Best New Family Board Games of 2025: Top 9 Picks
Discover new family board games like Santorini and Ticket to Ride, perfect for laughter-filled evenings with your loved ones.
Looking for the best new family board games? We’ve got you covered! We focus on fun, strategy, and games that bring family laughs and bonding moments. Whether you love strategy, creativity, or just a good laugh, our picks cater to every family member. We’ve played countless games with our friends and family to make sure these are top-notch. Remember the time we thought Aunt Linda was psychic during a game night? Yeah, these games bring out the best in us all. Gather ’round, shuffle those decks, and let the good times roll with these new family board games!
On this list:
9 Santorini
We chose Santorini as an exciting entry into new family board games because of its simplicity and charm. This game is all about building towers and blocking your opponent. It’s like having a Greek adventure right on your dining table. It’s both strategic and fun, which means the kids think they’re just playing while secretly getting smarter! We played this with a group of friends and their kids, and everyone had a great time. The colorful pieces and well-crafted game board make it visually appealing too. Plus, since it doesn’t take too long to play, it’s perfect for keeping everyone’s attention, even that wandering uncle!
8 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a go-to for families wanting to include a bit of adventure and geography in their board game nights. It’s all about connecting cities with your trains while trying to complete long routes. We loved how it encouraged everyone to think ahead and plan strategically. The first time we played, little Timmy had a blast trying to block his parents’ paths! There’s a great sense of satisfaction in building your train empire across the map, and it’s so easy to learn that even grandpa can get the hang of it without needing a nap break.
7 Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a delightful card game that had us all laughing while strategizing over sushi plates. Aimed at combining fun and quick gameplay, it’s perfect for family gatherings. You’re drafting sushi cards to make the best meal, and those adorable sushi illustrations add a little extra joy. When we played, it was a constant rotation of giggles and gasps as someone swooped in to take the best nigiri. It’s quick, light-hearted, and teaches strategic thinking without anyone realizing they’re learning. Perfect for when you want to squeeze in a game before the kids’ bedtime.
6 Codenames
Codenames is one of those new family board games that combines wordplay and deduction in a thrilling way. Two teams compete to identify their respective spy codenames using clues. It’s a brain teaser that tests your ability to think on your feet. We had a blast trying to connect the dots with just one word clues while our opponents tried to look as confused as possible. It’s not just a game of guessing but also knowing your teammates’ way of thinking, which can lead to hilarious misunderstandings! This game is fantastic for fostering communication and teamwork.
5 Dixit
Dixit is a dreamy journey into the imagination for families who love a bit of storytelling. Each player takes turns as the storyteller, giving a clue about their whimsical picture card. Everyone else selects a card that matches the clue. It’s fascinating how different minds interpret the same hint. The artwork alone made us feel like we were flipping through a fantasy storybook. Our little niece loved being the storyteller, weaving tales we didn’t see coming. This game bridges ages with creativity, making it easier to connect over shared narratives. It’s a lovely way to see how different everyone’s imagination can be!
4 Azul
Azul caught our attention with its unique tile-laying mechanics and gorgeously designed tiles. Players compete to complete patterns and score points by strategically placing tiles on their board. It’s visually stunning with chunky, colorful tiles that make the game board pop. The goal is to make the most beautiful board without letting others sabotage it, easy in theory, not so much in practice! At our game night, the competitive spirit was alive as everyone tried outsmarting one another. It’s perfect for families who enjoy a game with strategy and vibrant aesthetics.
3 Concept
Concept is a fantastic fit for those who love charades but want to throw in a few twists. In this game, players use symbols to communicate concepts without speaking. Each time we played, we were amazed at how creative everyone got with their non-verbal hints. The puzzled looks and sudden breakthroughs lead to many laughs as we tried to convey complex ideas like ‘Superman’ using just icons. It’s a fresh approach to classic clue-giving games and encourages everyone to think outside the box.
2 King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo puts players in the shoes of giant monsters duking it out to become the king of the city. With dice rolling and card strategies, it’s a blast for kids and adults alike. The chaos of being a giant monster really brought out the inner child in everyone. Our group couldn’t get enough of the hilarious monster battles and strategic decision-making it encourages. It’s competitive, but also light-hearted enough for family fun without causing any table-flipping!
1 Catan
Catan takes the crown as the best among new family board games for many reasons. This game is all about building settlements, trading resources, and strategizing to win. We love how it introduces key concepts like negotiation and resource management to everyone. It’s the game that transformed our board game night into a full-blown family tradition. With every play, it creates new stories of wheeling and dealing, epic triumphs, and, of course, the occasional backstabbing. Simply put, it’s a modern classic that every family should try at least once. Its immersive gameplay and endless replay value make it a favorite in our household.
