Board games are a great way to liven up family time. They're a break from the usual TV and movies, and offer something more engaging and interactive. Rather than spending time in the same space, board games ensure you actually spend time communicating with your family. There are plenty of board games out there you can play with all members of the family, especially your kids.

There are board games of numerous genres that can be played by everyone in the family, but it's the kids we need to worry about the most. So, we've curated a list of board games that make for a great time with your children. Sure, you may need to remind them of the rules now and then, but it's a great way to get them into your favourite hobby.

Updated on April 11, 2024, by Vaspaan Dastoor: We're in mid-April already, and that means the holidays are going to be upon us very soon. While you're getting ready for your next vacation, you're also probably wondering how to keep the kids busy during their time off from school. We've updated this list with a few more board games that are perfect for the whole family.

Best Board Games For Families

Introducing elements of Marvel Comics and movies into anything is a great way of getting kids interested in it. However, the bonus for Marvel Splendor is that the collaboration is seamless thanks to the Infinity Stones being swapped in for the jewels from the original version. However, the win condition is a bit different, tasking you with assembling the Infinity Gauntlet with all the stones.

Ever heard a kid tell a story and wonder where all this imagination comes from? Well, Dixit is a great way to harness that imagination into a board game. The plot twists and story development that a child can bring to Dixit is sure to be entertaining, if nothing else.

Imagine establishing the entire railway infrastructure of a continent as a family - that's some quality family bonding time. Sure, sometimes your family members may cross the route you want, but there are ways to deal with it, as a family.

The Haunted Mansion: Call of the Spirits is one of those games that's spooky but not scary, making it a great game for kids during Halloween. However, it's unique board and fun gameplay mechanics make it a great game to play any time.

If you're one of those parents who take pride in your kids liking the things you do, then the Trivial Pursuit: Star Wars The Black Series Edition is a great way to check how far they've come. Unfortunately this means they'll be introduced to the sequel trilogy too, but that's required to maintain a balance in the Force.

Disney has a real talent when it comes to creating villains. That's a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it makes Disney movies that much better. A curse because it ultimately means fans love the villains too. Rather than dial back the quality of its baddies, Disney has made merch like Disney Villains: The Card Game. In this game's universe, players are the villains, assembling a team of baddies and henchmen to take down the heroes. A card game that turns the Disney formula on its head, is a lot of fun, and is very easy to understand.

Animals escaping from a zoo is usually a reason to panic. Not when that zoo is a petting zoo, and the animals running riot are goats. You might have been a little panicked had you been tasked with rounding up the goats, but that's not the goal here. In Goats' Day Out, you are the goats, and all you need to do is eat as much as you can get your grubby little hooves on. That won't be as simple as it sounds, though. The goats' bellies are a very specific shape which means you can't just cram anything in there, and the routes you take and what lies ahead shift all the time.

When most people hear the term board game, they probably think of sitting around a big square while someone explains an elaborate set of rules, hours of their life set aside so they can play it. Not all board games need to be that. It's Not A Hat is the exact opposite. The rules are easy to understand, there are no board and game pieces to keep track of, and a round could be all done in ten minutes. All you need are the cards. Cards are flipped over and players need to remember what's on them. Either be honest, if your memory is good enough, or bluff well enough that your rivals believe you can remember what's on the cards.

Most kids take a while to develop a taste for sushi, and deck building. Sushi Go Party! is a great way to introduce them to both these amazing things in a fun way. Besides, with most of the rules explained on the cards themselves, it'll be easy to teach everyone how to play this game.

Codenames makes for a great party game, but that doesn't mean you need to be having an actual party to play it. As long as there are four or more players, a game of Codename can create absolute chaos during family time. Hopefully, real spies don't have it this bad in their line of work.

Everybody loves birds. So, why not spend family game night trying to build a sanctuary for them? Sure, it will teach your kids a bit about birds, but Wingspan will also teach them some beginner level strategy. The water colours on the cards is the highlight of this board game, and may even spark your child's interest in art.

Forming a plan, executing it, and adapting when things don't go as planned is all part and parcel of a family trip. So, what better way to train for this as a family than a game of Pandemic Legacy: Season 1? It requires a bit more complex strategy, so it's ideal for kids who are a bit older.

Azul is not only a pretty looking game, but also requires strategy with an element of puzzle solving. It may not seem like the most fun game for younger kids, but once they grow to appreciate puzzles and matching, Azul may become a regular at your family game nights.

Santorini, while being a strategy tile-based game, is pretty simple in terms of gameplay. The aim is to be the first to get to the top of a three-story tower. It's a great introduction to beginner level strategy, and the cards may even pique an interest in Greek mythology.

FAQ

Are board games good for families?

Board games are a great way to spend time with your family as they encourage communication and also boost mental health and knowledge.

What is the world's most famous board game?

Based on the number of republished editions and translations, Monopoly can be considered the most popular board game.

Which is the toughest board game in the world?

Chess is believed to be one of the toughest board games, due to its various approaches and strategies.