8 Best Family Friendly Board Games to Play in 2024

Codenames is one of our favorite family friendly board games. It's easy and fun for kids and adults alike.
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Catan coverTicket to Ride coverCarcassonne cover

Top 8 Family Friendly Board Games for Fun and Laughter! 🌟

Choosing the perfect game for family night can be tricky. We look for games that are easy to learn, fun for all ages, and packed with replay value. Our picks include adventure, strategy, cooperation, and even some wacky fun. Get ready to laugh, strategize, and maybe even argue a little (in a good way). Whether you’re playing with young kids or grandparents, these family friendly board games will bring everyone together. So, gather around the table and let’s find your next favorite game!

On this list:

8 Catan

Catan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon β†—

Catan is perfect for a mix of strategy and luck. The game involves trading and building as players compete to dominate the island. We love playing this with the family because it sparks fun conversations and light competition.

7 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon β†—

This game is all about building train routes across the country. It’s easy to learn but has enough depth to keep everyone engaged. Perfect for family game nights when everyone wants a good mix of fun and strategy.

6 Carcassonne

Carcassonne cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Carcassonne is fantastic for families who love tile-laying games. You build cities, roads, and farms while scoring points. It’s a game that starts simple but can get quite strategic, making it a great choice for mixed age groups.

5 King of Tokyo

King of Tokyo cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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If your family enjoys some light-hearted combat, King of Tokyo is a blast. Players take the role of giant monsters battling it out for control of Tokyo. It’s easy to pick up and has great replay value.

4 Dixit

Dixit cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon β†—

Dixit is a game of imagination and storytelling. Each turn, one player gives a clue about a card from their hand, and others try to guess it. The beautiful artwork and open-ended nature make this a winner in our family.

3 Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon β†—

Forbidden Island is a cooperative game where players work together to recover artifacts and escape before the island sinks. It’s a great introduction to teamwork and strategy for kids, and adults love the challenge too.

2 Azul

Azul cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon β†—

Azul is a beautiful and strategic game about tile placement. Players take turns drafting tiles to complete their patterns. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a family favorite for those who love puzzle games.

1 Codenames

Codenames cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon β†—

Codenames tops our list for family friendly board games because it’s so accessible and fun. Teams compete to find their ‘agents’ in a grid of words, using one-word clues. It’s always hilarious to see how clues get interpreted, and it’s easy for everyone to join in.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.