478cf6f5b4e51aee58f682ef48998.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Card-GamesV2-95e5ec7304ac4aedbc720317158a7eb0.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-water-toys-5441650-422f530ffb7d444297e76279105ac5e9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-board-games-for-adults-4158095-e24bd67ab0064a0ebf9e980ee838fa51.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Board-Games-4842549-d25ec9fb63314001bd0eaac1905dd016.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-trivia-games-4164628-2b1d1dfcea1746aab9d087de88c44370.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-7-best-mystery-board-games-4164420-7105fe8e923b45e983cdf9a364bedc1b.jpg)