In a world dominated by digital screens and fast-paced living, the importance of quality family time cannot be overstated. Family board games offer a perfect antidote to the constant buzz of technology, providing a platform for laughter, bonding, and friendly competition. In this article, we'll explore the top 20 best family board games that guarantee hours of entertainment and foster connections among family members of all ages.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Price: £21.99
Available From: PlayMonster
Drone Home revolutionizes family game night by introducing the first-ever real drone into gameplay! This fast-paced kids' action game adds a thrilling twist as players race to save their aliens and launch them into the drone for a daring escape. The suspense builds as the drone lifts off, but there's a catch, while waiting, opponents can strategically knock your alien out to sabotage your mission. With absorbing gameplay for 2-4 players, Drone Home promises excitement and strategy as everyone competes to be the first to get all their aliens safely back home. Get ready for an airborne adventure that blends skill and mischief!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2+
Price: £24.99
Available From: ToysRus
Race to Flip 'Em and Stick 'Em catapults family game night into a frenzy of flipping chickens and soaring hot dogs. With 30 epic challenges, players turn over a card, launch their character into the air, and strive for the perfect landing to inch closer to victory. The game amps up the excitement with the fast and frantic Flip-o-Rama, triggered when opponents play the same card. Whether facing off head-to-head or in a big-team showdown with 2-10 players, this clucking brilliant party game guarantees uproarious fun. Easy to learn in 10 seconds, yet captivating for hours, it's flipping and sticking galore!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 1-6
Price: £29.99
Available From: Debenhams
Race to Escape transforms your living room into an immersive escape room experience, challenging you and your friends to unlock the mysteries within a mysterious house. As the clock ticks, teamwork becomes crucial to crack codes and liberate yourselves. This all-ages board game delivers repayable excitement, offering various situations and puzzles with each setup. Navigate three distinct rooms, solving enigmas to earn keys that unlock doors and pave your way to freedom. With each playthrough, the thrill intensifies, creating a race against time remains a captivating adventure, making Race to Escape a must-have for fans of puzzle-solving and collaborative fun.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2+
Price: £24.99
Available From: Ginger Fox
Ant & Dec's Limitless Win Board Game brings the excitement of the popular ITV gameshow into your living room, captivating players aged 8 and above. Emulating the TV show, contestants climb the limitless money ladder by answering general knowledge trivia questions. With 600+ questions, the game offers a diverse challenge for players of all ages. The stakes are high; answer over the correct number, and you risk losing everything. The box includes a limitless money ladder, 2 answer dials, a score tracker, and a cash-out button. Join in a thrilling journey of knowledge and strategy!
Rating: ★ ★ ★
Age: 7+
Players: 2-6
Price: £24.99
Available From: Exploding Kittens
Brace yourself for the wild and wacky world of throwable burritos. Distribute the cards, aiming to collect three of a kind and amass points. The real chaos begins with Burrito Cards, forcing friends into hilarious battles. Duck, dive and doge squishy, airborne burritos. But beware, a direct hit results in a comical Burrito Bruise! From strategic card play to the sheer unpredictability of flying burritos, this game promises uproarious fun that defies convention. Get ready for a party that adds a flavourful twist to your game night antics!
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2+
Price: £17.99
Available From: Argos
A riotous twist on the classic family drawing game that takes creativity to new heights! Use your artistic skills in the air, and watch as your sketches come to life on your smart device screen. Simply download the free Pictionary Air app, point the in-app camera at the illustrator, and witness their creations unfold. It's a dynamic, laugh-out-loud game that gets everyone up and moving. Take turns sketching clues while teammates guess, and the team with the most points after 10 rounds emerges victorious. With easy-to-use recording features, customize rounds in Custom mode or enjoy unlimited drawing in Freestyle mode
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 6+
Players: 2-6
Price: £13.99
Available From: Smyths
The classic Scrabble Game is tailored for kids with the Junior Scrabble Kids' Game! Offering a delightful blend of fun and challenge, this version is designed specifically for younger players. With kid-sized words and vibrant pictures, matching letter tiles to words on the grid becomes rather addictive. The game caters to various age levels – younger children linking letters with pictures and older kids constructing words independently. Junior Scrabble transforms word-building into an educational game, enhancing children's vocabularies and spelling skills. Dive into the world of education through play.
Rating: ★ ★ ★
Age: 4+
Players: 2-4
Price: £26
Available From: Hamleys
If you can count to 10, you can play! This delightful game simplifies the classic Rummikub experience for younger children. With 40 tiles featuring numbers 1 to 10 in four vibrant colours, plus star tiles, the objective is clear – collect as many stars as possible. Every successful run or addition to an existing run earns a coveted star. Ideal for 2 to 4 players, Junior Rummikub is a fantastic introduction to the world of strategic gameplay, offering a perfect balance of simplicity and excitement for young minds learning the ropes of numbers and patterns.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2+
Price: £6.99
Available From: Ginger Fox
Kids vs. Adults The quick thinking fire round family game sparks a thrilling battle of wits! It's a head-to-head showdown where kids and adults clash to determine who reigns supreme. This fast-paced game demands quick thinking, and means that every round is a fiery challenge for both generations. Full of lively competition and discover who emerges as the ultimate boss in this entertaining family card game. With its dynamic gameplay and a blend of humour, strategy, and speed, Ginger Fox Kids vs. Adults promises a wild games night that keeps players on their toes, making family game nights truly outstanding.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Price: £29.99
Available From: Game
Enjoy Monopoly and Animal Crossing together with this delightful edition, merging classic gameplay with the charming world of Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Tailored for kids aged 8 and up, players explore vibrant islands, collecting resources like bugs, fish, fossils, and fruit to trade for Bells. Decorate your island paradise and earn Nook Miles to secure victory. Choose from 4 Animal Crossing-inspired tokens and utilize the unique Nook's Cranny die to determine resource types for sale. The Monopoly Animal Crossing New Horizons Edition isn't just a game; it's an brilliant indoor adventure, making it an ideal birthday gift and a family game night favourite.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 16+
Players: 2+
Price: £14.99
Available From: Ginger Fox
Ideal for older families, In the darkly comedic realm of We're All Gonna Die, embrace the hilarity of dicing with death. This strategic dice-rolling game, designed for grown-ups, invites you and your friends into a laugh-out-loud journey through 20 death-defying scenarios. Collaborate to cheat untimely demises like the "BLACK FRIDAY STAMPEDE" or "FORK IN A TOASTER." With each roll, attempt to match dice icons with those on the death cards to survive the absurd challenges. A game of teamwork, dark humour, and embarrassing escapes, We're All Gonna Die promises an uproarious game for those brave enough to face life's weirdest and wackiest scenarios.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 3+
Players: 2-4
Price: £10
Available From: JoJo Maman Bebe
Welcome to the enchanting world of The Gruffalo with this classic dice game. The game invites players to help their mouse friend safely navigate the journey home. With a roll of the dice and a good memory, players can navigate the game board featuring high-quality components, including mice, plastic trees, round discs, a hazelnut chip, and a die. With easy-to-understand instructions it is an ideal choice for playtime with children. With its high replay value, this classic dice game promises endless enjoyment and cherished moments with your little one.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 3-8
Price: £19.99
Available From: Amazon
Do You Really Know Your Family? is the ultimate bonding experience for families, offering a delightful blend of fun and insight. This card game transforms ordinary family gatherings into memorable game nights, creating full on laughter, conversation, and shared moments. Players answer intriguing questions, sparking meaningful conversations, and partaking in amusing challenges that bring out the best in family dynamics. As a catalyst for learning more about each other, the game not only entertains but also strengthens the familial bond. With its light-hearted yet thought-provoking nature, it’s a real all-rounder.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 6+
Players: 2-6
Price: £13
Available From: The Entertainer
Headbanz Family Board Game is suitable for players of all ages. Players wear headbands displaying cards with various objects or people and take on a series of yes or no questions to guess their identity. This interactive game not only provides amusement but also improves communication skills and quick thinking. Perfect for family game nights, it creates a lively atmosphere and ensures everyone, regardless of age, can join in the fun. The Headbanz Family Board Game is a fantastic choice for those seeking a simple and fun game.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 10+
Players: 3-7
Price: £31.95
Available From: Zatu
7 Wonders seamlessly combines strategy and family-friendly games time. Perfect for families, it accommodates 3 to 7 players, fostering healthy competition and collaboration. The game's immersive ancient civilisation theme and stunning artwork for players of all ages, making learning history an enjoyable. Its straightforward rules means it is perfect for younger players, yet the depth of strategic choices keeps adults thoroughly engaged. The game's quick-paced rounds, typically lasting 30 minutes, prevent boredom and encourage repeated plays. The game promotes critical thinking, resource management, and decision-making skills in a fun, interactive manner—making it an ideal choice for families seeking a well-rounded, amusing board game.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2-6
Price: £10
Available From: Waterstones
One of the most exciting board games. King of Tokyo combines strategy and monster mayhem. Set in a vibrant Tokyo cityscape, players take on the roles of monstrous characters vying for control. The game involves rolling dice, attacking opponents, and upgrading abilities to become the ultimate King of Tokyo. With its straightforward rules and quick-paced gameplay, it's accessible for both casual players and seasoned gamers. The engaging theme, colourful design, and interactive gameplay make it a hit for families and friends alike. A thrilling experience, blending luck and strategy for an exciting tabletop adventure.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 3+
Players: 2+
Price: £17
Available From: Argos
The Horrible Histories Board Game offers a ghastly yet educational journey through time, challenging players with Horrible multiple-choice questions and amusing charades. From the Awful Ancients to the Vile Victorians, navigate history's twists and turns while avoiding Rattus and his tricky Chance cards. This family-friendly and educational board game is inspired by the award-winning Horrible Histories series.
Rating: ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2-6
Price: £28
Available From: Mulberry Bush
Embark on a thrilling pursuit through the streets of London with the captivating board game where suspense and strategy collide. Scotland Yard. As detectives, players collaborate to track down the elusive Mr X, who navigates the city in secret. The only leads are his transport tickets, challenging the team's deductive skills and teamwork. The game unfolds in an intense cat-and-mouse chase, requiring clever tactics to trap Mr X before he escapes, claiming victory. Designed for 2 to 6 players, Scotland Yard transforms family game nights into exciting crime-solving adventures.
Rating: ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Price: £15
Available From: RNLI Shop
Beware of the treacherous quicksand! In this thrilling race through the jungle, players aim to guide their intrepid characters to the finish camp. The journey involves navigating mudslides, swinging on vines, and strategically using handholds and rocks to stay dry. However, lurking along the track are perilous quicksand pits that threaten to engulf adventurers piece by piece. This family-friendly game introduces a unique sinking play piece and is suitable for various occasions. Players can compete to be the first to reach the finish or strategically impede their fellow players, adding a tactical twist to the adventure.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Age: 8+
Players: 2-4
Price: £22.49
Available From: Toy Street
Enter a world of high-stakes inheritance, racing to spend a million pounds faster than their fellow potential heirs. Your Great Uncle Edward's billion-pound fortune is at stake, and to claim it, players must live lavishly – charter yachts, trade antiques, bet on stocks, gamble, or even buy a motor racing team. The challenge is to squander the money in the most extravagant way possible. The game's unique twist lies in winning by losing a million, adding a thrilling edge as players compete to be the first to exhaust their funds. Go For Broke is an energetic and compelling game that brings the race for an eccentric inheritance to life.
From the classic charm of Junior Scrabble and Monopoly Animal Crossing to the creative and energetic fun of Throw Throw Burrito and Pictionary Air, these games promise not just entertainment but also meaningful family bonding experiences. Whether you're looking for a fun family board game for Christmas, an adult-friendly option for game nights, or a classic that stands the test of time, our list offers something for everyone. Dive into the world of good board games for families and make your next family gathering unforgettable with these popular and recommended family board games.
