As a mom of two preteens I know how important it is to have games that they’d actually enjoy at home or during our holidays. These are my choices for games that are perfect for bonding without the screens!
Sections
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Fast and fun
Think and compete
Fast and fun
Try to name three things in just five seconds, that’s the game. And it makes you think but in a fun way. The game is easy to bring along and doesn’t require any setup, so it’s great for travel or lazy afternoons. Tip: play in groups so the little one...
5 Second Rule
This one makes the whole family team up instead of compete, which is refreshing on nights when I don’t want any sibling rivalry. You only have five minutes to crack the safe TOGETHER, so team work is the key. It’s so high-energy and keeps everyone fo...
Bank Attack
This one’s a local but it feels special because it connects us to Dutch culture in a fun way. You must be quick to play this game and memory is the key! It’s a favorite for family nights when we want something a little different (just make sure you h...
Merken Mania
This is the game that always gets packed for camping trips because it never gets old. And doesn’t take much space. The card launcher keeps my kids on their toes and excited when a pile of cards shoots out unexpectedly. It’s fast, silly, and perfect w...
UNO Extreme
Think and compete
A.k.a. Cluedo, playing this detective game with my kids get them to practice logic without realizing it, putting together clues to solve the mystery. For me, it’s the perfect mix of fun and sneaky learning for my young ones. And the grown ups too!
Clue | Board Game
This is a classic, well Monopoly, that is. But the Spiderman version really hooked my kids because of the superhero theme. They love recognizing the characters, and it keeps them interested in a game that teaches money and strategy. It’s a good rainy...
Monopoly Spiderman
My personal favorite and happy to find it. This game makes geography surprisingly fun, even for kids who usually roll their eyes at school topics. My boys get to learn about flags, capitals, and countries, and I love that they’re learning without eve...
The World Game
This is my quiet-game pick when we need something calmer but still engaging. We like that feel of racing against the timer to find words, and I like that it helps our kids with spelling and vocabulary. It’s small and easy to pack, which makes it a mu...