Best 15 Family Board Games of 2025 Reviewed
Families unite! Board games like 'Catan' and 'Ticket to Ride' guarantee endless laughter and fun for the whole family.
Gather ’round, folks! Our family loves game nights, and we’ve sifted through a mountain of board games to bring you the 15 best ones that scream ‘family fun’. When choosing this list, we focused on games that entertain both kids and adults, ensuring everyone has a blast. Our criteria? Easy setup, engaging gameplay, and elements of teamwork or friendly competition. We’ve played, laughed, and occasionally flipped the table over these choices. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, these games promise giggles and good times. So, grab your family, snacks, and let the fun begin!
On this list:
15 Ticket to Ride
What do you get when you mix trains, maps, and the family? A hilarious expedition across continents! ‘Ticket to Ride’ has us planning routes and plotting strategies to collect train cards, all while Uncle Bob tries to sabotage us. This one’s simple enough for newbies, but strategic enough for pros. Players race to complete train routes while trying not to laugh at the creative detours. It’s educational, but we promise it doesn’t feel like it! Ideal for a fun family night where even Granny gets competitive!
14 Catan
Ah, the beloved ‘Catan’—where we learned trading sheep is more valuable than gold. This classic is about settling, trading, and outsmarting your family members. Forget Monopoly, this is where true negotiation skills shine. But beware! Brother might block your longest road, and suddenly you’re out of resources. ‘Catan’ encourages strategic thinking and friendly banter, perfect for families looking to bond over a bit of rivalry. It’s easy to grasp for newcomers, yet complex enough to keep the veteran strategist entertained. We assure you, the legend of ‘Dad’s bread empire’ will be passed down for generations!
13 Carcassonne
‘Carcassonne’ is like a family jigsaw puzzle with a competitive twist. Who knew laying tiles could be so devious? In this game, you’re building cities, roads, and trying to edge out the rest of your clan by placing ‘meeples’ cleverly. Our grandma once cornered us into a tricky situation with her tile placement skills! It’s a game with easy rules and endless possibilities, making it a family favorite. Best of all, it gets everyone, even Aunt Mildred, to think outside the box while building a medieval landscape that’s different every game night.
12 Dixit
Want to unleash the hidden storyteller in your family? ‘Dixit’ is the answer. This game is all about creativity and interpretation. Each card is beautifully illustrated and it’s up to you to craft a story around it. But here’s the kicker: your clue should be vague enough to confuse Cousin Kelly but not so vague you end up the only one who guesses. It delivers endless laughs, dramatic revelations, and the occasional argument over who’s more cryptic. Perfect for those who prefer imagination over strategy, it’s a delightful way to connect with your quirky family members.
11 Pandemic
Saving the world has never been so much fun! Well, it’s a cooperative game so you’ll be either saviors or catastrophic failures together. ‘Pandemic’ gets the whole family working as a team to combat global outbreaks. We’ve had our share of tactical discussions, teamwork bonding, and panicked moments when we realized the outbreak was one step from destroying us. It’s fast-paced and engaging, with a perfect mix of strategy and urgency. This game fosters cooperation and communication, making it a standout choice for families aiming to defeat a common enemy, i.e., the board.
10 7 Wonders
‘7 Wonders’ lets you build a civilization with just a dash of card-drafting magic. Who could resist? This game keeps everyone engaged, as it requires strategizing on the fly while keeping an eye on what your family’s up to. Trading resources, building structures, and leading ancient cities becomes a thrilling family affair. We’ve all learned a thing or two about strategy when Mom suddenly reveals a military might that leaves everyone in awe. A perfect blend of complexity and accessibility, it’s a civilization-building game that remains a favorite among families who enjoy a bit of rivalry and a hint of history.
9 King of Tokyo
Whoever said being a monster wrecking Tokyo isn’t a family endeavor? ‘King of Tokyo’ brings out the inner monster in everyone. In this game, each family member takes on the role of monstrous creatures fighting for supremacy. We promise, watching Mom go from sweet to city-smashing was a sight to behold! The dice-rolling mechanic keeps it lively, and the battle for dominance is as thrilling as it is fun. This one’s easy to learn and guarantees a roaring good time filled with laughter and monster roars, making it a hit among families who love a good frenzy.
8 Codenames
Verbal espionage with the family is what ‘Codenames’ offers. This word-based game has spies, secret agents, and a grid of words connecting everyone in strategic thinking without them realizing they are learning. We had some memorable moments when Dad gave the clue ‘doughnut,’ and our minds went everywhere but the bakery. It’s a simple game with deep strategy, perfect for large family gatherings. The laughter from improbable clue associations keeps it light-hearted and memorable, offering a delightful experience for families who enjoy wordplay, teamwork, and a touch of mystery.
7 Azul
Create stunning mosaics and become a master artisan just like our crafty Uncle Joe. ‘Azul’ involves drafting colorful tiles and creating patterns, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to play. It’s a strategic puzzle that gets everyone’s creative juices flowing. We’ve had competitions to see who can create the most aesthetically pleasing patterns while simultaneously blocking other players from doing so. ‘Azul’ is perfect for the family that loves a game that’s both beautiful and challenging, combining strategy with a feast for the eyes.
6 Sushi Go!
Become a sushi master and try to score the most points with your delicious dishes. ‘Sushi Go!’ is like a conveyor belt of fun that takes drafting card games to a fresh level. The game’s simplicity is its charm, as it’s easy for the entire family to learn and play. Plus, watching the kids catch on to strategic dining is quite the treat. For families who love a quick, engaging game with adorable artwork and tasty strategy, ‘Sushi Go!’ hits the spot.
5 Splendor
Master gem trading and become the wealthiest merchant. ‘Splendor’ is a game where strategic planning and resource management bring out everyone’s inner trader. It’s perfect for families who revel in subtle strategy, as players collect chips and cards to build their trading empire. We’ve witnessed quite a few surprise victories when Aunt Sue outsmarted us all with her clever card stacking. It’s an easy-to-learn game with enough depth to keep everyone engaged, making it a top choice for family game nights.
4 Patchwork
For lovers of quilts and puzzles, ‘Patchwork’ is a cozy yet competitive game. It’s about piecing together a beautiful quilt using different tiles. The challenge is making them fit just right, a task everyone enjoyed even if some quilting sessions ended in spatial mayhem! It’s the perfect game for families who appreciate a quiet yet intense challenge, packed with strategic decisions and a lovely theme. And let’s face it, we all found it amusing when Dad’s masterpiece ended up resembling a patchwork Picasso.
3 Forbidden Island
Teamwork is the heart of ‘Forbidden Island’, a cooperative game where players are adventurers trying to capture hidden treasures before the island vanishes. It’s simple and quick, and we’ve had countless discussions over which path to take when time’s ticking. The game builds excitement as the island sinks, perfect for families who enjoy a thrilling, cooperative experience. We’ve faced many suspenseful moments, like when Grandpa saved the day with a well-timed bridge repair. It brings excitement and cooperation to family night like no other game.
2 Kingdomino
Building kingdoms with dominoes has never been this fun! ‘Kingdomino’ offers a simple yet strategic game for the entire family. Each member gets their turn to draft the best tiles to expand their kingdom, with a bit of rivalry thrown in. We’ve had some epic claims over a land piece, turning family night into a royal affair. Its ease of learning and quick playtime make it a favorite, allowing everyone to focus on plotting the best strategy while playing architect.
1 Wingspan
Birdwatchers, unite! ‘Wingspan’ is a game where you become an avian enthusiast, managing habitats and attracting birds. It’s educational and strategic, perfect for the family that loves nature and thoughtful gameplay. We’ve had plenty of laughs discovering unique bird facts while balancing food and egg management. The stunning artwork and serene theme make it a standout. Its delightful blend of strategy and beauty keeps everyone engaged, and it’s our top pick for families seeking an immersive, beautiful game experience.
