Best Fun Family Board Games 2024: Top 14 Review
Looking for the best fun family board games around? You’ve hit the jackpot! We’ve sifted through tons of board games to find those that turn family game night into pure joy. We chose games that are easy to learn, engaging, and deliver belly laughs (and a bit of friendly competition). Whether you’re gathering around the table for some strategic fun or just a light-hearted laugh, these games are sure to bring everyone together. From classics to hidden gems, this list has something for everyone. So, get the popcorn ready and prepare for an unforgettable game night with your family!
On this list:
14 Catan
Catan is a classic that brings out the inner trader in everyone. Known for its resource management and strategic planning, it’s a great way to teach kids some basic economic principles while keeping the game entertaining for the adults too. Plus, who doesn’t love building their own settlement empire? The suspense of rolling dice and trading with family members can be quite thrilling and often hilarious when trades go south!
13 Ticket to Ride
Hop on board and claim train routes to connect cities! This game is perfect for the whole family because it’s simple to learn but difficult to master. We found it was a hit even with those who usually avoid board games. Strategy, luck, and a little bit of route-planning make this a fun family board game that everyone can enjoy, even our grandma who struggled a bit at first but then became the family champ!
12 Carcassonne
If tile-laying and city-building sound exciting, then Carcassonne is your go-to. This game makes for fun family board games night as you compete to build cities, roads, and farms. Our family loves the simplicity and the unlimited replay value of each game being different. Watching dad’s eyes light up as he places the perfect tile to complete a city was a sight I’ll never forget!
11 Dixit
This game is all about creativity and storytelling, making it ideal for families with young kids and artsy folks. With beautiful cards and endless interpretations, Dixit encourages us to think outside the box while trying to guess each other’s story. We had a blast seeing how everyone interpreted the same image differently, and it led to a lot of laughs and ‘aha!’ moments.
10 Kingdomino
Easy to learn, with a domino-like tile placement, Kingdomino has been a family favorite for those lazy Sunday afternoons. The strategy involved in building your kingdom is light yet engaging. My little sister once spent an entire summer perfecting her kingdom-building strategy, and nothing beats the triumph of seeing her finally beat our dad!
9 Sushi Go!
A quick card drafting game that’s all about collecting sushi dishes. It’s fun, fast, and easy, making it an excellent choice for introducing your family to board games. We adore the cute art, and it’s always amusing to see who picks the pudding card at the wrong time – which happens more often than you’d think!
8 Pandemic
In Pandemic, players must work together to stop global outbreaks. We found the cooperative gameplay refreshing and intense. Families can enjoy strategizing together and overcoming the odds. It’s a fantastic way to strengthen bonds, though occasionally some bossy tendencies can emerge – like when my brother tried to lead our team with questionable tactics.
7 Splendor
Collecting gems and earning prestige points entertain both young and old in this simple yet strategic game. Splendor’s mechanics are easy to pick up and so addictive that we’ve lost track of time playing it on several occasions. We love to compete over who can collect the most prestigious cards while trying to disrupt each other’s plans.
6 Codenames
A word-based party game where players guess words related to their team’s ‘spymaster’. It’s a hit in our family because it tests both creativity and smarts. Watching family members struggle to link words together is a hoot, and it’s a great way to see the unique connections everyone makes. It even sparked a hilarious debate about whether ‘apple’ relates more to ‘tree’ or ‘snake’.
5 Patchwork
A simple yet strategic two-player game that revolves around creating a quilt. It’s delightful for both kids and adults with its beautiful pieces and strategic depth. We love how it’s a perfect mix of calm, strategy, and creativity. Once, our mom used it as a way to decide who gets the last piece of cake, and hilarity ensued.
4 7 Wonders
Draft cards and build wonders! A bit more complex, but once learned, it’s a fantastic family game for those willing to invest a little time. It’s always fun collecting resources and seeing who builds their wonder first. I remember how my sister refused to trade resources, holding a grudge for a week – it was that deep!
3 Forbidden Island
An exciting cooperative game where players work together to capture treasures from a sinking island. We love the teamwork aspect and the tension as the island floods. A fun family board game that has us on the edge of our seats, it’s thrilling to plan together and win as a team. Once, we almost lost but made an epic comeback, which we still talk about!
2 Azul
A beautiful game focusing on tile placement, it quickly caught our family’s attention. Placing tiles and creating stunning patterns is both satisfying and strategic. Getting to steal the tile someone else wants is an added bonus! Our little cousin is obsessed, and we’re not even sure how many matches we’ve played at this point!
1 Exploding Kittens
Chosen as the best fun family board game for its sheer silliness and addictive nature, Exploding Kittens is a great mix of Russian roulette and card strategy. Its quirky artwork and unpredictable tension make it a favorite. Our family can’t get enough of trying to avoid explosions and turning the tables with sneaky tactics. It’s the perfect game for bringing together people of all ages and personalities, as it always ends with laughter and demands for a rematch.
