Best 13 Fun Family Games to Play in 2024
Finding the perfect fun family games can be like searching for the last piece of a puzzle. We know it’s tough to choose amidst the sea of options. Fear not! We’ve whittled down the overwhelming selection to the 13 best games that guarantee laughs, strategy and family bonding. When picking these gems, we focused on games that are easy to learn, keep everyone engaged, and offer replay value. We’ve tried and tested these games with our own families, ensuring they are indeed special. Whether you’re planning a game night or just want to pass a lazy Sunday, we’ve got you covered.
On this list:
13 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic in the world of fun family games. We can totally vouch for its charm and simplicity. The game teaches geography, strategy, and the art of out-thinking your family members without them even realizing it. The first time we played, our grandma got so into it, she nearly tried to build a railroad in our backyard! It’s easy to learn, and the competition keeps everyone on their toes. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of completing a long train route. It’s not just a game, but a family bonding experience filled with laughter and friendly competition.
12 Catan
Catan is the gateway game for many into the board gaming world. As far as fun family games go, it stands out for its mix of strategy, resource management, and negotiation. Our last game night saw alliances formed, broken, and reformed in the same evening – all while sheep, wood, and bricks traded hands. The satisfaction of building your settlements and roads while cutting off others is unmatched. Trust us, you’ll soon find yourself shouting ‘I need wheat!’ – a phrase that makes sense nowhere else but in Catan.
11 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is one of those fun family games where you can literally build a world together. Laying tiles and claiming cities has brought out the competitive spirit in our family. Once, our usually timid cousin went all out to create a massive city, then promptly lost it to our sneaky little sister. It’s simple enough for beginners but has enough depth to keep even seasoned players engaged. Plus, its quick gameplay means you’ll definitely be saying, ‘Just one more round!’
10 Pandemic
In Pandemic, the family becomes a team of experts trying to save the world. This is one of our top picks for fun family games because it encourages collaboration. The game night we played saw our mom finally admitting dad was right – and that’s a bigger victory than saving the world, trust us. Pandemic is challenging, but the sense of accomplishment when you win together is unbeatable. It’s educational, too, without being dry. You’ll find yourself shouting strategy across the table like seasoned epidemiologists.
9 Sushi Go!
A delightful and quick card game, Sushi Go! brings a taste of Japan to your table. We love it for its simplicity and speed, making it perfect for a quick fun family game session. Our last game night turned into a sushi feast afterward, inspired by this game! The adorable sushi art and the drafting mechanic where you pass cards around makes for lively interactions and loads of laughter. It’s a game that even your little ones can grasp in no time, and the older ones will love the strategy involved.
8 Azul
Azul is a feast for the eyes and the mind. This tile-placement game makes you feel like a true artist. It’s perfect for fun family games night because of the mix of strategy and aesthetics. Last Christmas, it was a hit, with our aunt trying to match the real tiles in her bathroom to her game board. It’s straightforward to learn and offers enough depth to keep everyone at the table engaged. Matching colors and patterns has never been so satisfying!
7 Codenames
Codenames is a words-based game that gets everyone thinking and laughing in equal measure. It shines among fun family games because it requires both creativity and logic. At our last gathering, our grandpa kept giving clues that were a bit too suggestive, leading to some hilarious guesses. The game is perfect for larger groups, and the feeling of connecting clues in clever ways is satisfying. It’s quick to set up and play, making it a staple in our family game nights, always bringing laughter and fun.
6 Splendor
In Splendor, you’re a gem merchant, and yes, it sounds fancy because it is! This one is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of strategy in their fun family games. The game has been a hit with our family, especially that one holiday where our uncle couldn’t stop bragging about his gem collection on the board. Splendor combines simple mechanics with depth, making it accessible yet highly engaging. Collecting gems and patrons feels oddly satisfying, and it’s a game that keeps you coming back for more.
5 Kingdomino
Kingdomino combines the classic game of dominoes with a kingdom-building twist. It’s a fantastic choice for fun family games because it’s easy to learn and quick to play. We found it so addictive that even our dog seemed interested! The strategic placement of tiles to build the best kingdom brings out a competitive side in everyone. Each round feels fresh and exciting, and there’s just the right balance of luck and strategy. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
4 Patchwork
Patchwork is perfect for families who love strategy. It’s like Qwirkle but with a quilting twist!
3 Blokus
Blokus is a game of strategy and spatial reasoning, and it’s been a favorite for fun family games nights. The bright, colorful pieces and simple rules make it accessible to all ages. During one family gathering, our toddler managed to block grandpa’s winning move, and it was hilarious. Blokus is quick to play and reinforces skills like visual perception and critical thinking. It’s competitive yet friendly, making it perfect for all members of the family.
2 The Game of Life
The Game of Life is a timeless classic that captures life’s twists and turns in a delightful way. It’s one of those fun family games where everyone can relate to the journey from college to retirement. Our last game had dad go bankrupt while our little brother retired as a millionaire – a true role reversal! The game is easy to play, filled with surprises, and offers lots of laughter along the way. Each playthrough feels like a new adventure, making it a staple in any family’s board game collection.
1 Codenames Pictures
Codenames Pictures is like the original Codenames but with an intriguing visual twist. It’s crowned the best for fun family games because it blends creativity with visual literacy. On our first run, the level of absurdity reached new heights. Grandma interpreted a picture of a cat as Cleopatra’s pet (don’t ask why), sparking laughter. The beauty of this game lies in its versatility and accessibility. It invites everyone to think outside the box, regardless of age or language, making it the best for drawing out laughs and bonding moments.
