Growing up, school holidays were always filled with excitement, but eventually we'd run out of things to do, especially during winter when it was too cold to spend much time outside. We'd almost always end up pulling out a puzzle or choosing a board game to play. These days, I've found that puzzles and board games are still one of the best ways to keep kids entertained, while also creating some quality time together.
My nephew will often grab a puzzle and challenge me to place whatever piece I pick up straight away, proudly telling me how many "dollar bucks" I've won. Other times, he'll ask if we can play a board game instead. He definitely has his favourite puzzles and games depending on who's playing with him, while his little brother usually floats between joining in with his own version of the game and doing his own thing.
Whether you have little ones just starting out with puzzles and board games or older kids looking for more of a challenge, I’ve chosen some of my favorite picks for every age.
Puzzle Sets They’ll Want to Do Again and Again
When my nephew first showed an interest in puzzles, we got him a couple of the Ravensburger Disney puzzle sets. They were great because they came with little posters that he could match the pieces to and as he got more confident, he would speed through them without the poster.
The puzzle sets are a great choice for kids because instead of buying lots of different puzzles, you can get two, four, or even six puzzles in one box. Some have the same number of pieces, while others gradually increase in difficulty, making them perfect for building confidence as their puzzling skills grow.
My niece loves her set of six Bluey puzzles and will go around handing everyone a little bag with their puzzle inside. She might finish her own first, or she'll happily wander around helping everyone else with theirs. I really can't recommend puzzle sets enough if you're looking to develop a love of puzzles from a young age.
Ready for a Bigger Challenge?
For older kids who are looking for more of a challenge, larger puzzles are the perfect next step. They could work on a 200-300 piece puzzle or if they enjoy puzzling with an adult, you could try tackling a 500 piece puzzle together.
Puzzles are a great way of connecting with others, especially when working on them together. Some of the nicest chats we've had have been while we're all sitting around a puzzle, talking, relaxing, and working on something together.
Bring Their Favourite Books to the Table
If your kids love reading, why not try bringing their favourite stories into family game time? We've recently had a great range of book-themed board games arrive, giving kids the chance to spend even more time with the characters they already know and love.
One of my favourites that I want to play with my niece and nephews is the Let’s Feed the Very Hungry Caterpillar Game. Each player becomes a cute little caterpillar and travels around the board collecting puzzle pieces. The first player to collect all five pieces and complete their butterfly wins.
There are plenty of others too, including adventures featuring Dog Man and characters from David Walliams' books. Whichever you choose, these games are guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs while combining storytelling with family game time.
Strategy Games for Older Kids
As kids get older, they often start looking for games that involve a bit more planning and decision making. Strategy games are a fantastic choice for older kids and a great option for family nights or some one on one time.
Games like the Villainous range encourage players to think ahead, adapt their plans, and enjoy a little friendly competition. Featuring well-known Disney villains, they're easy to learn but offer enough strategy to keep older kids and adults engaged.
If your family enjoys solving mysteries together, the Exit Games are another fantastic option. These escape room-inspired games challenge everyone to work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and beat the game before time runs out. They're ideal for older kids and make for a really fun family activity.
Family Games Everyone can Play
Some of my favourite memories involve family and friends gathered around a table, whether we were playing board games or working on a puzzle together. Whether there’s fifteen minutes before dinner or people have set aside a whole evening, family games are a quick, easy way to bring everyone together for some laughs.
From quick card games to slightly longer board games that become family favourites, there’s something for every age and every attention span. Even if it's just a quick round of Bananagrams or Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, the memories are always worth it.
I hope these picks help make the school holidays a little more fun and maybe a little less chaotic... although that depends on which game you choose!
Just remember, you don't need the biggest or most elaborate game to make lasting memories. Sometimes it's a quick card game that gets everyone laughing, while other times it's a puzzle spread across the dining table for the whole afternoon. Whatever you choose, spending time together is what everyone will remember most.