If they aren’t begging to spend “ten more minutes” playing Fortnite or Minecraft with their friends, they’re complaining that they’re bored, right? You are not alone.
Due to the dynamic nature of technology and evolving societal trends, kids are spending more and more time than ever on screens. Because of this, they seem to be more apt to boredom when they are away from them and don’t know how to manage their downtime like we did, and our parents did, as kids.
Get back to basics with these Family Friendly Board Games! You will not have to worry about tables being flipped because someone landed on a fully loaded Park Place, and you won’t have to worry about mind-numbingly moving your pawn around a giant candy cane. These games are not only great for the kids, but they’re fun for YOU, too!
Co-Operative Board Games
You know how in movies siblings always get along and are each others’ best friends and never, ever fight? Well, that’s all total bullsh*t. I have two tween-aged boys that are 16 months apart, and while some days they are friends, MOST days they are extremely competitive with one another. The younger brother isn’t sooo much younger that he just follows the older one blindly. Noooo, he’s just a long-blink younger, so he challenges everything and anything his brother says and does.
Co-operative board games give us the opportunity to play together as a team, and win together as a team. Now, this isn’t a flawless tactic because, of course, if we lose together, we’re suddenly not a team and it’s each others’ “fault” and…and….*sigh*.
Co-op games give me the least amount of grey hairs. So there’s that.
1. Forbidden Island
About this item:
- 2010 Mensa Favorite Brainy Games Winner
- Join a team of fearless adventurers on a do-or-die mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of this perilous paradise
- 2 to 4 players
- Strategic thinking, problem solving and cooperation required
- Ages 10 and up
- Playing time: 30 minutes
This one is so good! While it states the game is for ages 10+, I played this with my kids when they were 7 and 9, so don’t let that hold you back from buying this game. The rules are straightforward and easy to learn, and the gameplay is intense and very communicative. Before each turn you have to talk amongst the team about who should go where, and what islands should be saved, and every move is openly discussed as a team. Everyone felt like they had input on the decisions made, which eliminated the “YOU made us lose” factor. This game is a solid choice for your next family game night.
2. Horrified
About this item:
- What you get – horrified comes with 1 game board, 7 sculpted miniatures, 75 cards, 3 dice, fabric bag, 17 paper movers and Bases, 6 placards and instructions
- Fun play experience – Horrified is a cooperative board game for ages 10 and up where you defend the town against Frankenstein, Dracula, the bride of Frankenstein, the Wolfman, the Mummy, the invisible Man, and the creature from the black Lagoon
- Easy to understand instructions – high quality, easy-to-understand instructions make it simple to start playing right away
- Great replay value – 60 minute play time, for 1-5 players, Horrified’s innovative style is easy-to-learn w/ varying levels of difficulty Facing the unique monsters requires different strategies, which creates a different experience every time
- Makes a great gift – Horrified is the perfect gift for Halloween and the entire holiday season!
If you’ve ever played Pandemic, then picture this game as being a kid-friendly, easier version of that, but with a killer theme, literally! The unique monsters you choose to battle each game change the goal of the game, keeping it fresh every time you play! My kids are kinda chickens and don’t like spooky-scary things, but they absolutely ADORE this game. Just buy it- you’ll love it, too!
3. Zombie Kidz: Evolution
About this item :
- #1 KIDS GAME: Consistently in the lead position of the ranking in the Childrens category on the reference website BoardGameGeek. Ages 7+
- PARENTS CAN PLAY TOO: While the game may be easy to teach, even parents will be engaged with the strategy and cooperation needed to beat the zombies.
- FIRST LEGACY GAME FOR KIDS: The simple base rules become more complex every time you play, leveling up as you gain more experience.
- CHANGE THE GAME AS YOU PLAY: As you complete special missions, mark your progress in the rulebook with stickers, eventually unlocking extra content.
- 13 UNLOCKABLE ENVELOPES: These envelopes hold additional content that changes the rules and your strategy, keeping you coming back for more!
This game is probably the easiest to play on this list. The rules and gameplay are simple. You are kids that are defending your school from zombies with very basic movements. However, the real gem of this game is the evolution factor to it, which are the 13 sealed envelopes that you get to unlock and open over time. These envelopes add new elements to the game such as: new characters, special strengths and abilities, new zombie factions, etc. Because of this, the replayability of this game becomes quite extraordinary. My youngest boy, in particular, LOVES this game, and because one play can be done in as little as ten minutes, this choice is perfect if you don’t have the time to sit for hours.
Silly Games
These next few games are not co-operative games, which means they are competitive games. Before you hold your breath and scroll on by, hear me out! The easiest way to make competition, well, less competitive, is to add this one, magic ingredient: silliness. It’s really hard to be angry with one another when you’re too busy laughing together. Our current fight to play ratio is 0:50 in this category!
4. Camel Up (Second Edition)
About this item:
- LIGHT-HEARTED PARTY GAME: In Camel Up, up to eight players bet on five racing camels, trying to sussout which ones will place first and second in a quick race around a pyramid. Players will laugh out loud over the results that are rolled.
- STRATEGY GAME: Players must strategize over where to place their bets. Camels don’t run neatly, however, sometimes landing on top of another one and being carried toward the finish line.
- DICE ROLLING GAME: Who’s going to run when? That all depends on how the dice come out of the pyramid dice shaker, which releases one die at a time when players pause from their bets long enough to see who’s actually moving!
- NEW REVISED EDITION: This version features new artwork, a new game board and pyramid design and engraved dice. New game modes including crazy rogue camels that start the race running in the opposite direction add extra variability. You never know how a race will end!
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This board game for adults and kids can be played with 3 to 8 players and is suitable for ages 8 and older. The average playtime is 30 to 45 minutes.
Don’t let the cover throw you- This game is a true gem! You’re betting on these crazy camels that are racing around a giant pyramid, which you use to roll dice from, but the camels can go backwards at any time, hitch a ride on another camels back, and take the lead or fall to last at any time. This game often leads to shouting (at the camels), laughing (at each other) and immediate requests to play again. Hilarious, fun, and a crowd pleaser for all ages.
5. Ice Cool
About this item:
- Winner – Kinderspiel des Jahres 2017
- First flicking board game with pieces that curve and jump
- 3D box-in-a-box concept
- Everybody loves it from kids to adults (6+)
- Unique theme: Penguins running through the school and trying to get some fish
Who knew flicking penguins around a board game could be so fun?! The box for this game becomes part of the 3D game board and turns into a giant room, with doorways and other rooms that you need to flick cute, little penguins through and collect fish. There is no reading involved or hard rules. This game is a Solid 10/10 for kids of all ages.
6. What Do You Meme: Family Edition
About this item:
- Our Bestseller — Now For Families! The hilarious game you know and love, now with all the R-rated content removed for family-friendly fun.
- Back to School Gifts for Family Fun:Family Fun: This family game is designed for ages 8+ and is encouraged to be played with 3+ players (of all ages).
- How To Play: Compete with your friends and family to create the funniest memes. Do this by using one of your dealt caption cards to caption (get it?) the photo card in each round.
- How To Win: The winner of each round is decided by a rotating judge. Pro tip: pick your caption card to match the judge’s sense of humor. Extra pro tip: Make sure the judge shuffles the cards for anonymity.
- What’s Inside: Each game contains 300 caption cards and 65 photo cards and instructions.
- Brought to you by What Do You Meme?: We also make other family party games inspired by pop culture. Check out our store for more good stuff.
I bought this on a whim for my 13yr old, and I can say with confidence that this game was the biggest hit, EVER! We played 3 rounds that night, 3 the next day, and have been asked steadily to play it ever since. My boyfriend, myself, and 3 boys ages 7, 11, and 13 all played and we all loved it, except my boyfriend, because he realized that he is not funny to children (haha!). I think he’s hilarious though. x
Battle Games
Sometimes kids just need to battle it out– on the board! These games are often ruthless, unforgiving, and very competitive. Hide the breakables, set some ground rules, and hold on to your seat cuz things about to get messy!
7. King of Tokyo
About this item
- For 2-6 players
- 30 minute playing time
- New artwork by Regis Torres, illustrator of King of new York!
- Space penguin included in the box!
- Clearer rules and card text for a better gaming experience!
King of Tokyo is a game for 2 to 6 players where you play as Mutant monsters, rampaging robots, or even abominable aliens battling in a fun, chaotic atmosphere. Roll dice and choose your strategy: will you attack your enemies? Heal your wounds? improve your monster? Stomp your path to victory. Not gunna lie, monsters aren’t really my theme preference, but with this game- it just works. I enjoy playing this with my kids just as much as they love whooping my arse.
8. Crokinole
About this item:
- What’s Included: 27 Inch wood crokinole board with 24 black and white discs which work for checkers as well. Instructions included
- Canadian Heritage Game: Crokinole dates back to the 19th Century as a game from rural Canada. Now you can engage with this piece of Canadian heritage in your own home
- Ridiculous Ricochets: Once other discs are in play, you must hit yours or your opponents on all subsequent turns. This makes for some truly off the wall gameplay
- Flip It Over: Done playing Crokinole? Flip it over to test your wits with a classic game of Checkers
- The Real Deal: Crokinole board is made from high quality wooden materials and finished to provide players with just the right amount of friction. It’s the perfect activity for family game night, office break room tournaments, pub games, and bar fun
Okay, so this may not be fully considered a “board game”, but there was not a single chance it wasn’t going to be on this list. Out of all of the games I own (over 200), this one gets the most action in my house. Not only is it super quick to set up, it’s playable with anyone who can flick a puck. I think every single household should own a Crokinole board. Not to mention, the board itself is a really cute decor item 🙂
9. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
About this item
- Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots deliver hard-hitting fun for over 40 years!
- The classic boxing match pits Red Rocker versus Blue Bomber in the ring.
- The game has one key aim be the first to knock your opponent’s block off!
- Kids will have a blast battling it out with realistic sounds and jaw-jolting action.
- For 2 players.
Talk about nostalgic! If you know what this is, then you know it’s a keeper. If you don’t, you NEED to. Keep things interesting and exciting with the kids by switching up the games you play. Sometimes you just need to put the boards away and let them get interactive. Variety is the spice of life and that’s true with games as well. The beauty of this game is that the matches are super quick, so the kids will play it over and over again. Eventually, they won’t remember who won. 🙂
Relaxing Strategy Games
My oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was still a toddler. As he’s gotten older, his patience and concentration has grown exponentially steadier and whenever I ask him to play a game one-on-one, he ALWAYS chooses 1 of these 3. And let me tell you, he’s quite incredible at them. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll also play the co-op and competitive games, but typically after those games he is quite wound-up. These strategy games keep him focused and even tempered and IF I ever do win, he always comments with a “great game, mom!!”
10. Qwirkle
About This Item:
- Strategy Game: Qwirkle is the perfect game to hone player’s tactical maneuvers, strategical planning, and forward thinking. This family game features a massive amount of choices, including 3 tiles each of 36 possible color-symbol combinations
- Easy to learn: An engaging game with easy to follow rules, Qwirkle is great for younger players while still challenging them mentally. Simply build lines by matching tiles based on either color or shape, and score points as you go
- Games that teach: Qwirkle is playable from early ages up, allowing young children and older individuals alike to develop and hone their spacial recognition, planning, and problem solving skills. Plan, win, and learn simultaneously
- Family favorite: Qwirkle is a fantastic game for families, as it can involve a wide range of ages, from children to adults. It only takes a few moments to explain, so new players, like extended family or your child’s friends, can jump right in
- Award winning: This game has won multiple awards including the Major Fun Award, National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval, Parents’ Choice Gold Award, and more. Includes 108 wooden Qwirkle tiles, 1 drawstring bag, and 1 rule book
It’s worth mentioning that these tiles are made of wood and my son always mentions how “satisfying” they are to hold. This game is for 2-4 players and recommended age is 6+, but that doesn’t mean it is just a game for little ones. The rules re easy to learn, the game is quick to set up and start playing, but the strategy is what will hook you and keep you playing time and time again.
11. Cascadia
About this item
- Take A Journey To The Pacific Northwest As You Compete To Create The Most Harmonious Ecosystem In Cascadia Turns Are Simple – Select A Tile/Token Set And Place Each Into Your Expanding Ecosystem. Earn Points By Fulfilling Wildlife Goals And Creating The Largest Habitat Corridors. With Variable Scoring Goals, Each Game Of Cascadia Brings A New Spatial Puzzle To Your Table
- 1-4 Players
- 5 Minute Setup Time
- 30-45 Playtime
This game takes Qwirkle and raises it up a notch or two. During game play you’re collecting habitat tiles and matching animals to those habitats, trying to accomplish animal “grouping” patterns. However, when the game ends and you’re tallying up your points, there are also final scoring points you can earn from those habitats being grouped together. You have to always be thinking ahead, while being tactical of your current actions. It really is an incredible game and I enjoy playing it with my kids very much! Bonus, my out-doorsy, not really a board-gamer boyfriend enjoys this game too. Win, win.
12. The Aisle of Cats
About this item:
- Officially Licensed
- Save as many cats as possible before the evil Lord Vesh arrives!
- Includes Solo & Family Mode
- 1-4 Players | Ages 8+ | 60-90 Minutes Playing Time
- Manage Resources, Rescue Cats, Find Treasures, Befriend Oshax, and Read Ancient Lessons!
The Isle of Cats is a competitive, medium-weight, card-drafting, polyomino (think Tetris) cat-placement board game for 1-4 players (6 with expansions). You are citizens of Squalls End on a rescue mission to The Isle of Cats and must rescue as many cats as possible before the evil Lord Vesh arrives. Each cat is represented by a unique tile and belongs to a family, you must find a way to make them all fit on your boat while keeping families together. You will also need to manage resources as you: Explore the island (by drafting cards) Rescue cats Find treasures. 10/10!
Resource Collecting Games
Resource collecting games are games that require you to gather items or objects before you can win, rather than just racing to the finish. Some of the other games on the list fit into this category, but have other elements involved that take centre stage. These 3 resource games have been tried and tested amongst my kids, my niece (girl approved, too!), and other adults, and they’ve all been adored.
13. The Magic Labyrinth
About this item:
- Lead your Magician through an invisible maze.
- If you hit a wall, you’ll have to start back at the beginning.
- Race to collect missing objects, but remember the layout of the maze!
- From the award winning Drei Magier line
- 2-4 Players, Ages 6+
This game is unlike any other game in my entire collection. Yes, it is a branch-off from the original game ‘Labyrinth’ (which we own and love also), but its so much more fun! Before you play, you set up a maze of walls in the box, close your eyes and spin it around a few times, and then place the game board on TOP of the maze (eyes still closed). Your pawns are then attached to a marble by magnets, get this, through the board (your pawn moves on the board, the marble is attached underneath and can be knocked off by the maze wall). Your goal is then to collect totems around the board. The problem is that if you hit an “invisible wall” (i.e. the maze under the game board), your marble falls off and rolls back to your corner and you have to start over. It sounds confusing, but it’s really quite easy and my kids ABSOLUTELY ADORE this game. In fact, this is THE FIRST game that got them into modern board-gaming when they were just 5 & 7. We still play it to this day (They’re 11 & 13 now)
14. The Game of Life: Super Mario Edition
About this item:
- INSPIRED BY SUPER MARIO: It’s The Game of Life board game with an exciting twist featuring Super Mario video game-inspired characters, artwork, and gameplay
- MOVE THROUGH THE MUSHROOM KINGDOM: Players move around the gameboard as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Yoshi. They choose their path and which areas to explore as they go through the Mushroom Kingdom
- BATTLE BOWSER: Unlike classic The Game of Life board game, this edition isn’t about money or retirement. The ultimate goal in this board game for kids is to defeat Bowser
- MINIGAMES AND STARS: Use coins to buy stars for a boost in the battle against Bowser. Compete in fun minigames in a face-off for prizes, and power up with Items and Companions
- FUN FAMILY GAME: The Game of Life: Super Mario Edition board game is a great choice for game night with the family, and it’s a fun indoor game for kids ages 8 and up, for 2-4 players
If the Game of Life and Mario Kart had a baby, it would be this game. With quirky mini games (like thumb-wars) and star collecting, this game is a hit every time it makes it to the table. Play the game being your favourite Mario character, and be prepared to have a great time with your family.
15. Catan Junior
About this item:
- A CATAN ADVENTURE FOR FLEDGLING SWASHBUCKLERS. CATAN Junior lets younger players experience the world of CATAN by introducing a simpler playing style. Designed for players as young as 6, it’s the perfect introduction to the CATAN series of games for kids and families.
- ADVENTURE GAME: CATAN Junior takes place on a ring of tropical isles—including the mysterious Spooky Island, home of the Ghost Captain. Each island generates a specific resource – wood, goats, molasses, or cutlasses. You can also find gold. Just watch out for the dreaded Ghost Captain.
- STRATEGY BOARD GAME FOR KIDS: Start with 2 pirate lairs and build ships in order to expand your network. The more lairs you build, the more resources you may receive. Use your resources to build ships, lairs, or to get help from the wise Coco the Parrot. You can even trade in the nearby market. The first player to control 7 pirate lairs wins.
- FUN FAMILY GAMES FOR GAME NIGHT: CATAN Junior is not just a game for kids but a genuine family game to be enjoyed by adults and young children alike. An international favorite, CATAN has been called the “Perfect Social Game”. Check out our entire collection of CATAN board games for adults and kids to enjoy on family game night. Enjoy hours of fast-paced, interactive fun.
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This fun family game is designed for 2 to 4 players and is suitable for ages 6 and older. Average playtime is approximately 30 minutes.
From 6-11, my youngest son has claimed this one as his favourite. Yes, he’s probably ready for Catan, but something about this little gem keeps him asking for it over and over again. If you love Catan, but have little ones, this is a really great stepping stone to introduce them to a really solid and great game.
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