7 Best Family Games of 2025 for Endless Fun
The quest for the ultimate family board game can feel like searching for the perfect slice of pizza—everyone’s got their own taste, and toppings matter! As we scoured BoardGameGeek for the finest, we focused on games that foster teamwork, spark laughter, and get the whole family involved. We looked for games that balance fun and strategy, so parents and kids alike can partake in the excitement. Whether it’s building vast empires or crafting beautiful mosaics, these seven gems deliver hours of captivating fun. Grab some snacks, gather around the table, and let the good times roll!
On this list:
7 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic that’s easy for the whole family to pick up and play, even if your family only plays Monopoly. We love this game because it’s all about strategy, and the excitement of collecting train cards never gets old. My cousin Greg, a notorious board game cheater, tried pulling a fast one, but even he struggled against our collective train-building might. The aim is simple: complete train routes across the U.S. before anyone else. It’s competitive without causing any family feuds, ideally! A perfect blend of luck and planning.
6 Catan
Catan is the gateway game for families venturing into board games beyond ‘Go Fish’. Trading sheep, wood, and who-knows-what is always fun, especially when your brother hoards all the rock. Our group’s first game escalated quickly when Aunt Linda built the longest road, and Dad tried to strategically block everyone else. With its simple setup yet complex interactions, families can enjoy dynamic and engaging gameplay. A timeless game where every session tells a different story.
5 Dixit
If your family enjoys storytelling or just laughs from wild guesses, Dixit is your go-to. A colorful party game ideal for families who love creativity. Each round, one player gives a clue about the bizarre illustration on their card while others select a card they think fits that clue. Points are scored based on who guesses the right card. It’s a riot to see the silly clues people come up with, and it gets even funnier when your little niece wins without trying.
4 7 Wonders
For families itching to build ancient empires without the mess of actual construction, 7 Wonders offers an exciting experience. We played it at our last family gathering, and grandpa, who rarely leaves his crossword puzzles, was hooked! This card-drafting game sounds complex but becomes intuitive as you build your city. Players develop unique strategies, with each session offering something new. It’s great for those evenings when your family wants to change the world!
3 Azul
Azul is like creating art without needing a paintbrush—a hit with our artsy family members. The aim is to collect tiles and complete beautiful wall patterns. It’s astonishing how competitive arranging ceramic tiles can get, but we had a blast fighting over the best pieces. Grandma, surprisingly strategic, won handily with her eye for patterns. The beauty here is its simplicity, allowing both kids and adults to compete on equal footing.
2 Takenoko
Takenoko combines adorable elements with strategy, as you tend a bamboo garden while feeding a hungry panda. Imagine family bonding over planning, gardening, and panda care! We found it delightful when played with my nephew, who loved the game’s colorful components and whimsical theme. The game offers a strategic depth without overwhelming players, making it an ideal pick for a family night. It’s never been more fun (or cuter) to take care of plants and pandas!
1 Pandemic
Pandemic takes the crown as the best family board game because it takes teamwork to fight diseases and save the world! In our experience, it’s thrilling and engaging from start to finish. Unlike many games, Pandemic encourages cooperation over competition, and nothing brings families closer than joining forces for a common cause. We play it with all generations, as it teaches collaboration and shared problem-solving. Plus, it’s satisfying to beat the game together. One moment, we’re strategizing; the next, we’re celebrating our victory. Pandemic delivers an engaging challenge every time we play.
