Last Updated on May 4, 2022 by Danielle
Here are the best family board games 2020 that will bring the spark back to family game night!
What are the Best Family Board Games 2020? It’s hard to believe but 2020 is almost coming to a wrap. There were a handful of top-notch family board games that captured our attention and got us giddy with excitement for the world of board games. From the Best-Selling to New & Trending and Award-Winning Family Board Games and much more, we’ve rounded up the finest board games from each category. For your convenience, we’ve divided the board games into various categories. Check out our top picks for Best Family Board Games 2020 and Game On!
Best Family Board Games 2020 Toy Buzz Awards
These are the best family board games 2020 that stood out from the pack. We’ve curated a list of the finest games — not only from 2020 but from all-time. So in addition to some newcomers, you’ll find a handful of time-tested classics worth adding to your collection as well. If it’s worth playing, you can bet it’s on this list.
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
JengaAges 6+
The classic game of Jenga is all about stacking fun. Players start by building and stacking wooden pieces to build a tall tower then remove the pieces one by one, taking turns. One wrong move could send the whole structure toppling to the ground. Crash the structure and you lose. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and luck. How do you stack up?
UNO Card GameAges 7+
UNO is a classic card game that is addictive, fun, and easy to play. Players have to match colors or numbers. The best part? The Wild Cards allow you to create your own rules. Get rid of all your card to win. Don’t forget to call out UNO when you’re down to a single card. The first player or team to 500 points wins the game.
Don’t Step In It!Ages 4+
Don’t Step In It! from Hasbro Games is a pooped-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
Exploding KittensAges 7+
With great artwork, Exploding Kittens features the artwork of Matthew Inman, who is behind the Oatmeal. It’s a card game where the idea is to avoid the exploding kitten card in the deck. It’s sort of like UNO with kittens. All of the illustrations on the cards are hysterical, which adds to the charm of the game.
Kids Against MaturityAges 8+
Who wants to grow up? Finally, kids can play Cards Against Humanity without parents pulling out all the cards from the deck. The game gives players the joke setup and they have to complete the punch line. There’s a fair share of fart, poop, and pee jokes that will make most kids laugh out loud. But these immature cards are at the heart and soul of this game. Get ready to give out a lot of atomic wedgies and laugh until your stomach hurts on family game night. It’s all in the name of immaturity!
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Honored with a Game of the Year award, Ticket to Ride is an exciting train adventure game that has players attempting to visit the most cities by train within a week. May the best adventurer win!
Catan 5th EditionAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle SetAges 8+
Looking for epic Beyblade battles? The Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle Set is designed with new Beyblade tech – allowing fans to change up striking powers and customize the course of battle. These tops are compatible with the Beyblade Burst app. This set features one Beyblade Burst Star Storm Beystadium, two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right/left spin launchers, and two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops. Let the games begin!
PandemicAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases by working together.
GloomhavenAges 12+
Gloomhaven is a deep, complex, combat-focused game for 1-4 players with games lasting 1-2 hours. You team up with others to complete your goals while uncovering the threats to Gloomhaven. The campaign is comprised of a number of scenarios — each with its own objective. If you ever run out of health, you are defeated. If you like tactical combat and resource management, this game is excellent at both of those. Every turn is a tough decision about what cards to use and how to use them. There’s a huge variety of enemies to face with each requiring a different approach. There are a lot of ways to improve your character, including adding combat modifier cards, equipment, and action cards. The best part of this game is the sheer amount of content it has out of the box. With close to 100 missions, there’s a ton of game to discover. However, the game is not cheap so you’ll want to play a lot to get your money’s worth.
Beyblade Burst Evolution Switchstrike Battle TowerAges 8+
Ready to take your battles to the next level? With the Switchstrike Battle Tower launching this fall, players can choose two or even four-player epic battles with multi-tiered battling action. One side is designed for two players, while the flip side supports up to 4 players! This set is compatible with the companion Beyblade Burst app. This set comes with one Beyblade Burst Switchstrike Battletower, 2 Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin launchers, and 2 Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops.
SpontuneousAges 8+
Spontuneous is an award-winning party game. Players are given a word and they have to think of a song with that word and sing it or shout it out. It’s the game where lyrics come to life. We love that talent is not required to play. And you know you already do it. So let’s get this party started!
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
Relative InsanityAges 14+
Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Relative Insanity is like Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity, but you can play it in front of the family. It’s a game that you’ll love playing because you’re sure to get lots of laughs. There are punch line cards and setup cards. Someone reads the setup, for example: “When my cousin walked in with my new baby, my grandma blurted out _______.” Then players look at their punch lines and submit the one that’s going to get the biggest laugh. The setup person picks the best answer and that player scores points.
ScytheAges 14+
Scythe is a game for 1 to 5 players. Playing time is around 2 hours and it’s a complex game. Players are competing to become the next great power in Europe. This game has a feeling of grandness few can match. It will appeal to people who like war games and people who like Euro games.
AzulAges 8+
Honored as Game of the Year, Azul is a beautifully crafted game for 2-4 players. Game play sessions vary between 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a good solid game. It’s an abstract game so understandably it may not appeal to everyone. It’s an easy game to learn with good strategy elements and, most importantly, it’s fun. It’s a great game to play with family that makes you think.
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
Telestrations 8 PlayerAges 12+
Telestrations is a four to eight player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. It’s incredible fun for the whole family!
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Shadows In The ForestAges 8+
Shadows In The Forest is a surprisingly refreshing and clever game. You play the game in the dark and light and shadows are a core part of the game. One player is the lantern, a pursuer represented by a small LED lantern. Other players are the Shadowlings, who crave darkness. The Shadowlings have to gather under the tree, while the lantern has to freeze Shadowlings in its light. The catch? Shadowlings can’t cross light beams projected by the Lantern. It’s the perfect game for sleepovers and requires chess-like strategy and cooperative play.
Terraforming MarsAges 12+
Terraforming Mars is a game for up to 5 players. Playing time is around 2 hours. It’s a complex game. In order to win this game you must have contributed most to the Terraformed Mars. This can be by terraforming the planet, having cities next to greenery tiles, completing milestones, winning awards, and having victory point cards. When all three global parameters have been depleted, the game ends. It’s a very competitive game with low levels of antagonism. The best part? No two games will have the same draw since there’s a lot of variety in the deck.
You’ve Got CrabsAges 7+
Can you keep a “sea”-cret? From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes a new board game called You’ve Got Grabs. This is a family-friendly game for kids over 7. Played in teams of two, this game combines crabs with deception. The game is super simple: Before starting, you and your teammate must come up with a secret signal. You must collect 4 of the same card and secretly notify your partner. Your teammate must then yell, “You’ve got crabs!” The catch? If the other team finds out and yells “You’ve Got Crabs” your team loses.
7 WondersAges 10+
7 Wonders is a game for 3 to 7 players. Playing time clocks in around 30 to 60 minutes. It’s a relatively simple game to play with a rewarding amount of depth. The civilization with the most points at the end of the game wins. The best part? The game scales well to the number of players.
PhotosynthesisAges 8+
This award-winning strategy 2-4 player game pits competing species of trees against one another to see which can become the dominant species of the forest. The arborhest with the highest value of score tokens is declared the winner. It’s a fun tactile game involving strategy, and we love that the game is easy to pick up and play.
Build Or BoomAges 4+
Building something is a lot of fun, but tearing it down is even more fun. In Build Or Boom, two players race to complete a structure on a blueprint card. The twist? When somebody completes the structure, they press the dynamite to blow up their opponent’s structure. KABOOM! It’s a “Blast!”
SantoriniAges 8+
In this primarily 2-player game, players move their workers and build their town of Santorini. The first player to reach the third level with one of their workers wins. Alternatively, if you can’t move or build on your turn, you lose. It has thoughtful details in its design and is brilliant in its simplicity. It’s extremely fun and addictive. It’s a game that deserves a place in your collection.
When In RomeAges 13+
When In Rome is a board game for your Alexa smart home speaker. It’s a great trivia game where you can learn about different countries like Rome, play with the family, and have a blast as you’re learning and playing. Alexa teaches the rules, tracks progress, and helps out when needed.
SculptapaloozaAges 10+
What do you get when art collides with family game night? You get Scultapalooza, a game where players have to sculpt what’s on their card before time runs out. You scult your creations out of play foam that never dries out. The catch? You may be required to sculpt with your eyes closed or tag team with another member. Players must correctly guess what their team sculpted before time runs out to score a point. The first team to score 20 points wins.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 Red Board GameAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game that permanently changes as you play. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is to stop all four diseases.
Wits & Wagers Deluxe Board GameAges 10+
Wits and Wagers is a fantastic party game. How many pounds does the heaviest Sumo wrestler weigh? Who cares? In this trivia game, you don’t have to know the answers. You just have to be able to guess who at the table has the correct answer. The game has now been updated. The Deluxe version has plastic poker tokens, more durable currency, and better dry erase markers. The coolest part? It has high quality no wrinkle mat. For 12 year olds, it’s the closest thing to being in Vegas.
Beyblade Burst Evolution Digital Control KitAges 8+
With Beyblade, you switch up different components to battle against opponents. Now Beyblade has come out with an RC-controlled Beyblades top. You can launch it just like a normal top, but you can control the spin direction and speed through an app.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2Ages 13+
Although Season 2 can be played without playing the first game, it does continue the saga. This game is all about distributing preventative supplies. The game is lots of fun for exactly the same reasons Season 1 was. We love that it introduces a new twist to the formula. Decisions carry forward to future games so it feels different everytime you play the game.
Hot Wheels Rocket League RC RivalsAges 8+
Ever dreamt of playing Rocket League in real life? Now you can. Featuring an immaculately detailed Rocket League Arena, this Hot Wheels set allows players to wrestle with each other to knock the soccer ball through their opponent’s goal. The set features app-controlled vehicles and comes with a car charging station. Each car lasts about 15 minutes on a charge. What’s amazing? Mattel has somehow managed to capture the wacky, addictive fun of the video game.
Star Realms Deckbuilding GameAges 12+
Star Realms is a deckbuilding game for 2 players. Game times come in around 20 minutes. If you purchase multiple boxes, you can play with multiple players. The rules are short and easy to understand and it’s simple to play. The game is fairly close to Ascension. We love how you can get the cards to work together to get more money or attack. It’s one of the fastest deckbuilding games we’ve played. It’s a fun, fast, and excellent game worth adding to your collection.
Monopoly The Classic EditionAges 8+
Monopoly is a classic board game enjoyed by generations of players. It’s the fast-dealing trading card game where you have to make other players bankrupt and conquer the world. Kids will learn to count money and have so much fun playing this amazing board game.
Drop Squad: The Escape!Ages 5+
Tired of boring ‘classic’ board games? A physics-based game for 2-4 players, Drop Squad is like Plinko with a refreshing twist. Combining a card game, marble game, board game, and tabletop game with strategic elements and surprisingly good depth, it’s a fantastic game for family game night worth adding to your collection. Pivot ramps to throw the odds in your favor and land the ball in your goal. The player scoring the most points wins. It’s a game of skill and luck the whole family can enjoy.
Best-Selling Family Board Games 2020
Family board games bring us together, allow us to compete with one another, and allow us to party on! These are the best-selling family board games 2020 worth adding to your board game collection. With a multitude of choices, you’re sure to find the perfect one.
Jenga Wood Block GameAges 6+
The classic game of Jenga is all about edge-of-your-seat stacking fun. Players start by building and stacking wooden pieces to build a tall tower then remove the pieces one by one, taking turns. One wrong move could send the whole structure toppling to the ground. Crash the structure and you lose. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and luck. How do you stack up? It’s fun for the whole family.
Guess Who?Ages 6+
Guess Who? is the original guessing game! Kids have to ask questions to determine the opposition’s mystery character. Whomever first correctly guesses their opponent’s mystery character wins the game. If you incorrectly guess the mystery character, you lose the game.
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
JengaAges 6+
The classic game of Jenga is all about stacking fun. Players start by building and stacking wooden pieces to build a tall tower then remove the pieces one by one, taking turns. One wrong move could send the whole structure toppling to the ground. Crash the structure and you lose. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and luck. How do you stack up?
Candy LandAges 3+
Candy Land is the perfect board game for 3 year olds. What could be better than gingerbread pieces and pretty colors everywhere? Since the entire game is color-coded, it is very easy to understand the rules. You don’t even have to read the instructions. The best part? This is a fun classic game worth adding to your collection.
Monopoly DealAges 8+
Don’t have the time or patience to play a full game of Monopoly? Then consider Monopoly Deal. It’s a simpler card game version that you can play in about 15 minutes. You can collect, swap, and even steal properties in this version of the classic game and you can even charge rent like in the original. Wheel and deal and build up your fortune and properties. Be the first player to collect 3 full property sets of various colors and win the game.
YahtzeeAges 8+
Yahtzee is the shake, score, and shout game. It’s a classic game of skill and chance that still holds its own today and is perfect for people who like dice rolling, push-your-luck games.
UNO Card GameAges 7+
UNO is a classic card game that is addictive, fun, and easy to play. Players have to match colors or numbers. The best part? The Wild Cards allow you to create your own rules. Get rid of all your card to win. Don’t forget to call out UNO when you’re down to a single card. The first player or team to 500 points wins the game.
Monopoly Cheaters EditionAges 8+
Who doesn’t love to cheat in Monopoly? Now Hasbro is making cheating official with the Monopoly Cheaters Edition. The core gameplay remains unchanged. So what’s changed? There are 15 special cards tailored to the sneakiest family members. If you can get away with evil deeds, you’ll be rewarded; however, if you’re caught you’ll end up in handcuffs. Now there’s no banker so you can rob the bank if you’re daring enough.
Chutes and LaddersAges 4+
Everybody has played Chutes and Ladders. This newer version of the game is sure to bring back a lot of old memories for parents who played it back in the day. Little ones will learn basic counting skills as they try to avoid the chutes and climb up the ladders. The first one to the top wins the game. Do you have what it takes to win?!
HedBanz Game Ages 7+
In this Second Edition of Headbanz, you get even more goofy fun in this fast-paced ‘What am I?’ guessing game. The game is played by 2 to 6 players. Kids place the cartoon on their heads with the included headbands and players ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions to discover what picture is on their head. Simple game for ages 7 and up that’s endless fun!
Connect 4 ShotsAges 8+
Looking for a fun new twist on the classic game of Connect 4? Connect 4 Shots introduces a new way to play your favorite game. Instead of tossing in pieces, you bounce balls in to win. Both players attempt to bounce their balls in simulataneously — leading to some exciting action. Just like in the original you have to get four in a row of the same color to win.
Don’t Step In It!Ages 4+
Don’t Step In It! from Hasbro Games is a pooped-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
Exploding KittensAges 7+
With great artwork, Exploding Kittens features the artwork of Matthew Inman, who is behind the Oatmeal. It’s a card game where the idea is to avoid the exploding kitten card in the deck. It’s sort of like Uno with kittens. All of the illustrations on the cards are hysterical, which adds to the charm of the game.
Apples to Apples JuniorAges 9+
Apples to Apples is one of the best party games to play during family get togethers, slumber parties, and birthday parties. In the game, there are two different types of cards. The red cards are the subject cards and the green cards are the description cards. On each round, one person is the judge and she flips over a description card like “Crazy.” Then each player puts down a card that they think best reflects that card. The judge has to pick the best card, which is usually the most silliest.
Classic Operation GameAges 6+
The Operation game is a classic enjoyed by generations of children. You have to carefully use the tweezers to eliminate Sam’s issues. There are 12 ailments in all. It’s a game of precision and making him better. You’ll need to avoid the buzzer to have a successful operation. Will you cure poor Sam?
Kids Against MaturityAges 8+
Who wants to grow up? Finally, kids can play Cards Against Humanity without parents pulling out all the cards from the deck. The game gives players the joke setup and they have to complete the punch line. There’s a fair share of fart, poop, and pee jokes that will make most kids laugh out loud. But these immature cards are at the heart and soul of this game. Get ready to give out a lot of atomic wedgies and laugh until your stomach hurts on family game night. It’s all in the name of immaturity!
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
Simon GameAges 8+
Simon is a classic visual memory game where you have to follow the lights and sounds. The catch? The sequences get progressively more challenging as you play. Think you can get the highest score?
Let’s Go FishingAges 4+
Let’s Go Fishing is the classic fast-action fishing game. As the fish open and close their mouths, you have to try to catch them with your fishing pole. Catch the most fish to win. It’s a great game for developing your kids eye-hand coordination and it’s a ton of fun for families.
BlokusAges 7+
Blokus is a simple game with only one rule. It comes with a board with a grid on it and Tetris shapes pieces in 4 different colors. The game requires 2-4 players. Each player starts at a corner and can only lay down pieces so that only the corners touch. The object? Try to use all your pieces.
Rummikub Ages 8+
Rummikub is a popular game around the world. It’s a classic game that has sold over 50 million copies. It’s a fantastic family game for two to four players that has you creating runs and sets. The object is to clear all your game tiles.
Sorry!Ages 6+
Sorry! is the classic game of sweet revenge. The game plays a lot like Trouble. We highly recommend this game for family game night. It’s a game all about sliding, colliding and scoring. The goal is to get all your pawns home to win. But get bumped … well, Sorry … you’ll have to head back to start.
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Award winning, Ticket To Ride is a classic board game that everyone should play. It’s so simple to play. The idea is to claim railway routes, connecting cities. The longer the routes, the more points you collect.
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Yeti in My Spaghetti GameAges 4+
Hey Ma, there is a Yeti In My Spaghetti. This simple board game can bring hours of entertainment for the whole family. The board is shaped like a bowl. The little Yeti character sits on top of the crisscrossing plastic noodle pieces. Players take turns removing one noodle at a time. Watch out! One wrong move and the Yeti will fall into the bowl.
Monopoly Fortnite EditionAges 13+
Monopoly Fortnite Edition is designed for teens. In this version of the game you battle your opponents and avoid the storm. Just like the videogame, it’s all about survival — not what you own. The game features battles and loot chests and is inspired by the videogame. It’s a fun new spin on the classic game of Monopoly. Will you be the last player standing?!
Battleship GameAges 7+
Battleship is the classic naval combat game! It’s a game where you have to hunt down your opponent’s ships. The first player to destroy all of their opponent’s naval fleet is the winner. It’s a game of strategy and tactics. Who will win? An intensely fun, must-play game!
Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle SetAges 8+
Looking for epic Beyblade battles? The Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle Set is designed with new Beyblade tech – allowing fans to change up striking powers and customize the course of battle. These tops are compatible with the Beyblade Burst app. This set features one Beyblade Burst Star Storm Beystadium, two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right/left spin launchers, and two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops. Let the games begin!
Not Parent ApprovedAges 8+
What do kids do when they’re bored out of their mind? They can play Not Parent Approved. It’s a card game perfect for kids and families. It’s somewhat like Cards for Humanity but designed for kids ages eight years old and up. It’s an inappropraitely appropriate game for mischievious makers. The game is played by four to ten players and it’s easy to learn and super fun to play. Plus, it’s sure to generate laughter. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to fun!
Scrabble Junior GameAges 5+
Scrabble Junior brings the fun of Scrabble to juniors. This is a crosswrod game where you score points by creating words. The game grows with your child. The other side includes an advanced level of the game. In the advanced version, players create their own words. In the simplified version, the words are already formed on the board. This is fun for the whole family!
PandemicAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases by working together.
GloomhavenAges 12+
Gloomhaven is a deep, complex, combat-focused game for 1-4 players with games lasting 1-2 hours. You team up with others to complete your goals while uncovering the threats to Gloomhaven. The campaign is comprised of a number of scenarios — each with its own objective. If you ever run out of health, you are defeated. If you like tactical combat and resource management, this game is excellent at both of those. Every turn is a tough decision about what cards to use and how to use them. There’s a huge variety of enemies to face with each requiring a different approach. There are a lot of ways to improve your character, including adding combat modifier cards, equipment, and action cards. The best part of this game is the sheer amount of content it has out of the box. With close to 100 missions, there’s a ton of game to discover. However, the game is not cheap so you’ll want to play a lot to get your money’s worth.
Charades for KidsAges 4+
Designed for ages 4 and up, Charades for Kids brings the classic experience of Charades so that everyone in the family — including little kids — can join in the fun. Kids will love acting out the clues, while their family attempts to correctly guess their actions. A minimum of three players are required to play.
SpontuneousAges 8+
Spontuneous is an award-winning party game. Players are given a word and they have to think of a song with that word and sing it or shout it out. It’s the game where lyrics come to life. We love that talent is not required to play. And you know you already do it. So let’s get this party started!
Melissa & Doug SuspendAges 8+
Melissa and Doug’s Suspend is a balancing game for one to four players. The game is simple to learn and play. With 24 rods, players will need to attempt to balance the rods one by one without collapsing the entire structure. It’s an edge-of-your-seat thriller! Makes a great gift that the whole family can enjoy.
Watch Ya’ MouthAges 8+
In Watch Ya Mouth, you stick these awkward mouth retractors in your mouth. This makes it almost impossible to speak without the words coming out slurred. When you talk, what you say comes out really funny. The game is played in teams. The idea is to try to get your team to guess what you are saying with the mouth retractor in your mouth. It’s actually really challenging.
Spot It!Ages 7+
Experience the award-winning Spot It! game that’s fun for the whole family! The game features a variety of symbols with only one match between cards. It’s a party game for 2-8 players. Can you quickly spot the match? Kids will have to spot the match to win. The game develops focus, visual perception, and fine motor skills.
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
Relative InsanityAges 14+
Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Relative Insanity is like Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity, but you can play it in front of the family. It’s a game that you’ll love playing because you’re sure to get lots of laughs. There are punch line cards and setup cards. Someone reads the setup, for example: “When my cousin walked in with my new baby, my grandma blurted out _______.” Then players look at their punch lines and submit the one that’s going to get the biggest laugh. The setup person picks the best answer and that player scores points.
ThinkFun Math Dice Jr.Ages 6+
Math Dice Jr. from ThinkFun is a great first mental math game for kids. It’s a multiplayer game for 2 or more players. We love that the game is easy to learn and kids can start playing immediately. Your goal is to either add or subtract numbers on the 5 dice to reach a target number. It makes learning math fun and enjoyable for young learners.
UNO AttackAges 7+
Love UNO but want even more excitement? Consider UNO Attack, which adds the element of unpredicatability. The electronic shooter blasts the cards out and plays a sound, heightening the overall UNO experience. It’s the same UNO game you know and love but with a fun twist. Now there’s also a new special Attack! Attack! card, allowing you to attack the player of your choice. You simply can’t go wrong – it’s the perfect game for families.
LCR Left Center Right Dice GameAges 5+
LCR Left Center Right is a dice game designed for 3 or more players. It’s a fun and fast-paced game that’s really hard to put down. Roll the dice to see where to distribute your chips. The last player with chips remaining wins and can claim the entire center pot.
Speak Out GameAges 16+
Speak Out is the wacky and super fun mouthpiece challenge game. Teen boys can take on their parents or friends. The game is real simple and has players guessing phrases to earn cards with the added pressure of a countdown timer. Once you have the mouthpiece in, you won’t be able to close your mouth shut so it makes for some incredibly hilarious fun. Go ahead and Speak Out and don’t be afraid to have wicked fun!
Doinkit Magnetic Dart BoardAges 6+
So your 7 year old wants to play darts, but you’re too worried they’ll hurt themselves. Meet Doinkit Darts. It’s a magnetic dart board with magnetic darts. They’re safe for kids and won’t damage walls. Excellent for developing eye-hand coordination and great family fun! The fun and safe way to play darts!
Monopoly JuniorAges 5+
Monopoly Junior brings the fun and excitement of Monopoly to younger kids. It’s the fast-dealing property trading card game that has become an all-time classic board game. Kids will be able to buy properties like a pet store, candy store and video arcade. The rules are simple and easy to understand. The whole family will enjoy playing Monopoly Junior.
Rubik’s RaceAges 7+
Love Rubik’s Cube? Then get ready for the ultimate 2-player Rubik’s challenge. It’s all about shaking it, sliding it, and solving it. Race to match the pattern on the scrambler and then shut the frame to win. It’s a super fun game of skill, speed, and dexterity. Do you have what it takes to be the champ?!
SKIP BO Card GameAges 7+
From the makers of UNO, Skip Bo is a fun sequencing game for the whole family. It’s a game that combines skill and strategy to create sequencing stacks in ascending order. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. But that’s not all! The Wild Cards add a fun twist to the game.
Streaking KittensAges 7+
Love Exploding Kittens? Then you’ll most likely love this significant expansion to that game. This 15 card expansion adds to fun, strategy, and amusement of the core gameplay of Exploding Kittens and really makes it a must-play. Since it’s not a standalone game, you’ll need a copy of Exploding Kittens. We love that you win more based on your moves rather than pure luck.
UNO Super Mario Card GameAges 7+
It’s the classic UNO game you know and love now with a super fun Super Mario theme featuring beloved characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. You’ll find favorites from Mario and Luigi to Donkey Kong, Peach, Bowser, and more! Players have to match colors and numbers and get rid of all of their cards first like in the original game. When you get down to a single card, you need to call out “UNO” or you’ll face a penalty. Be the first player or team to score 500 points to win the game. It’s sure to be a family favorite!
Pokemon TCG: Lycanroc-GX Box Card GameAges 6+
Seven year old boys love collecting Pokemon cards. Pokemon is a popular Japanese franchise that actually is short for pocket monsters. There’s show on TV, video games, toys, and a trading card game. Kids love to collect the cards because you can build a strong collection of Pokemon to battle against friends. There’s a training kit that introduces kids to the game and new cards to collect. You got to catch them all.
ZingoAges 4+
Zingo is a fun twist on the game of bingo. It’s a great game to introduce 3 year olds to the idea of taking turns and following simple rules. The Zinger machine dispenses out the little picture chips. Since it uses pictures, no reading is required. It does encourage kids to learn how to read as the picture helps to reinforce the word on the card. The player that matches all the pictures on their card has to yell “Zingo.”
The Game of LifeAges 8+
Just like in real life, you never know what to expect in The Game of Life. It’s a classic family friendly game full of action, adventure, and surprises. Now you can add pets to your life. It’s a wonderful new addition to the game. Will you be headed for wealth and fortune? Spend your money wisely because the player with the most money at the end wins. Kids will have fun while learning some valuable life-long lessons about spending money.
AzulAges 8+
Honored as Game of the Year, Azul is a beautifully crafted game for 2-4 players. Game play sessions vary between 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a good solid game. It’s an abstract game so understandably it may not appeal to everyone. It’s an easy game to learn with good strategy elements and, most importantly, it’s fun. It’s a great game to play with family that makes you think.
Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets Card GameAges 7+
Cover Your Assets is a fun card game for four to six players. The game is easy to play with games lasting about half an hour. You have to cover your assets and steal theirs. The first millionaire wins! It’s a fun, fast-paced, and addictive game that will keep you coming back for more.
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
Catch PhraseAges 12+
Electronic Catchphrases is a fun game to play with family and friends. It’s the grab it, guess it, pass it game! As the clock clicks down, you will have to get your teammates to guess the word on the screen without saying it. Once the word is guessed, the game unit is passed to the other team and play continues back forth. It’s a frantic paced game that makes your heart beat faster as the clock ticks down. Expect a lot of laughs, screams, and yells.
Bicycle Playing CardsAges 12+
Bicycle Playing Cards have entertained families for generations. They’re a trusted brand with a reputation for delivering consistent quality playing cards. Made in the USA, these playing cards are perfect for playing all your favorite games from Solitaire to Seven Hands and more. Available with either a red or blue backing, these standard cards feature an air-cushion finish so they don’t stick together. Additionally, they are also very easy to shuffle. Let the fun and games begin!
BlinkAges 7+
From the makers of UNO comes BLINK, the world’s fastest card game! It’s a 2-player game designed for families and games last less than 2 minutes. It’s going to take sharp eyes and quick hands to race to match shape, count, or color with one of the discard piles. Your goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. We love that it’s an easy game to pick up and you’ll love seeing your reflexes and response time improve with every game. Just don’t blink because that could cost you the game!
Imploding KittensAges 7+
Imploding Kittens is the first expansion pack for Exploding Kittens. It features 20 new cards designed by The Oatmeal and it allows up to 6 players to enjoy the game. This is not a standalone game, so you will need a copy of Exploding Kittens to play. It’s a must-have expansion for fans of the game and fixes many of the gripes of the original. It really makes it feel like a complete package now more than ever.
Five Crowns Card GameAges 8+
Winner of 10 Best Game Awards, Five Crowns is a 5-suited Rummy-style card game. It’s a game that’s fun for the whole family for up to 7 players. The game features 11 rounds and the game isn’t over until the Kings go wild! You have rotating wild cards starting with 3s. It’s all about making the right combos and having the lowest score. Discover this award-winning family favorite for avid and casual card players alike.
One Night Ultimate WerewolfAges 8+
A game of deception and deduction, One Night Werewolf is a simple party game that takes only 10 minutes to play. At the start, players are dealt a secret role from a basic villager to a werewolf. The goal of the game is to find out who is the secret werewolf. Each role has a different ability that helps to uncover clues. When it goes dark, meaning players close their eyes, everybody will perform a task based on their role. Then everyone has to work together to choose the werewolf, but you don’t know who is telling the truth so expect to lose a couple of friends.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game Ages 3+
Preschoolers will enjoy playing this award-winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. It’s a game that involves strategy and it will teaches matching, sorting, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and handwriting skills. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn and put it in your log. If you’re the first to fill your log with acorns, you win!
Telestrations 8 PlayerAges 12+
Telestrations is a four to eight player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. It’s incredible fun for the whole family!
Phase 10 Card GameAges 7+
Phase 10 is a Rummy-like card game with a challenging and exciting twist. From the maker of UNO, it’s a game for 2-6 players that the whole family can enjoy. Your goal is to be the first player to complete 10 varied phases. The catch? Each phase is specific to the dealt hand. That means you will need to successfully complete each phase before moving onto the next.
BananagramsAges 7+
Bananagrams is the perfect family game that also helps develop your child’s literacy. Players race to build crosswords grids with their tiles. The best part? It’s educational and super fun. The convenient banana-themed travel tote allows you to take the fun on the go.
Apples to Apples Party BoxAges 12+
Apples to Apples is one of the best party games to play during family get togethers, slumber parties, and birthday parties. In the game, there are two different types of cards. The red cards are the subject cards and the green cards are the description cards. On each round, one person is the judge and s/he flips over a description card like “Crazy.” Then each player puts down a card that they think best reflects that card. The judge has to pick the best card, which is usually the most silliest. It’s the game of crazy combinations and this Party Box includes more than 500 cards.
Exploding Kittens Party PackAges 7+
With Exploding Kittens Party Pack, up to 10 players can join in the fun. The game features new cards as well as cards from the original game and the Imploding Kittens expansion. There are new super powers to explode players in style. It’s a fine edition for die-hard Exploding Kittens fans with some fan service to boot.
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Don’t Step In It! Unicorn EditionAges 4+
Don’t Step In It! Unicorn Edition from Hasbro Games is a poop-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The unicorn poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
Classic TwisterAges 6+
Twister is a fun, classic game that has you all tied up in knots. A spinner and vinyl Twister mat are included. After spinning the wheel you have to place your hand or foot on the corresponding color on the mat. Games last about 10-15 minutes and can be played by 2-4 players. This is a fun party game and fun for the entire family.
You’ve Got CrabsAges 7+
Can you keep a “sea”-cret? From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes a new board game called You’ve Got Grabs. This is a family-friendly game for kids over 7. Played in teams of two, this game combines crabs with deception. The game is super simple: Before starting, you and your teammate must come up with a secret signal. You must collect 4 of the same card and secretly notify your partner. Your teammate must then yell, “You’ve got crabs!” The catch? If the other team finds out and yells “You’ve Got Crabs” your team loses.
When In RomeAges 13+
When In Rome is a board game for your Alexa smart home speaker. It’s a great trivia game where you can learn about different countries like Rome, play with the family, and have a blast as you’re learning and playing. Alexa teaches the rules, tracks progress, and helps out when needed.
Clue The Classic EditionAges 8+
Clue is a classic who done it game. Welcome to Boddy Mansion. There are six suspects and one of them got rid of Mr. Boddy. But who was it and where did they store his body? Do you have what it takes to crack this case?
Monopoly The Classic EditionAges 8+
Monopoly is a classic board game enjoyed by generations of players. It’s the fast-dealing trading card game where you have to make other players bankrupt and conquer the world. Kids will learn to count money and have so much fun playing this amazing board game.
New & Trending Family Board Games 2020
What are the new and trending family board games 2020? Well, you’ve come to the right place that’s for sure. These are the latest and greatest new board games that are trending high on sales charts. If it’s new and hot, you’ll find it on this list.
Monopoly Cheaters EditionAges 8+
Who doesn’t love to cheat in Monopoly? Now Hasbro is making cheating official with the Monopoly Cheaters Edition. The core gameplay remains unchanged. So what’s changed? There are 15 special cards tailored to the sneakiest family members. If you can get away with evil deeds, you’ll be rewarded; however, if you’re caught you’ll end up in handcuffs. Now there’s no banker so you can rob the bank if you’re daring enough.
Connect 4 ShotsAges 8+
Looking for a fun new twist on the classic game of Connect 4? Connect 4 Shots introduces a new way to play your favorite game. Instead of tossing in pieces, you bounce balls in to win. Both players attempt to bounce their balls in simulataneously — leading to some exciting action. Just like in the original you have to get four in a row of the same color to win.
Don’t Step In It!Ages 4+
Don’t Step In It! from Hasbro Games is a pooped-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
Monopoly Gamer: Mario Kart EditionAges 8+
Start your engines, collect your coins, and prepare for fun! The game board looks like Monopoly but is inspired by worlds straight out of the Mario Kart videogames. Each character has its own strategic abilities. Just like in the game, you can lay a banana to stop rivals in their tracks. Everytime you pass go, you’ll have an opportunity to race in the Grand Prix. The game includes a game board, 4 character kart tokens, 32 cards, banana tokens, 90 coins and 2 dice. The game is designed for 2-4 players. It’s the perfect gift for any Nintendo or Mario Kart fan!
Monopoly Fortnite EditionAges 13+
Monopoly Fortnite Edition is designed for teens. In this version of the game you battle your opponents and avoid the storm. Just like the videogame, it’s all about survival — not what you own. The game features battles and loot chests and is inspired by the videogame. It’s a fun new spin on the classic game of Monopoly. Will you be the last player standing?!
Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle SetAges 8+
Looking for epic Beyblade battles? The Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle Set is designed with new Beyblade tech – allowing fans to change up striking powers and customize the course of battle. These tops are compatible with the Beyblade Burst app. This set features one Beyblade Burst Star Storm Beystadium, two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right/left spin launchers, and two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops. Let the games begin!
Unstable Unicorns Ages 14+
Who isn’t obsessed with Unicorns? Started on Kickstarter, Unstable Unicorns is a card game that raised an ungodly amount of money. In Unstable Unicorns, you must build a unicorn army. The player that is the first to collect seven unicorns in their hand is the winner, but thanks to the “Neigh” cards there are numerous obstacles in your way. It’s much a game of strategy as it is a game of betrayal. Add rainbows and a little sparkle to your game night.
Beyblade Burst Evolution Switchstrike Battle TowerAges 8+
Ready to take your battles to the next level? With the Switchstrike Battle Tower launching this fall, players can choose two or even four-player epic battles with multi-tiered battling action. One side is designed for two players, while the flip side supports up to 4 players! This set is compatible with the companion Beyblade Burst app. This set comes with one Beyblade Burst Switchstrike Battletower, 2 Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin launchers, and 2 Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops.
Relative InsanityAges 14+
Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Relative Insanity is like Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity, but you can play it in front of the family. It’s a game that you’ll love playing because you’re sure to get lots of laughs. There are punch line cards and setup cards. Someone reads the setup, for example: “When my cousin walked in with my new baby, my grandma blurted out _______.” Then players look at their punch lines and submit the one that’s going to get the biggest laugh. The setup person picks the best answer and that player scores points.
DOSAges 7+
Mattel’s successor to the popular game of UNO, DOS launches this year. Designed for 2 to 4 players, this new card game adds a new twist on the family friendly game of UNO with a few new surprises up its sleeve. Like UNO, players have to match numbers and now you can even match colors. When you’re down to the last two cards, shout out ‘DOS’ to win! It’s sure to be great fun for family game night!
Shadows In The ForestAges 8+
Shadows In The Forest is a surprisingly refreshing and clever game. You play the game in the dark and light and shadows are a core part of the game. One player is the lantern, a pursuer represented by a small LED lantern. Other players are the Shadowlings, who crave darkness. The Shadowlings have to gather under the tree, while the lantern has to freeze Shadowlings in its light. The catch? Shadowlings can’t cross light beams projected by the Lantern. It’s the perfect game for sleepovers and requires chess-like strategy and cooperative play.
Don’t Step In It! Unicorn EditionAges 4+
Don’t Step In It! Unicorn Edition from Hasbro Games is a poop-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The unicorn poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
You’ve Got CrabsAges 7+
Can you keep a “sea”-cret? From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes a new board game called You’ve Got Grabs. This is a family-friendly game for kids over 7. Played in teams of two, this game combines crabs with deception. The game is super simple: Before starting, you and your teammate must come up with a secret signal. You must collect 4 of the same card and secretly notify your partner. Your teammate must then yell, “You’ve got crabs!” The catch? If the other team finds out and yells “You’ve Got Crabs” your team loses.
Build Or BoomAges 4+
Building something is a lot of fun, but tearing it down is even more fun. In Build Or Boom, two players race to complete a structure on a blueprint card. The twist? When somebody completes the structure, they press the dynamite to blow up their opponent’s structure. KABOOM! It’s a “Blast!”
When In RomeAges 13+
When In Rome is a board game for your Alexa smart home speaker. It’s a great trivia game where you can learn about different countries like Rome, play with the family, and have a blast as you’re learning and playing. Alexa teaches the rules, tracks progress, and helps out when needed.
SculptapaloozaAges 10+
What do you get when art collides with family game night? You get Scultapalooza, a game where players have to sculpt what’s on their card before time runs out. You scult your creations out of play foam that never dries out. The catch? You may be required to sculpt with your eyes closed or tag team with another member. Players must correctly guess what their team sculpted before time runs out to score a point. The first team to score 20 points wins.
Beyblade Burst Evolution Digital Control KitAges 8+
With Beyblade, you switch up different components to battle against opponents. Now Beyblade has come out with an RC-controlled Beyblades top. You can launch it just like a normal top, but you can control the spin direction and speed through an app.
Award-Winning Family Board Games
The critics have spoken loud and clear. Here we’ve curated some top award-winning family board games with solid gameplay and replayability. Bear in mind, these are not necessarily award-winners from 2020. Take your pick – you simply can’t go wrong!
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
Catan 5th EditionAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization. This game won the distinction of Game of the Century.
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Award winning, Ticket To Ride is a classic board game that everyone should play. It’s so simple to play. The idea is to claim railway routes, connecting cities. The longer the routes, the more points you collect.
SpontuneousAges 8+
Spontuneous is an award-winning party game. Players are given a word and they have to think of a song with that word and sing it or shout it out. It’s the game where lyrics come to life. We love that talent is not required to play. And you know you already do it. So let’s get this party started!
AzulAges 8+
Honored as Game of the Year, Azul is a beautifully crafted game for 2-4 players. Game play sessions vary between 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a good solid game. It’s an abstract game so understandably it may not appeal to everyone. It’s an easy game to learn with good strategy elements and, most importantly, it’s fun. It’s a great game to play with family that makes you think.
Five Crowns Card GameAges 8+
Winner of 10 Best Game Awards, Five Crowns is a 5-suited Rummy-style card game. It’s a game that’s fun for the whole family for up to 7 players. The game features 11 rounds and the game isn’t over until the Kings go wild! You have rotating wild cards starting with 3s. It’s all about making the right combos and having the lowest score. Discover this award-winning family favorite for avid and casual card players alike.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game Ages 3+
Preschoolers will enjoy playing this award-winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. It’s a game that involves strategy and it will teaches matching, sorting, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and handwriting skills. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn and put it in your log. If you’re the first to fill your log with acorns, you win!
Telestrations 8 PlayerAges 12+
Telestrations is a four to eight player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. It’s incredible fun for the whole family!
BananagramsAges 7+
Bananagrams is the perfect family game that also helps develop your child’s literacy. Players race to build crosswords grids with their tiles. The best part? It’s educational and super fun. The convenient banana-themed travel tote allows you to take the fun on the go.
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Hoot Owl Hoot!Ages 4+
Hoot Owl Hoot! is a great game to play with 3 year olds. It is a cooperative game that teaches kids how to work together in a team. Players are given color coded cards, which allow them to move the owls across the board. On each turn, players play a card and draw a new card. If players draw a sun card, the sun will move. The idea of the game is to get the owls to their nest before the sun gets to the end and comes up.
KingdominoAges 8+
Winner of Game of the Year 2017 honors, Kingdomino is a family strategy game for 2-4 players. Your objective is to build the best castle. It’s like dominoes with a fun twist! Game times last around 15 minutes. When players complete their 5 x 5 grid, the game ends and points are awarded based on the number of connecting tiles and crowns.
Terraforming MarsAges 12+
Terraforming Mars is a game for up to 5 players. Playing time is around 2 hours. It’s a complex game. In order to win this game you must have contributed most to the Terraformed Mars. This can be by terraforming the planet, having cities next to greenery tiles, completing milestones, winning awards, and having victory point cards. When all three global parameters have been depleted, the game ends. It’s a very competitive game with low levels of antagonism. The best part? No two games will have the same draw since there’s a lot of variety in the deck.
7 WondersAges 10+
7 Wonders is a game for 3 to 7 players. Playing time clocks in around 30 to 60 minutes. It’s a relatively simple game to play with a rewarding amount of depth. The civilization with the most points at the end of the game wins. The best part? The game scales well to the number of players.
Telestrations 6 PlayerAges 6+
Telestrations is a four to six player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. Incredible fun for the whole family!
PhotosynthesisAges 8+
This award-winning strategy 2-4 player game pits competing species of trees against one another to see which can become the dominant species of the forest. The arborhest with the highest value of score tokens is declared the winner. It’s a fun tactile game involving strategy, and we love that the game is easy to pick up and play.
Wits & Wagers Deluxe Board GameAges 10+
Wits and Wagers is a fantastic party game. How many pounds does the heaviest Sumo wrestler weigh? Who cares? In this trivia game, you don’t have to know the answers. You just have to be able to guess who at the table has the correct answer. The game has now been updated. The Deluxe version has plastic poker tokens, more durable currency, and better dry erase markers. The coolest part? It has high quality no wrinkle mat. For 10 year olds, it’s the closest thing to being in Vegas.
Say AnythingAges 13+
In “Say Anything,” speaking your mind is encouraged to win. Every round someone plays the judge. By drawing from a deck, the judge asks a question like “What’s the funniest movie of all time?” All of the players write down an answer and the judge picks her favorite response. Then players try to guess which answer the judge chose. The player that guesses correctly wins the point.
Scythe: The Wind GambitAges 14+
The airships give Scythe: The Wind Gambit some real table presence. We love the fact that every game feels different. The variable passive and aggressive ship abilities is very cool addition. We appreciate that the game delivers depth without being overly complicated. This game is also compatible with the Invaders From Afar expansion. It really is an awesome expansion to the game.
Best Toddler Family Board Games 2020
Even toddlers want to get into the board game fun. Here we’ve curated the best toddler board games to help in their development and growth. Many of these picks encourage you to play along with your toddler. So go ahead – spend some quality time playing together, bonding, and having a good time.
Candy LandAges 3+
Candy Land is the perfect board game for 3 year olds. What could be better than gingerbread pieces and pretty colors everywhere? Since the entire game is color-coded, it is very easy to understand the rules. You don’t even have to read the instructions. The best part? This is a fun classic game worth adding to your collection.
Chutes and LaddersAges 3+
Everybody has played Chutes and Ladders. This newer version of the game is sure to bring back a lot of old memories for parents who played it back in the day. Little ones will learn basic counting skills as they try to avoid the chutes and climb up the ladders. The first one to the top wins the game. Do you have what it takes to win?!
Hi Ho Cherry-OAges 3-6
Hi Ho Cherry-O delivers laughs and fun in spades. Its design and play options have been newly updated. Kids have to pick fruits from the colored trees and fill up their buckets. The first one to fill up their bucket wins! It’s a great game for developing early math skills like counting, adding, and subtracting.
ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-To-Score Game SetAges 3+
Everyone’s favorite party game is now supersized. It’s like Connect 4 where you have to get 4 in a row to win but this is on a larger scale. It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor fun and comes with a handy travel case. Think you have what it takes to win?!
Candy Land Game: Disney Princess EditionAges 3+
In this special Disney Princess version of Candy Land, girls have to be the first Disney Princess to dance at the ball! It’s the classic Candy Land game with an adventurous twist. The game features different play levels for older and younger players. The game can be played by 2-4 players.
Don’t Break the Ice GameAges 3+
Does he love destroying things? Don’t let the Penguin fall! In Don’t Break the Ice, kids take turns poking out blocks of ice with a mallet while trying to keep the penguin from falling through the ice. Setup is easy. Place all the ice blocks into the frame and you are ready to play. Because it teaches how to take turns and builds fine motor skills, it’s a great game for younger players.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game Ages 3+
Preschoolers will enjoy playing this award-winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. It’s a game that involves strategy and it will teaches matching, sorting, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and handwriting skills. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn and put it in your log. If you’re the first to fill your log with acorns, you win!
Melissa & Doug Catch & Count Fishing Game Ages 3+
Love to fish? Then you’ll love the Catch & Count Fishing Game from Melissa & Doug. In this game, you can actually reel in the fish and count up your score. The fish are magnetic so they easily attach to the magnetic hook. See how many you can catch. It’s a fun game for developing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Marvel Matching GameAges 3+
Memory is a great game for learning how to take turns, language, and recollection. What happens when you combine the fun of matching with superheroes? You get the Marvel Matching Game. The Marvel Matching Game is the classic game of memory with a fun superhero twist. Characters include everybody from Spider-Man to Captain America. There are four cards for each character. Kids will love matching their favorite Marvel characters.
Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party Game Ages 3+
In Disney’s Enchanted Cupcake Party game kids will mix, match, and make cupcakes in time for the party. Girls will have a blast decorating a variety of pretty cupcakes. Make as many as you can for the party! The game promotes creative expression and playing together.
ThinkFun Roll & PlayAges 18m+
Roll & Play is the perfect first board game for children. The game includes a plush cube and 48 game cards. Roll the cube and take note of the color on the face. Choose the corresponding color card and babies perform the activity on the card. For instance, “Make a happy face” or “Moo like a cow”. There’s countless learning opportunities with Roll & Play. It fosters creativity, active play, and gross motor skills. It’s wonderfully fun for the whole family!
Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s BusytownAges 3+
In Busytown families will race around town solving mysteries and finding hidden objects. The game promotes teamwork and kids learn matching skills as well as object identification.
HABA First OrchardAges 2+
Here’s a unique cooperative game from Haba that is designed for the younger set. We like that the pieces are large so little ones won’t be able to swallow them. The best part? This is a game where kids are encouraged to work together. As kids play, they learn color recognition and how to follow rules. The idea of the game is simple. All the players have to pick the fruit off the trees before the raven eats them.
Seek-a-Boo GameAges 1+
Seek A Boo is a fun board game that’s also a great teaching tool. It’s a matching game that comes with large picture cards. It’s a wonderful way to introduce 2 year olds to animals, colors, ABCs, vocabulary, and more. What’s great about it is that the rules can be easily modified depending on your child.
Curious George Matching Game Ages 3+
The Curious George Matching Game is a perfect game of memory and matching for preschoolers. The game features 72 picture tiles and kids’ memory skills will be put to the test! The game enougages taking turns and playing together.
Wonder Forge PJ Masks Matching GameAges 3+
Remember the game of memory? Children will love putting their memory to the test with this fun PJ Masks-themed matching game. It’s great for building matching and memory skills.
Count Your ChickensAges 3+
Count Your Chickens! Board Game is a cooperative game for kids. It’s a game designed for 2-4 players with games lasting about 15 minutes. The chicks have flown away and you need to round ’em up by working together. Kids will have fun learning to count and cooperate to win.
Educational Insights Raccoon Rumpus GameAges 3+
Raccoon Rumpus is a fun color matching game for preschoolers that involves critters, crazy costumes, and matching. Players have to be the first to collect 5 costumes for their raccoon. To collect a costume, kids roll a pair of die and pick up the costume that matches the dice. The fun part? If kids roll an underwear, they lose all their costumes.
ThinkFun Move & Groove GameAges 18m+
Here is game from ThinkFun that encourages your little one to move and shake. Similar to Roll & Play, it’s a game with simple directions. The game comes with a large plush cube with 6 colored sides on it. After the cube is rolled, kids pick up the corresponding colored card. Then they perform what is written on the card like “skip around the room.”
Peaceable Kingdom Monkey AroundAges 2+
Monkey Around is the wiggle and giggle game for you and your 2 year old. It’s all about playing, learning, exploring, and connecting. From hugs and high-fives to hopping, balancing and more, it’s designed to develop social-emotional skills while keeping your child active. Additionally, kids will learn body parts and develop gross motor skills, coordination, and more.
Castle LogixAges 3+
Jigsaw puzzles are fun but this puzzle is a nice change of pace. Not only will she have to use her spatial and fine motor skills, but she will have to use her critical and problem-solving skills to solve it. The idea is to build different castles that appear on the various challenge cards. With 45 different challenges of varying difficulty, it starts off easy but the challenges become progressively harder.
Critter’s ClosetAges 3+
Critter’s Closet is the perfect first game for toddlers. It’s the mix up, dress-up memory game where you mix, switch, and memorize. Kids will develop skills directly through play. In addition to building cognitive development, it promotes memory skills as well as encourages together time.
Best Kids Family Board Games 2020
What are the best kids family board games 2020? Our list for kids encapsulates classics, new board games, and more to keep your child engaged and, most importantly, having fun! We’ve captured the best board games for ages 4 through 12 worth playing. They’ve got great game play mechanics to keep kids engaged and they’re high on replay value. Take a peek — there’s plenty of goodness worth exploring.
Guess Who?Ages 6+
Guess Who? is the original guessing game! Kids have to ask questions to determine the opposition’s mystery character. Whomever first correctly guesses their opponent’s mystery character wins the game. If you incorrectly guess the mystery character, you lose the game.
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
Jenga ClassicAges 6+
The classic game of Jenga is all about stacking fun. Players start by building and stacking wooden pieces to build a tall tower then remove the pieces one by one, taking turns. One wrong move could send the whole structure toppling to the ground. Crash the structure and you lose. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and luck. How do you stack up?
Candy LandAges 3+
Candy Land is the perfect board game for 3 year olds. What could be better than gingerbread pieces and pretty colors everywhere? Since the entire game is color-coded, it is very easy to understand the rules. You don’t even have to read the instructions. The best part? This is a fun classic game worth adding to your collection.
YahtzeeAges 8+
Yahtzee is the shake, score, and shout game. It’s a classic game of skill and chance that still holds its own today and is perfect for people who like dice rolling, push-your-luck games.
UNO Card GameAges 7+
UNO is a classic card game that is addictive, fun, and easy to play. Players have to match colors or numbers. The best part? The Wild Cards allow you to create your own rules. Get rid of all your card to win. Don’t forget to call out UNO when you’re down to a single card. The first player or team to 500 points wins the game.
Monopoly Cheaters EditionAges 8+
Who doesn’t love to cheat in Monopoly? Now Hasbro is making cheating official with the Monopoly Cheaters Edition. The core gameplay remains unchanged. So what’s changed? There are 15 special cards tailored to the sneakiest family members. If you can get away with evil deeds, you’ll be rewarded; however, if you’re caught you’ll end up in handcuffs. Now there’s no banker so you can rob the bank if you’re daring enough.
HedBanz Game Ages 7+
In this Second Edition of Headbanz, you get even more goofy fun in this fast-paced ‘What am I?’ guessing game. The game is played by 2 to 6 players. Kids place the cartoon on their heads with the included headbands and players ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions to discover what picture is on their head. Simple game for ages 7 and up that’s endless fun!
Hi Ho Cherry-OAges 3-6
Hi Ho Cherry-O delivers laughs and fun in spades. Its design and play options have been newly updated. Kids have to pick fruits from the colored trees and fill up their buckets. The first one to fill up their bucket wins! It’s a great game for developing early math skills like counting, adding, and subtracting.
Don’t Step In It!Ages 4+
Don’t Step In It! from Hasbro Games is a pooped-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
Connect 4 ShotsAges 8+
Looking for a fun new twist on the classic game of Connect 4? Connect 4 Shots introduces a new way to play your favorite game. Instead of tossing in pieces, you bounce balls in to win. Both players attempt to bounce their balls in simulataneously — leading to some exciting action. Just like in the original you have to get four in a row of the same color to win.
Exploding KittensAges 7+
With great artwork, Exploding Kittens features the artwork of Matthew Inman, who is behind the Oatmeal. It’s a card game where the idea is to avoid the exploding kitten card in the deck. It’s sort of like Uno with kittens. All of the illustrations on the cards are hysterical, which adds to the charm of the game.
ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-To-Score Game SetAges 3+
Everyone’s favorite party game is now supersized. It’s like Connect 4 where you have to get 4 in a row to win but this is on a larger scale. It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor fun and comes with a handy travel case. Think you have what it takes to win?!
Apples to Apples JuniorAges 9+
Apples to Apples is one of the best party games to play during family get togethers, slumber parties, and birthday parties. In the game, there are two different types of cards. The red cards are the subject cards and the green cards are the description cards. On each round, one person is the judge and she flips over a description card like “Crazy.” Then each player puts down a card that they think best reflects that card. The judge has to pick the best card, which is usually the most silliest.
Classic Operation GameAges 6+
The Operation game is a classic enjoyed by generations of children. You have to carefully use the tweezers to eliminate Sam’s issues. There are 12 ailments in all. It’s a game of precision and making him better. You’ll need to avoid the buzzer to have a successful operation. Will you cure poor Sam?
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
Monopoly Gamer: Mario Kart EditionAges 8+
Start your engines, collect your coins, and prepare for fun! The game board looks like Monopoly but is inspired by worlds straight out of the Mario Kart videogames. Each character has its own strategic abilities. Just like in the game, you can lay a banana to stop rivals in their tracks. Everytime you pass go, you’ll have an opportunity to race in the Grand Prix. The game includes a game board, 4 character kart tokens, 32 cards, banana tokens, 90 coins and 2 dice. The game is designed for 2-4 players. It’s the perfect gift for any Nintendo or Mario Kart fan!
Kids Against MaturityAges 8+
Who wants to grow up? Finally, kids can play Cards Against Humanity without parents pulling out all the cards from the deck. The game gives players the joke setup and they have to complete the punch line. There’s a fair share of fart, poop, and pee jokes that will make most kids laugh out loud. But these immature cards are at the heart and soul of this game. Get ready to give out a lot of atomic wedgies and laugh until your stomach hurts on family game night. It’s all in the name of immaturity!
Simon GameAges 8+
Simon is a classic visual memory game where you have to follow the lights and sounds. The catch? The sequences get progressively more challenging as you play. Think you can get the highest score?
Let’s Go FishingAges 4+
Let’s Go Fishing is the classic fast-action fishing game. As the fish open and close their mouths, you have to try to catch them with your fishing pole. Catch the most fish to win. It’s a great game for developing your kids eye-hand coordination and it’s a ton of fun for families.
BlokusAges 7+
Blokus is a simple game with only one rule. It comes with a board with a grid on it and Tetris shapes pieces in 4 different colors. The game requires 2-4 players. Each player starts at a corner and can only lay down pieces so that only the corners touch. The object? Try to use all your pieces.
Rummikub Ages 8+
Rummikub is a popular game around the world. It’s a classic game that has sold over 50 million copies. It’s a fantastic family game for two to four players that has you creating runs and sets. The object is to clear all your game tiles.
Gravity MazeAges 8+
A Toy of the Year winner, Gravity Maze is a game of logic and marble run in one fantastic package. Using spatial skills and planning, you’ll need to solve 60 challenges with various difficulty levels. Marbles will be falling and you have to guide them through the path to the target. Fantastic brain-building game providing endless fun.
Sorry!Ages 6+
Sorry! is the classic game of sweet revenge. The game plays a lot like Trouble. We highly recommend this game for family game night. It’s a game all about sliding, colliding and scoring. The goal is to get all your pawns home to win. But get bumped … well, Sorry … you’ll have to head back to start.
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Ticket To Ride is a cross-country train adventure game. In 7 days, which player can travel by train to the most cities in America? The game can be played by two to five players, with games lasting about half-an-hour to an hour. Let the journey begin!
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Yeti in My Spaghetti GameAges 4+
Hey Ma, there is a Yeti In My Spaghetti. This simple board game can bring hours of entertainment for the whole family. The board is shaped like a bowl. The little Yeti character sits on top of the crisscrossing plastic noodle pieces. Players take turns removing one noodle at a time. Watch out! One wrong move and the Yeti will fall into the bowl.
Battleship GameAges 7+
Battleship is the classic game of combat combining strategy, competitiveness, and fun! The game is played by two players and you’ll need to sink your opponent’s battleships before he sinks yours. Classic fun!
Not Parent ApprovedAges 8+
What do kids do when they’re bored out of their mind? They can play Not Parent Approved. It’s a card game perfect for kids and families. It’s somewhat like Cards for Humanity but designed for kids ages eight years old and up. It’s an inappropraitely appropriate game for mischievious makers. The game is played by four to ten players and it’s easy to learn and super fun to play. Plus, it’s sure to generate laughter. Say goodbye to boredom and hello to fun!
Scrabble Junior GameAges 5+
Scrabble Junior brings the fun of Scrabble to juniors. This is a crosswrod game where you score points by creating words. The game grows with your child. The other side includes an advanced level of the game. In the advanced version, players create their own words. In the simplified version, the words are already formed on the board. This is fun for the whole family!
Charades for KidsAges 4+
Designed for ages 4 and up, Charades for Kids brings the classic experience of Charades so that everyone in the family — including little kids — can join in the fun. Kids will love acting out the clues, while their family attempts to correctly guess their actions. A minimum of three players are required to play.
Educational Insights KanoodleAges 7+
Kanoodle is the ultimate stocking stuffer. This puzzle is small enough to carry anywhere and bring out whenever you are bored. There are 100 different challenges that go from flat rectangle puzzles to 3d Pyramid puzzles. You pick a puzzle and have to insert the remaining pieces to solve the puzzle. She may never get on her phone when she is bored again.
Bean Boozled Spinner Game
Jelly Belly 5th Edition Bean Boozled Jelly Beans Spinner Gift Box is a fun gag gift. You can play the game of Bean Boozled by spinning the wheel and choosing the color on the wheel. There are 20 flavors in all, 10 are delicious, while 10 are just plain yucky. Tasty fun with jelly beans! What’s not to love?
Sequence GameAges 7+
Sequence is a fascinating game of strategy. It’s a game that is fun, challenging, and exciting for two or more players! Families enjoy playing the game together. Build a sequence with five in a row. Strategy comes into play when you block the opposition and eliminate their chips. Jacks add a slight twist to the game since they are wild. The game is perfect for boys ages 7 and up.
5 Second RuleAges 10+
As featured on Ellen, 5 Second Rule is a game that sounds easy on the surface, but it’s trickier than you think. In the game, you have five seconds to come up with the answer to a very simple question. When you hear people blurt out answers, you can’t help but laugh.
Melissa & Doug SuspendAges 8+
Melissa and Doug’s Suspend is a balancing game for one to four players. The game is simple to learn and play. With 24 rods, players will need to attempt to balance the rods one by one without collapsing the entire structure. It’s an edge-of-your-seat thriller! Makes a great gift that the whole family can enjoy.
Watch Ya’ MouthAges 8+
In Watch Ya Mouth, you stick these awkward mouth retractors in your mouth. This makes it almost impossible to speak without the words coming out slurred. When you talk, what you say comes out really funny. The game is played in teams. The idea is to try to get your team to guess what you are saying with the mouth retractor in your mouth. It’s actually really challenging.
Spot It!Ages 7+
Experience the award-winning Spot It! game that’s fun for the whole family! The game features a variety of symbols with only one match between cards. It’s a party game for 2-8 players. Can you quickly spot the match? Kids will have to spot the match to win. The game develops focus, visual perception, and fine motor skills.
ThinkFun Math Dice Jr.Ages 6+
Math Dice Jr. from ThinkFun is a great first mental math game for kids. It’s a multiplayer game for 2 or more players. We love that the game is easy to learn and kids can start playing immediately. Your goal is to either add or subtract numbers on the 5 dice to reach a target number. It makes learning math fun and enjoyable for young learners.
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
UNO AttackAges 7+
Love UNO but want even more excitement? Consider UNO Attack, which adds the element of unpredicatability. The electronic shooter blasts the cards out and plays a sound, heightening the overall UNO experience. It’s the same UNO game you know and love but with a fun twist. Now there’s also a new special Attack! Attack! card, allowing you to attack the player of your choice. You simply can’t go wrong – it’s the perfect game for families.
LCR Left Center Right Dice GameAges 5+
LCR Left Center Right is a dice game designed for 3 or more players. It’s a fun and fast-paced game that’s really hard to put down. Roll the dice to see where to distribute your chips. The last player with chips remaining wins and can claim the entire center pot.
Candy Land Game: Disney Princess EditionAges 3+
In this special Disney Princess version of Candy Land, girls have to be the first Disney Princess to dance at the ball! It’s the classic Candy Land game with an adventurous twist. The game features different play levels for older and younger players. The game can be played by 2-4 players.
Doinkit Magnetic Dart BoardAges 6+
So your 7 year old wants to play darts, but you’re too worried they’ll hurt themselves. Meet Doinkit Darts. It’s a magnetic dart board with magnetic darts. They’re safe for kids and won’t damage walls. Excellent for developing eye-hand coordination and great family fun! The fun and safe way to play darts!
Monopoly JuniorAges 5+
Monopoly Junior brings the fun and excitement of Monopoly to younger kids. It’s the fast-dealing property trading card game that has become an all-time classic board game. Kids will be able to buy properties like a pet store, candy store and video arcade. The rules are simple and easy to understand. The whole family will enjoy playing Monopoly Junior.
Don’t Break the Ice GameAges 3+
Does he love destroying things? Don’t let the Penguin fall! In Don’t Break the Ice, kids take turns poking out blocks of ice with a mallet while trying to keep the penguin from falling through the ice. Set up is easy. Place all the ice blocks into the frame and you are ready to play. Because it teaches how to take turns and builds fine motor skills, it’s a great game for younger players.
Pokemon TCG: Lycanroc-GX Box Card GameAges 6+
Seven year old boys love collecting Pokemon cards. Pokemon is a popular Japanese franchise that actually is short for pocket monsters. There’s show on TV, video games, toys, and a trading card game. Kids love to collect the cards because you can build a strong collection of Pokemon to battle against friends. There’s a training kit that introduces kids to the game and new cards to collect. You got to catch them all.
ZingoAges 4+
Zingo is a fun twist on the game of bingo. It’s a great game to introduce 3 year olds to the idea of taking turns and following simple rules. The Zinger machine dispenses out the little picture chips. Since it uses pictures, no reading is required. It does encourage kids to learn how to read as the picture helps to reinforce the word on the card. The player that matches all the pictures on their card has to yell “Zingo.”
Rubik’s CubeAges 8+
The Rubik’s Cube is a classic puzzle game. You have to rotate a cube with multiple sections until you have all of the same color on a side. It can be quite challenging but there are strategies that can be developed to win the game. It’s a super fun brain-teaser.
The Game of LifeAges 8+
Just like in real life, you never know what to expect in The Game of Life. It’s a classic family friendly game full of action, adventure, and surprises. Now you can add pets to your life. It’s a wonderful new addition to the game. Will you be headed for wealth and fortune? Spend your money wisely because the player with the most money at the end wins. Kids will have fun while learning some valuable life-long lessons about spending money.
Hearing ThingsAges 12+
Hearing Things is the lip-reading challenge game. Place the speech-cancelling headphones over your head and guess the phrase fast! If you guess correctly, you earn a card. The player with the most cards wins. Are you ready for the challenge?
AzulAges 8+
Honored as Game of the Year, Azul is a beautifully crafted game for 2-4 players. Game play sessions vary between 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a good solid game. It’s an abstract game so understandably it may not appeal to everyone. It’s an easy game to learn with good strategy elements and, most importantly, it’s fun. It’s a great game to play with family that makes you think.
Grandpa Beck’s Cover Your Assets Card GameAges 8+
Cover Your Assets is a fun card game for four to six players. The game is easy to play with games lasting about half an hour. You have to cover your assets and steal theirs. The first millionaire wins! It’s a fun, fast-paced, and addictive game that will keep you coming back for more.
Betrayal At House On The HillAges 12+
Do you love horror movies? In this horror-themed board game, you and your friends will explore a spooky house on the hill. Players explore the house by flipping cards, which leads to the discovery of omens and the eventual “haunt.” While everybody goes together, one of your friends will betray you during the haunt. That’s when everything goes to disarray and you have to try to escape from the house. It’s a unique twist on the classic cooperative game.
Qwirkle Board GameAges 6+
Qwirkle is a top selling game where you mix, match, score, and win! You score points by combining tiles based on either color or shape. You’ll need tactics, strategy, and planning to win! It’s a simple yet challenging game to win, which will keep kids engaged. Great game for family fun!
5 Second Rule Jr. Board GameAges 6+
5 Second Rule Jr. is a family board game. In the game you have to review a card and blurt out and answer within five seconds! It’s fast-paced fun and silly answers are inevitable! The game is played by three or more players. Simple, silly fun for the whole family!
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Solid-Wood Magic SetAges 8+
Alacazam! With a little preparation and this magic set from Melissa & Doug, your 8 year old girl can perform 10 magic tricks that will stump all her friends and family. She’ll make a coin vanish into thin air and perform a great escape that even Harry Houdini would be proud of. The best part? You get to watch her perform.
Bop It! Micro Series GameAges 8+
Designed for one or more players, Bop It! is the game where you twist it, pull it, and bop it! It’s a fast-paced game and you’ll need to correctly copy the game commands to be successful. You score points for correctly performed commands. Will you be the Bop It! Champion?
Bop It! GameAges 8+
Bop It is sort of a Simon Says game where you have to test your reflexes. The toy tells you different commands like twist it, pull it, comb it, or bop it and you have to react before times runs out. The commands start out slow but when they speed up, you have to have lightning quick reflexes like a superhero. It’s fast-paced and fun. Do you have what it takes to be the Bop It! Champ?
BlinkAges 7+
From the makers of UNO comes BLINK, the world’s fastest card game! It’s a 2-player game designed for families and games last less than 2 minutes. It’s going to take sharp eyes and quick hands to race to match shape, count, or color with one of the discard piles. Your goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. We love that it’s an easy game to pick up and you’ll love seeing your reflexes and response time improve with every game. Just don’t blink because that could cost you the game!
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game Ages 3+
Preschoolers will enjoy playing this award-winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. It’s a game that involves strategy and it will teaches matching, sorting, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and handwriting skills. Spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn and put it in your log. If you’re the first to fill your log with acorns, you win!
Perplexus OriginalAges 6+
The original Perplexus features 100 challenging barrier puzzles for your child to solve. You’ll have to guide your way through a challenging 3D maze. The whole maze is enclosed in a sphere so you’ll be twisting and rotating your way around to unravel the mystery! It’s a fun game that will develop your child’s problem-solving and spatial skills.
Sushi Go!Ages 8+
Designed for ages 8 years old and older, Sushi Go! is a picking and passing card game. The game is played by two to five players, with games lasting about fifteen minutes. You’ll have to craft the perfect combo of sushi and score the most points to become the sushi master!
Melissa & Doug Catch & Count Fishing Game Ages 3+
Love to fish? Then you’ll love the Catch & Count Fishing Game from Melissa & Doug. In this game, you can actually reel in the fish and count up your score. The fish are magnetic so they easily attach to the magnetic hook. See how many you can catch. It’s a fun game for developing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Googly EyesAges 7+
Designed for ages seven and up, the Googly Eyes Game is a family game with whacked out vision! Strap on the goggles and see if you can have your team determine what you’ve drawn! We dare you to try and draw straight. Hilariously fun game for the whole family!
Bounce-OffAges 7+
Are you ready for intense competition? In Bounce-Off, you’ll need to bounce colorful balls into the grid and create patterns on game cards. The first one to create the pattern wins a card. To win at the game you need to collect three cards. Fantastic bouncing fun for the whole family!
BananagramsAges 7+
Bananagrams is the perfect family game that also helps develop your child’s literacy. Players race to build crosswords grids with their tiles. The best part? It’s educational and super fun. The convenient banana-themed travel tote allows you to take the fun on the go.
Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere BingoAges 4+
Take the classic Bingo experience wherever you go with this super convenient Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere edition. The game includes the board, magnetic markers, and a spinner. Who’s up for a game of B-I-N-G-O?
Apples to Apples Party BoxAges 12+
In the party game, Apples To Apples, the idea is to pick a red card from your hand that best describes the judge’s green card. If the judge puts down “Undesirable”, you could put down “Stinky Feet” or an “Alien Probe”. The judge then collects everybody’s card and chooses her favorite answer. During the next round, somebody else gets to be the judge. It’s a more family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.
QwixxAges 8+
If you love Yahtzee, you’ll probably also love Qwizz, a fast family dice game. It’s a game for 2-5 players with games lasting roughly 15-20 minutes. Players try to score the most points by gathering them in different colors. It’s a fun little game that is very easy to follow and play. The best part? It’s an inexpensive game that anyone can play and enjoy.
Marvel Matching GameAges 3+
Memory is a great game for learning how to take turns, language, and recollection. What happens when you combine the fun of matching with superheroes? You get the Marvel Matching Game. The Marvel Matching Game is the classic game of memory with a fun superhero twist. Characters include everybody from Spider-Man to Captain America. There are four cards for each character. Kids will love matching their favorite Marvel characters.
NFL Game Day Board GameAges 9+
Does your 8 year old love football? NFL Game Day is the ultimate football board game. It’s simple to learn and for two to four players. The game involves strategy and is based on real NFL stats. There’s offense, defense, and special teams. Are you ready for some football?
No Stress ChessAges 7+
Chess is one of the world’s greatest games and now kids can join in the fun with No Stress Chess. Kids can learn chess taking baby steps. The secret lies in the action deck which helps you make move decisions. Players take turns drawing a card and making that move and repeating this process. It’s really quite simple. The best part? Once you’re comfortable with the game, flip it over for a regular game of chess.
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Hoot Owl Hoot!Ages 4+
Hoot Owl Hoot! is a great game to play with 3 year olds. It is a cooperative game that teaches kids how to work together in a team. Players are given color coded cards, which allow them to move the owls across the board. On each turn, players play a card and draw a new card. If players draw a sun card, the sun will move. The idea of the game is to get the owls to their nest before the sun gets to the end and comes up.
ScattergoriesAges 12+
Scattergories is the classic fast-thinking categories game. It’s a game for 2-6 players, and it can also be played with teams. Players race to write words for each category on the category list. The catch? You only score points if nobody else has the same answer … so think creatively to win!
LabyrinthAges 8+
In Labyrinth you’ll race for treasures in a moving maze! The tile piece can be used to shift walls or open up passages. The game is played by two to four players and games take twenty to thirty minutes. It’s all about strategy and planning.
Spot It Jr.! AnimalsAges 4+
Spot It Jr. Animals edition is an amazing family game! It’s a rapid game of matching animals! Put your skills to the test. It’s a great game for building image matching and recognition skills. The game is played by 2-6 players. It’s the perfect game for kindergarteners and it’s sure to be your go-to game for family fun.
ThinkFun Rush HourAges 8+
Everyone who drives knows the headaches of rush hour traffic. You’re in gridlock and traffic is slow crawling. Rush Hour is a traffic jam logic game inspired by rush hour. But players can slide vehicles horizontally or vertically out of the way. With 40 unique challenges, will you be able to quickly weasel your way out of rush hour traffic?
PictionaryAges 8+
The classic game of Pictionary is the game of quick sketches and hilarious sketches! Now they’ve introduced a new Pop Culture category along with markers and erasable boards. You draw the clues and your team has to guess what it is. The best part? Even if you can’t draw, you can still play and the game appeals to everyone from kids to adults with multiple difficulty levels. In fact, if you can’t draw, it might generate more laughter. Get ready for fun times with Pictionary. It’s BIG fun for the whole family!
Shadows In The ForestAges 8+
Shadows In The Forest is a surprisingly refreshing and clever game. You play the game in the dark and light and shadows are a core part of the game. One player is the lantern, a pursuer represented by a small LED lantern. Other players are the Shadowlings, who crave darkness. The Shadowlings have to gather under the tree, while the lantern has to freeze Shadowlings in its light. The catch? Shadowlings can’t cross light beams projected by the Lantern. It’s the perfect game for sleepovers and requires chess-like strategy and cooperative play.
Forbidden IslandAges 10+
Similar to Pandemic, Forbidden Island is a cooperative game that uses a lot of the same mechanics. Because it is simpler and on a smaller scale, it is a good game to play before playing Pandemic. In Forbidden Island, players must work together to recover artifacts and escape on a helicopter before the island sinks. As the game reaches its conclusion, it gets more and more tense.
Sleeping Queens Card GameAges 8+
The Sleeping Queens is a card game designed for ages 8 and older. A spell has been cast causing everybody in the kingdom to fall asleep. You’ll have to awaken the most queens to win this game. It’s a fun game combining strategy, math, memory and rapid thinking. Beware of the wicked potions and dragons!
Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party Game Ages 3+
In Disney’s Enchanted Cupcake Party game kids will mix, match, and make cupcakes in time for the party. Girls will have a blast decorating a variety of pretty cupcakes. Make as many as you can for the party! The game promotes creative expression and playing together.
Sequence for KidsAges 4-6
Sequence For Kids is sort of like Tic-Tac-Toe meets matching. The board contains a bunch of different animals on it. Kids are each given 3 cards with pictures of animals on it. On their turn, they have to match the picture on the animal on their card with an animal on the board. They place one of their tokens there. The player that gets 4-in-a-row wins.
Twister Ultimate GameAges 6+
Twister Ultimate is a classic party game that has players all tied up in knots. The ultimate version features a larger mat with twice the number of spots as the original game! You have to follow the moves specified on the spinner by placing your foot or hand on the corresponding color. But try not to fall over! The game gets trickier with multiple players and it is immensely simple fun!
Pokemon TCG: Shining Legends Elite Trainer BoxAges 6+
Looking for a great gift for your Pokemon fanatic? Consider the Pokemon TCG: Shining Legends Trainer Box. This complete set includes 10 Booster Packs, 65 Card Sleeves, 45 Energy Cards, Shining Ho-Oh Foil Card, Player’s Guide, 6 Damage Counter Dice and more. Pokemon fans will be on their way to becoming the ultimate Pokemon Master. When they open it, they will be smiling from ear to ear. Let the games begin!
Marvel I Can Do That! GameAges 4+
Marvel’s I Can Do That! Game is the ultimate superhero training game. He will train and perform various feats of skill and his skills will be put to the test against the Green Goblin. It’s a fun game that gets kids active. Superhero fans will love this game, as it generates laughs, boosts confidence, and is great family fun.
Sushi Go Party! Card GameAges 8+
Designed for two to eight players, Sushi Go Party! Card Game is a deluxe pick and pass card game. The game is easy to learn and it expands on the fun of the original. It’s really hard not to like this.
Bears vs BabiesAges 10+
From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes another hilarious game. In game, there are two types of card: bears and babies. Players must build bears to destroy an army of babies. In the deck, there are different body parts. You connect them to form a monster. You can create everything from a owl wearing underpants to a grizzly bear who is also a taco. The object of the game is to eat the most babies. It’s a game that plays as silly as it sounds.
Don’t Step In It! Unicorn EditionAges 4+
Don’t Step In It! Unicorn Edition from Hasbro Games is a poop-themed game involving clay-like poop substance. The unicorn poop is scattered around the play area. Kids take turns spinning the spinner to determine how many steps to take. The catch? Kids are blindfolded and – you guessed it – they have to avoid stepping in the poop!
Classic TwisterAges 6+
Twister is a fun, classic game that has you all tied up in knots. A spinner and vinyl Twister mat are included. After spinning the wheel you have to place your hand or foot on the corresponding color on the mat. Games last about 10-15 minutes and can be played by 2-4 players. This is a fun party game and fun for the entire family.
Ideal Hot Potato Electronic GameAges 4+
Who doesn’t love the classic game of Hot Potato? Kids squeeze the adorable plush potato to start the music. Now the fun starts. Kids frantically pass the potato around until the music stops. The player that has the potato is out.
Catan JuniorAges 6+
Catan Junior is catered to a younger audience and it has a very similar feel to Settlers of Catan. The game is for 2-4 players and it’s perfect for families. It’s a game where you’re rolling to obtain resources. We love how they haven’t dumbed down the game as much as you’d think in making the transition for a younger audience. It will appeal to kids and it plays very quickly.
KingdominoAges 8+
Winner of Game of the Year 2017 honors, Kingdomino is a family strategy game for 2-4 players. Your objective is to build the best castle. It’s like dominoes with a fun twist! Game times last around 15 minutes. When players complete their 5 x 5 grid, the game ends and points are awarded based on the number of connecting tiles and crowns.
Outfoxed! Game Board GameAges 5+
Outfoxed! is a fun cooperative game where you have to discover who did it. A lady’s pot pie has gone missing! Now you’ll have to crack the case. Gather clues and rule out suspects. Collaborate quickly before the guilty fox makes his escape! Will you catch this mastermind thief or will you be Outfoxed?
Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s BusytownAges 3+
In Busytown families will race around town solving mysteries and finding hidden objects. The game promotes teamwork and kids learn matching skills as well as object identification.
Monopoly Gamer EditionAges 8+
Teens love videogames and games. This latest version of Monopoly features Mario and friends in Monopoly Gamer Edition. This version has a bunch of new twists that Nintendo fans will love. First, instead of money it uses coins so players battle for the highest score. The tokens feature iconic Nintendo characters like Mario, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong. This version contains power-ups and epic boss battles but you still buy properties. Will you be able to overcome Bowser and score the most points?
You’ve Got CrabsAges 7+
Can you keep a “sea”-cret? From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes a new board game called You’ve Got Grabs. This is a family-friendly game for kids over 7. Played in teams of two, this game combines crabs with deception. The game is super simple: Before starting, you and your teammate must come up with a secret signal. You must collect 4 of the same card and secretly notify your partner. Your teammate must then yell, “You’ve got crabs!” The catch? If the other team finds out and yells “You’ve Got Crabs” your team loses.
Rat-A-Tat CatAges 6+
Rat-a-Tat Cat is an award-winning children’s card game. The game promotes strategy development and develops memory, math, and timing. The game features over 50 rat, cat, and power cards and is for 2-6 players. Players have to eliminate the high cards – the rats – and add low cards – the cats. The added twist is you can look at 2 cards, pick 2 cards, or even exchange cards. The player with the lowest point total is the winner of the game.
Classic Chutes and Ladders Board GameAges 4+
Everybody has played Chutes & Ladders. This classic version of the game is sure to bring back a lot of old memories. Little ones will learn basic counting skills as they try to avoid the chutes and climb up the ladders. The first one to the top wins the game.
UNO Emoji Card GameAges 7+
What do you get when you cross Uno with Emojis? Uno Emoji! Uno Emoji is a new and improved card game that is a family-favorite! It’s better than the original! The games are quick and easy to play and it’s a hit with families. Great gift for birthday parties, family game night, and more!
King of TokyoAges 8+
King of Tokyo is a game for two to six players. You’ll battle as a monster, robot, or alien. You can choose to attack, heal yourself, level-up your monster, or charge ahead. Games last about half an hour. Will you become King of Tokyo?
Bob Ross: Art of Chill GameAges 12+
Bob Ross: Art of Chill is a family game for 2-4 players where you’re trying to paint different items on paintings. Your goal is to beat Bob Ross to score bonuses. The game features 30 different paintings from Bob Ross. This game has an amazing theme and it’s a good family level set collection. We love how you can go for techniques for long-term points. Everyone who played this has had a blast with it.
DixitAges 8+
Dixit is a humorous party game full of imaginative storytelling. It’s a game for 3-6 players with games lasting roughly 30 minutes. Dixit is one of the best party games we’ve seen in a long time. It’s a game where you’re trying to outthink each other and you’re playing with picture cards. The catch? You’re trying to give out clues so some people choose the correct answer but not all. If you play with people who are creative this can be a really entertaining game. Don’t be fooled by its box artwork – it’s certainly a game that leaves an impression and a game worth checking out.
Telestrations 6 PlayerAges 6+
Telestrations is a four to six player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. Incredible fun for the whole family!
Bugs in the KitchenAges 6+
What would you do if there were bugs in the kitchen? Play with them! The board game is set up like a maze made out forks, knives, spoons. Inside the maze, there is a little robotic Hexbug that moves around. The idea of the game is to get the roaming bug into your bin by manipulating the utensils on the board. On your turn, you role the die and it will tell you which utensil you can move to direct the bug to your bin. Get that bug out of the kitchen before it goes in the food!
Build Or BoomAges 4+
Building something is a lot of fun, but tearing it down is even more fun. In Build Or Boom, two players race to complete a structure on a blueprint card. The twist? When somebody completes the structure, they press the dynamite to blow up their opponent’s structure. KABOOM! It’s a “Blast!”
Perplexus EpicAges 8+
Perplexus Epic is a transparent maze where players have to clear 125 hurdles to reach the end of the maze. You will have to flip, toss, swirl the transparent sphere to keep the ball on the track. If it falls off, you start back at the beginning. It’s a lot of fun to see who can get the furthest.
Tabletopics FamilyAges 6+
Family TableTopics is an award-winning game for you guessed it – families. They are great daily conversation-starters. The 135 questions can be silly to creative. Kids will be encouraged to share their ideas, aspirations, and even dreams. Fantastic game for developing your child’s social and communication skills.
MysteriumAges 10+
Why watch a horror movie when you can play a horror themed board game? Mysterium is a whodunnit cooperative board game. A ghost has been murdered and players must uncover the killer, location, and murder weapon. One player takes the role of the ghost and the rest of the players are psychics. The catch? The ghost gives clues using only picture cards.
Pokemon TCG: Guzzlord-GX BoxAges 6+
Pokemon fans gotta catch the Pokemon TCG: Guzzlord-GX Box! Nothing will prepare you for Guzzlord, the Ultimate Beast Pokemon. This set features 4 Booster Packs, 1 Rare Guzzlord-GX, Playable Promo Foil Card, and 1 Guzzlord-GX Oversized Foil Card. All in all it’s about 40 cards with a lot of variety. It’s a gift that will satisfy any Pokemon fan.
7 Wonders DuelAges 10+
7 Wonders Duel is a game for two players. Playing time is around 30 minutes and it’s a relatively simple game. Two civilizations compete to determine whose legacy will be the greatest. Will you raise the pyramids or will your nation be crushed by your opponent’s scientific genius or military might? The civilization with the most points at the end of the game wins. It’s a fast-paced dueling game with next to no luck. The theme is very easy for people to identify with. The best part? It’s hard to pack more game into 30 minutes than 7 Wonders Duel does.
Jumping JackAges 4+
This might be the most adorable game ever. A little bunny rabbit sits on top of a hill. Kids have to steal his carrots by spinning the spinner. The cool part? When one of the carrots is plucked, the bunny will jump high in the air. The player that catches him wins the game.
Kanoodle Head To HeadAges 7+
Love and the original Kanoodle? Now you can play head-to-head with a friend in Kanoodle Head To Head. There are 80 puzzles to challenge players. We love it because it’s great for developing problem-solving and spatial skills while having fun with a friend. The compact size makes it a great game on the go. It’s a game the whole family will enjoy.
BohnanzaAges 10+
Bohnanza is a trading and set collection card game for 2-7 players with games lasting about 60 minutes. The farmer with the most gold coins at the end wins the game. We appreciate that the game scales to 6 or 7 people. If you have 4-6 players who are all active and creative traders and make decisions quickly, this could be the perfect game. Without this prerequisite, the game can get bogged down pretty quickly with people who take long to make decisions. When it works, this game really shines. Depending on your gaming group, this game may be worth picking up.
Bang! 4th EditionAges 10+
With over 1 million copies sold to date, Bang! is a fun party game you don’t want to miss. In fact, it’s the best-selling wild west card game for 4-7 players with games lasting roughly half an hour. The best part? Now in its 4th edition, it’s easier than ever to learn and play. The Sherrif’s goal is to be the last man standing. Meanwhile, the Outlaws’ objective is to eliminate the Sheriff. In 5-player games, the Deputy has to keep the Sheriff alive until the end of the game. Are you ready for some Bang! Bang! action?!
Race to the TreasureAges 5+
Race To The Treasure is one of our favorite cooperative board games for little ones. The idea is to race the Ogre to the treasure by building a path to collect all the keys on the game board. Once the team collects all the keys, they can unlock the door to the treasure, but they must do so before the Ogre reaches the door.
Super Stadium Baseball GameAges 6+
Super Stadium is a baseball game featuring realistic baseball action. The game features baseball figures, pitching, and even batting action. The best part? You can change your pitch style, bat either left or right handed, and reposition your players on the field. The game accounts for balls, strikes, and outs. Players track the score on an included score card. The game is designed for two players and kids can learn how to play the game of baseball. Great gift for baseball fans. It’s a HOMERUN!
Say Anything Family EditionAges 8+
In Say Anything, speaking your mind is encouraged to win. Every round someone plays the judge. By drawing from a deck, the judge asks a question like “What’s the funniest movie of all-time?” All of the players write down an answer and the judge picks her favorite response. Then players try to guess which answer the judge chose. The player that guesses correctly wins the point. What hilarious things will your family say?
Curious George Matching Game Ages 3+
The Curious George Matching Game is a perfect game of memory and matching for preschoolers. The game features 72 picture tiles and kids’ memory skills will be put to the test! The game enougages taking turns and playing together.
Wonder Forge PJ Masks Matching GameAges 3+
Remember the game of memory? Children will love putting their memory to the test with this fun PJ Masks-themed matching game. It’s great for building matching and memory skills.
Family CharadesAges 7+
Family Charades is the best-selling family game for 2 to 4 players. It’s perfect for parties with a variety of themes, including Kids Charades, Family Charades, Movie Charades, and 80’s & 90’s Charades to cater to all ages and tastes. There’s a good mix of easy and challenging charades. Expect a ton of laugh out loud moments and fun as you bond with family and friends. It’s a classic game that provides endless hours of fun.
Ticket To Ride: First JourneyAges 6+
Younger kids can enjoy Ticket To Ride with this scaled down age-appropriate version of the popular board game. It’s a game for 2-4 players with game times lasting around 15 to 30 minutes. Travel to major cities acorss America and expand your train network by connecting cities. Will you be the first player to complete 6 tickets?
UNO Harry Potter Card GameAges 7+
What do you get when you combine the worlds of Harry Potter and UNO? You get something magical in the form of UNO Harry Potter. The gameplay remains intact but now the cards feature the cast of Harry Potter and there is a special new rule. You have to eliminate all of you cards and be the first player or team to reach 500 points to win.
Perplexus RookieAges 8+
Perplexus is a challenging 3D labyrinth puzzle all contained in a sphere. With 22 feet of track and 75 barriers, will you be able to complete this original challenge? It’s the ultimate challenge where you’ll be twisting and literally spinning your way to the finish line!
Jim Stott’s Ultimate Magic KitAges 10+
Do you believe in magic? Jim Scott does and he’ll demonstrate how to perform incredible magic tricks. His Ultimate Magic Kit has garnered rave reviews and it includes more than 350 tricks to impress audiences. This kit is a great value. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the art of magic.
SculptapaloozaAges 10+
What do you get when art collides with family game night? You get Scultapalooza, a game where players have to sculpt what’s on their card before time runs out. You scult your creations out of play foam that never dries out. The catch? You may be required to sculpt with your eyes closed or tag team with another member. Players must correctly guess what their team sculpted before time runs out to score a point. The first team to score 20 points wins.
Gamewright Hisss Card GameAges 4+
Hisss is a card game designed for younger children. In this color matching game, the object is to build the largest snake. Each snake must have a head, body, and tail. All of the colored body parts have to match as well. Players take turns picking up cards and can either build a new snake or add it to the existing snakes. If you complete a snake, you add it to your snake pit. The player with the most tiles in their snake pit wins.
The Fox In The ForestAges 10+
The Fox in the Forest is a 2-player trick-taking game from Renegade Game Studios. You have to be the first player to 21 points to win. We love the unique theme and the scoring scale, which really makes this game excellent. The special abilities work well with two players. Games last between 20-30 minutes, which is a perfect length for this type of game. It’s our favorite two-player trick-taking game.
Super Mario ChessAges 8+
This is no ordinary chess set. It’s a Super Mario themed chess set. It’s good vs. evil. Will the Super Mario brothers be able to defeat Bowser and the koopalings?
Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere Tic-Tac-ToeAges 4+
Tic-Tac-Toe is a classic game every kid needs in his game library. The game is simple to play and it’s all about getting three X’s or O’s in a row. This travel version is perfect for taking the game on the go. This set includes a game board and magnetic pieces. We love the game because it’s simple and offers endless replayability.
D-FantiX Cyclone Boys 2×2 Speed Cube Stickerless Magic CubeAges 3+
D-FantiX has improved the classic Rubik’s Cube with the Magic Cube! It’s a small 2 x 2 x 2 cube like the Rubik’s with different colors on each side perfect for preschoolers. The goal is to get each face to be all one color. It’s the classic puzzle game but now it’s designed to turn much faster and smoother than ever before.
Wits & Wagers Deluxe Board GameAges 10+
Wits and Wagers is a fantastic party game. How many pounds does the heaviest Sumo wrestler weigh? Who cares? In this trivia game, you don’t have to know the answers. You just have to be able to guess who at the table has the correct answer. The game has now been updated. The Deluxe version has plastic poker tokens, more durable currency, and better dry erase markers. The coolest part? It has high quality no wrinkle mat. For 10 year olds, it’s the closest thing to being in Vegas.
Drop ItAges 8+
Drop It is the perfect game for family game night. We love that it’s a creative strategy-based game that is very easy to pick up and play. The game can be either played by individuals or teams. Play times run around half an hour. Drop colorful shapes into the game board. Points are awarded for the highest level the shape reaches after landing with bonus points for touching bonus circles. The catch? You can’t hit the same shape or color after landing. The player with the most points at the end wins.
Educational Insights Raccoon Rumpus GameAges 3+
Raccoon Rumpus is a fun color matching game for preschoolers that involves critters, crazy costumes, and matching. Players have to be the first to collect 5 costumes for their raccoon. To collect a costume, kids roll a pair of die and pick up the costume that matches the dice. The fun part? If kids roll an underwear, they lose all their costumes.
Educational Insights Shelby’s Snack Shack GameAges 4+
From the makers of the Sneaky Squirrel Game comes this fun counting game. With cute illustrations, kids have to find all the hidden bones by spinning the spinner and picking up the same number of bones as they spun. The cutest part? Kids pick up the bones with the Pug Squeezer, which is not only adorable but great for developing those pincer skills.
Century: Spice RoadAges 8+
Century: Spice Road is a pool building game for 2-5 players with play times ranging from 30 – 45 minutes. This game is phenomenal because it flows like no other game we’ve played before. It’s both fun and interesting. We love the mechanism where you leave a cube on each card you don’t take. While this concept is not new, it works really well here. If you love fast and fun games that are easy to get into, you won’t want to miss checking this one out.
Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere HangmanAges 5+
Who doesn’t love playing hangman? Now she can take it everywhere she goes with this fun travel version. In the game, she has to guess the word before the little man gets hung. All of the components are magnetic so she can play over and over. It’s a fun and easy game that the whole family can enjoy.
The Legend of Zelda Clue Board GameAges 8+
Believe it or not some teen boys love their Zelda more than Call of Duty. In this special The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition of Clue, the classic mystery game, you’ll need to get to the bottom of the mystery! He’ll need to discover who can beat Ganon, what is needed to beat him, and where is he hiding. Now that’s easier said than done. The game board features a beautiful customized illustration of the world of Hyrule from the videogames. The game is played by three to six players and the Zelda twist to the game is really fun. Fantastic gift for your Zelda fan.
MONOPOLY: The Legend of Zelda Collector’s EditionAges 8+
Does your teen boy love Zelda? Monopoly: The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition is a fantastic gift for Zelda fans. This special edition has a Zelda themed twist to the game. The game board has a cool Zelda illustration and there’s even Zelda inspired money. The tokens feature noteworthy items from the game like the Triforce, Hookshot, Hylian Shield and more. Players will buy. sell, and trade locations based on Hyrule. The game also features speed play rules. Perfect game for family game night. Zelda + Monopoly – it’s a match made in heaven!
MancalaAges 8+
Mancala is an ancient game from Egypt and it’s a family favorite. It’s a fun and educational 2-player counting game. With various moves and captures, you have to attempt to gather as many marbles. This set includes a beautiful wooden game board along with colorful marbles. Families will have fun playing with rules from around the world.
My First CarcassonneAges 4+
My First Carcassonne is a tile placement game great for kids and family for 2-4 players. Playing time comes in around 20 minutes. Players are trying to close off sections of the road that have their kids’ color. The first player to place all of their pawns on the board is the winner of the game. We love that it’s a simple game for little ones to grasp. It’s cool how all the tiles match regardless of placement. It’s a super fun game if you’re looking for a simple game to play with your kids.
The Incredibles Save The Day GameAges 6+
The Incredibles Save The Day Game is a cooperative family board game for 1-4 players. Players take on the role of their favorite member of the Parr family. Your objective is to rescue baby Jack-Jack and fix all the problems in the city. The more you play this game, the easier it is to play. It’s a fun, family-friendly co-op game perfect for Incredibles fans.
Century: Golem EditionAges 8+
Century: Golem Edition is a reskin of Century: Spice Road overhauled with new art, new components, and a new feel. The game is fantastic. It’s a hand-building, resource-trading set collection type game with a very elegant rule set that just works. We like how you have to pay for cards that have most recently come out into the available pool. It’s been called a Splendor-killer. Because of all of the mechanisms found in such a tight package, it can replace a number of other games. This one is worth having just for the pure aesthetic value and the underlying mechanics.
Mecard Evan DeluxeAges 6+
Mecard is the newest epic action battle game. Push your Mecard vehicle over a card and watch it magically spring to life right before your eyes! WHOA! The car transforms into a robot. Each Deluxe vehicle comes with 3 cards. There are a variety of Mecard vehicles to collect. Are you ready for some head-to-head competition?!
Snake OilAges 10+
Snake Oil is a fun party card game for 3-10 players. Kids will have tons of fun practicing the art of persuasion. The game is easy to play. First, choose a player to be the first Customer and have that player pick a Customer Card. The other players combine two Word Cards to create something for the customer. Then each player has to persuade the Customer that their item is the best. The Customer picks the one they like the most, and that player wins the Customer Card. The player with the most Customer Cards at the end wins.
Ice Cool 2Ages 6+
Ice Cool 2 is an expansion but standalone game. That means even if you haven’t played the first game, you can still enjoy this game. The coolest part? If you own Ice Cool and Ice Cool 2, you can combine them to create a mega game. There are different setups you can create. It’s an awesome dexterity game for 2-4 players with games lasting about 20 minutes.
The Quest for El DoradoAges 10+
The Quest for El Dorado was a Game of the Year 2017 Finalist. It’s a simple deck-building board game for 2-4 players. Play time runs roughly 60 minutes. The player who crosses the border into the mysterious golden city of El Dorado first claims all the treasure and wins the game. It’s a simple, fun, and excellent deck-building game and a great way to introduce players to the deck-playing mechanism. We love that there are a lot of options for varied play but more experienced players may not find the depth they’re looking for.
Lanterns: The Harvest FestivalAges 8+
Lanterns: The Harvest Festival is a 2-4 player game with games lasting roughly 30 minutes. It’s got color tile placement and card set collecting. It’s light and casual, but there’s still strategy to it. Because the cards are double-sided, it gives you visibility as to what cards others are collecting so you can adjust your strategy accordingly. The player with the most points wins. It’s an enjoyable game worth checking out.
WerewordsAges 8+
Werewords is a hidden identity game. It’s an app-driven game like Ultimate Werewolf. A word will be generated via the app. One player is the mayor who knows the word and they have these “Yes”/”No” chips they can respond with. The catch? They can’t give any hidden clues or use any body language. Other players have to guess the word within the given timer. But there is also a werewolf who knows the word and is trying to steer everyone in the wrong direction so they don’t guess the word. If you don’t guess it, everyone can vote who the werewolf is. This game is better than Insider because it has a lot more dynamics. It’s definitely worth a look even if you’re not a fan of this genre.
Clue The Classic EditionAges 8+
Clue is a classic who done it game. Welcome to Boddy Mansion. There are six suspects and one of them got rid of Mr. Boddy. But who was it and where did they store his body? Do you have what it takes to crack this case?
Tell Tale Card GameAges 6+
Families will love playing Tell Tale’s Card Game because it inspires creativity. Families will be encouraged to create stories based on various illustrations. The game offers unlimited possibilities and can be played by up to 8 players.
Castle LogixAges 3+
Jigsaw puzzles are fun but this puzzle is a nice change of pace. Not only will she have to use her spatial and fine motor skills, but she will have to use her critical and problem solving skills to solve it. The idea is to build different castles that appear on the various challenge cards. With 45 different challenges of varying difficulty, it starts off easy but the challenges become progressively harder.
Reverse CharadesAges 6+
Reverse Charades is a game involving a hilarious twist on the game of Charades. The game has a team that acts out the word or phrase and one player has to guess the word or phrase. It’s an easy game to play and it’s so much fun!
Bunny KingdomAges 12+
Designed by Richard Garfield, Bunny Kingdom is a game that mixes card drafting with territory control. It’s a game for 2-4 players with games lasting around 40 minutes. The player with the most points at the end wins. We love that there aren’t too many complicated rules to get hung up on in this game. The game works best with 3 or 4 players. We recommend this for players who love card drafting and are looking for a lighter game that combines card drafting with area control.
The ClimbersAges 8+
The Climbers is an abstract strategy game for 2-5 players that has players climbing to the top. In order to reach the top, you’ll need to strategically think about which blocks to move and rotate. There can only be one winner. Will it be you? It’s a fun game the whole family will enjoy.
OtrioAges 6+
Looking for a fun family game? Otrio reinvents the game of Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s a game of strategy with a surprising amount of depth. You have to line up three pieces of the same color across the board, line up in ascending/descending order, or three pieces of the same color in the same space to win. Think you’ve got what it takes to win?
Drop Squad: The Escape!Ages 5+
Tired of boring ‘classic’ board games? A physics-based game for 2-4 players, Drop Squad is like Plinko with a refreshing twist. Combining a card game, marble game, board game, and tabletop game with strategic elements and surprisingly good depth, it’s a fantastic game for family game night worth adding to your collection. Pivot ramps to throw the odds in your favor and land the ball in your goal. The player scoring the most points wins. It’s a game of skill and luck the whole family can enjoy.
Best Teen Family Board Games 2020
Teens can be really hard to shop for given their varying tastes and preferences. We’ve compiled a list of the best teen board games 2020 across a variety of categories. There’s literally something for everyone. These are the games that will hook them from the start and have them playing for hours on end. Most of these picks are high on replay value, so they’ll keep you coming back time and again.
UNO Card GameAges 7+
UNO is a classic card game that is addictive, fun, and easy to play. Players have to match colors or numbers. The best part? The Wild Cards allow you to create your own rules. Get rid of all your card to win. Don’t forget to call out UNO when you’re down to a single card. The first player or team to 500 points wins the game.
Monopoly Cheaters EditionAges 8+
Who doesn’t love to cheat in Monopoly? Now Hasbro is making cheating official with the Monopoly Cheaters Edition. The core gameplay remains unchanged. So what’s changed? There are 15 special cards tailored to the sneakiest family members. If you can get away with evil deeds, you’ll be rewarded; however, if you’re caught you’ll end up in handcuffs. Now there’s no banker so you can rob the bank if you’re daring enough.
Exploding KittensAges 7+
With great artwork, Exploding Kittens features the artwork of Matthew Inman, who is behind the Oatmeal. It’s a card game where the idea is to avoid the exploding kitten card in the deck. It’s sort of like Uno with kittens. All of the illustrations on the cards are hysterical, which adds to the charm of the game.
ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-To-Score Game SetAges 3+
Everyone’s favorite party game is now supersized. It’s like Connect 4 where you have to get 4 in a row to win but this is on a larger scale. It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor fun and comes with a handy travel case. Think you have what it takes to win?!
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
Kids Against MaturityAges 8+
Who wants to grow up? Finally, kids can play Cards Against Humanity without parents pulling out all the cards from the deck. The game gives players the joke setup and they have to complete the punch line. There’s a fair share of fart, poop, and pee jokes that will make most kids laugh out loud. But these immature cards are at the heart and soul of this game. Get ready to give out a lot of atomic wedgies and laugh until your stomach hurts on family game night. It’s all in the name of immaturity!
Simon GameAges 8+
Simon is a classic visual memory game where you have to follow the lights and sounds. The catch? The sequences get progressively more challenging as you play. Think you can get the highest score?
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Award winning, Ticket To Ride is a classic board game that everyone should play. It’s so simple to play. The idea is to claim railway routes, connecting cities. The longer the routes, the more points you collect.
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Monopoly Fortnite EditionAges 13+
Monopoly Fortnite Edition is designed for teens. In this version of the game you battle your opponents and avoid the storm. Just like the videogame, it’s all about survival — not what you own. The game features battles and loot chests and is inspired by the videogame. It’s a fun new spin on the classic game of Monopoly. Will you be the last player standing?!
TabooAges 13+
Taboo is really fun. In the game, you have to describe something without using certain “taboo” words. It’s actually pretty hard, but that’s what makes it fun and highly competitive. Each team has to guess as many words as they can before the timer runs out.
Not Parent ApprovedAges 8+
Not Parent Approved is Cards Against Humanity for the younger set. It’s played exactly like Cards Against Humanity where the idea is to fill in the blank with one of your cards. The big difference is while the content is edgy and sometimes suggestive, it is not Rated R.
PandemicAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases by working together.
Educational Insights KanoodleAges 7+
Kanoodle is portable puzzle game that is sort of like Tetris. With both 2d and 3d puzzles, the idea is pretty simple. It comes with a book of different puzzles that gives you a starting configuration that you have to finish. For the 2d puzzles, you must finish the puzzle by placing the Tetris like pieces to fill all of the empty places. If you are ready for the 3d puzzles, you will have to finish a 3 dimensional pyramid.
Unstable Unicorns Ages 14+
Who isn’t obsessed with Unicorns? Started on Kickstarter, Unstable Unicorns is a card game that raised an ungodly amount of money. In Unstable Unicorns, you must build a unicorn army. The player that is the first to collect seven unicorns in their hand is the winner, but thanks to the “Neigh” cards there are numerous obstacles in your way. It’s much a game of strategy as it is a game of betrayal. Add rainbows and a little sparkle to your game night.
5 Second RuleAges 10+
You can’t help stop laughing with 5 Second Rule. The game is so simple yet incredibly fun and is sure to generate a ton of laughter. You pick a card and have just five seconds to announce three answers on topic. Wait ’til you hear some of the wackiest answers when people are under time pressure. Watching ’em fail is EPIC. Great fun with family and friends. Highly recommend!
GloomhavenAges 12+
Gloomhaven is a deep, complex, combat-focused game for 1-4 players with games lasting 1-2 hours. You team up with others to complete your goals while uncovering the threats to Gloomhaven. The campaign is comprised of a number of scenarios — each with its own objective. If you ever run out of health, you are defeated. If you like tactical combat and resource management, this game is excellent at both of those. Every turn is a tough decision about what cards to use and how to use them. There’s a huge variety of enemies to face with each requiring a different approach. There are a lot of ways to improve your character, including adding combat modifier cards, equipment, and action cards. The best part of this game is the sheer amount of content it has out of the box. With close to 100 missions, there’s a ton of game to discover. However, the game is not cheap so you’ll want to play a lot to get your money’s worth.
Watch Ya’ MouthAges 8+
In Watch Ya Mouth, you stick these awkward mouth retractors in your mouth. This makes it almost impossible to speak without the words coming out slurred. When you talk, what you say comes out really funny. The game is played in teams. The idea is to try to get your team to guess what you are saying with the mouth retractor in your mouth. It’s actually really challenging.
Relative InsanityAges 14+
Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Relative Insanity is like Apples to Apples and Cards Against Humanity, but you can play it in front of the family. It’s a game that you’ll love playing because you’re sure to get lots of laughs. There are punch line cards and setup cards. Someone reads the setup, for example: “When my cousin walked in with my new baby, my grandma blurted out _______.” Then players look at their punch lines and submit the one that’s going to get the biggest laugh. The setup person picks the best answer and that player scores points.
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
UNO AttackAges 7+
Love UNO but want even more excitement? Consider UNO Attack, which adds the element of unpredicatability. The electronic shooter blasts the cards out and plays a sound, heightening the overall UNO experience. It’s the same UNO game you know and love but with a fun twist. Now there’s also a new special Attack! Attack! card, allowing you to attack the player of your choice. You simply can’t go wrong – it’s the perfect game for families.
Speak OutAges 16+
Speak Out is the wacky and super fun mouthpiece challenge game. Teen boys can take on their parents or friends. The game is real simple and has players guessing phrases to earn cards with the added pressure of a countdown timer. Once you have the mouthpiece in, you won’t be able to close your mouth shut so it makes for some incredibly hilarious fun. Go ahead and Speak Out and don’t be afraid to have wicked fun!
DropMix Music Gaming SystemAges 16+
Harmonix, the creator of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, has a music game called DropMix. It’s a cool new mixing game played with NFC-enabled cards. You can create amazing mixes of your own and score points for doing so. Mix the latest hits from a variety of music genres. The game works with a free app you download to your smartphone. It’s a fantastic party game where fun is the name of the game.
ScytheAges 14+
Scythe is a game for 1 to 5 players. Playing time is around 2 hours and it’s a complex game. Players are competing to become the next great power in Europe. This game has a feeling of grandness few can match. It will appeal to people who like war games and people who like Euro games.
Rubik’s CubeAges 8+
The Rubik’s Cube is a classic puzzle game. You have to rotate a cube with multiple sections until you have all of the same color on a side. It can be quite challenging but there are strategies that can be developed to win the game. It’s a super fun brain-teaser.
Catch PhraseAges 12+
Electronic Catchphrases is a fun game to play with family and friends. It’s the grab it, guess it, pass it game! As the clock clicks down, you will have to get your teammates to guess the word on the screen without saying it. Once the word is guessed, the game unit is passed to the other team and play continues back forth. It’s a frantic paced game that makes your heart beat faster as the clock ticks down. Expect a lot of laughs, screams, and yells.
Betrayal At House On The HillAges 12+
Do you love horror movies? In this horror-themed board game, you and your friends will explore a spooky house on the hill. Players explore the house by flipping cards, which leads to the discovery of omens and the eventual “haunt.” While everybody goes together, one of your friends will betray you during the haunt. That’s when everything goes to disarray and you have to try to escape from the house. It’s a unique twist on the classic cooperative game.
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
One Night Ultimate WerewolfAges 8+
A game of deception and deduction, One Night Werewolf is a simple party game that takes only 10 minutes to play. At the start, players are dealt a secret role from a basic villager to a werewolf. The goal of the game is to find out who is the secret werewolf. Each role has a different ability that helps to uncover clues. When it goes dark, meaning players close their eyes, everybody will perform a task based on their role. Then everyone has to work together to choose the werewolf, but you don’t know who is telling the truth so expect to lose a couple of friends.
Sushi Go!Ages 8+
In Sushi Go! your mission – should you choose to accept it – is to create a winning combo of sushi dishes as they pass you. It’s also about racking up that score. Different dishes score a different number of points. Will you be the sushi master?
Telestrations 8 PlayerAges 12+
Telestrations is a four to eight player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. It’s incredible fun for the whole family!
DOSAges 7+
Mattel’s successor to the popular game of UNO, DOS launches this year. Designed for 2 to 4 players, this new card game adds a new twist on the family friendly game of UNO with a few new surprises up its sleeve. Like UNO, players have to match numbers and now you can even match colors. When you’re down to the last two cards, shout out ‘DOS’ to win! It’s sure to be great fun for family game night!
Apples to Apples Party BoxAges 12+
Apples to Apples is one of the best party games to play during family get togethers, slumber parties, and birthday parties. In the game, there are two different types of cards. The red cards are the subject cards and the green cards are the description cards. On each round, one person is the judge and s/he flips over a description card like “Crazy.” Then each player puts down a card that they think best reflects that card. The judge has to pick the best card, which is usually the most silliest. It’s the game of crazy combinations and this Party Box includes more than 500 cards.
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Forbidden IslandAges 10+
Similar to Pandemic, Forbidden Island is a cooperative game that uses a lot of the same mechanics. Because it is simpler and on a smaller scale, it is a good game to play before playing Pandemic. In Forbidden Island, players must work together to recover artifacts and escape on a helicopter before the island sinks. As the game reaches its conclusion, it gets more and more tense.
Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card GameAges 13+
Based on the classic 8-bit videogames, Boss Monster is a card game that puts a twist on video game conventions. In this game, you are the villain trying to stop the heroes.
Twister Ultimate GameAges 6+
Twister Ultimate is a classic party game that has players all tied up in knots. The ultimate version features a larger mat with twice the number of spots as the original game! You have to follow the moves specified on the spinner by placing your foot or hand on the corresponding color. But try not to fall over! The game gets trickier with multiple players and it is immensely simple fun!
Sushi Go Party! Card GameAges 8+
Designed for two to eight players, Sushi Go Party! Card Game is a deluxe pick and pass card game. The game is easy to learn and it expands on the fun of the original. It’s really hard not to like this.
The Game of ThingsAges 14+
The Game of Things is a hilarious game that is guaranteed to get everybody laughing. A question is asked and everybody answers it. One person has to guess who said what. Parents should know that there are just a few borderline cards that may be inappropriate. However, these cards are easy to remove to make it more family friendly.
Bears vs BabiesAges 10+
From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes another hilarious game. In game, there are two types of card: bears and babies. Players must build bears to destroy an army of babies. In the deck, there are different body parts. You connect them to form a monster. You can create everything from a owl wearing underpants to a grizzly bear who is also a taco. The object of the game is to eat the most babies. It’s a game that plays as silly as it sounds.
Classic TwisterAges 6+
Twister is a fun, classic game that has you all tied up in knots. A spinner and vinyl Twister mat are included. After spinning the wheel you have to place your hand or foot on the corresponding color on the mat. Games last about 10-15 minutes and can be played by 2-4 players. This is a fun party game and fun for the entire family.
Dominion: Second EditionAges 13+
Dominion is a big game and it’s a whole lot of fun to play. It’s a deck-building game for 2-4 players with games lasting about 30 minutes. A lot of the cards are the same but they look more aesthetically pleasing now. Six cards have been removed from the original while seven new ones have been added. If you’ve never gotten into Dominion before, this is a great starting set. It’s an amazing, wonderful game and still arguably one of kings of deck-building games.
Terraforming MarsAges 12+
Terraforming Mars is a game for up to 5 players. Playing time is around 2 hours. It’s a complex game. In order to win this game you must have contributed most to the Terraformed Mars. This can be by terraforming the planet, having cities next to greenery tiles, completing milestones, winning awards, and having victory point cards. When all three global parameters have been depleted, the game ends. It’s a very competitive game with low levels of antagonism. The best part? No two games will have the same draw since there’s a lot of variety in the deck.
Monopoly Gamer EditionAges 8+
Teens love videogames and games. This latest version of Monopoly features Mario and friends in Monopoly Gamer Edition. This version has a bunch of new twists that Nintendo fans will love. First, instead of money it uses coins so players battle for the highest score. The tokens feature iconic Nintendo characters like Mario, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong. This version contains power-ups and epic boss battles but you still buy properties. Will you be able to overcome Bowser and score the most points?
Trivial Pursuit Classic EditionAges 16+
Love trivia games? Then you’ll love Trivial Pursuit Classic Edition. Packed with 2,400 trivia questions spanning across a variety of categories, the game is designed for 2 to 6 players. The first player to gather six different color wedges and correctly answer the final question wins the game. It features the classic gameplay you know and love and is perfect for family game night.
You’ve Got CrabsAges 7+
Can you keep a “sea”-cret? From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes a new board game called You’ve Got Grabs. This is a family-friendly game for kids over 7. Played in teams of two, this game combines crabs with deception. The game is super simple: Before starting, you and your teammate must come up with a secret signal. You must collect 4 of the same card and secretly notify your partner. Your teammate must then yell, “You’ve got crabs!” The catch? If the other team finds out and yells “You’ve Got Crabs” your team loses.
UNO Emoji Card GameAges 7+
What kid doesn’t love emojis? Uno Emoji is a fantastic new take on the original game. Kids love emojis and this game taps into that love with cards featuring cool emojis. It’s not only the emojis that have changed. There’s a special rule involving playing a special card and face card. The following player has to attempt to make and maintain that expression over the next two turns. If this player fails, they need to pick up four cards. This will be a top game your family turns to for family game night since it’s incredibly fun to play.
King of TokyoAges 8+
King of Tokyo is a game for two to six players. You’ll battle as a monster, robot, or alien. You can choose to attack, heal yourself, level-up your monster, or charge ahead. Games last about half an hour. Will you become King of Tokyo?
PhotosynthesisAges 8+
This award-winning strategy 2-4 player game pits competing species of trees against one another to see which can become the dominant species of the forest. The arborhest with the highest value of score tokens is declared the winner. It’s a fun tactile game involving strategy, and we love that the game is easy to pick up and play.
Hanayama Brain Teaser PuzzleAges 12+
If she really loves super challenging puzzles, you have to check out the Hanayama line of puzzles. Each of the puzzles has a rating on it from 1 to 6. Level 6 is pretty much close to impossible. The Cast Cylinder is a Level 4, which means it is really challenging but not impossible. To solve it, you have to take it apart but putting it together is a whole other battle.
MysteriumAges 10+
Why watch a horror movie when you can play a horror themed board game? Mysterium is a whodunnit cooperative board game. A ghost has been murdered and players must uncover the killer, location, and murder weapon. One player takes the role of the ghost and the rest of the players are psychics. The catch? The ghost gives clues using only picture cards.
When In RomeAges 13+
When In Rome is a board game for your Alexa smart home speaker. It’s a great trivia game where you can learn about different countries like Rome, play with the family, and have a blast as you’re learning and playing. Alexa teaches the rules, tracks progress, and helps out when needed.
Spirit IslandAges 13+
Spirit Island is a cooperative settler-destruction strategy game. It’s a complex game for 1-4 players with games lasting anywhere between 90 to 120 minutes. Each player controls their own spirit and plays together against the invaders. To win the game you must remove all invaders from the board. Every turn will have a lot of difficult decisions to make. We love that this game never plays the same way twice. Since it’s a complex game, we recommend it for players with a fair bit of experience with modern board games.
Escape Room In A Box: The Werewolf ExperimentAges 13+
Love escape room challenges? Then you’ll love Escape Room In A Box: The Werewolf Experiment. Players will be challenged to solve puzzles and find codes to escape the room. There’s an interesting backstory: Your party of players have to figure out a way to access the antidote within an hour or you’ll all turn into werewolves. What’s cool? It’s even compatible with your Alexa-enabled speaker. You can ask Alexa for hints and time updates as you try to escape the virtual room. Will you make it out alive?!
Family CharadesAges 7+
Family Charades is the best-selling family game for 2 to 4 players. It’s perfect for parties with a variety of themes, including Kids Charades, Family Charades, Movie Charades, and 80’s & 90’s Charades to cater to all ages and tastes. There’s a good mix of easy and challenging charades. Expect a ton of laugh out loud moments and fun as you bond with family and friends. It’s a classic game that provides endless hours of fun.
UNO Harry Potter Card GameAges 7+
What do you get when you combine the worlds of Harry Potter and UNO? You get something magical in the form of UNO Harry Potter. The gameplay remains intact but now the cards feature the cast of Harry Potter and there is a special new rule. You have to eliminate all of you cards and be the first player or team to reach 500 points to win.
ThinkFun Escape the RoomAges 13+
In escape rooms, players work together to solve puzzle to escape before time runs out. Now the fun of an escape room is making its way to board games. If you like narrative-driven games, Thinkfun has some great board games that vary in difficultly. For kids, there is Stargazer’s Manor, which contains easy puzzles that kids can solve on their own. If you are looking to join in on the fun, check out Dr. Gravely’s Retreat. The game contains a series of puzzles to solve in sealed envelopes.
SculptapaloozaAges 10+
What do you get when art collides with family game night? You get Scultapalooza, a game where players have to sculpt what’s on their card before time runs out. You scult your creations out of play foam that never dries out. The catch? You may be required to sculpt with your eyes closed or tag team with another member. Players must correctly guess what their team sculpted before time runs out to score a point. The first team to score 20 points wins.
Super Mario ChessAges 8+
This is no ordinary chess set. It’s a Super Mario themed chess set. It’s good vs. evil. Will the Super Mario brothers be able to defeat Bowser and the koopalings?
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 Red Board GameAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game that permanently changes as your play. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases.
Wits & Wagers Deluxe Board GameAges 10+
Wits and Wagers is a fantastic party game. How many pounds does the heaviest Sumo wrestler weigh? Who cares? In this trivia game, you don’t have to know the answers. You just have to be able to guess who at the table has the correct answer. The game has now been updated. The Deluxe version has plastic poker tokens, more durable currency, and better dry erase markers. The coolest part? It has high quality no wrinkle mat. For 10 year olds, it’s the closest thing to being in Vegas.
SpyfallAges 13+
Spyfall is a great social party card game for 3-8 players. It’s a very easy game to learn and games last about 15 minutes. Players have to trip up the spy. We love it because it’s such a fun game and is very entertaining. The game really changes with 4 or more players and with 8 players it can be really difficult to determine who is the spy. It’s a wonderful deduction party game and one of the best party games.
UGears 3D Self Propelled Model TheaterAges 14+
UGears makes many different wooden models that are fun to assemble. Although it is made entirely of wood, each model has a mechanical component. Each model takes about a couple of hours to assemble. Even if you have never built a model, it comes with a guide that walks you through the assembly process. Inside the guide, it has diagrams that are similar to Lego instructions. There are several different models to choose from.
Say AnythingAges 13+
In “Say Anything,” speaking your mind is encouraged to win. Every round someone plays the judge. By drawing from a deck, the judge asks a question like “What’s the funniest movie of all time?” All of the players write down an answer and the judge picks her favorite response. Then players try to guess which answer the judge chose. The player that guesses correctly wins the point.
Pandemic: IberiaAges 8+
Pandemic: Iberia is a gorgeous historical edition. This isn’t just a rethemed edition – it introduces new mechanisms which leads to a fun and novel game experience. As in the original game, everyone plays on the same team to treat viruses. While this game will appeal to Pandemic fans, it’s also suited to newcomers. It’s a perfect game for those looking to try a cooperative game. It’s the new gold standard for co-op games, so what better game to start with?
Cash ‘N Guns: Second EditionAges 10+
Cash ‘N Guns is the family-friendly game where you actually teach your kids to point toy guns at each other. It makes quite a few changes compared to the original but retains the same basic feel. It’s a game designed for 4-8 players with games lasting about 30 minutes. It’s a very fun game. Some families may find it bothersome to point play guns at each other, and you should probably avoid this game. But for the rest of us this game is loads of fun. The whole drafting aspect works well. It’s an excellent game worth checking out.
Above and BelowAges 13+
Above and Below is a story-based, worker placement game. It’s designed for 2-4 players with games lasting 90+ minutes. The gameplay is pretty straightforward and the stories are well written. The story is the unique element of this game – it has an original feel. If you like worker replacement games or story games, it’s worth checking out.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2Ages 13+
Although Season 2 can be played without playing the first game, it does continue the saga. This game is all about distributing preventative supplies. The game is lots of fun for exactly the same reasons Season 1 was. We love that it introduces a new twist to the formula. Decisions carry forward to future games so it feels different everytime you play the game.
MONOPOLY: The Legend of Zelda Collector’s EditionAges 8+
Does your teen boy love Zelda? Monopoly: The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition is a fantastic gift for Zelda fans. This special edition has a Zelda themed twist to the game. The game board has a cool Zelda illustration and there’s even Zelda inspired money. The tokens feature noteworthy items from the game like the Triforce, Hookshot, Hylian Shield and more. Players will buy. sell, and trade locations based on Hyrule. The game also features speed play rules. Perfect game for family game night. Zelda + Monopoly – it’s a match made in heaven!
Scythe: The Wind GambitAges 14+
The airships give Scythe: The Wind Gambit some real table presence. We love the fact that every game feels different. The variable passive and aggressive ship abilities is very cool addition. We appreciate that the game delivers depth without being overly complicated. This game is also compatible with the Invaders From Afar expansion. It really is an awesome expansion to the game.
Spyfall 2Ages 13+
Spyfall 2 delivers more of the Spyfall you know and love. It features more cards, two spies, and different locations. The game is playable by itself — it doesn’t require the original Spyfall. It’s a social deduction game for 3-12 players with games lasting around 10 minutes. It’s a really fun game. The new locations are fun. It gets harder for the spy, the more players there are. The two spies are a nice change of pace. If you’ve never played it before, you definitely want to check it out.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting DetectiveAges 13+
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a loosely structured and challenging deduction game. The use of theme and detail in this game are incredible. If you enjoy the world of Sherlock Holmes, you’re going to enjoy jumping into this incredibly intricate detailed world and playing in it. The game does get bogged down a bit when you’re playing with a larger group than 4 people. There’s an enormous amount of satisfaction in attempting to solve the case. The finale of the game reinforces the theme and tone of the game, which is still hands-down the best moment.
Perplexus OriginalAges 8+
Perplexus is a transparent sphere with a maze inside of it. The idea is to manipulate the sphere to keep the little marble ball on the track. It’s annoying when it falls off and you have to start the maze all the way from the beginning, but that is what makes it addictive to pick up.
Bottle Flip Board GameAges 13+
The Bottle Flip Board Game is a fun game that teenagers will love. With more than 100 Bottle Flip challenges, he’ll have a flippin’ awesome time! Do you think you have the competitive fire within to achieve Bottle Flip greatness?
GizmosAges 14+
Gizmos is a 2-4 player engine-building game. The game is very simple to play. It’s like Potion Explosion meets Splendor. We love the quick turns and pacing even with 4 players. This is an excellent engine builder. Everyone is going to take a different path and we like that it doesn’t matter which path you take. They all feel very balanced. We also love the chain reactions and it’s fun to see other people’s engines work. We also like that increasing your engine capacity allows your engine to crank. It’s an excellent value for what you’re getting. In fact, we’re so impressed and keep liking it more and more everytime we play it.
UGEARS Combination lock 3D wooden puzzleAges 14+
These wooden puzzles from UGEARs are amazing engineering marvels. They are model kits where you put together a wooden puzzle to form a working model. This one has your 13 year old building a working combination lock. The best part? It will keep her busy for awhile on the weekend so she doesn’t have to say “There is nothing to do. I’m bored.”
TABLETOPICS TeenAges 13+
Do you find that it is difficult to talk to your teen? Make dinner time a place to open up a conversation with them about their day with Tabletopics. With different ideas, it gives you a ton of different ideas to talk about. It’s a good way to strengthen your relationship with your 13 year old daughter.
Star Realms Deckbuilding GameAges 12+
Star Realms is a deckbuilding game for 2 players. Game times come in around 20 minutes. If you purchase multiple boxes, you can play with multiple players. The rules are short and easy to understand and it’s simple to play. The game is fairly close to Ascension. We love how you can get the cards to work together to get more money or attack. It’s one of the fastest deckbuilding games we’ve played. It’s a fun, fast, and excellent game worth adding to your collection.
When I DreamAges 13+
When I Dream is a great party game. It’s designed for 4-10 players with play times ranging from 20 – 40 minutes. One person is going to be the dreamer and puts on a blindfold. Each player gives one-word clues to the dreamer. At any point the dreamer can stop after hearing the clues and call out their answer. Once the clues are out, the dreamer must tell the story of their dream. The catch? The Boogyman gives misleading clues, while the Sandman gives both good and bad clues. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. The graphic cards are really cool and really add to the game to give it character and make it fun. It’s one of our favorite party games to come out in a long time and it’s really well thought out. It’s clever and hilarious all packed in a nice tight package. It’s a fun game to play and watch.
Monopoly The Classic EditionAges 8+
Monopoly is a classic board game enjoyed by generations of players. It’s the fast-dealing trading card game where you have to make other players bankrupt and conquer the world. Kids will learn to count money and have so much fun playing this amazing board game.
Reverse CharadesAges 6+
Reverse Charades is a game involving a hilarious twist on the game of Charades. The game has a team that acts out the word or phrase and one player has to guess the word or phrase. It’s an easy game to play and it’s so much fun!
Best Classic Family Board Games of All-Time
Everyone loves classic family board games! These picks represent the best classic family board games of all-time. If you don’t already have these in your collection, they’re definitely worth adding, as they have stood the test of time and continue to thrill and excite gamers of all ages. No board game collection would be complete without these gems.
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
Jenga ClassicAges 6+
The classic game of Jenga is all about stacking fun. Players start by building and stacking wooden pieces to build a tall tower then remove the pieces one by one, taking turns. One wrong move could send the whole structure toppling to the ground. Crash the structure and you lose. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and luck. How do you stack up?
Candy LandAges 3+
Candy Land is the perfect board game for 3 year olds. What could be better than gingerbread pieces and pretty colors everywhere? Since the entire game is color-coded, it is very easy to understand the rules. You don’t even have to read the instructions. The best part? This is a fun classic game worth adding to your collection.
YahtzeeAges 8+
Yahtzee is the shake, score, and shout game. It’s a classic game of skill and chance that still holds its own today and is perfect for people who like dice rolling, push-your-luck games.
UNO Card GameAges 7+
UNO is a classic card game that is addictive, fun, and easy to play. Players have to match colors or numbers. The best part? The Wild Cards allow you to create your own rules. Get rid of all your card to win. Don’t forget to call out UNO when you’re down to a single card. The first player or team to 500 points wins the game.
Classic Operation GameAges 6+
The Operation game is a classic enjoyed by generations of children. You have to carefully use the tweezers to eliminate Sam’s issues. There are 12 ailments in all. It’s a game of precision and making him better. You’ll need to avoid the buzzer to have a successful operation. Will you cure poor Sam?
Simon GameAges 8+
Simon is a classic visual memory game where you have to follow the lights and sounds. The catch? The sequences get progressively more challenging as you play. Think you can get the highest score?
Rummikub Ages 8+
Rummikub is a popular game around the world. It’s a classic game that has sold over 50 million copies. It’s a fantastic family game for two to four players that has you creating runs and sets. The object is to clear all your game tiles.
Sorry!Ages 6+
Sorry! is the classic game of sweet revenge. The game plays a lot like Trouble. We highly recommend this game for family game night. It’s a game all about sliding, colliding and scoring. The goal is to get all your pawns home to win. But get bumped … well, Sorry … you’ll have to head back to start.
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Honored with a Game of the Year award, Ticket to Ride is an exciting train adventure game that has players attempting to visit the most cities by train within a week. May the best adventurer win!
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Stratego OriginalAges 8+
Stratego is the classic game of battlefield strategy. It’s a game designed for 2 players and you have to devise a plan to capture your opponent’s flag. This Original edition of the game features 3 game variations. Do you have what it takes to capture the flag and win the battle? It’s a really fun game and a great alternative to Chess.
BattleshipAges 7+
Battleship is the classic naval combat game! It’s a game where you have to hunt down your opponent’s ships. The first player to destroy all of their opponent’s naval fleet is the winner. It’s a game of strategy and tactics. Who will win? An intensely fun, must-play game!
PandemicAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases by working together.
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
The Game of LifeAges 8+
Just like in real life, you never know what to expect in The Game of Life. It’s a classic family friendly game full of action, adventure, and surprises. Now you can add pets to your life. It’s a wonderful new addition to the game. Will you be headed for wealth and fortune? Spend your money wisely because the player with the most money at the end wins. Kids will have fun while learning some valuable life-long lessons about spending money.
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere BingoAges 4+
Take the classic Bingo experience wherever you go with this super convenient Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere edition. The game includes the board, magnetic markers, and a spinner. Who’s up for a game of B-I-N-G-O?
PictionaryAges 8+
The classic game of Pictionary is the game of quick sketches and hilarious sketches! Now they’ve introduced a new Pop Culture category along with markers and erasable boards. You draw the clues and your team has to guess what it is. The best part? Even if you can’t draw, you can still play and the game appeals to everyone from kids to adults with multiple difficulty levels. In fact, if you can’t draw, it might generate more laughter. Get ready for fun times with Pictionary. It’s BIG fun for the whole family!
Classic TwisterAges 6+
Twister is a fun, classic game that has you all tied up in knots. A spinner and vinyl Twister mat are included. After spinning the wheel you have to place your hand or foot on the corresponding color on the mat. Games last about 10-15 minutes and can be played by 2-4 players. This is a fun party game and fun for the entire family.
Othello ClassicAges 7+
Othello is a classic, internationally-acclaimed 2-player game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. We love that it’s easy to pick up and play and it takes minutes to learn but takes a lifetime to truly master. Strategy is the name of the game. When you sandwich your opponent’s pieces, you change those disks to your color. You’ll have to outwit your opponent and not let your guard down until the very end because it’s not over until the very last move.
Trivial Pursuit Classic EditionAges 16+
Love trivia games? Then you’ll love Trivial Pursuit Classic Edition. Packed with 2,400 trivia questions spanning across a variety of categories, the game is designed for 2 to 6 players. The first player to gather six different color wedges and correctly answer the final question wins the game. It features the classic gameplay you know and love and is perfect for family game night.
MIDWAY MONSTERS Giant 3-in-1 Checkers and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe with Reversible RugAges 4+
This 3-in-1 game set from Midway Monsters features Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s a giant-sized rug for super-sized fun! Kids and families can be occupied for hours playing against each other. And that’s not all! You can also play Tic-Tac-Toe and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe. The best part? You can roll out the fun both indoors and outdoors and play anytime. Let the fun and games begin!
Classic Chutes and Ladders Board GameAges 4+
Everybody has played Chutes & Ladders. This classic version of the game is sure to bring back a lot of old memories. Little ones will learn basic counting skills as they try to avoid the chutes and climb up the ladders. The first one to the top wins the game.
7 WondersAges 10+
7 Wonders is a game for 3 to 7 players. Playing time clocks in around 30 to 60 minutes. It’s a relatively simple game to play with a rewarding amount of depth. The civilization with the most points at the end of the game wins. The best part? The game scales well to the number of players.
Family CharadesAges 7+
Family Charades is the best-selling family game for 2 to 4 players. It’s perfect for parties with a variety of themes, including Kids Charades, Family Charades, Movie Charades, and 80’s & 90’s Charades to cater to all ages and tastes. There’s a good mix of easy and challenging charades. Expect a ton of laugh out loud moments and fun as you bond with family and friends. It’s a classic game that provides endless hours of fun.
Family Classics ChessAges 8+
Looking for an inexpensive chess set? Pressman’s Family Classics Chess is a great set featuring solid Staunton pieces and a heavy-duty folding board. Chess is the perfect strategic game to develop your child’s or teen’s critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s the perfect first set for beginning Chess players and families. The best part? The classic game of Chess offers endless replayability.
Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere Tic-Tac-ToeAges 4+
Tic-Tac-Toe is a classic game every kid needs in his game library. The game is simple to play and it’s all about getting three X’s or O’s in a row. This travel version is perfect for taking the game on the go. This set includes a game board and magnetic pieces. We love the game because it’s simple and offers endless replayability.
Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere HangmanAges 5+
Who doesn’t love playing hangman? Now she can take it everywhere she goes with this fun travel version. In the game, she has to guess the word before the little man gets hung. All of the components are magnetic so she can play over and over. It’s a fun and easy game that the whole family can enjoy.
MancalaAges 8+
Mancala is an ancient game from Egypt and it’s a family favorite. It’s a fun and educational 2-player counting game. With various moves and captures, you have to attempt to gather as many marbles. This set includes a beautiful wooden game board along with colorful marbles. Families will have fun playing with rules from around the world.
CHH Games Backgammon SetAges 8+
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games. It’s a two-player game that combines strategy and luck. It’s a fast-paced game requiring analytical thinking and a little luck that adds unpredicatable fun. This set comes with an attractive brown and white vinyl case, beautiful pieces, and coordinated dice cups. It’s the perfect set for good ol’ family fun.
AgricolaAges 10+
Agricola is a fun, turn-based family farming game for 1-5 players. Games last about 1-2 hours on average. To win, players have to guide their family to wealth, health, and prosperity. Players are trying to make their land the most productive in the area. At the end of the final tally, the player with the most points wins. One of the best parts is the sheer variety provided by the cards. Because some people may find the theme offputting, some may miss out on an excellent game. It’s actually a lot of fun and the way the theme is executed with its jokes and qwirks is really charming. It’s a complex game but easy to learn. It’s a game with a lot of depth and a gentle learning curve. You’re going to have fun and the game has nice replay value.
Clue The Classic EditionAges 8+
Clue is a classic who done it game. Welcome to Boddy Mansion. There are six suspects and one of them got rid of Mr. Boddy. But who was it and where did they store his body? Do you have what it takes to crack this case?
Monopoly The Classic EditionAges 8+
Monopoly is a classic board game enjoyed by generations of players. It’s the fast-dealing trading card game where you have to make other players bankrupt and conquer the world. Kids will learn to count money and have so much fun playing this amazing board game.
Best Family Card Games 2020
Love card games? Family card games are among our favorites. They get the family together like nothing else. We’ve got a good mix of timeless classics and newcomers to satisfy your gaming itch. And, yes, these are all perfect for family game nights. Play on!
Monopoly DealAges 8+
Don’t have the time or patience to play a full game of Monopoly? Then consider Monopoly Deal. It’s a simpler card game version that you can play in about 15 minutes. You can collect, swap, and even steal properties in this version of the classic game and you can even charge rent like in the original. Wheel and deal and build up your fortune and properties. Be the first player to collect 3 full property sets of various colors and win the game.
UNO Card GameAges 7+
UNO is a classic card game that is addictive, fun, and easy to play. Players have to match colors or numbers. The best part? The Wild Cards allow you to create your own rules. Get rid of all your card to win. Don’t forget to call out UNO when you’re down to a single card. The first player or team to 500 points wins the game.
Exploding KittensAges 7+
With great artwork, Exploding Kittens features the artwork of Matthew Inman, who is behind the Oatmeal. It’s a card game where the idea is to avoid the exploding kitten card in the deck. It’s sort of like Uno with kittens. All of the illustrations on the cards are hysterical, which adds to the charm of the game.
Unstable Unicorns Ages 14+
Who isn’t obsessed with Unicorns? Started on Kickstarter, Unstable Unicorns is a card game that raised an ungodly amount of money. In Unstable Unicorns, you must build a unicorn army. The player that is the first to collect seven unicorns in their hand is the winner, but thanks to the “Neigh” cards there are numerous obstacles in your way. It’s much a game of strategy as it is a game of betrayal. Add rainbows and a little sparkle to your game night.
UNO AttackAges 7+
Love UNO but want even more excitement? Consider UNO Attack, which adds the element of unpredicatability. The electronic shooter blasts the cards out and plays a sound, heightening the overall UNO experience. It’s the same UNO game you know and love but with a fun twist. Now there’s also a new special Attack! Attack! card, allowing you to attack the player of your choice. You simply can’t go wrong – it’s the perfect game for families.
Streaking KittensAges 7+
Love Exploding Kittens? Then you’ll most likely love this significant expansion to that game. This 15 card expansion adds to fun, strategy, and amusement of the core gameplay of Exploding Kittens and really makes it a must-play. Since it’s not a standalone game, you’ll need a copy of Exploding Kittens. We love that you win more based on your moves rather than pure luck.
UNO Super Mario Card GameAges 7+
It’s the classic UNO game you know and love now with a super fun Super Mario theme featuring beloved characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. You’ll find favorites from Mario and Luigi to Donkey Kong, Peach, Bowser, and more! Players have to match colors and numbers and get rid of all of their cards first like in the original game. When you get down to a single card, you need to call out “UNO” or you’ll face a penalty. Be the first player or team to score 500 points to win the game. It’s sure to be a family favorite!
Pokemon TCG: Lycanroc-GX Box Card GameAges 6+
Seven year old boys love collecting Pokemon cards. Pokemon is a popular Japanese franchise that actually is short for pocket monsters. There’s show on TV, video games, toys, and a trading card game. Kids love to collect the cards because you can build a strong collection of Pokemon to battle against friends. There’s a training kit that introduces kids to the game and new cards to collect. You got to catch them all.
SKIP BO Card GameAges 7+
From the makers of UNO, Skip Bo is a fun sequencing game for the whole family. It’s a game that combines skill and strategy to create sequencing stacks in ascending order. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. But that’s not all! The Wild Cards add a fun twist to the game.
Disney VillanousAges 10+
Disney Villanous is a board game for 2-6 players with an average game time of about 50 minutes. If you love Disney, you’re going to love this game. This game not only brings the theme to life in a really fun way, but it also is a lot of fun. It takes complicated elements from more complicated games like Scythe and makes them simple. The production values are excellent and it flows Disney through and through. The gameplay is easy but asymmetrical — meaning that each villain is doing something different. It sure is nice to see an excellent Disney game given the array of bad ones out there.
Bicycle Playing CardsAges 12+
Bicycle Playing Cards have entertained families for generations. They’re a trusted brand with a reputation for delivering consistent quality playing cards. Made in the USA, these playing cards are perfect for playing all your favorite games from Solitaire to Seven Hands and more. Available with either a red or blue backing, these standard cards feature an air-cushion finish so they don’t stick together. Additionally, they are also very easy to shuffle. Let the fun and games begin!
BlinkAges 7+
From the makers of UNO comes BLINK, the world’s fastest card game! It’s a 2-player game designed for families and games last less than 2 minutes. It’s going to take sharp eyes and quick hands to race to match shape, count, or color with one of the discard piles. Your goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. We love that it’s an easy game to pick up and you’ll love seeing your reflexes and response time improve with every game. Just don’t blink because that could cost you the game!
Five Crowns Card GameAges 8+
Winner of 10 Best Game Awards, Five Crowns is a 5-suited Rummy-style card game. It’s a game that’s fun for the whole family for up to 7 players. The game features 11 rounds and the game isn’t over until the Kings go wild! You have rotating wild cards starting with 3s. It’s all about making the right combos and having the lowest score. Discover this award-winning family favorite for avid and casual card players alike.
Imploding KittensAges 7+
Imploding Kittens is the first expansion pack for Exploding Kittens. It features 20 new cards designed by The Oatmeal and it allows up to 6 players to enjoy the game. This is not a standalone game, so you will need a copy of Exploding Kittens to play. It’s a must-have expansion for fans of the game and fixes many of the gripes of the original. It really makes it feel like a complete package now more than ever.
Sushi Go!Ages 8+
Designed for ages 8 years old and older, Sushi Go! is a picking and passing card game. The game is played by two to five players, with games lasting about fifteen minutes. You’ll have to craft the perfect combo of sushi and score the most points to become the sushi master!
Phase 10 Card GameAges 7+
Phase 10 is a Rummy-like card game with a challenging and exciting twist. From the maker of UNO, it’s a game for 2-6 players that the whole family can enjoy. Your goal is to be the first player to complete 10 varied phases. The catch? Each phase is specific to the dealt hand. That means you will need to successfully complete each phase before moving onto the next.
DOSAges 7+
Mattel’s successor to the popular game of UNO, DOS launches this year. Designed for 2 to 4 players, this new card game adds a new twist on the family friendly game of UNO with a few new surprises up its sleeve. Like UNO, players have to match numbers and now you can even match colors. When you’re down to the last two cards, shout out ‘DOS’ to win! It’s sure to be great fun for family game night!
Exploding Kittens Party PackAges 7+
With Exploding Kittens Party Pack, up to 10 players can join in the fun. The game features new cards as well as cards from the original game and the Imploding Kittens expansion. There are new super powers to explode players in style. It’s a fine edition for die-hard Exploding Kittens fans with some fan service to boot.
Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card GameAges 13+
Based on the classic 8-bit videogames, Boss Monster is a card game that puts a twist on video game conventions. In this game, you are the villain trying to stop the heroes.
Pokemon TCG: Shining Legends Elite Trainer BoxAges 6+
Looking for a great gift for your Pokemon fanatic? Consider the Pokemon TCG: Shining Legends Trainer Box. This complete set includes 10 Booster Packs, 65 Card Sleeves, 45 Energy Cards, Shining Ho-Oh Foil Card, Player’s Guide, 6 Damage Counter Dice and more. Pokemon fans will be on their way to becoming the ultimate Pokemon Master. When they open it, they will be smiling from ear to ear. Let the games begin!
Sushi Go Party! Card GameAges 8+
Designed for two to eight players, Sushi Go Party! Card Game is a deluxe pick and pass card game. The game is easy to learn and it expands on the fun of the original. It’s really hard not to like this.
You’ve Got CrabsAges 7+
Can you keep a “sea”-cret? From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes a new board game called You’ve Got Grabs. This is a family-friendly game for kids over 7. Played in teams of two, this game combines crabs with deception. The game is super simple: Before starting, you and your teammate must come up with a secret signal. You must collect 4 of the same card and secretly notify your partner. Your teammate must then yell, “You’ve got crabs!” The catch? If the other team finds out and yells “You’ve Got Crabs” your team loses.
UNO Emoji Card GameAges 7+
What kid doesn’t love emojis? Uno Emoji is a fantastic new take on the original game. Kids love emojis and this game taps into that love with cards featuring cool emojis. It’s not only the emojis that have changed. There’s a special rule involving playing a special card and face card. The following player has to attempt to make and maintain that expression over the next two turns. If this player fails, they need to pick up four cards. This will be a top game your family turns to for family game night since it’s incredibly fun to play.
DixitAges 8+
Dixit is a humorous party game full of imaginative storytelling. It’s a game for 3-6 players with games lasting roughly 30 minutes. Dixit is one of the best party games we’ve seen in a long time. It’s a game where you’re trying to outthink each other and you’re playing with picture cards. The catch? You’re trying to give out clues so some people choose the correct answer but not all. If you play with people who are creative this can be a really entertaining game. Don’t be fooled by its box artwork – it’s certainly a game that leaves an impression and a game worth checking out.
SpaceteamAges 10+
Spaceteam is a chaotic and cooperative card game for 3-6 players and up to 9 with the expansion. If you’re into spaceships and shouting at friends this is perfect. You and other players are working together using tool cards to solve malfunctions occurring on your spaceship. The catch? You only have 5 minutes to do this. You’re working together with others to save your spaceship from a blackhole. You’ll all be working on the ship and be trying to help each other simultaneously. It’s essentially a symbol matching game at its core. Once you’ve assembled all parts of the ship, you’ve won the game. If you’re not able to accomplish this before time runs out, then you enter the blackhole and lose. We love how smooth and simple the game is and we appreciate that you feel in control.
Pokemon TCG: Guzzlord-GX BoxAges 6+
Pokemon fans gotta catch the Pokemon TCG: Guzzlord-GX Box! Nothing will prepare you for Guzzlord, the Ultimate Beast Pokemon. This set features 4 Booster Packs, 1 Rare Guzzlord-GX, Playable Promo Foil Card, and 1 Guzzlord-GX Oversized Foil Card. All in all it’s about 40 cards with a lot of variety. It’s a gift that will satisfy any Pokemon fan.
UNO Harry Potter Card GameAges 7+
What do you get when you combine the worlds of Harry Potter and UNO? You get something magical in the form of UNO Harry Potter. The gameplay remains intact but now the cards feature the cast of Harry Potter and there is a special new rule. You have to eliminate all of you cards and be the first player or team to reach 500 points to win.
Gamewright Hisss Card GameAges 4+
Hiss is a card game designed for younger children. In this color matching game, the object is to build the largest snake. Each snake must have a head, body, and tail. All of the colored body parts have to match as well. Players take turns picking up cards and can either build a new snake or add it to the existing snakes. If you complete a snake, you add it to your snake pit. The player with the most tiles in their snake pit wins.
The Fox In The ForestAges 10+
The Fox in the Forest is a 2-player trick-taking game from Renegade Game Studios. You have to be the first player to 21 points to win. We love the unique theme and the scoring scale, which really makes this game excellent. The special abilities work well with two players. Games last between 20-30 minutes, which is a perfect length for this type of game. It’s our favorite two-player trick-taking game.
Century: Spice RoadAges 8+
Century: Spice Road is a pool building game for 2-5 players with play times ranging from 30 – 45 minutes. This game is phenomenal because it flows like no other game we’ve played before. It’s both fun and interesting. We love the mechanism where you leave a cube on each card you don’t take. While this concept is not new, it works really well here. If you love fast and fun games that are easy to get into, you won’t want to miss checking this one out.
The MindAges 8+
The Mind is a cooperative game for 2-4 players with games lasting about 20 minutes. All players need to become one mind by thinking, acting and reading body language as if they’re one cohesive unit. In this game, players attempt to play cards without talking. The object is to get through a certain amount of levels, depending on the number of players. You have to play the cards in ascending order. The catch? You can’t speak so you’ll need to use body language to get the job done. We love that the game is super easy to teach and it’s an experience unlike any other. It’s a game that appeals to casual and hardcore gamers alike. It really feels like a classic game that you want to play over and over again. It’s one of those games that is just as fun to watch as it is to play.
Century: Golem EditionAges 8+
Century: Golem Edition is a reskin of Century: Spice Road overhauled with new art, new components, and a new feel. The game is fantastic. It’s a hand-building, resource-trading set collection type game with a very elegant rule set that just works. We like how you have to pay for cards that have most recently come out into the available pool. It’s been called a Splendor-killer. Because of all of the mechanisms found in such a tight package, it can replace a number of other games. This one is worth having just for the pure aesthetic value and the underlying mechanics.
Mecard Evan DeluxeAges 6+
Mecard is the newest epic action battle game. Push your Mecard vehicle over a card and watch it magically spring to life right before your eyes! WHOA! The car transforms into a robot. Each Deluxe vehicle comes with 3 cards. There are a variety of Mecard vehicles to collect. Are you ready for some head-to-head competition?!
Best Strategy Family Board Games 2020
Love strategy board games? Bring on the strategy and fun! We have a fantastic collection of classics and newcomers to satisfy your need. You really can’t go wrong with any of these picks.
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
Connect 4 ShotsAges 8+
Looking for a fun new twist on the classic game of Connect 4? Connect 4 Shots introduces a new way to play your favorite game. Instead of tossing in pieces, you bounce balls in to win. Both players attempt to bounce their balls in simulataneously — leading to some exciting action. Just like in the original you have to get four in a row of the same color to win.
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
BlokusAges 7+
Blokus is a simple game with only one rule. It comes with a board with a grid on it and Tetris shapes pieces in 4 different colors. The game requires 2-4 players. Each player starts at a corner and can only lay down pieces so that only the corners touch. The object? Try to use all your pieces.
Rummikub Ages 8+
Rummikub is a popular game around the world. It’s a classic game that has sold over 50 million copies. It’s a fantastic family game for two to four players that has you creating runs and sets. The object is to clear all your game tiles.
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Stratego OriginalAges 8+
Stratego is the classic game of battlefield strategy. It’s a game designed for 2 players and you have to devise a plan to capture your opponent’s flag. This Original edition of the game features 3 game variations. Do you have what it takes to capture the flag and win the battle?
PandemicAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases by working together.
Sequence GameAges 7+
Sequence is a fascinating game of strategy. It’s a game that is fun, challenging, and exciting for two or more players! Families enjoy playing the game together. Build a sequence with five in a row. Strategy comes into play when you block the opposition and eliminate their chips. Jacks add a slight twist to the game since they are wild. The game is perfect for boys ages 7 and up.
GloomhavenAges 12+
Gloomhaven is a deep, complex, combat-focused game for 1-4 players with games lasting 1-2 hours. You team up with others to complete your goals while uncovering the threats to Gloomhaven. The campaign is comprised of a number of scenarios — each with its own objective. If you ever run out of health, you are defeated. If you like tactical combat and resource management, this game is excellent at both of those. Every turn is a tough decision about what cards to use and how to use them. There’s a huge variety of enemies to face with each requiring a different approach. There are a lot of ways to improve your character, including adding combat modifier cards, equipment, and action cards. The best part of this game is the sheer amount of content it has out of the box. With close to 100 missions, there’s a ton of game to discover. However, the game is not cheap so you’ll want to play a lot to get your money’s worth.
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
RiskAges 10+
Risk is the game of global domination. The original Risk game is designed for 2-5 players. The object of the game is to conquer the entire world. To progress you must conquer new territories. Victory is declared when one army has conquered the entire world — a difficult feat to say the least. We love that it drives the competition between you and your friends.
ScytheAges 14+
Scythe is a game for 1 to 5 players. Playing time is around 2 hours and it’s a complex game. Players are competing to become the next great power in Europe. This game has a feeling of grandness few can match. It will appeal to people who like war games and people who like Euro games.
Disney VillanousAges 10+
Disney Villanous is a board game for 2-6 players with an average game time of about 50 minutes. If you love Disney, you’re going to love this game. This game not only brings the theme to life in a really fun way, but it also is a lot of fun. It takes complicated elements from more complicated games like Scythe and makes them simple. The production values are excellent and it flows Disney through and through. The gameplay is easy but asymmetrical — meaning that each villain is doing something different. It sure is nice to see an excellent Disney game given the array of bad ones out there.
AzulAges 8+
Honored as Game of the Year, Azul is a beautifully crafted game for 2-4 players. Game play sessions vary between 30 to 40 minutes. It’s a good solid game. It’s an abstract game so understandably it may not appeal to everyone. It’s an easy game to learn with good strategy elements and, most importantly, it’s fun. It’s a great game to play with family that makes you think.
Betrayal At House On The HillAges 12+
Do you love horror movies? In this horror themed board game, you and your friends will explore a spooky house on the hill. Players explore the house by flipping cards, which leads to the discovery of omens and the eventual “haunt.” While everybody goes together, one of your friends will betray you during the haunt. That’s when everything goes to disarray and you have to try to escape from the house. It’s a unique twist on the classic cooperative game.
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
Shadows In The ForestAges 8+
Shadows In The Forest is a surprisingly refreshing and clever game. You play the game in the dark and light and shadows are a core part of the game. One player is the lantern, a pursuer represented by a small LED lantern. Other players are the Shadowlings, who crave darkness. The Shadowlings have to gather under the tree, while the lantern has to freeze Shadowlings in its light. The catch? Shadowlings can’t cross light beams projected by the Lantern. It’s the perfect game for sleepovers and requires chess-like strategy and cooperative play.
Othello ClassicAges 7+
Othello is a classic, internationally-acclaimed 2-player game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. We love that it’s easy to pick up and play and it takes minutes to learn but takes a lifetime to truly master. Strategy is the name of the game. When you sandwich your opponent’s pieces, you change those disks to your color. You’ll have to outwit your opponent and not let your guard down until the very end because it’s not over until the very last move.
MIDWAY MONSTERS Giant 3-in-1 Checkers and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe with Reversible RugAges 4+
This 3-in-1 game set from Midway Monsters features Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s a giant-sized rug for super-sized fun! Kids and families can be occupied for hours playing against each other. And that’s not all! You can also play Tic-Tac-Toe and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe. The best part? You can roll out the fun both indoors and outdoors and play anytime. Let the fun and games begin!
7 WondersAges 10+
7 Wonders is a game for 3 to 7 players. Playing time clocks in around 30 to 60 minutes. It’s a relatively simple game to play with a rewarding amount of depth. The civilization with the most points at the end of the game wins. The best part? The game scales well to the number of players.
SantoriniAges 8+
In this primarily 2-player game, players move their workers and build their town of Santorini. The first player to reach the third level with one of their workers wins. Alternatively, if you can’t move or build on your turn, you lose. It has thoughtful details in its design and is brilliant in its simplicity. It’s extremely fun and addictive. It’s a game that deserves a place in your collection.
Spirit IslandAges 13+
Spirit Island is a cooperative settler-destruction strategy game. It’s a complex game for 1-4 players with games lasting anywhere between 90 to 120 minutes. Each player controls their own spirit and plays together against the invaders. To win the game you must remove all invaders from the board. Every turn will have a lot of difficult decisions to make. We love that this game never plays the same way twice. Since it’s a complex game, we recommend it for players with a fair bit of experience with modern board games.
Blokus DuoAges 7+
Stake your claim and protect your territory in Blokus Duo, a 2-player version of the classic strategy game. If you’ve never played it before, it’s a very interesting game. Game times come in around 15 minutes. Each player gets a pile of 21 pieces that are different groups of squares. Start by placing a piece on the starting spot. Your next piece has to connect diagonally and must touch another piece of the same color. When either player can no longer place any pieces on the board, check which player has the least number of blocks remaining. Whomever has the least number of blocks wins the game. We love that it’s easy to learn and great for families.
Family Classics ChessAges 8+
Looking for an inexpensive chess set? Pressman’s Family Classics Chess is a great set featuring solid Staunton pieces and a heavy-duty folding board. Chess is the perfect strategic game to develop your child’s or teen’s critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s the perfect first set for beginning Chess players and families. The best part? The classic game of Chess offers endless replayability.
Super Mario ChessAges 8+
This is no ordinary chess set. It’s a Super Mario themed chess set. It’s good vs. evil. Will the Super Mario brothers be able to defeat Bowser and the koopalings?
Pandemic Legacy Red Board GameAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game that permanently changes as your play. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is stop all four diseases.
Drop ItAges 8+
Drop It is the perfect game for family game night. We love that it’s a creative strategy-based game that is very easy to pick up and play. The game can be either played by individuals or teams. Play times run around half an hour. Drop colorful shapes into the game board. Points are awarded for the highest level the shape reaches after landing with bonus points for touching bonus circles. The catch? You can’t hit the same shape or color after landing. The player with the most points at the end wins.
OtrioAges 6+
Looking for a fun family game? Otrio reinvents the game of Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s a game of strategy with a surprising amount of depth. You have to line up three pieces of the same color across the board, line up in ascending/descending order, or three pieces of the same color in the same space to win. Think you’ve got what it takes to win?
Drop Squad: The Escape!Ages 5+
Tired of boring ‘classic’ board games? A physics-based game for 2-4 players, Drop Squad is like Plinko with a refreshing twist. Combining a card game, marble game, board game, and tabletop game with strategic elements and surprisingly good depth, it’s a fantastic game for family game night worth adding to your collection. Pivot ramps to throw the odds in your favor and land the ball in your goal. The player scoring the most points wins. It’s a game of skill and luck the whole family can enjoy.
Best Competitive Family Board Games 2020
Got the competitive spirit? If you love competing against family and friends, then we’ve got some of the finest competitive board games that will fill you with excitement and that good ol’ competitive spirit. Bring on your A-game and may the best player win!
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle SetAges 8+
Looking for epic Beyblade battles? The Beyblade Burst Evolution Star Storm Battle Set is designed with new Beyblade tech – allowing fans to change up striking powers and customize the course of battle. These tops are compatible with the Beyblade Burst app. This set features one Beyblade Burst Star Storm Beystadium, two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right/left spin launchers, and two Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops. Let the games begin!
Battleship GameAges 7+
Battleship is the classic naval combat game! It’s a game where you have to hunt down your opponent’s ships. The first player to destroy all of their opponent’s naval fleet is the winner. It’s a game of strategy and tactics. Who will win? An intensely fun, must-play game!
Beyblade Burst Evolution Switchstrike Battle TowerAges 8+
Ready to take your battles to the next level? With the Switchstrike Battle Tower launching this fall, players can choose two or even four-player epic battles with multi-tiered battling action. One side is designed for two players, while the flip side supports up to 4 players! This set is compatible with the companion Beyblade Burst app. This set comes with one Beyblade Burst Switchstrike Battletower, 2 Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin launchers, and 2 Beyblade Burst Switchstrike right-spin tops.
Pokemon TCG: Lycanroc-GX Box Card GameAges 6+
Seven year old boys love collecting Pokemon cards. Pokemon is a popular Japanese franchise that actually is short for pocket monsters. There’s show on TV, video games, toys, and a trading card game. Kids love to collect the cards because you can build a strong collection of Pokemon to battle against friends. There’s a training kit that introduces kids to the game and new cards to collect. You got to catch them all.
Pokemon TCG: Shining Legends Elite Trainer BoxAges 6+
Looking for a great gift for your Pokemon fanatic? Consider the Pokemon TCG: Shining Legends Trainer Box. This complete set includes 10 Booster Packs, 65 Card Sleeves, 45 Energy Cards, Shining Ho-Oh Foil Card, Player’s Guide, 6 Damage Counter Dice and more. Pokemon fans will be on their way to becoming the ultimate Pokemon Master. When they open it, they will be smiling from ear to ear. Let the games begin!
Beyblade Burst Evolution Digital Control KitAges 8+
With Beyblade, you switch up different components to battle against opponents. Now Beyblade has come out with an RC-controlled Beyblades top. You can launch it just like a normal top, but you can control the spin direction and speed through an app.
Mecard Evan DeluxeAges 6+
Mecard is the newest epic action battle game. Push your Mecard vehicle over a card and watch it magically spring to life right before your eyes! WHOA! The car transforms into a robot. Each Deluxe vehicle comes with 3 cards. There are a variety of Mecard vehicles to collect. Are you ready for some head-to-head competition?!
Bottle Flip Board GameAges 13+
The Bottle Flip Board Game is a fun game that teenagers will love. With more than 100 Bottle Flip challenges, he’ll have a flippin’ awesome time! Do you think you have the competitive fire within to achieve Bottle Flip greatness?
Best Puzzle Family Board Games 2020
Who doesn’t love a good puzzle board game?! From classics like Rubik’s Cube to Perplexus and more, we’ve got you covered with the best puzzle family board games 2020.
Gravity MazeAges 8+
A Toy of the Year winner, Gravity Maze is a game of logic and marble run in one fantastic package. Using spatial skills and planning, you’ll need to solve 60 challenges with various difficulty levels. Marbles will be falling and you have to guide them through the path to the target. Fantastic brain-building game providing endless fun.
KanoodleAges 7+
Kanoodle is the ultimate stocking stuffer. This puzzle is small enough to carry anywhere and bring out whenever you are bored. There are 100 different challenges that go from flat rectangle puzzles to 3d Pyramid puzzles. You pick a puzzle and have to insert the remaining pieces to solve the puzzle. She may never get on her phone when she is bored again.
Rubik’s RaceAges 7+
Love Rubik’s Cube? Then get ready for the ultimate 2-player Rubik’s challenge. It’s all about shaking it, sliding it, and solving it. Race to match the pattern on the scrambler and then shut the frame to win. It’s a super fun game of skill, speed, and dexterity. Do you have what it takes to be the champ?!
Rubik’s CubeAges 8+
The Rubik’s Cube is a classic puzzle game. You have to rotate a cube with multiple sections until you have all of the same color on a side. It can be quite challenging but there are strategies that can be developed to win the game. It’s a super fun brain-teaser.
Perplexus OriginalAges 6+
The original Perplexus features 100 challenging barrier puzzles for your child to solve. You’ll have to guide your way through a challenging 3D maze. The whole maze is enclosed in a sphere so you’ll be twisting and rotating your way around to unravel the mystery! It’s a fun game that will develop your child’s problem-solving and spatial skills.
Money Maze Puzzle BoxAges 6+
Looking for a fun way to deliver a gift? Money Maze adds fun to gift-giving. Recipients will need to successfully solve the maze puzzle to receive their gift. 6 years olds will have so much fun unlocking their gift!
ThinkFun Rush HourAges 8+
Everyone who drives knows the headaches of rush hour traffic. You’re in gridlock and traffic is slow crawling. Rush Hour is a traffic jam logic game inspired by rush hour. But players can slide vehicles horizontally or vertically out of the way. With 40 unique challenges, will you be able to quickly weasel your way out of rush hour traffic?
D-FantiX Speed Stickerless Magic CubeAges 3+
You’ve probably heard of the classic toy, Rubik’s Cube. This is exactly like that classic puzzle game without the stickers! To solve the puzzle you’ll need to manipulate the pieces so that an entire side is the same color. All six sides will have a different color. Endless puzzle-solving fun!
Perplexus EpicAges 8+
Perplexus Epic is a transparent maze where players have to clear 125 hurdles to reach the end of the maze. You will have to flip, toss, swirl the transparent sphere to keep the ball on the track. If it falls off, you start back at the beginning. It’s a lot of fun to see who can get the furthest.
Hanayama Brain Teaser PuzzleAges 12+
If she really loves super challenging puzzles, you have to check out the Hanayama line of puzzles. Each of the puzzles has a rating on it from 1 to 6. Level 6 is pretty much close to impossible. The Cast Cylinder is a Level 4, which means it is really challenging but not impossible. To solve it, you have to take it apart but putting it together is a whole other battle.
Kanoodle Head To HeadAges 7+
Love and the original Kanoodle? Now you can play head-to-head with a friend in Kanoodle Head To Head. There are 80 puzzles to challenge players. We love it because it’s great for developing problem-solving and spatial skills while having fun with a friend. The compact size makes it a great game on the go. It’s a game the whole family will enjoy.
Perplexus RookieAges 8+
Perplexus is a challenging 3D labyrinth puzzle all contained in a sphere. With 22 feet of track and 75 barriers, will you be able to complete this original challenge? It’s the ultimate challenge where you’ll be twisting and literally spinning your way to the finish line!
D-FantiX Cyclone Boys 2×2 Speed Cube Stickerless Magic CubeAges 3+
D-FantiX has improved the classic Rubik’s Cube with the Magic Cube! It’s a small 2 x 2 x 2 cube like the Rubik’s with different colors on each side perfect for preschoolers. The goal is to get each face to be all one color. It’s the classic puzzle game but now it’s designed to turn much faster and smoother than ever before.
UGears 3D Self Propelled Model TheaterAges 14+
UGears makes many different wooden models that are fun to assemble. Although it is made entirely of wood, each model has a mechanical component. Each model takes about a couple of hours to assemble. Even if you have never built a model, it comes with a guide that walks you through the assembly process. Inside the guide, it has diagrams that are similar to Lego instructions. There are several different models to choose from.
UGEARS Combination lock 3D wooden puzzleAges 14+
These wooden puzzles from UGEARs are amazing engineering marvels. They are model kits where you put together a wooden puzzle to form a working model. This one has your 13 year old building a working combination lock. The best part? It will keep her busy for awhile on the weekend so she doesn’t have to say “There is nothing to do. I’m bored.”
Castle LogixAges 3+
Jigsaw puzzles are fun but this puzzle is a nice change of pace. Not only will she have to use her spatial and fine motor skills, but she will have to use her critical and problem solving skills to solve it. The idea is to build different castles that appear on the various challenge cards. With 45 different challenges of varying difficulty, it starts off easy but the challenges become progressively harder.
Custom Photo Puzzle CubeAges 8+
Did you know that the Rubik’s cube is the best selling toy of all time? There aren’t too many toys that have been around since ancient times but the Rubik’s cube is one of them. It was invented in 1974. You are supposed to rotate all the squares so that they are all on one side of the cube. If you don’t approach it correctly, they will all get mixed up. Now you can create a custom one.
Best Party Board Games 2020
A great party board game can bring new life to your party. Here are a handful of great picks that will keep the energy strong and entertain for hours. Let’s get this party started!
CodenamesAges 14+
Codenames is an award winning puzzle game with a spy theme. While on the surface it’s got assassins, innocent bystanders, and espionage, this is a word association game that is played in teams. All of the words are laid out in a grid on the table. One player is the spy master and has to give one word clues to their team to make them guess the correct words from the grid. You have to be really creative so you single out on certain cards.
SpontuneousAges 8+
Spontuneous is an award-winning party game. Players are given a word and they have to think of a song with that word and sing it or shout it out. It’s the game where lyrics come to life. We love that talent is not required to play. And you know you already do it. So let’s get this party started!
Watch Ya’ MouthAges 8+
In Watch Ya Mouth, you stick these awkward mouth retractors in your mouth. This makes it almost impossible to speak without the words coming out slurred. When you talk, what you say comes out really funny. The game is played in teams. The idea is to try to get your team to guess what you are saying with the mouth retractor in your mouth. It’s actually really challenging.
Speak Out GameAges 16+
Speak Out is the wacky and super fun mouthpiece challenge game. Teen boys can take on their parents or friends. The game is real simple and has players guessing phrases to earn cards with the added pressure of a countdown timer. Once you have the mouthpiece in, you won’t be able to close your mouth shut so it makes for some incredibly hilarious fun. Go ahead and Speak Out and don’t be afraid to have wicked fun!
One Night Ultimate WerewolfAges 8+
Designed for 3 to 10 players, One Night Ultimate Werewolf is the party game your teen will want to play over and over because it’s so fun. What’s great is that the rules are simple, it’s easy to play, and games last only 10 minutes. Can you figure out who the werewolves are?
Telestrations 8 PlayerAges 12+
Telestrations is a four to eight player game. It’s an award-winning game of telephone sketched out. It’s a game where you draw, pass, and guess and laugh out loud at the final outcome at the end. It’s incredible fun for the whole family!
Apples to Apples Party BoxAges 12+
In the party game, Apples To Apples, the idea is to pick a red card from your hand that best describes the judge’s green card. If the judge puts down “Undesirable”, you could put down “Stinky Feet” or an “Alien Probe”. The judge then collects everybody’s card and chooses her favorite answer. During the next round, somebody else gets to be the judge. It’s a more family-friendly version of Cards Against Humanity.
PictionaryAges 8+
The classic game of Pictionary is the game of quick sketches and hilarious sketches! Now they’ve introduced a new Pop Culture category along with markers and erasable boards. You draw the clues and your team has to guess what it is. The best part? Even if you can’t draw, you can still play and the game appeals to everyone from kids to adults with multiple difficulty levels. In fact, if you can’t draw, it might generate more laughter. Get ready for fun times with Pictionary. It’s BIG fun for the whole family!
Sushi Go Party! Card GameAges 8+
Designed for two to eight players, Sushi Go Party! Card Game is a deluxe pick and pass card game. The game is easy to learn and it expands on the fun of the original. It’s really hard not to like this.
DixitAges 8+
Dixit is a humorous party game full of imaginative storytelling. It’s a game for 3-6 players with games lasting roughly 30 minutes. Dixit is one of the best party games we’ve seen in a long time. It’s a game where you’re trying to outthink each other and you’re playing with picture cards. The catch? You’re trying to give out clues so some people choose the correct answer but not all. If you play with people who are creative this can be a really entertaining game. Don’t be fooled by its box artwork – it’s certainly a game that leaves an impression and a game worth checking out.
BohnanzaAges 10+
Bohnanza is a trading and set collection card game for 2-7 players with games lasting about 60 minutes. The farmer with the most gold coins at the end wins the game. We appreciate that the game scales to 6 or 7 people. If you have 4-6 players who are all active and creative traders and make decisions quickly, this could be the perfect game. Without this prerequisite, the game can get bogged down pretty quickly with people who take long to make decisions. When it works, this game really shines. Depending on your gaming group, this game may be worth picking up.
Bang! 4th EditionAges 10+
With over 1 million copies sold to date, Bang! is a fun party game you don’t want to miss. In fact, it’s the best-selling wild west card game for 4-7 players with games lasting roughly half an hour. The best part? Now in its 4th edition, it’s easier than ever to learn and play. The Sherrif’s goal is to be the last man standing. Meanwhile, the Outlaws’ objective is to eliminate the Sheriff. In 5-player games, the Deputy has to keep the Sheriff alive until the end of the game. Are you ready for some Bang! Bang! action?!
Family CharadesAges 7+
Family Charades is the best-selling family game for 2 to 4 players. It’s perfect for parties with a variety of themes, including Kids Charades, Family Charades, Movie Charades, and 80’s & 90’s Charades to cater to all ages and tastes. There’s a good mix of easy and challenging charades. Expect a ton of laugh out loud moments and fun as you bond with family and friends. It’s a classic game that provides endless hours of fun.
Word SlamAges 12+
Word Slam is the fast-paced, word-based guessing game. It can best be described as Charades with cards. That means no acting and no speaking – you can only use the 105 word cards to provide clues to your team! Teams will be racing against the clock to have their team guess correctly in this super fun word game. The game is designed for 3 or more players and games last roughly 45 minutes. We love that even if you don’t love word games, you’re likely to love this fun game.
Wits & Wagers Deluxe Board GameAges 10+
Wits and Wagers is a fantastic party game. How many pounds does the heaviest Sumo wrestler weigh? Who cares? In this trivia game, you don’t have to know the answers. You just have to be able to guess who at the table has the correct answer. The game has now been updated. The Deluxe version has plastic poker tokens, more durable currency, and better dry erase markers. The coolest part? It has high quality no wrinkle mat. For 10 year olds, it’s the closest thing to being in Vegas.
SpyfallAges 13+
Spyfall is a great social party card game for 3-8 players. It’s a very easy game to learn and games last about 15 minutes. Players have to trip up the spy. We love it because it’s such a fun game and is very entertaining. The game really changes with 4 or more players and with 8 players it can be really difficult to determine who is the spy. It’s a wonderful deduction party game and one of the best party games.
Spyfall 2Ages 13+
Spyfall 2 delivers more of the Spyfall you know and love. It features more cards, two spies, and different locations. The game is playable by itself — it doesn’t require the original Spyfall. It’s a social deduction game for 3-12 players with games lasting around 10 minutes. It’s a really fun game. The new locations are fun. It gets harder for the spy, the more players there are. The two spies are a nice change of pace. If you’ve never played it before, you definitely want to check it out.
Snake OilAges 10+
Snake Oil is a fun party card game for 3-10 players. Kids will have tons of fun practicing the art of persuasion. The game is easy to play. First, choose a player to be the first Customer and have that player pick a Customer Card. The other players combine two Word Cards to create something for the customer. Then each player has to persuade the Customer that their item is the best. The Customer picks the one they like the most, and that player wins the Customer Card. The player with the most Customer Cards at the end wins.
Ice Cool 2Ages 6+
Ice Cool 2 is an expansion but standalone game. That means even if you haven’t played the first game, you can still enjoy this game. The coolest part? If you own Ice Cool and Ice Cool 2, you can combine them to create a mega game. There are different setups you can create. It’s an awesome dexterity game for 2-4 players with games lasting about 20 minutes.
WerewordsAges 8+
Werewords is a hidden identity game. It’s an app-driven game like Ultimate Werewolf. A word will be generated via the app. One player is the mayor who knows the word and they have these “Yes”/”No” chips they can respond with. The catch? They can’t give any hidden clues or use any body language. Other players have to guess the word within the given timer. But there is also a werewolf who knows the word and is trying to steer everyone in the wrong direction so they don’t guess the word. If you don’t guess it, everyone can vote who the werewolf is. This game is better than Insider because it has a lot more dynamics. It’s definitely worth a look even if you’re not a fan of this genre.
When I DreamAges 13+
When I Dream is a great party game. It’s designed for 4-10 players with play times ranging from 20 – 40 minutes. One person is going to be the dreamer and puts on a blindfold. Each player gives one-word clues to the dreamer. At any point the dreamer can stop after hearing the clues and call out their answer. Once the clues are out, the dreamer must tell the story of their dream. The catch? The Boogyman gives misleading clues, while the Sandman gives both good and bad clues. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins. The graphic cards are really cool and really add to the game to give it character and make it fun. It’s one of our favorite party games to come out in a long time and it’s really well thought out. It’s clever and hilarious all packed in a nice tight package. It’s a fun game to play and watch.
Reverse CharadesAges 6+
Reverse Charades is a game involving a hilarious twist on the game of Charades. The game has a team that acts out the word or phrase and one player has to guess the word or phrase. It’s an easy game to play and it’s so much fun!
Tortuga 1667Ages 12+
Torguga 1667 is a 2-9 player treasure plunder card game. It’s a game of strategy, deceit, luck, and social deduction. Games last between 20-40 minutes. Players are evenly and secretly divided into British and French players. The object of the game is to have the most treasure in your hold by the end of the game. The winner of a brawl can move one treasure from one hold to another. The overall gameplay is filled with strategizing over how to get your team in crucial positions of Captain, Cabin Boy, or Governor of Tortuga. The theme in this game is extremely well done. The game creates an immersive experience that screams you’re a pirate. Captains getting to call attacks and maroon players is so fitting and first mates being able to replace the Captain if they can convince the crew is very fun. If you’ve got a lot of people coming to game nights, this is definitely one you want to pick up.
Best 2-Player Family Board Games 2020
Head-to-head board games are among our favorites. This collection consists of the best two-player family board games 2020.
Connect 4Ages 6+
Connect 4 is a classic game played and enjoyed by generations. Experience the disc-droppin’ fun and excitement of Connect 4. It’s a game similar in nature to Tic Tac Toe. You have to try to get four of the same colored coins in a row to win. They can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. The game is easy to learn and play but challenging to win. It will require a bit of strategy and observing your opponent’s moves to win. Endless classic fun for the whole family!
Exploding KittensAges 7+
With great artwork, Exploding Kittens features the artwork of Matthew Inman, who is behind the Oatmeal. It’s a card game where the idea is to avoid the exploding kitten card in the deck. It’s sort of like Uno with kittens. All of the illustrations on the cards are hysterical, which adds to the charm of the game.
Ticket To RideAges 8+
Honored with a Game of the Year award, Ticket to Ride is an exciting train adventure game that has players attempting to visit the most cities by train within a week. May the best adventurer win!
CatanAges 8+
In Settlers Of Catan, you will have to manage your resources to take control over an island. On each roll of the dice, you will get different resources and will have to trade and use them wisely to build out your civilization.
Rubik’s RaceAges 7+
Love Rubik’s Cube? Then get ready for the ultimate 2-player Rubik’s challenge. It’s all about shaking it, sliding it, and solving it. Race to match the pattern on the scrambler and then shut the frame to win. It’s a super fun game of skill, speed, and dexterity. Do you have what it takes to be the champ?!
CarcassonneAges 7+
Every time you play Carcassonne, the game is different. Players pick up tiles and connect them to the existing tiles by matching various elements. The object of the Carcassonne is to score the most points by placing knights, farmers and thieves on the tiles. The player who scores the most points wins.
BlinkAges 7+
From the makers of UNO comes BLINK, the world’s fastest card game! It’s a 2-player game designed for families and games last less than 2 minutes. It’s going to take sharp eyes and quick hands to race to match shape, count, or color with one of the discard piles. Your goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. We love that it’s an easy game to pick up and you’ll love seeing your reflexes and response time improve with every game. Just don’t blink because that could cost you the game!
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Boss Monster: The Dungeon Building Card GameAges 13+
Based on the classic 8 bit videogames, Boss Monster is a card game that puts a twist on video game conventions. In this game, you are the villain trying to stop the heroes.
Othello ClassicAges 7+
Othello is a classic, internationally-acclaimed 2-player game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. We love that it’s easy to pick up and play and it takes minutes to learn but takes a lifetime to truly master. Strategy is the name of the game. When you sandwich your opponent’s pieces, you change those disks to your color. You’ll have to outwit your opponent and not let your guard down until the very end because it’s not over until the very last move.
MIDWAY MONSTERS Giant 3-in-1 Checkers and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe with Reversible RugAges 4+
This 3-in-1 game set from Midway Monsters features Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s a giant-sized rug for super-sized fun! Kids and families can be occupied for hours playing against each other. And that’s not all! You can also play Tic-Tac-Toe and Mega Tic-Tac-Toe. The best part? You can roll out the fun both indoors and outdoors and play anytime. Let the fun and games begin!
7 Wonders DuelAges 10+
7 Wonders Duel is a game for two players. Playing time is around 30 minutes and it’s a relatively simple game. Two civilizations compete to determine whose legacy will be the greatest. Will you raise the pyramids or will your nation be crushed by your opponent’s scientific genius or military might? The civilization with the most points at the end of the game wins. It’s a fast-paced dueling game with next to no luck. The theme is very easy for people to identify with. The best part? It’s hard to pack more game into 30 minutes than 7 Wonders Duel does.
Blokus DuoAges 7+
Stake your claim and protect your territory in Blokus Duo, a 2-player version of the classic strategy game. If you’ve never played it before, it’s a very interesting game. Game times come in around 15 minutes. Each player gets a pile of 21 pieces that are different groups of squares. Start by placing a piece on the starting spot. Your next piece has to connect diagonally and must touch another piece of the same color. When either player can no longer place any pieces on the board, check which player has the least number of blocks remaining. Whomever has the least number of blocks wins the game. We love that it’s easy to learn and great for families.
Family Classics ChessAges 8+
Looking for an inexpensive chess set? Pressman’s Family Classics Chess is a great set featuring solid Staunton pieces and a heavy-duty folding board. Chess is the perfect strategic game to develop your child’s or teen’s critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s the perfect first set for beginning Chess players and families. The best part? The classic game of Chess offers endless replayability.
The Fox In The ForestAges 10+
The Fox in the Forest is a 2-player trick-taking game from Renegade Game Studios. You have to be the first player to 21 points to win. We love the unique theme and the scoring scale, which really makes this game excellent. The special abilities work well with two players. Games last between 20-30 minutes, which is a perfect length for this type of game. It’s our favorite two-player trick-taking game.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 Red Board GameAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game that permanently changes as you play. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is to stop all four diseases.
CHH Games Backgammon SetAges 8+
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games. It’s a two-player game that combines strategy and luck. It’s a fast-paced game requiring analytical thinking and a little luck that adds unpredicatable fun. This set comes with an attractive brown and white vinyl case, beautiful pieces, and coordinated dice cups. It’s the perfect set for good ol’ family fun.
MancalaAges 8+
Mancala is an ancient game from Egypt and it’s a family favorite. It’s a fun and educational 2-player counting game. With various moves and captures, you have to attempt to gather as many marbles. This set includes a beautiful wooden game board along with colorful marbles. Families will have fun playing with rules from around the world.
Best Co-Op Family Board Games 2020
Love co-op games? Cooperative games teach us how to work together toward a common goal. These are the best co-op family board games 2020. We’ve collected a range of co-op games for all ages.
GloomhavenAges 12+
Gloomhaven is a deep, complex, combat-focused game for 1-4 players with games lasting 1-2 hours. You team up with others to complete your goals while uncovering the threats to Gloomhaven. The campaign is comprised of a number of scenarios — each with its own objective. If you ever run out of health, you are defeated. If you like tactical combat and resource management, this game is excellent at both of those. Every turn is a tough decision about what cards to use and how to use them. There’s a huge variety of enemies to face with each requiring a different approach. There are a lot of ways to improve your character, including adding combat modifier cards, equipment, and action cards. The best part of this game is the sheer amount of content it has out of the box. With close to 100 missions, there’s a ton of game to discover. However, the game is not cheap so you’ll want to play a lot to get your money’s worth.
Betrayal At House On The HillAges 12+
Do you love horror movies? In this horror-themed board game, you and your friends will explore a spooky house on the hill. Players explore the house by flipping cards, which leads to the discovery of omens and the eventual “haunt.” While everybody goes together, one of your friends will betray you during the haunt. That’s when everything goes to disarray and you have to try to escape from the house. It’s a unique twist on the classic cooperative game.
Codenames DuetAges 10+
In Codenames Duet, you work as a team to identify the agents. We love the game for its co-op mechanics and core Codenames gameplay, which is satisfying. When it gets down to the wire, the tension makes it really rewarding to win.
Forbidden IslandAges 10+
Similar to Pandemic, Forbidden Island is a cooperative game that uses a lot of the same mechanics. Because it is simpler and on a smaller scale, it is a good game to play before playing Pandemic. In Forbidden Island, players must work together to recover artifacts and escape on a helicopter before the island sinks. As the game reaches its conclusion, it gets more and more tense.
Outfoxed! Game Board GameAges 5+
Outfoxed! is a fun cooperative game where you have to discover who did it. A lady’s pot pie has gone missing! Now you’ll have to crack the case. Gather clues and rule out suspects. Collaborate quickly before the guilty fox makes his escape! Will you catch this mastermind thief or will you be Outfoxed?
SpaceteamAges 10+
Spaceteam is a chaotic and cooperative card game for 3-6 players and up to 9 with the expansion. If you’re into spaceships and shouting at friends this is perfect. You and other players are working together using tool cards to solve malfunctions occurring on your spaceship. The catch? You only have 5 minutes to do this. You’re working together with others to save your spaceship from a blackhole. You’ll all be working on the ship and be trying to help each other simultaneously. It’s essentially a symbol matching game at its core. Once you’ve assembled all parts of the ship, you’ve won the game. If you’re not able to accomplish this before time runs out, then you enter the blackhole and lose. We love how smooth and simple the game is and we appreciate that you feel in control.
MysteriumAges 10+
Why watch a horror movie when you can play a horror themed board game? Mysterium is a whodunnit cooperative board game. A ghost has been murdered and players must uncover the killer, location, and murder weapon. One player takes the role of the ghost and the rest of the players are psychics. The catch? The ghost gives clues using only picture cards.
Spirit IslandAges 13+
Spirit Island is a cooperative settler-destruction strategy game. It’s a complex game for 1-4 players with games lasting anywhere between 90 to 120 minutes. Each player controls their own spirit and plays together against the invaders. To win the game you must remove all invaders from the board. Every turn will have a lot of difficult decisions to make. We love that this game never plays the same way twice. Since it’s a complex game, we recommend it for players with a fair bit of experience with modern board games.
Count Your ChickensAges 3+
Count Your Chickens! Board Game is a cooperative game for kids. It’s a game designed for 2-4 players with games lasting about 15 minutes. The chicks have flown away and you need to round ’em up by working together. Kids will have fun learning to count and cooperate to win.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 Red Board GameAges 13+
This is a fantastic cooperative game that permanently changes as you play. The idea of the game is to cure the different diseases that are spreading across the world that could cause a Pandemic. Each player has a different role which gives them special powers. The only way to win is to stop all four diseases.
Pandemic: IberiaAges 8+
Pandemic: Iberia is a gorgeous historical edition. This isn’t just a rethemed edition – it introduces new mechanisms which leads to a fun and novel game experience. As in the original game, everyone plays on the same team to treat viruses. While this game will appeal to Pandemic fans, it’s also suited to newcomers. It’s a perfect game for those looking to try a cooperative game. It’s the new gold standard for co-op games, so what better game to start with?
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2Ages 13+
Although Season 2 can be played without playing the first game, it does continue the saga. This game is all about distributing preventative supplies. The game is lots of fun for exactly the same reasons Season 1 was. We love that it introduces a new twist to the formula. Decisions carry forward to future games so it feels different everytime you play the game.
The MindAges 8+
The Mind is a cooperative game for 2-4 players with games lasting about 20 minutes. All players need to become one mind by thinking, acting and reading body language as if they’re one cohesive unit. In this game, players attempt to play cards without talking. The object is to get through a certain amount of levels, depending on the number of players. You have to play the cards in ascending order. The catch? You can’t speak so you’ll need to use body language to get the job done. We love that the game is super easy to teach and it’s an experience unlike any other. It’s a game that appeals to casual and hardcore gamers alike. It really feels like a classic game that you want to play over and over again. It’s one of those games that is just as fun to watch as it is to play.
The Incredibles Save The Day GameAges 6+
The Incredibles Save The Day Game is a cooperative family board game for 1-4 players. Players take on the role of their favorite member of the Parr family. Your objective is to rescue baby Jack-Jack and fix all the problems in the city. The more you play this game, the easier it is to play. It’s a fun, family-friendly co-op game perfect for Incredibles fans.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting DetectiveAges 13+
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a loosely structured and challenging deduction game. The use of theme and detail in this game are incredible. If you enjoy the world of Sherlock Holmes, you’re going to enjoy jumping into this incredibly intricate detailed world and playing in it. The game does get bogged down a bit when you’re playing with a larger group than 4 people. There’s an enormous amount of satisfaction in attempting to solve the case. The finale of the game reinforces the theme and tone of the game, which is still hands-down the best moment.
Best Word Family Board Games 2020
Who loves word games? Word board games are so much fun! If you love word board games, you really can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Scrabble still stands as one of our favorites of all-time.
BoggleAges 8+
Boggle is the classic head-to-head word search game. Mix up the letters, start the timer, and create as many words as quickly as you can. The game is desinged for one or more players and can even be played solo. Players have to find the most words to win. If you’re playing solo, see if you can beat your high score.
Scrabble Junior GameAges 5+
Scrabble Junior brings the fun of Scrabble to juniors. This is a crosswrod game where you score points by creating words. The game grows with your child. The other side includes an advanced level of the game. In the advanced version, players create their own words. In the simplified version, the words are already formed on the board. This is fun for the whole family!
ScrabbleAges 8+
Scrabble is a classic game of creating words and scoring points with tile letters. It’s great for building your eight year old boy’s vocabulary and it’s great family fun. It’s time for a word showdown!
BananagramsAges 7+
Bananagrams is the perfect family game that also helps develop your child’s literacy. Players race to build crosswords grids with their tiles. The best part? It’s educational and super fun. The convenient banana-themed travel tote allows you to take the fun on the go.
Word SlamAges 12+
Word Slam is the fast-paced, word-based guessing game. It can best be described as Charades with cards. That means no acting and no speaking – you can only use the 105 word cards to provide clues to your team! Teams will be racing against the clock to have their team guess correctly in this super fun word game. The game is designed for 3 or more players and games last roughly 45 minutes. We love that even if you don’t love word games, you’re likely to love this fun game.
Best Mystery Family Board Games 2020
Mystery board games are full of intrigue and captivate us with their rich storytelling. If you love mystery board games, you don’t want to miss out on any of these top picks.
Clue The Classic EditionAges 8+
Clue is a classic who done it game. Welcome to Boddy Mansion. There are six suspects and one of them got rid of Mr. Boddy. But who was it and where did they store his body? Do you have what it takes to crack this case?
221B Baker StreetAges 14+
221B Baker Street is the Sherlock Holmes master detective game for 2-6 players. Players go around collecting clues. Once you determine who the killer is, then you race back home. When you get back home, you announce who did it, what was their motive, and whatever the situation is. The fewer clues you use, the higher your ranking. It’s really hard to get the Master Detective ranking. With over 200 cases, gameplay is almost infinite. It’s a simple game and a great game for any Sherlock Holmes fan or people who love solving puzzles.
MysteriumAges 10+
Why watch a horror movie when you can play a horror themed board game? Mysterium is a whodunnit cooperative board game. A ghost has been murdered and players must uncover the killer, location, and murder weapon. One player takes the role of the ghost and the rest of the players are psychics. The catch? The ghost gives clues using only picture cards.
The Legend of Zelda Clue Board GameAges 8+
Believe it or not some teen boys love their Zelda more than Call of Duty. In this special The Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition of Clue, the classic mystery game, you’ll need to get to the bottom of the mystery! He’ll need to discover who can beat Ganon, what is needed to beat him, and where is he hiding. Now that’s easier said than done. The game board features a beautiful customized illustration of the world of Hyrule from the videogames. The game is played by three to six players and the Zelda twist to the game is really fun. Fantastic gift for your Zelda fan.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting DetectiveAges 13+
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a loosely structured and challenging deduction game. The use of theme and detail in this game are incredible. If you enjoy the world of Sherlock Holmes, you’re going to enjoy jumping into this incredibly intricate detailed world and playing in it. The game does get bogged down a bit when you’re playing with a larger group than 4 people. There’s an enormous amount of satisfaction in attempting to solve the case. The finale of the game reinforces the theme and tone of the game, which is still hands-down the best moment.
Best Escape Room Family Games 2020
Escape room games have emerged into popularity recently with the rising popularity of escape rooms. These games will push the boundaries of how you think and will challenge you to your limits like never before. Think you have what it takes to escape? They’re perfect for family game night.
Escape Room In A Box: The Werewolf ExperimentAges 13+
Love escape room challenges? Then you’ll love Escape Room In A Box: The Werewolf Experiment. Players will be challenged to solve puzzles and find codes to escape the room. There’s an interesting backstory: Your party of players have to figure out a way to access the antidote within an hour or you’ll all turn into werewolves. What’s cool? It’s even compatible with your Alexa-enabled speaker. You can ask Alexa for hints and time updates as you try to escape the virtual room. Will you make it out alive?!
ThinkFun Escape the RoomAges 13+
In escape rooms, players work together to solve puzzle to escape before time runs out. Now the fun of an escape room is making its way to board games. If you like narrative-driven games, Thinkfun has some great board games that vary in difficultly. For kids, there is Stargazer’s Manor, which contains easy puzzles that kids can solve on their own. If you are looking to join in on the fun, check out Dr. Gravely’s Retreat. The game contains a series of puzzles to solve in sealed envelopes.
Best Trivia Family Games 2020
Got a trivia nut? For the trivia lovers, we’ve selected some of the best trivia family games 2020. Trivial Pursuit is still one of our favorite trivia games of all-time.
Trivial Pursuit Classic EditionAges 16+
Love trivia games? Then you’ll love Trivial Pursuit Classic Edition. Packed with 2,400 trivia questions spanning across a variety of categories, the game is designed for 2 to 6 players. The first player to gather six different color wedges and correctly answer the final question wins the game. It features the classic gameplay you know and love and is perfect for family game night.
Trivial Pursuit Master EditionAges 16+
Trivial Pursuit Master Edition is for the know it all and those who absolutely love trivia. The game features 2,950 questions ranging from intriguing to challenging to downright humorous. Your knowledge will be put to the test in these areas: geography, entertainment, history, art and literature, science and nature, and sports and leisure. Do you have what it takes to outsmart the competition?
Now That’s What I Call Music The Board GameAges 8+
Looking for a fun-packed music trivia game? Look no further than Now That’s What I Call Music The Board Game, a game for 2-6 players. You’ve seen the compilations – now play the game! The game features music trivia spanning the 80s, 90s, and the 21st century. Put your music knowledge to the ultimate test. It’s fantastic family-friendly entertainment sure to provide endless hours of fun.
Best STEM Family Board Games 2020
STEM family board games introduce players to STEM concepts: Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. These are great educational games that aid in your child’s growth and development. And, honestly speaking, these are games the whole family can enjoy.
Rummikub Ages 8+
Rummikub is a popular game around the world. It’s a classic game that has sold over 50 million copies. It’s a fantastic family game for two to four players that has you creating runs and sets. The object is to clear all your game tiles.
Build Or BoomAges 4+
Building something is a lot of fun, but tearing it down is even more fun. In Build Or Boom, two players race to complete a structure on a blueprint card. The twist? When somebody completes the structure, they press the dynamite to blow up their opponent’s structure. KABOOM! It’s a “Blast!”
Best Memory Games 2020
Memory games can be a fun way to develop your little one’s memory. These games are proven to entertain and deliver amazing results and your kid will have a ton of fun along the way while building their memory skills.
Wonder Forge PJ Masks Matching GameAges 3+
Remember the game of memory? Children will love putting their memory to the test with this fun PJ Masks-themed matching game. It’s great for building matching and memory skills.
Curious George Matching Game Ages 3+
The Curious George Matching Game is a perfect game of memory and matching for preschoolers. The game features 72 picture tiles and kids’ memory skills will be put to the test! The game enougages taking turns and playing together.
Best Music Board Games 2020
Who doesn’t love music?! These awesome board games mix the fun of music with board games to create a winning formula. DropMix is off-the-hook fun! Let’s get this party started!
DropMix Music Gaming SystemAges 16+
Harmonix, the creator of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, has a music game called DropMix. It’s a cool new mixing game played with NFC-enabled cards. You can create amazing mixes of your own and score points for doing so. Mix the latest hits from a variety of music genres. The game works with a free app you download to your smartphone. It’s a fantastic party game where fun is the name of the game.
Now That’s What I Call Music The Board GameAges 8+
Looking for a fun-packed music trivia game? Look no further than Now That’s What I Call Music The Board Game, a game for 2-6 players. You’ve seen the compilations – now play the game! The game features music trivia spanning the 80s, 90s, and the 21st century. Put your music knowledge to the ultimate test. It’s fantastic family-friendly entertainment sure to provide endless hours of fun.
Best Alexa Board Games 2020
With the proliferation and mass adoption of smart devices like Alexa, it only seems natural to have a board game themed around Alexa. Voice Originals When In Rome is paving the way for a whole new type of board game integrating Alexa into its formula while shaking things up a bit in the board game world.
When In RomeAges 13+
When In Rome is a board game for your Alexa smart home speaker. It’s a great trivia game where you can learn about different countries like Rome, play with the family, and have a blast as you’re learning and playing. Alexa teaches the rules, tracks progress, and helps out when needed.
Best Deck-Building Family Board Games 2020
Love deck-building games? We’ve rounded up the best deck-building family board games 2020. Let the fun and games begin!
Dominion: Second EditionAges 13+
Dominion is a big game and it’s a whole lot of fun to play. It’s a deck-building game for 2-4 players with games lasting about 30 minutes. A lot of the cards are the same but they look more aesthetically pleasing now. Six cards have been removed from the original while seven new ones have been added. If you’ve never gotten into Dominion before, this is a great starting set. It’s an amazing, wonderful game and still arguably one of kings of deck-building games.
The Quest for El DoradoAges 10+
The Quest for El Dorado was a Game of the Year 2017 Finalist. It’s a simple deck-building board game for 2-4 players. Play time runs roughly 60 minutes. The player who crosses the border into the mysterious golden city of El Dorado first claims all the treasure and wins the game. It’s a simple, fun, and excellent deck-building game and a great way to introduce players to the deck-playing mechanism. We love that there are a lot of options for varied play but more experienced players may not find the depth they’re looking for.
Star Realms Deckbuilding GameAges 12+
Star Realms is a deckbuilding game for 2 players. Game times come in around 20 minutes. If you buy multiple boxes, you can play with multiple players. The rules are short and easy to understand and it’s simple to play. The game is fairly close to Ascension. We love how you can get the cards to work together to get more money or attack. It’s one of the fastest deckbuilding games we’ve played. It’s a fun, fast, and excellent game worth adding to your collection.
Best Magic Sets 2020
Abracadabra! Who doesn’t love a good magic trick? Here are the best magic sets for 2020. What’s great is these magic sets are easy to learn and perform and they offer a variety of tricks that will amaze and entertain audiences. Practice the art of magic before putting on a showstopping performance. You never know … we could be looking at the next David Cooperfield!
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Solid-Wood Magic SetAges 8+
Alacazam! With a little preparation and this magic set from Melissa & Doug, your 8 year old girl can perform 10 magic tricks that will stump all her friends and family. She’ll make a coin vanish into thin air and perform a great escape that even Harry Houdini would be proud of. The best part? You get to watch her perform.
Jim Stott’s Ultimate Magic KitAges 10+
Do you believe in magic? Jim Scott does and he’ll demonstrate how to perform incredible magic tricks. His Ultimate Magic Kit has garnered rave reviews and it includes more than 350 tricks to impress audiences. This kit is a great value. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the art of magic.
Best Family Board Games 2020?
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