It is never too late to start a family tradition centered around board games. Most families go straight for the screens on Friday night- its either movie night or video game night.
In our home, no one gets excused from game night. Sometimes trying something more than once is all it takes to fall in love with it. If you have been wanting to add more face time with your family and create connections that last, ditch the screen and get to the table for some games that have truly won us over as a family of five.
Why We Love Family Board Games
- Board games bring everyone to the table.
- They create conversations you would otherwise not have, build team work, and gain precious time with kids in a world that is distracted by screens.
- Along the way, everyone develops critical thinking skills, learns to think strategically, enjoys some much needed competitiveness, and learns other skills needed to win.
- But most of all, it creates the kind of memories our children carry with them for years.
We started this tradition several years ago and have been slowly adding to our board game collection. It is never too late to start this tradition, and I encourage you to try it out and see how your family will start to come together. In this blog, I am sharing some of our favorite board games that we have played over and over and hope you will find one that you love.
Our Favorite Board Games
Planted
We are always searching for games that work well with five players, and Planted has been a wonderful surprise. It supports upto five players and feels a little like a mix of 7 Wonders and Wingspan. The goal is to build a collection of houseplants while scoring points along the way. It is simple to learn and very beginner friendly. Even though the box recommends ages ten and up, my six and eight year old play it easily.
Cascadia
Cascadia is our newest obsession. I held the title of reigning champion until my eight year old took over. In this game, you create habitats and bring wildlife into them. Points depend on how well you build and place your animals. It plays with two to four people and works well if a younger child wants to team up with you for game night.
WingSpan
Wingspan is beautiful and incredibly engaging. You gather food tokens, attract birds, lay eggs, and score points through different paths. It plays up to five people and even seven if you add the expansion. It can run long, so settle in for a cozy evening, but it is always worth the time.
7 Wonders
If you want a quick strategy game, this one is perfect. With the extension, it can accommodate up to eight players which makes it great for larger families or gatherings. You develop an ancient city, strengthen its military, and gather resources to grow. Long term planning helps you win. We love the Leader and Cities expansions which makes the game even more dynamic.
Splendor
Splendor is simple, quick, and has just enough strategy to keep everyone interested. You play as a gem merchant collecting tokens to purchase developments and attract nobles. The first player to reach fifteen points triggers the final round. It plays up to four people and works well for mixed ages.
Azul
Azul is relaxing and beautiful to play. You arrange colorful mosaic tiles and earn points based on the patterns you create. It is a great option for up to four players and perfect for nights when you want something light and satisfying.
Catan
If your family has enjoyed Catan Junior, the full version is the natural next step. It requires more planning and takes longer, but it is incredibly rewarding. We also enjoy the Seafarers expansion which adds more challenge. In this game, you as a settler build cities roads and developments. The person to get to ten victory points first wins the game. This can get quite competitive if you love to sprinkle that into your game night.
Easy Card Games for Quick Family Fun
If you would like to start small, you can start off with some simple card games that are always a hit. I often buy the first three for birthday gifts because they work for almost any age. These would also make really great stocking stuffers. I highly encourage you to buy the tin box versions so you have a place to store them.
If you are sick of Monopoly, the board game, there is a super fun card version that could bankrupt you quicker than you can imagine. They have a Harry Potter version which I purchased for my kiddo for Christmas.
Phase 10 is a family favorite and an easy swap for board games. You have to be the first to phase (or complete) 10 phases. That’s it! We own the Masters series which offers some twists to the game.
UNO is a short and simple game to play. There are so many variations in these cards that you can’t go wrong with any of them. The kids love playing this when they get bored.
This is similar to Monopoly in that you make money and lose money, and yet not the same either. This is also a super fun and quick game to play.
I have heard so much about this game and decided to buy this one for my kid as a stocking stuffer.
Start the tradition
A family game night tradition grows slowly. Choose one game, set aside the time, and play even if someone is unsure. What matters most is being together. I hope these ideas bring joy to your home and give your family a reason to gather around the table again and again.
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