12 Fantastic Family Board Games
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My family loves to play board games. Many nights we are huddled around the dining room table strategizing (or laughing – depending on the game) after dinner. We love family board games so much that we even take them on vacation!
We bring board games if we are driving, but pack the card games if we are flying. They fit perfectly into my favorite travel tote bag, so we have access to them during flight delays.
We are blessed with an amazing local toy store that carries a great selection of family-friendly games. It also happens to be located right next to my favorite gluten-free bakery. My kids know that if we stop in for a cupcake we are probably going home with a new game too. I’m okay with that because we can always use a new game.
Family board games also make great gifts. A few years ago my husband and I decided to start sending our siblings family gifts rather than individual gifts for each person. Everyone already had everything they needed and pretty much all they really wanted. We wanted to give them the gift of family time. A board game that the entire family will enjoy fits the bill perfectly.
Board games are great for families because they are:
- affordable – play as much as you want for one reasonable price
- small and don’t take up much storage room
- entertaining for a variety of ages
- able to get a family together without screens
Family Board Games
Ticket to Ride is great for a variety of ages. Younger children can focus on completing their train routes while older players can strategize how to block other players while simultaneously completing their routes and earning the most points. My family loves this game and the kids barely even notice that they are getting a little sneaky geography practice.
- FAST-PACED STRATEGY: Race to build your train routes across iconic American cities in this award-winning board game.
- COMPETITIVE FUN: Challenge friends and family in a 2-5 player game, where every move counts.
- COLLECT TRAIN CARDS: Strategically gather train cards to claim routes and earn points.
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Monopoly is a game that requires a decent amount of time (we only play if we have an entire evening free), but it can be a ton of fun – especially if your family is as competitive as mine. There are many different versions – classic, National Parks, Disney, and even Fortnite, but our family favorite is the Washington DC edition. We lived right outside of the city for years, so this is a bit of nostalgia for us.
- Game board featuring 22 of the most popular and visited scenic United States National parks
- Features artwork from over 60 National parks throughout the game
- Includes educational game matching animals to the parks they inhabit
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Players have 5 seconds to name 3 items related to a chosen card. 5 seconds goes by fast! Our friends introduced us to this game while we were on vacation and all of the kids really enjoyed it.
- EASY TO PLAY – Pick a card, read the seemingly easy topic, then start the timer! now with only 5 seconds to name 3 things that fit the topic, it doesn’t…
- JUST SPIT IT OUT – Players get tongue-tied, funny answers come flying out and laughter is sure to follow in this fast-paced game
- CLASSIC TIMER – The twisted timer makes a fun “zoooooop!” sound as the marbles race down, tracking the 5 seconds
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Trivial Pursuit Family Edition
Trivial Pursuit Family Edition contains separate cards for children and adults – that goes a long way towards making this a fair game. There is also the option to form teams to include really little ones in the fun.
- Features cards for kids and cards for adults
- Includes over 1,400 trivia questions
- Includes over 1,400 trivia questions
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Apples to Apples was a family favorite for years in my house. Players choose a card from their hand to match a communal card from the deck. The matches usually end up hilarious and ridiculous. My daughter played this at a slumber party and the girls all about fell over laughing. They laughed so loudly that I thought we would get kicked out of the hotel!
![Apples to Apples Junior the Game of Crazy Comparisons! [Packaging May Vary]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hDjfXPHiL._SL160_.jpg)
- The Apples to Apples Junior family party game is made especially for kids 9 years and older. It’s the hilarious Apples to Apples party game designed for…
- Players will delight in the crazy comparisons while expanding their vocabulary and thinking skills. It’s as easy as comparing ‘apples to apples!’
- Each round, one player takes on the role of judge and plays a descriptive Green Apple card, like ‘Sticky.’ The other players choose their best match from…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Not Parent Approved is a catchy name to grab children’s attention, but it actually won several awards. It is kind of like a family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity. Players try to choose the best card to fill in the blank.
- THE AWARD-WINNING PARTY GAME FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY- Ready for a night filled with laughter, fun, and hilarious mischief? Not Parent Approved gets the whole…
- THE PERFECT GIFT & STOCKING STUFFER – Win points with your middle schoolers or rambunctious teens with a card game loved by kids and parents alike. Get the…
- AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOW, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, & REAL SIMPLE – Don’t just take our word for it…ask our fans! As the winner of 10 industry awards…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Learn about the National Parks without expensive travel bills. In Trekking the National Parks, players earn points by collecting park cards and trail stones. This is a great game for outdoorsy families or families that like to travel around the US.
- AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURE – The Trekking the National Parks Board Game 3rd Edition features upgraded artwork, a new Solo Mode, and engaging play that…
- PREMIUM COMPONENTS – Includes beautifully illustrated cards, sturdy wooden pieces, and a detailed board map. Built with lasting quality, this set ensures…
- FUN FOR ALL OCCASIONS – Ideal for board games for family night, classrooms, holiday gatherings, or weekend get-togethers. Loved by outdoor fans, casual…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Escape the Room Stargazer’s Manor
This game is actually an escape room experience in a box. Players work together to solve puzzles and piece together clues to solve the mystery and save the astronauts in the allotted time. This is a great way to encourage team work.
- CRITICAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT: This game not only provides high octane entertainment but also cultivates critical reasoning and logical deduction skills as…
- RICH CONTENT: Package includes a scenic card, 5 sealed envelopes with secret items, a solution wheel, and a clear instruction manual – everything you need…
- OBJECTIVE: Aimed to create an immersive experience for 3-8 players aged 10 and up – It’s the perfect game for a night of family fun or for group activities…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Family Board Games ~ Cards
This is the Monopoly version to play if you are short on time. Players try to collect all properties of a particular color by earning and trading.
- QUICK-PLAYING MONOPOLY CARD GAME: Swap, steal, and scheme in the Monopoly Deal card game—a family favorite! It’s all the fun of the Monopoly game in a…
- PLAY IN 15 MINUTES: It’s the Fast-Dealing Property Trading Game … made even faster! The Monopoly card game plays in as little as 15 minutes, so it’s…
- COLLECT 3 PROPERTY SETS TO WIN: In this exciting strategy card game, be the first player to collect 3 complete Property sets, each in a different color, to…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Skyjo is a great way to sneak in a little math practice. Players add or subtract based on their cards. The goal is to get as few points as possible.
- Your goal: try to collect as few points as possible over several rounds of play as quickly as possible by skilfully uncovering, exchanging and collecting…
- Great fun for your friends and family. Skyjo is a fun card game that is great fun for children and even large game friends (adults). The card game is very…
- Learn playful: calculate – learn to add up to 100 two-digit numbers. Estimate – Get a sense of probability. Concentration – Track game sequences and watch…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This game sounds violent, but no kittens are harmed while playing. Players draw cards until an exploding card is selected. Avoid drawing the exploding card by using laser beams, cat yoga, or simply skipping your turn.
- In this family card game, draw cards and try to avoid the dreaded Exploding Kitten! Use strategic action cards to skip your turn, shuffle the deck, or…
- Designed for 2-5 players, ages 7 and up, Exploding Kittens is great for kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or want a casual…
- Compact for travel, portable for on-the-go, camping, game nights, road trips or a family home evening.
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Speedy Words is one of our favorite family card games. It is the first that I throw in my bag when we will be spending any time waiting (restaurant, doctors office, etc). The object is simple – name something (city, famous person, animal, food, plants, etc.) with the first letter shown on the card. This game moves fast.
- Quick Game for Quick Minds: Put your quick mind to the test to quickly come up with a word starting with the letter on our Speedy Word game cards; use easy…
- Fast Paced Game: Collect most cards of this 15 minute word games for adults and kids to win it; flip the top card and call out a word with the given letter…
- Easy to Learn: Designed to be easily taught and understood, Speedy Words card games make for fun party card games, these card games for families broaden…
Last update on 2026-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What are your favorite family board games?
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