Disclaimer: This post is entirely unsponsored, born purely from our genuine love for these games. You’ll find a few Amazon affiliate links sprinkled throughout, which help support our content at no extra cost to you. As always, we encourage you to shop around for the best deals to suit your budget!
The air is buzzing with excitement today, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment for an entire year! For months, I’ve been meticulously curating an extensive list of our absolute favorite things, specifically to share with you as we approach the joyful season of giving. When it comes to finding truly practical and beloved gifts, a thoughtfully compiled gift guide is an invaluable resource, worth its weight in gold. I personally devour gift guides like captivating novels, always on the hunt for fresh ideas and discovering new treasures. And because I cherish these recommendations, I’m thrilled to reciprocate by sharing our family’s top picks. In fact, many of my cherished discoveries over the years have come directly from your insightful comments and emails – a testament to our wonderful community!
While I have a couple more exciting gift guides planned for the coming weeks, today, our spotlight shines brightly on one of our greatest passions:
The Wonderful World of Family Games!
If you’ve followed our ‘favorite things’ posts or past gift guides, you’ll know that our household is, without exaggeration, a game-loving family. It’s a delightful obsession, some might say a little out of control, but one that consistently brings us together for laughter, strategy, and unforgettable memories. And today, I’m absolutely delighted to unveil some truly fantastic board games and card games that have earned a permanent spot in our hearts and our overflowing game closet. I had such an abundance of incredible games to share that I actually had to make a concerted effort to narrow it down to these 16 stellar selections – believe it or not, my initial list literally had double that number!
These aren’t just any games; these are the ones we’re genuinely crazy about, the ones that see constant playtime and bring endless joy. Our game cabinet might be bursting with countless other miscellaneous titles, but the games featured here (along with others we’ve highlighted previously) are the undisputed standouts. I always reiterate this for our new readers and as a gentle reminder: while there are affiliate links below for games we’ve personally purchased from Amazon (and again, feel free to explore other retailers for the best deals!), absolutely none of these recommendations are sponsored by any game company for review. It is profoundly important to me that you understand I only advocate for products and experiences that our family genuinely loves and enthusiastically endorses. No one is paying me to rave about these; it’s pure, unadulterated passion. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our ultimate guide to the best family games!
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1. Bounce Off. Get ready for some high-energy fun with Bounce Off! This incredibly active game is a fantastic way to engage everyone, from kids to adults. The premise is simple: bounce balls to match patterns on a grid, but the execution can get wonderfully wild. Yes, balls might occasionally careen off a sibling’s head (all in good fun, of course!), but the sheer volume of laughter and enthusiastic participation this game generates makes every chaotic moment absolutely worth it. It’s a game that brings out the competitive spirit and ensures everyone is moving and engaged, making it a perfect pick for family game nights or gatherings with friends.
2. Doodle Quest. My sister introduced us to Doodle Quest last year, and honestly, I wanted to bestow upon her a medal of honor! This game proved to be an instant hit, keeping my kids happily absorbed for hours on end, and it continues to be a go-to favorite. Doodle Quest offers a refreshing twist on traditional board and card games, challenging players to draw lines and shapes on transparent sheets to navigate various underwater puzzles. It’s a brilliant way to foster spatial reasoning and creativity without feeling like a “learning” game. A truly unique and engaging experience, this one is undeniably a keeper for its innovative gameplay and lasting appeal.
3. 7 ate 9. Don’t let the simplicity of its name fool you; 7 ate 9 is a lightning-fast card game that demands quick thinking and sharp math skills. I’m not going to lie, even I find myself challenged by its pace! The goal is to play cards by adding or subtracting 1, 2, or 3 from the number on the discard pile, creating a frantic scramble where the fastest player wins. It’s a fantastic covert way to make math facts exciting for kids, as they’re too busy trying to beat everyone else to realize they’re practicing arithmetic. By the end of a round, my brain is often happily aching, and my kids usually revel in teasing me about my desperate attempts to claim 7 + 2 is actually 8 in a bid for victory. Pure, exhilarating fun!
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4. Battle of the UFO’s. Alright, everyone, gather ’round and prepare yourselves, because this game right here – Battle of the UFO’s – is, without a doubt, the game of the season. I am not exaggerating in the slightest. We first encountered this gem at my Aunt Marilyn’s house, and from the very first spin, we were absolutely hooked. Seriously, HOOKED! The concept is wonderfully simple: each player wildly releases their spinning top into the central arena, where they all whirl, collide, and bounce off each other in a delightful frenzy. The last top standing emerges victorious. I can genuinely say we have never experienced so much pure, unadulterated fun playing a game, period – and that includes both kids and adults alike. What makes this game even more special is its charming origin story. It’s a true mom-and-pop shop endeavor, crafted by a husband-and-wife team who meticulously make these solid wooden games right out of their garage, typically selling them at trade shows. This handcrafted, unique game feels incredibly substantial and brings a nostalgic, wholesome charm to game night. I absolutely cannot wait to surprise my kids with their very own for Christmas; they are going to lose their minds with excitement! If you’re interested in getting one of these phenomenal pieces, act quickly. From what I understand, there isn’t an endless supply, and you’ll need to embrace a bit of old-fashioned charm by placing your order directly by phone (trust me, it is entirely worth the effort). You can check out the Battle of the UFO’s Facebook page for more details, and I highly recommend watching this fantastic video from a family playing it – the mom’s hashtags alone will make you laugh out loud!
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5. Splendor. For those who appreciate deep strategy and elegant design, Splendor is an absolute gem. This is undoubtedly Brian’s favorite game, and our two older boys have become incredibly adept at it, immersing themselves completely in its intricate mechanics. While it might be a bit advanced for our 8-year-old and younger crowd, it’s perfect for older kids and adults looking for a mental challenge. Players collect gem tokens to purchase development cards, building engines that allow them to acquire more valuable cards and eventually noble tiles. The turns can become deadly silent as each person contemplates their future in shimmering jewels, strategically planning their next move to outmaneuver opponents. It’s almost eerily quiet at times, a testament to the intense focus and strategic depth Splendor demands.
6. Snake Oil. Prepare for uproarious laughter with Snake Oil, a game that consistently cracks all of us up! The premise is simple yet brilliant: one player draws a customer card (e.g., “Zombie,” “Astronaut”), and the other players must combine two word cards from their hand to invent a product (e.g., “Dream Soap,” “Thought Hat”) and then pitch it to the customer. The goal is to convince the customer to choose your absurd invention. The hilariously strange logic and creative explanations that emerge from this game never get old. It’s a fantastic game for all ages, promoting quick thinking, storytelling, and improvisation. I’ve personally been known to get the giggles so badly that I’ve had to be temporarily excused from the room just to compose myself!
7. Tenzis. Our brother-in-law introduced us to Tenzis at a family reunion in June, and it was pure pandemonium – in the best possible way! The entire family was practically fighting over who got to play next, a sure sign of a truly captivating game. I absolutely adore games that are perfect for all ages, and Tenzis hits that mark perfectly. The adults were just as engaged (and, dare I say, fiercely competitive) as the kids, which is always a winning combination. Tenzis is a fast-paced dice game where players try to be the first to roll a specific pattern. For those serious about mastering Tenzis, these idea cards can add an extra layer of challenge and fun. And if you frequently play with a larger crowd, the party pack is definitely the way to go – it’s what we have, and it ensures no one misses out on the action!
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8. Animal Trivia Challenge. On those delightfully lazy Sunday afternoons, this is pretty much the only game we reach for. Animal Trivia Challenge offers a fantastic blend of fun and learning for the whole family. The questions are cleverly designed to be challenging enough for adults to genuinely ponder, while also offering easier selections for younger kids, ensuring everyone can participate and contribute. I won’t lie, there’s a certain satisfaction and a little burst of pride when I can casually spout off intriguing facts, like precisely how many thousand pounds of shrimp a flamingo consumes in its lifetime! We often don’t even bother with the game board; instead, we just grab the cards and quiz each other, seeing how many correct answers we can string together in a row. It’s a wonderful way to learn fascinating animal facts and engage in some friendly competition.
9. Dixit. Speaking of current favorites, Dixit holds the top spot for me right now. I absolutely adore the boundless creativity this game sparks! Dixit is a beautifully illustrated storytelling game where players interpret dreamlike images. One player, the storyteller, gives a short phrase or sentence that describes their chosen card. The other players then choose a card from their hand that best matches that description, and all cards are shuffled and revealed. Everyone then votes on which card they think was the storyteller’s. It’s a game of imagination, empathy, and cunning. I become downright intense about choosing just the right card and phrase to be both descriptive and subtly misleading. Seriously, you may or may not want to ever challenge me to a game of Dixit! It’s a truly captivating and visually stunning experience that we utterly love.
10. Race to the Treasure. I am a huge admirer of the cooperative game series from Peaceable Kingdom, and this simple, delightful game is truly awesome. Race to the Treasure is definitely geared towards younger children, focusing on teamwork rather than competition. Players work together to create a path and collect keys to reach the treasure before the Ogre does! The beauty of cooperative games is how they teach valuable lessons about collaboration and shared success. What’s truly heartwarming is that despite its younger target audience, this game doesn’t stop my older kids from enthusiastically fighting over who gets the privilege of playing alongside their younger siblings. It’s a testament to its charm and the joy it brings to even the most seasoned players.
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11. Forbidden Island. Here’s another incredible cooperative game, but this one is perfectly suited for older kids and adults, and wow, it is a monumental favorite in our household! In Forbidden Island, players work together as adventurers to collect treasures from a sinking island before it completely disappears. The tension and excitement are palpable as the water level inexorably rises, threatening to submerse key locations and stranded players. The frantic discussions and collaborative problem-solving that erupt as everyone scrambles to figure out how to collectively win are truly exhilarating. This game generates such a thrilling sense of shared urgency and accomplishment. We love this one so much that it has definitely inspired me to explore its other versions, especially the rumored desert-themed one – I can only imagine the new challenges!
12. Hoot Owl Hoot. Okay, I promise, this is the last cooperative game on this particular list, but it’s a crucial one! Hoot Owl Hoot is our youngest, Cam’s, absolute favorite (she’s our resident 3½-year-old game connoisseur). And what’s truly surprising is that it hasn’t gotten old for the rest of us, even the older kids and adults! The game is as simple as can be: players work together to guide the owls back to their nest before the sun rises. It’s a charming and gentle introduction to strategy and teamwork for preschoolers, without any competitive pressure. I honestly wish this game had been around when my boys were little; it’s such a sweet, engaging, and genuinely fun experience where everyone learns to cooperate towards a common goal. A perfect first board game for any young family!
13. Cover Your Assets. Oh my goodness, this game is legendary in our family! We’ve taken Cover Your Assets on countless road trips and introduced it to practically every friend and family member we know. It’s so addictive that we once left it in the glovebox for friends driving from Utah to Wisconsin after they had stayed up until midnight – yes, midnight! – playing it together. Everyone in our family, from ages 6 and up, plays and absolutely adores it. It’s a fast-paced card game where players try to collect matching sets of assets and strategically “cover” them to protect them from other players. Of course, Brian, ever the educator, always follows up a game with a mini business and investing lesson, but the kids are usually too engrossed in counting their accumulated assets to truly care. And my Uncle Dan, a retired criminal investigator for the Navy, always, *always* lets out a hearty, manly giggle when the boys excitedly scream, “Let’s play Cover Your Assets!” and unintentionally slur the last word, making it sound quite humorous. It’s a game filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and unforgettable moments.
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14. Phase 10 Dice. There’s nothing particularly fancy about Phase 10 Dice, but for some reason, we consistently prefer this dice-based version over the classic card game. It’s an undeniable favorite in our rotation and provides a surprisingly engaging experience. Players roll dice to complete ten different phases, much like the card game, but with the added element of luck and quick decision-making that dice bring. What’s truly miraculous is that after owning this game for years, all the dice are still accounted for – a feat nothing short of a household miracle, especially with active kids! It’s a fantastic game for travel or quick play sessions, offering familiar fun in a compact format.
15. Mastermind. Ooh boy, Mastermind! I have some truly hilarious stories about our family’s experiences with this classic code-breaking game, but now is neither the time nor the place to divulge all the juicy details. Suffice it to say that this might just be my boys’ current favorite game – though, as any parent knows, that’s an ever-changing target! It’s often the chosen activity on their “extras” nights, those special evenings each week when they get to stay up an extra 20 minutes later than their siblings for some cherished one-on-one time with me or Brian. I’ll admit, this modern version isn’t quite as robust or sturdy as the Mastermind set I remember from my own youth, but it has held up remarkably well in our bustling home. I absolutely love how intensely thoughtful and focused the boys become while playing, meticulously deducing the hidden code. Just a word of advice: whatever you do, never, ever choose a pattern of four pink pegs in a row for them to guess. Trust me, that particular choice did *not* end well and resulted in a memorable (and slightly dramatic) game night!
16. Ratuki. Try saying “Ratuki” ten times fast! This is another wonderfully fast-paced card game that brings an incredible amount of energy to the table. It’s essentially a simpler, more accessible version of other speed-based card games like Wackee Six, making it easy for new players to jump right in and start having fun. The objective is to quickly play cards onto central piles, trying to get rid of your stack before anyone else. It’s very, very fun and, like all the other phenomenal titles on this curated list, it’s played very, very often in our home. If you’re looking for a game that will get everyone’s adrenaline pumping and elicit plenty of shouts and giggles, Ratuki is an excellent choice for any family game night.
We sincerely hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with an excellent starting point for discovering some truly awesome board games and card games for your own family! Don’t keep your own treasures a secret – please share any of your personal favorites in the comments below. After all, sharing is caring, and we’d love to expand our game-loving community with your fantastic recommendations. Happy gaming!