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Best Family Games

Updated December 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Gutter Games Beat That!
Gutter Games
Beat That!
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For All Ages
Bottom Line

Both kids and adults can take advantage of the versatile game modes and user-friendly learning offered by this game.

Pros

Full package is composed of 160 challenges that make for endless fun. Simple mechanics only require a timer, cups, cards, and a flat surface to play, making it a user-friendly option for all ages. Up to 8 players can play at one time.

Cons

Some challenges are much more difficult than others.

Best Bang for the Buck
Hasbro Gaming Jenga Classic
Hasbro Gaming
Jenga Classic
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A timeless and cooperative game that is a favorite for many.

Pros

Easy for people of all ages to understand, and it also helps motivate kids to focus and sit still. Durable blocks will last for years. The game is entertaining for all ages.

Cons

A few customers were dissatisfied with the quality of the packaging.

Mattel Games Pictionary Air
Mattel Games
Pictionary Air
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A fun and engaging game with a simple concept that all ages can understand.

Pros

Comes with markers and an erasable board. A great option for family game nights and parties. The gameplay is amusing and entertaining.

Cons

A number of cards include pop culture references that not everyone will understand.

Exploding Kittens LLC Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens LLC
Exploding Kittens
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Fun & Funny
Bottom Line

A unique and family-friendly game that is easy for both children and adults.

Pros

Entertaining for people of all ages and group sizes. Most said it was easy for them and their children to pick up quickly. Expansion sets are available to add to the game.

Cons

Some people found the instructions vague and confusing. A few felt the cards were too flimsy.

Do You Really Know Your Family? Do You Really Know Your Family?
Do You Really Know Your Family?
Do You Really Know Your Family?
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Great for Connection
Bottom Line

A conversation-starter and challenging game that provides a family bonding experience.

Pros

Comes with 200 cards that include trivia on various family members and challenges to complete. Can be played with 3-8 players that are ages 8 and up. The game brings the family together and adds in some healthy competition.

Cons

A few reviewers feel that this game is not one to play over and over again.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best family games

Are you having trouble getting the kids to put down their screens and engage with the family? Is Dad more interested in watching the ballgame than he is in interacting? Is Mom too busy to sit down and relax? If so, you may be in desperate need of a family game night.

Gathering to play a board game as a family offers a great opportunity to have fun and reconnect. With so many options available, choosing the right game can be a challenge. Factors to consider include the age of the people who will be playing, the size of the family, and the difficulty level of the game. Of course, you must take into consideration which games on today’s market would be fun for your crew.

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The longest game of Monopoly lasted 70 days.

Questions to ask before purchasing a family game

How old are the players?

Most game makers provide a suggested age range on the outside of the box, but this is not chiseled in stone. For example, a game intended for grade schoolers could also be lots of fun for teenagers or even adults.

The youngest set of game players, early elementary and preschool-age kids, might prefer games that incorporate the element of luck into them. Older elementary kids, tweens, and teens would likely appreciate something that keeps both their minds and their hands occupied. Older kids also tend to appreciate games with more complex rules and a little humor built in.

How many people are playing?

One area in which board games differ widely is the number of players needed. Some games, like checkers and chess, are built for just two. Others (think Scrabble) work well for small families but can leave some in larger groups left out.

For families of five or more, it’s advisable to pick up party-style games like Pictionary that require lots of players.

 

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Did you know?
All the Scrabble tiles ever produced would reach around the earth eight times.
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What kinds of challenges do you want in your game?

There are two basic types of board games: luck games and strategy games. Of course, some games involve both, but the pendulum usually swings one way or the other.

  • Luck-based games are usually quick, easy, and competitive for players of all ages.

  • Strategy-based games call on higher-level thinking skills. They can be very intense and fun to play.
     

Obviously, the difficulty of the game you play should depend on the ages of the players. You wouldn’t want to play Candy Land with teenagers, and chess would probably be a little taxing for a kindergartener. If you’re looking for a happy medium, you may want to consider an intermediate-level game that combines both luck and strategy. Scrabble and other word games are great for making that leap, as they typically rely on both chance and skill.

FAQ

Q. What are some common board game “genres”?

A. Most board games fit under a rough genre. For example, there are word games, trivia games, card games, fantasy games, and party games.

Q. What are some benefits of playing board games with family?

A. Like sports, board games can promote teamwork and bonding between players. If played in the right spirit, a regular game night can help to bring families closer together. Also, players need to understand the rules, weigh options, and formulate strategies – skills that are easily applicable in everyday life.

Q. How do I keep board games in good condition?

A. To prevent warping, rest cardboard game boards on a firm, flat surface. Avoid storing board games in humid environments, and don’t stack heavy boxes on top of them. If the game contains small pieces, use plastic bags to keep them organized and together.  

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