In our fast-paced digital world, where screens dominate our free time, there’s a classic form of entertainment that continues to bring families together and create lasting memories: board games. Board Games can create deep connections within families, offer some quality face time with one another, teach a little healthy competition, build lifeskills, offer some learning along the way, and create lasting memories. I’m sharing a few board games that our family has enjoyed playing and continues to be a favorite.
Board games for the whole family
7 Wonders: 7 Wonders is a family-friendly game that takes you through the ancient world. Its simplicity and speed of completing the game makes it accessible for all ages. I love that the strategy is not complex, but requires you to think about how you will win. It’s a perfect fit for families seeking a game that’s both easy to learn and endlessly replayable. We own the Leaders extension but I have also played the Cities extension and they are both worth purchasing.
Scythe: Scythe, set in an alternate history 1920s Europe, is a captivating strategy game that blends resource management and area control. This is a new purchase in our home and we are still learning the game, but you can never go wrong with a StoneMaier purchase. This game is an investment, but the quality of the board game and the pieces are excellent.
Azul: Azul is a visually stunning tile-laying game that brings the elegance of Moorish art to your tabletop. I recently purchase this for my husbands birthday. Its simplicity and quick gameplay makes it ideal for families. You will play as a tile laying artist who needs to decorate the royal Palace of Dvora. The tiles in itself are pretty and worth the buy.
Ticket to Ride: Ticket to Ride is the perfect family board game for budding railway tycoons. Your little gamer can play along as well. It is an engaging game where players of all ages can enjoy building train routes across different landscapes. You will learn some geography along the way while strategically mapping out your move before your opponent takes over the routes. I own the Europe version just to challenge our geography, but I have also bought the original version for family and have played it. Check them both out.
Carcassonne: Carcassonne, a classic tile-laying game, invites players to create a landscape with cities, roads, and fields. It is so simple to learn, quick to setup, easy to play, and is family-friendly. There is always strategy involved in these games, but the complexity is low. It is addictive and since it is quick to play, you can play them over and over again.
Wingspan: Wingspan is another Stonemaier game and the first one we owned. It is a family-friendly bird-themed engine-building game. It has stunning artwork and lots of educational bird facts that you can learn along the way.Players have to build habitats for their birds and bring their birds into various sanctuaries. It may take a game or two to learn it but once you have, you will be hooked. This is not a short game so make sure to have a couple of hours to play it. We have both the Oceania expansion and the Asia expansion. I highly recommend the Oceania expansion because it includes a new food category (nectar) and the ability to earn additional point with it.
Catan (Settlers of Catan): Catan is a full on strategy game but is also family friendly. You are a fictional settler who needs to build roads, settlements, cities, etc and strive for dominance in the game. Its simple rules make it accessible for families, while the negotiation aspects add depth. Catan has multiple expansions and we own the Seafarers.
board games for kids
Carcassonne Jr: I am so excited for the kid version of Carcassone. Your child can also embark on a tile-laying adventure with simplified rules and vibrant, kid-friendly illustrations. Your child will learn to think through a strategy and build spatial awareness. I have to say that mu husband and I were both addicted to the jr. version as well.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey: Ticket to Ride: First Journey is the ideal gateway for budding young adventurers. Based on the popular Ticket to Ride series, this junior edition simplifies the rules, shortens the routes, and offers your child the option to build train routes. The whole family can join and play the jr version. It is a game night favorite around here.
Sequence: Sequence is a fantastic family game that combines strategy and luck. With a simple concept of forming sequences on the board, players of all ages can enjoy this card and board game hybrid. Its straightforward rules make it accessible for younger players, while the competitive element keeps adults engaged. Sequence is a delightful addition to family game nights. I would recommend buying the grown up version and not the jr version.
Battleship: Battleship is a naval combat game played between two players. You can team up and play two players on each side as well. The game requires some serious planning, spatial, and logical thought processing. I highly recommend this game. It is also a perfect gift for a board game lover.
Kingdomino: I just purchased this game as a gift for Christmas and can’t wait to open it up. I have heard so many great things about it. If your family enjoyed Carcassone, then Kingomino will be a close favorite as well. Itis also a family-friendly tile-laying game, where players seek new lands to expand their kingdom.
Catan Jr: If you would like a little strategy for your little one, the look no further than Catan Jr. If you enjoyed the grown up version, then this is a good choice for your kids. With simplified rules and a pirate theme, this junior edition introduces kids to the joy of resource management and trading. The colorful components and easy-to-grasp mechanics make Catan Jr an excellent choice for family game nights with aspiring young settlers.
Chess/Checkers: Chess, is a timeless game of strategy and intellect. My 6 year old attends Chess Club where he learned strategies he can use to win the game. He is addicted to chess and I’m so glad for it. It is simple yet requires some serious critical thinking and planning. As a family game, Chess provides an opportunity for intergenerational play. Let young minds impress you in this game. Make sure to buy a travel version with a magnetic component. Also, purchase that has checkers along with it as it uses the same board.
Conclusion
Folks, I have only shared games that we own, love, have played, and recommend. There are so many games out there, but if you are looking to start a tradition of board games at home, these are some amazing ones to build your collection with.
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