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Best family board games to suit all ages, as recommended by parents

A great board game is the perfect way to get everyone together and provide the whole family with plenty of entertainment. We’ve rounded up the best family board games UK.

By Claire Marie Perry | Last updated Jun 1, 2023

Is there anything more wholesome than the idea of the entire house gathering around the table, playing one of the best family board games together on a rainy day? Perhaps not, but finding the best board game to engage and appeal across all generations is not always easy and if you want to lure teenagers away from their screens, you’ll have to do better than a game of snakes and ladders!

Of course, when it comes to the best board games for families, we all know the classics. Monopoly, Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit are just some of the traditional favourites amongst Mumsnet users, but if you’re after something a little different this Christmas, we’ve got you covered. 

With new games being added to the market all the time, it’s hard to keep track of what will work for your family. To make life that little bit easier, we’ve done the hard work for you and have thoroughly investigated the Mumsnet forums to find the board games rated by real families. As home to the largest online network of UK parents, Mumsnet users are a second-to-none resource for recommendations for families, from the best tablet for kids to the number one online tutoring service.

Here are the best family board games UK 2023.

Best family board games: at a glance

1. Overall best family board game: Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride

Price on writing: £35 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-5 | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Moderate | Game duration: 30-60 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Fun to play whilst encouraging strategic thinking
  • Expansion packs available to extend game play

What to know

  • Pace can be a little slow as you’re learning the rules

What Mumsnet users say 

“Ticket to Ride was a big hit last Christmas when the children were eight and 11.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user BikeRunSki)

“Ticket to Ride is our family's absolute favourite. I thoroughly recommend it. Good for strategy and there are so many expansions and several stand-alone games of it.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SquidGame999)

Our verdict

A firm favourite with Mumsnet users, coming up time and time again on our forums, Ticket To Ride is a fantastic family board game which is bound 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 route to score points, it’s recommended 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 original which will take you across America, there are other versions taking you all across the world and there’s also a junior version for younger players.

2. Best budget family board game: Cheeky Monkeys

Price on writing: £11 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 4-8  | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 5-10 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Lovely 3D board 
  • Great for non-readers

What to know 

  • Not as much replayability for older children

What Mumsnet users say

“We have and like Cheeky Monkeys.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user LittleRedYoshi)

“We love Orchard Games here for my daughter who's three this year. She has Cheeky Monkeys.“ (Vetted by Mumsnet user Nicpem1982)

Our verdict

This is a great game for helping children develop decision-making skills whilst being a lot of fun to play too. 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. There’s a counting element to the game to get them learning numbers too. We also love that the game is entirely pictorial which means your little ones will be able to play independently even if they’re not yet readers. An excellent option if you're on the lookout for a gift or one of the best toys for 4-year-olds.

Read next: On the hunt for the best tech toys for your little one? Check out our guides to the best kids' camera and top-ranking games console.

3. Best board game for families with a twist: Throw Throw Burrito

Throw Throw Burrito

Price on writing: £16 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-4 players | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: Unspecified | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes

What we love

  • Unique design
  • Fun gameplay without too many rules

What to know

  • You’ll need lots of space to play
  • Children who can get easily overexcited may need reigning in a little!

What Mumsnet users say

“Throw Throw Burrito is a fun, quick game. It's like a combination between a card game and dodgeball, you throw foam burritos at each other if you get certain combinations of cards. It can be hilarious.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user One2Three4Five6)

“Throw Throw Burrito mixes a fast-paced card game with an element of dodgeball – so fun and active.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Annoyedtoomuch)

Our verdict

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 love this game – they do get to lob a burrito at mum and dad’s head after all! You’ll need plenty of space to play, however, and it’s maybe not the best option to play before the pre-bedtime calming down period either.

Mumsnetters think this game is great for tweens - for more like this, check out our guide to the best toys for 10-year-olds.

4. Best classic family board game: Labyrinth

Price on writing: £22 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Moderate | Game duration: 30 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • With the maze changing every time there’s plenty of replay value
  • Works well with just two players

What to know 

  • It may be a little frustrating for younger players the first few times they play

What Mumsnet users say

“I recommend Labyrinth. It's really good.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user IRunLikeJoeBiden)

“I second Labyrinth – so great!” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Seaswims)

Our verdict

Due to its classic board game feel, this is a great option for when the grandparents are visiting and, as there are various ways to play according to ability, younger children can get involved too. The goal 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.

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.

5. Best travel game for families: Bananagrams

Bananagrams

Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 1-8 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 15 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes

What we love

  • Great for taking on holiday
  • Good value for money

What to know

  • Younger children may struggle to keep up if playing with older siblings

What Mumsnet users say

“Not a traditional board game, but Bananagrams is brilliant.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user FamilyAreEverything)

Our verdict

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! There’s no complicated scoring or pencil or paper required – just 144 letter tiles which players use to spell words in their own ever-changing grids.

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. However, this game can be played by a single player so you could consider getting children to play individually and channel their competitiveness into beating their own personal best as opposed to their siblings. Bananagrams comes with hundreds of five-star reviews and, at under £15, it’s great value for money too. 

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.

6. Best board game for preschoolers: Shopping List

Price on writing: £7 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 3-7 | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 5-10 minutes | Set-up time: 2-3 minutes

What we love 

  • Good value for money
  • A great introduction to board games

What to know 

  • Children at the upper end of the age recommendation may find it a little too easy

What Mumsnet users say 

“Shopping List is the winner, for sure.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user kindlyensure)

“Shopping List is definitely the favourite.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user LlamasSitOnPyjamas

Our verdict

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 we chose this one.

Shopping List is a simple memory game where players must fill their trolley or basket by matching all the items on their shopping list. The constant little wins along the way as children make a match provide an incentive to keep playing so it’s a great way to introduce your little one to their first ever board game. Like many of the Orchard Games, it comes in under £10 so it’s an absolute bargain too. 

Related: On the hunt for tech-orientated gifts for your child? Don't miss our guide to the best laptops for kids and the best kids' smartwatch.

7. Best card game for families: Dobble

Price on writing: £9 |  Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-8 | Ages: 6+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 15 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes

What we love

  • Great for younger children
  • Fast-paced and fun to play

What to know 

  • Can get a bit ‘shouty’ so not best to play on a quiet train or plane

What Mumsnet users say

“Dobble is brilliant.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user PurpleCrazyHorse)

Our verdict

Much of Dobble’s popularity is because it hits the sweet spot of being straightforward for younger children to learn but challenging enough for adults and teenagers to enjoy too.

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. The game comes in a pretty nifty tin, making it an ideal travel game and it’s also great value for money. 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.

8. Most replayable board game for families: Scotland Yard

Price on writing: £27 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2 or more | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 60 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Great for cooperative play
  • The board is beautifully designed

What to know

  • Maybe a little too tricky for some children

What Mumsnet users say

“We love Scotland Yard.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Emelene)

“Another vote for Scotland Yard here.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel)

Our verdict

Learning the rules of a new game is never the fun part. Stopping gameplay every couple of minutes to check a rule or what a particular card means can really slow things down and that’s when children often get bored. With a game like Scotland Yard, it may take a little while to get going, but it’s well worth the effort as once the rules are learned, you’ll be able to play again and again. 

Scotland Yard is a cops and robbers chase game where players must work together to catch a villain on the streets of London. One player takes the role of the mysterious Mr X while the rest work together as Scotland Yard’s finest. As you’ll need to navigate through the streets of London in a different way every time you play, you’ll be assured of a new game each time.

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 but you like the concept, there’s also a junior version for children age six and above.

Related: Whatever your child is into, we've a guide to help: from the best dinosaur toys to the best unicorn toys and coding toys, we've tried, tested and rated them all.

9. Best chess set for kids: LEGO® Iconic Chess Set

LEGO chess set

Price on writing: £55 | Buy now from LEGO

Key specs

No. of players: 2 | Ages: 9+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: Varies | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Beautiful set
  • A twist on a classic
  • Chess can help improve memory and focus

What to know

  • Expensive

Our verdict

The LEGO brand is a favourite amongst Mumsnet users , and this stylish set offers a modern twist on a classic chess board. With 1,400 pieces in this set, your child will be able to build their own chess board which they can then play chess or draughts with once they've finished. It may be pricey, but with the building and playing element, we'd consider this to be a two-in-one toy, and one of the best lego sets you can buy.

Chess is a great game for children, teaching them to focus and use strategic thinking, while LEGO is widely regarded as one of the best STEM toys. Just make sure you keep the pieces all stored neatly together to reduce the chance of losing the odd piece or two. 

10. Best board game for ages 10+: Catan

Price on writing: £39 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2 or more | Ages: 10+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 60 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Great for challenging your kids whilst still being fun to play
  • Encourages logical and strategic thinking

What to know

  • A little on the pricier side

What Mumsnet users say

“I am fully converted to Catan. I have bought some expansions and we even have a house variant for when there are only two playing.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user JaffavsCookie)

Our verdict

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 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.

Related: Looking for something a bit more tech-based for your kids? Check out our guides to the best phone for kids and the top Nintendo Switch games for kids you can buy.

11. Best strategy board game for families: Carcassonne

Carcassone

Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-5 | Ages: 7+ | Difficulty: Moderate | Game duration: 45 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love 

  • Easy-to-follow rules despite its more complex gameplay
  • Great for all the family

What to know

  • Could be a little tedious for younger children who prefer something more fast-paced

What Mumsnet users say

“Carcassonne is a good one if your children like rules and strategy. Lots of points to be added up at the end with complicated rules to be applied depending on various factors.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user ChequerBoard

“My boys are 10 and 14 now, both enjoyed Carcassonne for several years.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Patchworksack)

Our verdict

Carcassonne is a tile placing game in which players must build routes and landscapes to block their opponents. Mumsnet parents and their families loved this game, praising it for its high replayability and just the right amount of challenge but with easy-to-follow rules.

With the manufacturer's recommended age starting at just seven, this certainly hits the mark as a game for all generations to enjoy unless you’re shopping for younger children.

12. Best party board game for families: Articulate For Kids

Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 4-20 | Ages: 6+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 20 minutes | Set-up time: 2-3 minutes

What we love

  • Minimal effort to learn the rules but maximum fun guaranteed
  • Great for parties

What to know

  • Not as much fun when playing with fewer people

What Mumsnet users say

“Definitely go with the kids’ Articulate. We play it with a seven-year-old and an 11-year-old who are both bright and articulate and it is quite hard for them and for us!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user DilemmaDelilah)

“My 11-year-old who is bright and a very strong reader still loves the kids’ version of Articulate. It isn't easier as such, it's just different cultural references.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user TopCatsTopHat

Our verdict

This game has thousands of five-star reviews, with lots of high praise from Mumsnet users too. If you’re tired of Charades 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 for our list 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.

13. Best board game for ages 6+: Qwirkle

Price on writing: £23 |  Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 6+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 30-45 minutes | Set-up time: Under 2 minutes

What we like 

  • Great for all the family
  • Quick set up

What we don't like 

  • Quite pricey given its simple design

What Mumsnet users say

“Quirkle is brilliant.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MadMadMadamMim)

Our verdict

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.

To play Qwirkle, 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. The game scores highly with reviewers for its straightforward rules and fun factor as well as its well-made pieces. It also comes as a handy travel version too.

14. Best character-based family board game: Disney Villainous

Price on writing: £29 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 2-6 | Ages: 10+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 60+ minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Lovely production value
  • Great for Disney fans

What to know

  • Perhaps a little on the complicated/lengthy side

Our verdict

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 fulfil their evil schemes. If only those pesky Disney heroes weren’t lurking at every corner!

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. Whilst many reviewers loved the intricate gameplay, some also said that the rules can be very tricky to decipher and gameplay often runs beyond the estimated hour so some patience and perseverance will be required.

15. Most humorous game for families: Cards Against Humanity Family Edition

Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

No. of players: 3+ | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: 20 minutes | Set-up time: Ready to play instantly

What we love

  • Minimal rules and set up
  • Highly amusing 

What to know 

  • Some cards may be a little too grown-up for younger players
  • Quite pricey for a card game

What Mumsnet users say

“Cards Against Humanity Family Version is great and child-appropriate.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user GiantCheeseMonster)

“We downloaded the test version of Cards Against Humanity Family Edition during the first lockdown and it had my then 10-year-old daughter laughing more than I've ever seen her laugh.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Simplelobsterhat)

Our verdict

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.

16. Best board game for teenagers: Herd Mentality

Price on writing: £18 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

No. of players: 4-20 players | Ages: 10+ | Difficulty: Easy | Game duration: Unspecified | Set up time: 2-3 minutes

What we love

  • Very few rules and instructions to navigate
  • Lots of fun to play

What to know

  • Some references may go above the heads of younger players

What Mumsnet users say

“Herd Mentality is a family favourite! Also played it with work colleagues over Zoom. The best part is the banter/debates over the 'correct' answer and the high five moments when your answer matches with just one other person but you still win!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Flandaddy)

Our verdict

Herd Mentality is a firm favourite amongst family board game enthusiasts. 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. 

17. Best collaborative family board game: Pandemic

Price on writing: £35 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

No. of players: 2-4 | Ages: 8+ | Difficulty: Hard | Game duration: 45 minutes | Set-up time: Under 5 minutes

What we love

  • Great playability
  • A fantastic option for collaborative play

What to know 

  • If the idea of talking about another pandemic turns your blood cold, this isn't the best option for you! 

What Mumsnet users say

“Pandemic is a great game! Either everyone wins or everyone loses!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Igotjelly)

“Pandemic. Greatest board game ever.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user PurpleDandelions)

Our verdict

If there’s one downside to board game playing, it’s the potential tantrums and sulks that will inevitably ensue after a loss. 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.

The premise of this highly popular game is more than a little prevalent. 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 cooperatively to do so, so you and your family will have no choice but to bond and work as a team. 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.

What is the most fun family board game?

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 is bound to raise a smile.

Which game is considered the most family friendly board game?

Ticket to Ride came up 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. 

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 combinatino 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?

Again, it really depends on the 10-year-old in question. 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.

How we chose the best board games for families 

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’. 

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.

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