In our family board games have always been a big part of spending quality time together. It’s how we bonded with our brothers' partners, how we relax at the end of the week, and now we get to share the joy of board games with the kids.
There’s nothing quite like playing a game with kids, if you can get past the chaos stage of them wanting to set up and giving them the independence to do so but also keeping control of the situation. We recently started playing Dixit Kids with my eldest nephew, Caleb (5) and he loves it so much. We very quickly realised that on one hand he loves the bunny components and figured out that if he doesn’t invite all the bunnies then the game goes on for longer (at least the way we play it - no time limit on the bunny invites) and on the other hand, he’s figured out what cards to put down that will mess with the adults in the most chaotic way. It’s quickly become one of our favourite games to play with the kids because they get so much joy from the chance that the adults will choose their card.
One of the cool things about family games is that, yes the rules matter to some extent but getting young kids into board games can be as easy as pulling it out of the box and seeing how they want to play the game and teaching them the rules as they get older. You might find that they like the game with the rules or they might like to keep playing it their way, at the end of the day does it really matter as long as everyone is having fun and making some memories.
The other great thing about starting board games at a young age is that everyone learns so much without even realising it. Kids learn how to take turns, how to count, patience, and problem solving and it becomes ingrained in them as the things they learn become muscle memory. Board games are also an easy way to build some family traditions and give a solid foundation for social skills, communication, and teamwork that can be applied away from the game table.
How to Find the Right Game for Your Family
Age & Interest Matter
Making sure the game is a good fit for your family is one of the biggest things to consider. Younger kids might enjoy matching, memory, or cooperative games, while older kids may prefer light strategy games, trivia, or fast-paced party games.
Recently our family tried out Piles! and even though the game is designed for ages 8+, we easily found a way for Caleb to join in. He happily played his own matching game while the rest of us competed… or rather waited for him to finally put down the cards we were all desperately waiting on.
A lot of games are more flexible than they first appear and sometimes making small adjustments is all it takes to include younger players.
Think About Play Style
Whether you’re wanting a quick midweek round of cards or a longer weekend game session, it’s great to have options.
Fast-paced games that last 15–20 minutes are perfect for after-dinner gaming sessions (or while dinner cooks), where people can easily jump in and out. Longer story-driven or strategy games are great for slower weekends when everyone has a bit more time to settle in properly.
It’s also worth thinking about whether your family enjoys cooperative games where everyone works together, or competitive games where things can get a little more chaotic. Every family has a different style.
Don’t Be Afraid to Replay Favourites
Replaying favourite games can lead to some of the best family bonding moments. Everyone starts reminiscing about the last time they played or that ridiculous thing someone did five games ago, and there’s just something special about that familiarity.
Plus, kids love repetition. As they replay games over and over, they often start finding their own strategies, making up house rules, or confidently informing you that you’re “playing wrong.” Along the way, they’re building confidence, independence, and learning how to take ownership of the games themselves.
Our Favourite Types of Family Board Games
Great Games for Younger Kids
Matching, memory, simple cooperative games, and dice and counting games are all fantastic introductions to board games for younger children. They’re easy to learn, quick to play, and help build confidence around taking turns and following simple rules.
Kid-Friendly Versions of Adult Favourites
One of the best things about modern board games is how many amazing kid-friendly versions of classic favourites now exist. They let younger players join in while still keeping the gameplay enjoyable for adults too. These are some of the favourites that we have at the moment.
Games for Older Kids
As kids get older, it can be really fun introducing games with a little more strategy, speed, or storytelling. These are often the games that become family favourites for years.
Making Family Game Night a Tradition
It’s surprisingly easy to make family game nights into a tradition, even if it’s just one quick game after dinner once a week.
Some nights might turn into full tournaments while others are just ten minutes squeezed in before bedtime, but those little moments quickly become the things everyone remembers.
One of the best things you can do is keep it relaxed. Let kids help choose the games, don’t stress too much about perfectly following every rule, and embrace the chaos that comes with younger players. Sometimes the funniest moments come from games going completely off the rails.
At the end of the day, the best board games usually aren’t the most expensive or the most strategic ones, they’re the ones that get everyone sitting around the table together laughing.