This time of year brings busy schedules, jam packed days, and chaotic evenings. Not to mention, colder weather and darker evenings. Family game nights are a great way to fill the time, slow down, and allow space to talk and connect with one another. Sitting together and playing a board game gives space for everyone to open up and have some fun! Here are some of my favorite board games to play at family game night:

Lansing Mom is here to share our tried and true favorites. This post does contain affiliate links that help support our small business but every product is something we love! 

Classic Family Games by Age

Games for Toddlers

My daughters (3 and 5) love having family game night after dinner. It is a great time for us to put the chores and “to do” lists aside and focus on connecting as a family. Whether you have a few minutes or an hour or two to pass before bedtime, these games are a great way to do so with the whole family.

1. Slap Jack
2. Go Fish
3. Zingo
4. BBQ Party 

First in the line up,  Next up, a classic game that is great for learning, Go Fish! You cannot go wrong with go fish if you have a variety of young ages in your family. Lastly, Zingo and BBQ Party are wonderful games that have simple directions and incorporate lots of great basic vocabulary for young learners!

Families with Younger Children

4. Guess in Ten

5. Charades

6. Floor is Lava

Guess in Ten and Charades are both classic games designed for kids but great for family game night! Charades is best for non-readers as no reading is required but picture cards are given for clues. Floor is lava is a game that promotes physical activity and imagination! Two skills that are so important for kids.

Families with Older Children

7. Monopoly

8. My Parents Might be Martians

9. Eye Found it

10. Escape Your House: Spy Team

First up for games with older children, includes my favorite, Monopoly! This is my top choice for family game night especially with mixed ages. Such as one person can be the banker, the card reader, etc. Next, if you are in search of a silly game that will get all members of the family laughing, “My Parents Might be Martians” is the perfect fit! This is because parents are required to use one syllable words to get their message across to kids and it’s truly intergalactic fun! Last, if your family is into problem solving and mystery games, you have got to pick up “Escape Your House: Spy Team” or one of the many “Eye Found It” games. They are great for problem solving and working together towards a common goal!

Why Is Family Game Night important?

Family game night is about so much more than just having fun and being together as a family. Many of these games provide opportunities for life lessons and skill building such as:

1. Provides space and time for family bonding and conversations.
2. Allows children to practice reading and math skills in a play based manner.
3. Helps work on social skills such as turn taking and sportsmanship – winning/loosing.
4. Helps foster problem solving skills and critical thinking.

Carving out undivided family time can be challenging with busy schedules but is so important. If you are searching for more ways to prioritize family time, look here!