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The best family board games: top picks for wholesome family fun
The ultimate family past-time and an excellent gift option for kids (and grown-ups!) of all ages, we've rounded up the best family board games tried and tested by real families.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Mar 12, 2024
Whether you're looking for a party game, the card game or a cooperative game the whole family can play, finding the best family board games to appeal and engage across all generations isn't always easy. If you want to lure teens away from screens this winter, you've come to the right place!
We've undertaken rigorous reviews of some of the best family board games as chosen by Mumsnet users, the largest online network of parents in the UK. From card games to strategy games, games which change every time you play to those that'll have you in stitches - we've made every effort to include a wide variety of the very best family board games to suit all players, whether they're six or sixty, new players or gaming enthusiasts.
Whether you're looking for a great gift option for a loved one or a new game to play on a family game night over the holidays, here's our pick of the best family board games - including several we've tried and tested in house.
Best family board games: editor's pick
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Fun to play whilst encouraging strategic thinking
Expansion packs available to extend game play
Pace can be a little slow as you’re learning the rules
Price on writing: £34 | No. of players: 2-5 | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Moderate | Game duration: 30-60 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
A firm favourite with Mumsnet users, coming up time and time again on our forums, Ticket To Ride is one of the best family board games - promising to entertain and delight once you get a hang of the rules. A fun cross-country train adventure where players must use strategic thinking to connect cities and build the longest train routes to score points, it’s a great game for ages eight and up (making it a great option if you're on the hunt for the best toys for 8-year-olds), although some Mumsnet users have found it was suitable for seven-year-olds too.
In addition to the award-winning original (Ticket to Ride won the 2004 Spiel des Jahres prize) which takes you across America, there are other spin-offs taking you via railway all across the world. There’s also a junior version for younger players.
Read our Ticket to Ride review here.
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Great for younger children
Fast-paced and fun to play
Can get a bit ‘shouty’ so not best to play on a quiet train or plane
Price on writing: From £7 | No. of players: 2-8 | Ages: 6+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 15 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes
Not only one of the best family board games, Dobble is arguably one of the best birthday gifts you can buy for kids of all ages too (it's definitely been our go-to gift for all the primary school birthday parties over the last few years!) The beauty of Dobble is that anyone can win, with young kids often beating far older players easily, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings.
Players must turn over cards and compete to be the first to spot the matching symbol on each one. As the game requires sharp eyes and quick reflexes, you’ll probably find that little ones often come out on top with this one. You can get special edition sets too, like Harry Potter, Friends and Marvel, making them a great option for a variety of ages, ideal if you're on the hunt for the best toys for seven-year-olds as well as toys for nine-year-olds.
Don't miss our Dobble Review where we put this family-favourite to the test.
Unique design
Fun gameplay without too many rules
You’ll need lots of space to play
Children who can get easily overexcited may need reigning in a little!
Price on writing: £18 | No. of players: 2-4 players | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: Unspecified | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes
Throw Throw Burrito combines a card game with dodgeball, except instead of a ball you have a foam burrito – yes really. Players must collect matching sets of cards whilst simultaneously throwing and dodging the foam burritos.
It seems all too obvious to state the reasons as to why kids would rate this as one of the best family board games – they do get to lob a burrito at mum and dad’s head after all!
Mumsnetters think this is one of the best family board games for tweens - for more like this, check out our guide to the best toys for 10-year-olds.
Lovely 3D board
Great for non-readers
Simple gameplay
Not as much replayability for older children
Price on writing: £12 | No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 4-8 | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 5-10 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
Not only is Cheeky Monkeys one of the best family board games on a budget, it boosts decision-making, maths and fine motor skills as well. The aim of the game is to collect the most bananas – but watch out for pesky cheeky monkeys trying to steal them from you!
The 3D board will undoubtedly delight and the simple action of hanging the monkeys onto it will help with the development of fine motor skills, making it a great sensory toy for youngsters, as well as one of the best toys for 4-year-olds as well.
Read our full Cheeky Monkey review here.
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Easy-to-follow rules despite its more complex gameplay
Great for all the family
Could be a little tedious for younger children who prefer something more fast-paced
Price on writing: £28 | No. of players: 2-5 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Moderate | Game duration: 45 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
Another firm favourite in our household as well as many a Mumsnetter's, Carcassonne is a compact, easily-transportable board game which we've played with kids as young as four (with help). You essentially build the game board as you go and always in different ways, so game play is never quite the same each time. The layout means that younger players can learn strategy and problem-solving in an easy way which doesn't require reading.
Mumsnet families love this game, rating it as one of the best family board games for replayability and just the right amount of challenge but easy-to-follow rules.
Read our Carcasonne Board Game Review here.
Quick to understand
Can be very funny
Works best with more players
Price on writing: £20 | No. of players: 2-5 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 15 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes
Deceptively simple and yet endearingly funny (thanks to the original illustrations on the cards) Exploding Kittens has become a firm favourite with Mumsnetters in recent years - and it's another one we've tried and tested on many a family holiday.
We've been taking our pack on family holidays for years - our nine-year-old became a recent convert last summer - and even after playing it every night for the best part of a week, it's still fun, surprising and fast-paced. Its small size makes it a breeze to pack and there aren't any little parts to lose.
Although player numbers is listed as 2-5, we've definitely played it with more using an extra pack or an expansion (we also have the NSFW pack, which is hilarious but definitely not as family-friendly as the base game!)
Lovely production value
Great for Disney fans (and there are other versions too!)
Perhaps a little on the complicated/lengthy side
Price on writing: £32 | No. of players: 2-6 | Ages: 10+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 60+ minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
We love the idea behind this rather ingenious game. Take the Disney villains (think Captain Hook, Jafar and Ursula) and give them a chance to rewrite Disney history and finally fulfill their evil schemes. If only those pesky Disney heroes weren’t lurking at every corner!
We've played this game a few times with our eldest (9) - it's definitely a little more complicated than the likes of Dobble and Exploding Kittens, however once you get your head around the rules, it's extremely fun.
Since its launch in 2018, Villainous has proved so popular that other versions including Marvel and Star Wars have been launched so there are alternatives if Disney isn’t your thing.
With the maze changing every time there’s plenty of replay value
Works well with just two players
It may be a little frustrating for younger players the first few times they play
Price on writing: £20 | No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Moderate | Game duration: 30 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
Due to its classic board game feel, Labyrinth is one of the best family board games for when the grandparents are visiting and, as there are various ways to play according to ability, younger children can get involved too. The core concept of this classic game is to find the shortest route through the fast-moving maze whilst collecting your treasure to win.
Labyrinth is great for teaching kids the importance of quick decision making which makes for exciting gameplay for older children, but it may take younger ones a little longer to grasp. Do persevere though – once they’ve got hang of it, it’s bound to become a firm favourite and you'll find yourself getting it out after every Christmas dinner.
Read next: If you're on the hunt for fun geared more towards younger children, don't miss our guides to the best toys for five-year-olds and best toy cars.
Great for taking on holiday
Good value for money
Younger children may struggle to keep up if playing with older siblings
Price on writing: £16 | No. of players: 1-8 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 15 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes
This fun, Scrabble-esque game is one of the best travel games for long train journeys or popping in your suitcase as it’s lightweight and it comes neatly packed in a banana!
Whilst there is a junior version suitable for children who are just learning to read, due to its fast pace, the original version will perhaps best be enjoyed when opponents are of a similar age and reading ability. Definitely one of the best family board games for boosting literacy skills.
For more Mumsnet-approved toys and games to keep your kids occupied away from home, check out our guides to the best fidget toys and best kids' headphones.
Good value for money
A great introduction to board games
Children at the upper end of the age recommendation may find it a little too easy
Price on writing: £7 | No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 3-7 | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 5-10 minutes | Set-up time: 2-3 minutes
The Orchard Toys range of games is an absolute stalwart of the preschool entertainment world, and with so many excellent options, it was difficult to pick just one. Shopping List comes highly recommended by Mumsnet users and it is also a firm favourite at Mumsnet HQ – you’d be hard pushed to find a decent games cupboard for children without it! Throw in its hundreds of five-star reviews and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best family board games for younger players.
Like many of the Orchard Games, it comes in under £10 so it’s an absolute bargain too.
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Great for cooperative play
The board is beautifully designed
Maybe a little too tricky for some children
Price on writing: £24 | No. of players: 2 or more | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 60 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
Scotland Yard is a cops and robbers chase game where players must work together to catch a villain on the streets of London. Like Carcassonne, it's one of the best family board games for replaying as the game changes every time you play.
Manufacturers state that the game is suitable for eight years and older, but some reviewers did report that it was pretty challenging and gameplay is a little longer than some other options, so if you don’t think your children are quite ready for it, there’s also a junior version for children age six and above.
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A twist on a classic
Chess can help improve memory and focus
Expensive
Price on writing: £55 | No. of players: 2 | Ages: 9+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: Varies | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
LEGO is a favourite amongst Mumsnet users, and this stylish set offers a modern twist on a classic chess board. With 1,400 pieces, your child will be able to build their own chess board which they can then play chess or draughts with once they've finished. One of the best family board games to boost STEM learning as well.
Great for challenging your kids whilst still being fun to play
Encourages logical and strategic thinking
A little on the pricier side
Price on writing: £33 | No. of players: 2 or more | Ages: 10+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 60 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
Many parents will notice that once their child hits 10, there’ll be a huge leap when it comes to their cognitive growth, particularly regarding their critical thinking. Many children of this age will relish a challenge so it’s a great time to introduce your child to a slightly more complicated style of board game to keep them on their toes - Catan is hands down one of the best family board games to deliver just this.
Catan is a cleverly designed strategy game in which players control and develop their own civilisation. Players will have to think logically and plan ahead to succeed but if it all gets a bit too easy, expansion packs are also available to enhance gameplay.
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Minimal effort to learn the rules but maximum fun guaranteed
Great for parties
Not as much fun when playing with fewer people
Price on writing: £13 | No. of players: 4-20 | Ages: 6+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 20 minutes | Set-up time: 2-3 minutes
If you’re tired of Charades, Monopoly or Pictionary then this is a fantastic alternative to bring out at parties. Articulate is a popular choice because, despite its simple premise of describing something or someone without saying what it is, the outcome is often hilarious and it’s bound to be a hit with old and young alike.
We chose the junior version as one of the best family board games as opposed to the original as the aim of the game is identical, the only difference is that it will have a lot more references that will be recognisable to younger players. Let's face it, trying to convey Spiderman without saying 'spider' and 'man' is just as much fun as trying to describe any ancient landmark, so it can lead to hours of fun for kids and adults alike. If you do want more of a challenge for the adults or older teens, you could always do a mix and match with cards from the original version.
Related: For more Mumsnet-approved tips for little ones, check out our guide to the best robot toys and the top online learning resources.
Great for all the family
Quick set up
Quite pricey given its simple design
Price on writing: £26 | No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 6+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 30-45 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes
When your not-so-little-one reaches six, you’ll likely have a range of favourite children’s games and best toys for six-year-olds under your belt, but by now kids may be looking for something a little more challenging. Qwirkle is a fantastic alternative to matching pairs and simpler games that they may now be starting to outgrow - making it one of the best family board games for this age.
Players must use the wooden tiles to build lines of matching shapes or colours. Sounds simple enough, but whilst the premise is straightforward, it requires a certain amount of strategic thinking in order to win the most points so it’s a great leveller and all of the family can get involved.
Cards Against Humanity Family Edition
Minimal rules and set up
Highly amusing
Some cards may be a little too grown-up for younger players
Quite pricey for a card game
Price on writing: £30 | No. of players: 3+ | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 20 minutes | Set-up time: Ready to play instantly
If your child has had enough of learning rules and just wants to have a bit of fun without having to listen to a wealth of instructions, then this is the game for them.
Based on the (absolutely NOT family-friendly) Cards Against Humanity, players must match silly answers to even sillier questions and the funniest answer wins – simple but hilarious. Whilst there’s plenty of literal toilet humour which kids will love, there are some cards that seem just that little bit too grown-up given the minimum age recommendation of eight, so you may want to have a quick sift through the pile prior to playing.
Great playability
A fantastic option for collaborative play
If the idea of talking about another pandemic turns your blood cold, this isn't the best option for you!
Price on writing: £23 | No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 45 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes
Learning to be a good loser is, of course, a valuable life skill but on days where you don’t feel like dealing with sibling rivalry, a cooperative board game is a great alternative - and Pandemic is one of the best family board games you can choose to encourage teamwork.
Four deadly diseases are spreading across the world and it’s up to you to contain the epidemics while researching vital cures. Players must join forces and work together to win.
Reviewers loved the gameplay of Pandemic and noted that because each game is timed, it’s a little bit more fast-paced than some other collaborative options.
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Very few rules and instructions to navigate
Lots of fun to play
Some references may go above the heads of younger players
Price on writing: £16 | No. of players: 4-20 players | Ages: 10+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: Unspecified | Set up time: 2-3 minutes
Herd Mentality is a firm favourite among enthusiasts of the best family board games. Parents love the simple premise and it's a great way to engage even the most monosyllabic of teenagers in light-hearted and humorous discussions.
If you’ve seen Pointless, think of the premise – now reverse it and you’ve got Herd Mentality except with cows. Whilst there’s nothing offensive about the topics in this game, some of the cultural references may be lost on younger kids so you may have to discard the odd card along the way.
What board game should I play with my family?
We've made every effort to ensure that all the games on our list are family-friendly, however finding the right game for your family will depend on the number and age of players. If you want a fun, strategic family board game to immerse and entertain, our top game Ticket to Ride ticks many a box. For families with younger kids, the best family board games will be simpler such as those from the Orchard Toys range (ie Cheeky Monkeys).
If your idea of fun means pure unadulterated silliness, Throw Throw Burrito is just what you’re looking for. Not only is it fast-paced, but it also integrates throwing (fake) food at each other – what’s not to love?!
For slightly older children, Cards Against Humanity Family Edition and Herd Mentality are bound to raise smiles.
What is the best family board game this year?
Ticket to Ride comesup time and time again on our Talk boards as a popular choice, with children and adults both thoroughly enjoying the game. There’s something rather lovely about steam trains so combine this with a well-thought-out board game and you’ve got wholesome fun for all the family. We recently tried out the game for ourselves: read our Ticket to Ride review here.
If you’re planning a larger get together, Articulate For Kids is a fantastic option for all ages to enjoy.
What is the best board game for kids age 7?
It depends on the child - all seven-year-olds are different and some games will appeal more to some than others. We like Cheeky Monkeys for a fun, light-hearted game which helps children develop decision-making skills as well as motor skills and patience. Another great option sure to raise a lot of laughs is Throw Throw Burrito - described by one Mumsnetter as 'a combination between a card game and dodgeball'.
For more sedate gameplay, there's Labyrinth - though this could prove a little complicated for some seven-year-olds. Bananagrams, too, is a great one for developing spelling skills and can be easily stored away for travel, too. Perfect for holiday season!
What is the best board game for 10-year-olds?
We love Ticket to Ride for its mixture of fun and strategy. For replayability, Scotland Yard is a great option for 10-year-olds. Then there's Pandemic, which is tricky but collaborative so you can give them a hand when they're getting to grips with it.
In terms of laughs, most 10-year-olds will love the silly sense of humour in games such as Cards Against Humanity Family Edition.
What is the funnest family game?
For pure, silly fun, you can't go wrong with Throw Throw Burrito, but if strategy and structured play are more your bag, consider Carcasonne, Ticket to Ride and Labyrinth.
What is the best board game for adults?
Many of the games listed above are great board game options for adults as well as kids, particularly Pandemic, Villainous and CATAN. Great options for larger groups include Codenames and Cards Against Humanity, as well as the NSFW version of Exploding Kittens.
How we chose the best board games for families
In-house testing
Mumsnet Content Editor, mum of three and family board games enthusiast Jenny Wonnacott tested many of these board games with the help of her family of keen gamers, including her three primary school-aged children and ten nieces and nephews aged from two to fourteen.
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
The market is saturated with board games, all claiming to be your family's new favourite, and it’s often hard to tell whether they’re actually any good. Nothing will give you a better sense of whether something is worth buying than an honest, unbiased review from a real parent. That’s why our first port of call is always the Mumsnet forums where we trawl the Talk boards to find recommendations and top tips from the Mumsnet community.
Authentic customer reviews
When we’d listed the favourites from our Mumsnetters, we shortlisted them by choosing the games that also rated highly on bestseller lists and had first-class reviews on retailer sites. As every family is different, we wanted to make sure we had an array of different types of games including fast-paced novelty games, collaborative strategy games and traditional board games perfect for a bit of ‘calming down time’.
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content pages. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews and buyers' guides such as this one, as well as sourcing expert advice on all things pregnancy and child play related. She has also acted as tester for several products for Mumsnet's review pages, including board games, kids' tablets and laundry items.
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