Best Family Games
Pros and Cons
- Offers 13 games that include foosball, ping-pong, slide hockey, bowling, chess, checkers, and more.
- Easy to set up and affordable.
- Doesn't take up a lot of space, making it suitable for apartments and small rooms.
- This table is on the small side and isn't ideal for those who prefer pro-level ping-pong.
Pros and Cons
- Easy for people of all ages to understand, and it also helps motivate kids to focus and sit still.
- Durable blocks will last for years.
- The game is entertaining for all ages.
- A few customers were dissatisfied with the quality of the packaging.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with markers and an erasable board.
- A great option for family game nights and parties.
- The gameplay is amusing and entertaining.
- A number of cards include pop culture references that not everyone will understand.
Pros and Cons
- Entertaining for people of all ages and group sizes.
- Most said it was easy for them and their children to pick up quickly.
- Expansion sets are available to add to the game.
- Some people found the instructions vague and confusing.
- A few felt the cards were too flimsy.
Pros and Cons
- Comes with 200 cards that include trivia on various family members and challenges to complete.
- It can be played with 3-8 players who are ages 8 and up.
- The game brings the family together and adds in some healthy competition.
- A few reviewers feel that this game is not one to play over and over again.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
considered
researched
best family games
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table
- Best Bang for the Buck: Hasbro Games Jenga
- Customer Favorite: Mattel Games Pictionary
- Fun & Funny: Exploding Kittens
- Great for Connection: Do You Really Know Your Family?
Are you having trouble getting the kids to put down their screens and engage with the family? Is Dad more interested in watching the ballgame than he is in interacting? Is Mom too busy to sit down and relax? If so, you may be in desperate need of a family game night.
Gathering to play a game as a family offers a great opportunity to have fun and reconnect. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Factors to consider include the age of the people who will be playing, the size of the family and the difficulty level of the game. Of course, you must take into consideration which games on today’s market would be fun for your crew.
We think the Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table is a perfect choice for most families. It offers a wide range of games, from foosball to ping-pong to chess, so there's something everyone can enjoy.
Editors’ picks
Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table
Editors’ Favorite
Number of Players: 2 to 4 | For Ages: 8 and up | Time Per Game: 5 to 60 min
Looking for a way to play classic games with friends and family at your next party? The Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table is a versatile game table featuring several fun games for friendly competition.
You’ll get access to games such as foosball, air hockey, billiards, ping-pong, chess and basketball, and it comes with everything you need to get started. You can seamlessly switch between different games, and the table’s sturdy yet lightweight build lets you move it around with ease.
It’s a durable game table that’s best for those who want more game options, and kids as young as 8 years old can join in on the fun. Plus, its space-saving design makes it great for play in almost any room.
Hasbro Games Jenga
Great Value
Number of Players: 1+ | For Ages: 6 and up | Time Per Game: 5 to 15 min
Few games are as suspenseful and fun as Jenga. This updated version of Jenga allows for classic play or a modern version with a digital die that determines player turns and actions. It also gives players fun challenges for a thrilling twist on the original game.
It includes 54 wooden blocks, and there are six new challenge modes, including timed turns or using only your thumbs. Accessing the die is simple, as players can access the die via the QR code or app. It offers fun challenges, too, such as Team-Up, where one player essentially plays blindfolded while another acts as their guide.
It comes with a packing sleeve that makes it easy to build the tower in preparation for a game, as well as easily pack it up again. It also comes in compact packaging, making it an excellent travel game.
Mattel Games Pictionary
Customer Favorite
Number of Players: 4+ | For Ages: 8 and up | Time Per Game: 30 to 45 min
Pictionary is the ultimate classic family game for bringing creativity to your next game night. Players are split into teams, and one person draws a word or phrase. The first team to guess it correctly wins the round.
It includes erasable whiteboards, markers, a sand timer, clue cards, a gameboard, movers and a die. You can choose to play with clue cards of varying difficulty levels, making it an excellent game for adults to enjoy as well as kids as young as 8 years old.
Pictionary is a fun, interactive game that delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments for both teams. It’s more interactive than standard board games, and its replayability makes it a staple for any household that enjoys a good game night.
Exploding Kittens
Fun & Funny
Number of Players: 2-5 | For Ages: 7 and up | Time Per Game: 15 min
Want a fast-paced game with a suspenseful and humorous spin? In Exploding Kittens, each player draws a card, hoping to avoid the titular exploding kitten. Any player who draws the exploding kitten is out unless they have a “defuse” card, which lets them distract the kitten with things like laser pointers or catnip sandwiches to stay in the game.
The deck is filled with action cards that make gameplay unpredictable. Players can skip turns, peek ahead, steal cards or move the explosive threat elsewhere. It’s a terrific game that combines strategy and luck, and it encourages tactical moves such as bluffing and sabotaging opponents.
The game features 56 cards, each illustrated in a playfully absurd cartoon style. It’s easy to learn, and kids as young as 7 years old can get in on the fun without struggling.
Do You Really Know Your Family?
Great for Connection
Number of Players: 3 to 8 | For Ages: 8 and up | Time Per Game: 30 to 90 min
Ever wondered how well you know your family? That’s what Do You Really Know Your Family? is all about. This game offers a fun way to test your knowledge of your closest family members' history, habits and other things you may not know about them.
Players take turns drawing cards and reading them out loud to everyone else. The first person to correctly answer the question about themselves scores a point. It’s a simple yet entertaining game that makes for an excellent conversation starter and a great way to break the ice at your next get-together.
It’s suitable for players of all ages, including kids as young as 8 years old. Plus, although the max number of recommended players is 3 to 8, many customers enjoy playing with larger groups, with as many as 16 people.
How we analyzed
We searched for games that can be enjoyed by the entire family while still providing challenging gameplay for all players. We included game tables as well as traditional board and card games, where players have to team up to beat another team. Every game we considered is easy to learn, set up and doesn’t take more than an hour to play.
Questions to ask before purchasing a family game
How old are the players?
Most game makers provide a suggested age range on the outside of the box, but this is not chiseled in stone. For example, a game intended for grade schoolers could also be lots of fun for teenagers or even adults.
The youngest set of game players, early elementary and preschool-age kids, might prefer games that incorporate the element of luck into them. Older elementary kids, tweens, and teens would likely appreciate something that keeps both their minds and their hands occupied. Older kids also tend to appreciate games with more complex rules and a little humor built in.
How many people are playing?
One area in which board games differ widely is the number of players needed. Some games, like checkers and chess, are built for just two. Others (think Scrabble) work well for small families but can leave some in larger groups left out.
For families of five or more, it’s advisable to pick up party-style games like Pictionary that require lots of players.
What kinds of challenges do you want in your game?
There are two basic types of games: luck games and strategy games. Of course, some games involve both, but the pendulum usually swings one way or the other.
-
Luck-based games are usually quick, easy, and competitive for players of all ages.
-
Strategy-based games call on higher-level thinking skills. They can be very intense and fun to play.
Obviously, the difficulty of the game you play should depend on the ages of the players. You wouldn’t want to play Candy Land with teenagers, and chess would probably be a little taxing for a kindergartener. If you’re looking for a happy medium, you may want to consider an intermediate-level game that combines both luck and strategy. Scrabble and other word games are great for making that leap, as they typically rely on both chance and skill.
FAQ
Q. What are some common board game “genres”?
A. Most board games fit under a rough genre. For example, there are word games, trivia games, card games, fantasy games, and party games.
Q. What are some benefits of playing board games with family?
A. Like sports, board games can promote teamwork and bonding between players. If played in the right spirit, a regular game night can help to bring families closer together. Also, players need to understand the rules, weigh options, and formulate strategies – skills that are easily applicable in everyday life.
Q. How do I keep board games in good condition?
A. To prevent warping, rest cardboard game boards on a firm, flat surface. Avoid storing board games in humid environments, and don’t stack heavy boxes on top of them. If the game contains small pieces, use plastic bags to keep them organized and together.
Vanke wants to be better. Please take our 3-minute survey,
and give us feedback about your visit today.
best family games
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table
- Best Bang for the Buck: Hasbro Games Jenga
- Customer Favorite: Mattel Games Pictionary
- Fun & Funny: Exploding Kittens
- Great for Connection: Do You Really Know Your Family?
Are you having trouble getting the kids to put down their screens and engage with the family? Is Dad more interested in watching the ballgame than he is in interacting? Is Mom too busy to sit down and relax? If so, you may be in desperate need of a family game night.
Gathering to play a game as a family offers a great opportunity to have fun and reconnect. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Factors to consider include the age of the people who will be playing, the size of the family and the difficulty level of the game. Of course, you must take into consideration which games on today’s market would be fun for your crew.
We think the Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table is a perfect choice for most families. It offers a wide range of games, from foosball to ping-pong to chess, so there's something everyone can enjoy.
Editors’ picks
Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table
Editors’ Favorite
Number of Players: 2 to 4 | For Ages: 8 and up | Time Per Game: 5 to 60 min
Looking for a way to play classic games with friends and family at your next party? The Tzumi RealPlay 13-in-1 Multigame Table is a versatile game table featuring several fun games for friendly competition.
You’ll get access to games such as foosball, air hockey, billiards, ping-pong, chess and basketball, and it comes with everything you need to get started. You can seamlessly switch between different games, and the table’s sturdy yet lightweight build lets you move it around with ease.
It’s a durable game table that’s best for those who want more game options, and kids as young as 8 years old can join in on the fun. Plus, its space-saving design makes it great for play in almost any room.
Hasbro Games Jenga
Great Value
Number of Players: 1+ | For Ages: 6 and up | Time Per Game: 5 to 15 min
Few games are as suspenseful and fun as Jenga. This updated version of Jenga allows for classic play or a modern version with a digital die that determines player turns and actions. It also gives players fun challenges for a thrilling twist on the original game.
It includes 54 wooden blocks, and there are six new challenge modes, including timed turns or using only your thumbs. Accessing the die is simple, as players can access the die via the QR code or app. It offers fun challenges, too, such as Team-Up, where one player essentially plays blindfolded while another acts as their guide.
It comes with a packing sleeve that makes it easy to build the tower in preparation for a game, as well as easily pack it up again. It also comes in compact packaging, making it an excellent travel game.
Mattel Games Pictionary
Customer Favorite
Number of Players: 4+ | For Ages: 8 and up | Time Per Game: 30 to 45 min
Pictionary is the ultimate classic family game for bringing creativity to your next game night. Players are split into teams, and one person draws a word or phrase. The first team to guess it correctly wins the round.
It includes erasable whiteboards, markers, a sand timer, clue cards, a gameboard, movers and a die. You can choose to play with clue cards of varying difficulty levels, making it an excellent game for adults to enjoy as well as kids as young as 8 years old.
Pictionary is a fun, interactive game that delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments for both teams. It’s more interactive than standard board games, and its replayability makes it a staple for any household that enjoys a good game night.
Exploding Kittens
Fun & Funny
Number of Players: 2-5 | For Ages: 7 and up | Time Per Game: 15 min
Want a fast-paced game with a suspenseful and humorous spin? In Exploding Kittens, each player draws a card, hoping to avoid the titular exploding kitten. Any player who draws the exploding kitten is out unless they have a “defuse” card, which lets them distract the kitten with things like laser pointers or catnip sandwiches to stay in the game.
The deck is filled with action cards that make gameplay unpredictable. Players can skip turns, peek ahead, steal cards or move the explosive threat elsewhere. It’s a terrific game that combines strategy and luck, and it encourages tactical moves such as bluffing and sabotaging opponents.
The game features 56 cards, each illustrated in a playfully absurd cartoon style. It’s easy to learn, and kids as young as 7 years old can get in on the fun without struggling.
Do You Really Know Your Family?
Great for Connection
Number of Players: 3 to 8 | For Ages: 8 and up | Time Per Game: 30 to 90 min
Ever wondered how well you know your family? That’s what Do You Really Know Your Family? is all about. This game offers a fun way to test your knowledge of your closest family members' history, habits and other things you may not know about them.
Players take turns drawing cards and reading them out loud to everyone else. The first person to correctly answer the question about themselves scores a point. It’s a simple yet entertaining game that makes for an excellent conversation starter and a great way to break the ice at your next get-together.
It’s suitable for players of all ages, including kids as young as 8 years old. Plus, although the max number of recommended players is 3 to 8, many customers enjoy playing with larger groups, with as many as 16 people.
How we analyzed
We searched for games that can be enjoyed by the entire family while still providing challenging gameplay for all players. We included game tables as well as traditional board and card games, where players have to team up to beat another team. Every game we considered is easy to learn, set up and doesn’t take more than an hour to play.
Questions to ask before purchasing a family game
How old are the players?
Most game makers provide a suggested age range on the outside of the box, but this is not chiseled in stone. For example, a game intended for grade schoolers could also be lots of fun for teenagers or even adults.
The youngest set of game players, early elementary and preschool-age kids, might prefer games that incorporate the element of luck into them. Older elementary kids, tweens, and teens would likely appreciate something that keeps both their minds and their hands occupied. Older kids also tend to appreciate games with more complex rules and a little humor built in.
How many people are playing?
One area in which board games differ widely is the number of players needed. Some games, like checkers and chess, are built for just two. Others (think Scrabble) work well for small families but can leave some in larger groups left out.
For families of five or more, it’s advisable to pick up party-style games like Pictionary that require lots of players.
What kinds of challenges do you want in your game?
There are two basic types of games: luck games and strategy games. Of course, some games involve both, but the pendulum usually swings one way or the other.
-
Luck-based games are usually quick, easy, and competitive for players of all ages.
-
Strategy-based games call on higher-level thinking skills. They can be very intense and fun to play.
Obviously, the difficulty of the game you play should depend on the ages of the players. You wouldn’t want to play Candy Land with teenagers, and chess would probably be a little taxing for a kindergartener. If you’re looking for a happy medium, you may want to consider an intermediate-level game that combines both luck and strategy. Scrabble and other word games are great for making that leap, as they typically rely on both chance and skill.
FAQ
Q. What are some common board game “genres”?
A. Most board games fit under a rough genre. For example, there are word games, trivia games, card games, fantasy games, and party games.
Q. What are some benefits of playing board games with family?
A. Like sports, board games can promote teamwork and bonding between players. If played in the right spirit, a regular game night can help to bring families closer together. Also, players need to understand the rules, weigh options, and formulate strategies – skills that are easily applicable in everyday life.
Q. How do I keep board games in good condition?
A. To prevent warping, rest cardboard game boards on a firm, flat surface. Avoid storing board games in humid environments, and don’t stack heavy boxes on top of them. If the game contains small pieces, use plastic bags to keep them organized and together.
Vanke wants to be better. Please take our 3-minute survey,
and give us feedback about your visit today.
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