Finding the best family board games can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available on Amazon. As families look for ways to spend quality time together, engaging in board games has become a popular choice. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 products, each reviewed in depth, to help you find the best family board games that cater to different interests and age groups. If you’re a board game enthusiast looking for the best best family board games to add to your collection, this guide is for you.
1. Codenames
Codenames is a word-based party game, ideal for families and friends looking to engage in a fun yet challenging battle of wits. It’s a great blend of strategy, vocabulary, and teamwork. Two teams compete to find their respective agents based on one-word clues given by the Spymasters. It promotes critical thinking and is a fantastic choice for family game night.
In-Depth Review
Released in 2015, Codenames has received multiple awards for its innovative gameplay. This game scales well with the number of players, making it suitable for large family gatherings. The simple rules can be learned quickly, but the strategy involved keeps it interesting. The beautifully designed cards also add to the game’s appeal.
- Work together to contact all of your agents before the other team
- A perfect party game experience for game nights
- 2-8+ player (in two teams)
- 15 minutes playtime
- Ages 10 and up
2. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride takes players on a quest to build train routes across various maps. This board game is not only about strategy but also about geography, making it an educational option for families. Players collect cards of various types of train cars and use them to claim railway routes.
In-Depth Review
Since its release in 2004, Ticket to Ride has captivated families with its clever artwork and easy-to-understand mechanics. The game is suitable for ages 8 and up, allowing participants of all ages to join in. Each game session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, making it a perfect choice for a family evening.
- FAST-PACED STRATEGY: Race to build your train routes across iconic American cities in this award-winning board game.
- COMPETITIVE FUN: Challenge friends and family in a 2-5 player game, where every move counts.
- COLLECT TRAIN CARDS: Strategically gather train cards to claim routes and earn points.
- TICKET TO SUCCESS: Plan your routes wisely with ticket cards for bonus points.
- ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: Enjoy hours of entertainment with this classic board game.
3. Azul
Azul is a visually stunning tile-laying game where players compete to decorate a palace wall in Portugal. The objective is to create patterns with beautifully designed tiles while scoring points based on how you place them.
In-Depth Review
Introduced in 2017, Azul quickly became a family favorite due to its combination of aesthetics and strategy. The game supports 2-4 players and an average game duration of 30-45 minutes. Its tactical depth keeps players engaged while being accessible to younger family members, making it a great fit for families with varied age groups.
- AWARD-WINNING STRATEGY GAME: Azul is an award-winning board game that challenges players to create stunning tile mosaics while making strategic decisions and competing for high scores.
- BEAUTIFUL TILE ARTWORK: Featuring beautifully crafted, colorful tiles, Azul immerses players in the art of mosaic design, inspired by the traditional Portuguese azulejos.
- EASY TO LEARN, CHALLENGING TO MASTER: With simple rules and deep strategic choices, Azul is accessible to new players yet offers satisfying complexity for experienced gamers.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Designed for 2-4 players, Azul is a fun, engaging game for family and friends, bringing together kids, teens, and adults for memorable game nights.
- REPLAYABLE & ENGAGING: Each game of Azul provides a unique experience with endless possibilities, making it highly replayable and perfect for repeated enjoyment.
4. Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a simple yet entertaining card game that combines humor with gameplay. Players take turns drawing cards until someone draws an "Exploding Kitten" and is out of the game unless they possess a defusing card.
In-Depth Review
Released in 2015, this game is suitable for 2-5 players and is perfect for ages 7 and up. Average game time is 15-20 minutes, making it great for short family game sessions. Its quirky illustrations and light themes make it a favorite among families looking for laughter and fun during game nights.
- THE LEGENDARY ORIGINAL MADE FOR TWO TO FIVE PLAYERS: The card game that gave felines a license to kill. The reason cats around the world are being given the side-eye - it’s Exploding Kittens: Original Edition! This kitty-powered card game is all about turning game night into a blast. Try and dodge exploding kittens, betray your friends along the way, and strap on a portable cheetah butt while you’re at it. The last player left alive wins!
- HOURS OF HILARITY: There’ll be lots of chuckling. Rib-cracking outbursts. More laughs than a 90's sitcom. In every 56-card deck you’ll find creative ways to dodge the exploding kittens. Like defuse cards featuring laser pointers, kitty therapy, and catnip sandwiches. And action cards with weaponized back hair, all-seeing goat wizards, and magical pig-a-corns that grant you precognition. Looking for thoroughly entertaining kid and adult games for game night? Quest complete! This game is an excellent addition to your fun family games collection.
- EXPAND THE SMILES: The Original edition is a recipe for hours of fun. But those laughs can get even louder! Enhance it with one of our expansion packs (sold separately) and discover more magical characters, more reasons to burst out laughing, and more ways to throw your dear friends and family under the bus. Elevate your game night with Imploding Kittens, Streaking Kittens, or Barking Kittens. Each expansion pack deepens the gameplay by adding a healthy service of chaos. Ideal for card games for kids.
- WELCOME TO THE FAMILY: We made history. Exploding Kittens started out as an idea launched on Kickstarter. We aimed to raise $10K. We ended up with $8.7M in 30 days from 219,000 backers. Close to a decade later, Exploding Kittens is still the #1 most-backed project in Kickstarter history. And we couldn’t be happier to welcome you to our global family of free-spirited, imagination-embracing, cat-dodging game lovers. From the bottom of our hearts, we hope you don’t explode!
- THE PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION: Whether you're hitting the road or setting up camp, Exploding Kittens is the ultimate travel game and camping game. Easy to pack and play anywhere, it's ideal for outdoor games. Perfect for playing family games, it’s great for kids and families alike, making it a must-have for fun on the go.
5. The Game of Life
The Game of Life has been a classic choice for family board games for decades. In this game, players navigate through life’s milestones, such as education, career choices, and family events, aiming to accumulate wealth and valuable experiences.
In-Depth Review
Originally released in 1960, the modern edition continues to captivate new generations. It’s suitable for 2-6 players and is designed for ages 10 and up. Average playtime ranges from 60-90 minutes, making it a staple for family gatherings. The nostalgic elements combined with the educational aspects of life choices make it both entertaining and relatable.
- MAKE CHOICES: Players get to make some big life decisions They can choose whether or not to go to college, to get married, grow their family, or retire early
- WILL IT PAY TO INVEST: Players can take a chance to grow their money by investing in numbers on the board Get paid every time someone spins that number
- Will it pay to invest: players can take a chance to grow their money by investing in numbers on the board get paid every time someone spins that number
- Kids can pick their own path: buckle up and take a spin in this fun family board game, every crossroad brings exciting twists, turns, and adventures
6. Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative board game where players work together to prevent global pandemics. Each player takes on a specific role with unique abilities, choosing strategies to treat infections while developing cures.
In-Depth Review
Released in 2008, Pandemic is not only engaging but also fosters teamwork and communication. Suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and up, an average game session lasts 45-60 minutes. It’s a captivating blend of strategy, urgency, and collaboration that sparks discussions about real-world scenarios.
- STRATEGY GAME: Players must work together playing to their characters' strengths as they plan their strategy of eradicating the diseases before they overwhelm the world with ever-increasing outbreaks. A truly cooperative game where you win or lose together.
- COOPERATIVE BOARD GAME: Only through teamwork will you keep the world safe from outbreaks and epidemics. Your team must work together and plan carefully to stem the tide of infection while working toward finding the cures.
- WORK TOGETHER AND SAVE HUMANITY: Four diseases threaten the world, and your elite team of specialists must find a cure for each of them before it’s too late. Everyone must work together applying their unique character skills to benefit the team—and the world.
- GIFT FOR ADULTS AND TEENS: Pandemic is the perfect Christmas or birthday gift for anyone who loves a bit of problem solving. A perfect way to bring together friends and family, be sure to check out our full line of Pandemic games.
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This easy to learn family and adult board game can be played with 2 to 4 players. The average playtime is 45 minutes.
7. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players draw and place tiles to build a landscape filled with cities, roads, and fields. Players earn points by completing parts of the landscape and claiming features with their wooden followers.
In-Depth Review
Since its launch in 2000, Carcassonne has become a quintessential family board game. It supports 2-5 players and is suitable for ages 7 and up. Each game lasts about 35-40 minutes, allowing for quick setups and multiple rounds in one session. Its strategic depth and the simplicity of rules keep families engaged and excited.
- ALL-INCLUSIVE SET: Experience the beloved Carcassonne game in its entirety with the Carcassonne Big Box (2022 Edition) that includes the base game and 11 exciting expansions.
- PERFECT STARTER SET: Ideal for both Carcassonne enthusiasts and newcomers, this big box offers a comprehensive collection that guarantees hours of diverse gameplay.
- UNLEASH VARIETY: Combine the included 11 expansions to create an incredible array of gameplay options, ensuring each session delivers a unique and thrilling experience.
- ADAPTED TO CARCASSONNE 3.0: The rules have been seamlessly adapted to align with the new Carcassonne 3.0 rules, enhancing gameplay while preserving the essence of the original.
- EFFICIENT STORAGE DESIGN: Featuring an internal tray crafted for intelligent storage of tiles, this edition ensures both easy organization and enhanced portability.
8. Dixit
Dixit is a storytelling game that employs beautiful, surreal illustrations. Players use their creativity to craft clues and match them with the visual cues on their cards, trying to score points based on how well others guess their hints.
In-Depth Review
Since its release in 2008, Dixit has charmed families with its artistic design and imaginative gameplay. Designed for 3-6 players aged 8 and up, game sessions typically last 30-45 minutes. Its focus on creativity, interpretation, and storytelling makes it a unique experience for family game nights.
- ENHANCED STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE: Dive into the world of Dixit, where each player becomes a storyteller, using creativity to give clues that match beautifully illustrated cards. A captivating game for family and friends that sparks imagination.
- UP TO 8 PLAYERS WITH IMPROVED COMPONENTS: Enjoy the Dixit New Edition with up to 8 players for the ultimate game experience. Featuring modernized voting materials with ambidextrous dials, making gameplay smoother and more inclusive.
- NEW SCORING BOARD AND CARD PLACEMENT: This edition introduces a new board for easy scoring and card placement, along with a scoring aid to keep track of points effortlessly. Engage in competitive fun while keeping the game organized.
- STORAGE SOLUTION FOR EXPANSIONS: Comes with a new cardboard tray designed to neatly store the base game and up to 2 expansions. Keep your Dixit collection organized and ready for every game night.
- UNLIMITED REPLAYABILITY WITH VIBRANT ARTWORK: Each game of Dixit unfolds uniquely thanks to the endless combinations of clues and cards. The vibrant, imaginative artwork ensures that no two games are the same, offering countless hours of entertainment.
9. Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill is a thrilling game of exploration and strategy where players explore a haunted mansion. Halfway through the game, one player becomes the betrayer, flipping the game’s dynamics and creating a suspenseful atmosphere.
In-Depth Review
Launched in 2004, this game can host 3-6 players and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Game duration is about 60 minutes but can vary significantly based on the scenarios. Its unique aspects of sudden betrayal and shifting alliances keep everyone on their toes, perfect for adventurous families.
- EXCITING THIRD EDITION: This edition of the Betrayal at the House on the Hill game is rich with horror-based content, gaming elements, and characters not seen in previous versions
- HAUNTED HOUSE TRAITOR GAME: Players must work together to survive the nightmare…but beware . The house turns one player against the others in this cooperative strategy game
- GREAT FOR NEW PLAYERS: This 3rd Edition of the game features artwork, rule books, trackers, and cards that will help new players navigate the game and jump right in
- MODULAR BOARD PIECES: The Betrayal at House on the Hill tabletop game features 50 blood-curdling scenarios. Each trip to the house promises fresh horrors and a new story is created every time you play
- MINIATURES BOARD GAME: The game includes 6 finely detailed character figures, each with a removable colored disc, and features 12 diverse characters not seen in previous editions
10. Betrayal Legacy
Following the success of Betrayal at House on the Hill, Betrayal Legacy amplifies the experience with an epic narrative that evolves across multiple game sessions. Families can build their stories as they play through different eras, adding depth to the game.
In-Depth Review
Released in 2018, this version is suitable for 3-5 players aged 12 and up. The game lasts anywhere from 60-120 minutes depending on the scenario. With its combination of legacy mechanics and horror themes, it’s an immersive choice for families looking to experience a thrilling gaming saga together.
- Beware! In “Legacy” board games, any move you make could come back to haunt you on the next time you play.
- Unlock the mysteries of the iconic house during a 13-episode campaign. Once all the secrets are revealed, you’ll have a fully replayable, customized board game.
- With 52 blood-curdling haunts—including 13 that permanently alter your copy of the game—each trip to the house on the hill promises fresh horrors and discoveries.
- Players must work together to survive the nightmare. . .until the house forces some of you against the rest.
- English (Publication Language)
Buying Guide for the Best Family Board Games
As you venture into the world of board games, consider these factors to ensure you choose the best family board games for your group:
Age Suitability
Choosing a game that is age-appropriate is crucial, especially when children are involved. Many games provide age recommendations, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy.
Number of Players
Look for games that accommodate the size of your family or group. Some games work better with smaller teams, while others are designed for larger gatherings.
Game Length
Consider how much time you want to dedicate to a game. While some games can be wrapped up in 20 minutes, others may take an hour or more. It’s wise to select based on your family’s preference for quick or extended play.
Theme and Mechanics
Different families may prefer various themes, whether it’s cooperative games, strategy, or party games. Understand what your family enjoys to make an appropriate choice.
Replay Value
A good family board game should offer features, mechanics, or variability that keeps gameplay fresh after multiple sessions. Check reviews for insight into replay value.
Game Complexity
Families with younger children may benefit from simpler games with easy-to-understand rules. Highly strategic games may be more suitable for older kids and adults.
In conclusion, investing in board games not only enhances family bonding but also provides educational value and endless fun. With the best best family board games from our list, you are sure to create lasting memories in 2024. Whether you want to solve mysteries, build civilizations, or engage in storytelling, these games are the perfect addition to family game nights. Happy gaming!