Fun Family Games Everyone Will Love
Family Game Night is a favorite in our house. We have four children ranging from 3-9, so finding games that everyone can participate in and enjoy can be a challenge. If you’re like me we have a closet full of games and every box is a different size, so I especially love compact sized games that do not take up much room.
Compact Games
These are my favorite compact games, about the size of a deck of cards, that everyone can enjoy including parents. They are quick playing games that travel and store well. Many of these games work on math and cognitive skills, not to mention they are tons of fun. When buying any of these, I always look for ones that have a firm storage case. These compact games make great stocking stuffers at Christmas time or Easter basket fillers.
Tenzi
You can never go wrong with a simple dice game. This is a game everyone can play no matter their age. Fast pace so that one game leads into the next, children don’t get frustrated because the next game starts right afterwards. A small case is also a huge bonus. 3+
Sleeping Queens
Sleeping Queens was actually created by a young girl. With dragons, kings and magic potions you won’t even notice that you’re working on math skills. Definitely spend a couple dollars more and purchase the anniversary tin version for the hardcover box and the additional queens that are included. Ages 5+
Spot It
This game is stashed in my purse all the time. Spot It is perfect to pull out when you’re at restaurants or waiting in doctor’s offices. Bonus it comes with a hard tin for storage. It works on sight recognition and matching. Ages 3+
A quick speed game that matches colors, shapes, and numbers. Great for younger children, but any age can enjoy. Don’t blink because before you know it you’re child will be beating you. This one comes in a hard tin too for long term storage and only costs a couple dollars more. 3+
This popular game is a staple in our family, but now it’s even better. With these waterproof and splash proof cards, now we can play all summer long at the pool, beach or while camping. Uno Splash can be brought along where ever you go without worrying that they will get ruined. The cards are completely clear and water resistant and we love that they are held together with a sturdy loop design to keep organized.
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza
This fast pace game is fun and silly for everyone. Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza. Get ready to to have that phrase stuck in your head and let the shenanigans begin!
This is currently our favorite family game. It’s a classic for a reason. Specifically though we love this version because reading is not required so our little ones can still join in the fun. There is a picture clue on each card which nonreaders can easily act out. Older ones won’t get bored either because there are 3 levels of play which allows younger players to participate while still making it challenging enough for older players. Plus, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m all about convenient plastic travel cases which keeps all the components inside for on-the-go fun anywhere!
An easy game to learn, is Farkle. A chance, roll of the dice game that adds a risk element. Will you make the gutsy move or play it safe? That’s the question. Portable so you can conveniently play anywhere. If you like Yahtzee you will love this game.
Bananagrams
Similar to scrabble but without the board, Bananagrams is a simple and portable game. It’s great for traveling, plus the small case is such a fun banana shape. Make crosswords grids while you play competitively or work cooperatively as a group with younger children who are just mastering spelling. Either way your family will have tons of fun. 5+
Board Games
A mix of classic and new board games that will engage the whole family. Perfect for family game nights.
Shut the Box
Shut The Box is a wonderful game for multiple ages. Children catch on very quickly to strategies and don’t realize they are working on math and critical thinking. The play is fast and active which keeps everyone engaged, even losing is not a painful downer, because it's mostly a game of chance ("the roll of the dice") and a new game starts quickly afterwards. The box and pieces are sturdy and well built.
I learned to play this game as a kid and to this day still love it. Rummikub is a bit slower pace logic game, similar to Rummy, and played with 2-4 people. The focus is to get rid of all your tiles by making runs of the same color or 3 of a kind. Skip the cardboard box and chose Rummikub with case version which is more expensive, but has sturdier wooden boards and tiles. Ages 5+ Although my little one loves to stack the tiles like dominoes, which keeps him entertained.
If you’re a fan of the adult version of Ticket to Ride, than you will adore this simplified version for children, Ticket to Ride Jr. One positive aspect of the game is that children can start to learn the names of cities in the US. Best for ages 5+
Sequence
Sequence for Kids is a younger version that matches animals instead of numbers. Similar rules as the adult version. If you have older children then purchase Sequence. Chose the version that comes with a tin case, and skip the cardboard box, which always breaks. 3+
Qwirkle
Qwirkle is the perfect family game that will appeal to a wide range of ages. Players can maneuver tiles while strategical planning. Featuring a massive amount of choices with easy to follow rules as you build lines by matching tiles based on either color or shape - while scoring points as you go
Yard Games
Bocce Ball
Yard games are an obvious choice for spending time enjoying the outdoors with your family. You can never go wrong with a classic yard game of Bocce Ball. Simple instructions to follow and it can easily be played in different terrains from sand, grass or dirt. We love taking this game camping and to the beach. Both adults and children of all ages can play, plus it’s a small case that doesn’t take up much room for storing. Can be played with 2-8 players.
Giant Jenga
Normally I avoid this large of a game, but when we camped with our friends, Giant Jenga was the hit among everyone. Plus when we aren’t playing the game, our younger boys love to stack them or make routes with their trucks. Additionally it comes with its own bag to store. Although you can’t go wrong with the original version of Jenga too.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully one of these games will be the newest addition to your game collection. Games are a wonderful way to bond as a family or enjoy while camping or on vacation. Follow along with Discovering Anew’s Facebook Page for more hiking, travel and camping adventures in Michigan and beyond. Pin and Save this post for later and share it with someone.
