Must-Have Board Games for Family Game Night
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items Games We Play All the Time
Our real-life game night lineup. These are the ones we pull off the shelf constantly—whether it’s family chaos, casual strategy, or something weird we didn’t expect to love.
We Own It… But Don’t Ask If We’ve Played It
Look, we had good intentions when we bought these. Some were gifts. Some were wishlist splurges. Some just looked cool. But for one reason or another, they’ve never made it to the table. Yet. Maybe this is the year.
Two Players (Games for When Only One Kid Loves Me)
Sometimes I can only convince one child to play with me—and that’s when these two player gems shine. Perfect for quick duels, quiet battles, or intense stare-downs with your favorite offspring (or whichever one said yes first).
Cooperative Games (Games That Allegedly Teach Teamwork)
These are the games where we’re all on the same side… until someone forgets the rules or triggers an unnecessary disaster. Great for bonding, strategizing, and occasionally passive-aggressively saying, “No, it’s fine, you take the lead.”
Ages 4-99 (Because No One Has Brainpower Left)
Easy to learn, quick to play, and just enough fun to keep everyone from wandering off. These are our go-to games when attention spans are short, bedtimes are near, or no one wants to read a rulebook the size of a novel.
Escape Rooms (Without Leaving the House… or Arguing Too Much)
We love a good puzzle panic, and these boxed escape games bring the drama. Expect locked doors, suspicious clues, and at least one person yelling “Wait, don’t touch that yet!” Perfect for families who like a challenge and aren’t afraid to overthink e...
Games That Teach Stuff (Without Feeling Like School)
These are the stealthy ones—teaching math, logic, geography, or writing while everyone’s having fun. Homeschool win.
Games That Are Just… a Little Off (In the Best Way)
You know the ones. The game that makes everyone go, “Wait, what?” and then ends up being your new favorite.
Monopoly Madness (Yes, We Collect Them)
It started with one… and now we have an actual Monopoly shelf. These versions are fun, weird, themed, and sometimes just unhinged enough to keep the game fresh. Whether you’re here for the classics or the chaotic twists, this list is our Monopoly mul...
Trivia Games That Let Me Flex a Little
I love trivia—especially when it makes me look like I know random stuff for no reason. These are the games that bring out my competitive streak, teach us something weird, and give me a chance to shine during family game night. (Also great for when I ...
Traveling Games That (Mostly) Keep the Car Peaceful
These are the games that travel well, don’t take up much space, and won’t end in tears somewhere around exit 47. Perfect for road trips, backseat boredom, and stalling the “Are we there yet?” countdown just a little longer.
Halloween Games That Are Just the Right Amount of Creepy
Not too scary, not too silly—these are the games we love to break out in October when the vibes are spooky but the kids still want snacks. Great for Halloween parties, family game night in costume, or any night where you want a little fright with you...
Holiday Games (Because We’re Already Wearing Matching Pajamas Anyway)
These are the games we pull out between cookies and cocoa—festive, funny, and family-friendly enough to play with kids, cousins, and that one uncle who never reads the rules. Some are Christmas-themed, some are just cozy chaos, but all of them feel l...
Games We’re Eyeing
Stuff That Makes Game Night Better
You’ve got the board games—but what about the dice that feel powerful in your hand? The notebooks for tracking suspiciously lucky players? This list has all the little extras that level up game night.