Who doesn't love a good old-fashioned game night? It’s the perfect excuse to set aside screens and gather for quality time with your loved ones. Whether it’s a long-standing Friday night tradition or a spur-of-the-moment get-together, family game night brings laughter, friendly competition, and memorable moments. If you’re looking to spice things up with new games or rediscover classics, we’ve compiled a list of must-have board games that every family should try. These games cater to different ages, interests, and group sizes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With tips, fun facts, and suggestions for taking your game night to the next level, your next gathering is bound to be a hit!

Monopoly

Few board games are as iconic as Monopoly. This timeless classic has been keeping families entertained for generations with its perfect blend of strategy, luck, and negotiation. Players travel around the board buying properties, charging rent, and aiming to bankrupt their opponents. Monopoly engages players of all ages, teaching basic math, strategic thinking, and the fine art of making deals.

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Scalability: Younger players can enjoy simpler mechanics like counting money, while older kids and adults can strategize with property trades.
  • Customization: Play with house rules like free parking cash to keep things lively.

Fun Fact: The longest recorded game of Monopoly lasted 70 days! While your family game night doesn’t need to go that far, be prepared for things to heat up during those intense bidding wars.

Pro Tip: Monopoly comes in countless themed editions, from Star Wars to Harry Potter. Pick a version that fits your family’s interests for added excitement.

Ticket to Ride

For a game full of adventure and strategy, look no further than Ticket to Ride. Players compete to build railway routes across North America (or Europe, if you choose that version). With simple rules and stunningly designed game pieces, Ticket to Ride is both accessible and absorbing for players of all ages.

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Easy Setup: Quick to learn but exciting to play as you try to outwit opponents and complete your secret routes.
  • Educational Value: Kids get a geography lesson while planning train routes from coast to coast.

Fun Fact: Ticket to Ride has won several prestigious awards, including the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year). It also features multiple expansions, such as maps of Asia and Africa, for fans who want to explore even more destinations.

Pro Tip: To keep younger players engaged, create house rules like shorter routes or teams for cooperative play!

Pandemic

If your family prefers cooperation over competition, give Pandemic a go. This high-stakes game requires players to work together to stop the spread of diseases across the globe. Each player takes on a unique role, such as Medic or Scientist, pooling their skills to cure infections and save humanity.

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Teamwork Focus: Pandemic teaches problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making under pressure.
  • Replayability: With multiple difficulty levels and dynamic gameplay, no two sessions are alike.

Fun Fact: Pandemic was so well-loved that it inspired spin-offs like Pandemic Legacy, which creates a multi-session storyline.

Pro Tip: For first-time players, start on the easiest setting to get the hang of the mechanics before tackling tougher challenges.

Dixit

For families who love creativity and storytelling, Dixit is a must. Players take turns as the storyteller, using beautiful, dreamlike cards as inspiration for clever clues. Everyone tries to guess which card matches the storyteller’s clue, but the challenge is striking the right balance between obvious and obscure.

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Creativity Central: Dixit sparks imaginative thinking and encourages laughter as players interpret clues and cards in unexpected ways.
  • All Ages Welcome: The lighthearted nature of the game ensures fun for children, teens, and adults alike.

Fun Fact: Dixit’s cards feature stunning illustrations designed to transport players to whimsical worlds. It’s one of the game’s biggest draws.

Pro Tip: To make it even more fun, try using themes (e.g., movies, animals) for your clues or create storytelling challenges where each clue continues a larger narrative.

Codenames

Put your wits and communication skills to the test with Codenames. This word association game splits players into two teams, each led by a spymaster who gives one-word clues to help teammates identify secret agents on the board. It’s fast-paced, challenging, and guaranteed to bring out bursts of laughter when clues go hilariously awry.

Why It’s Great for Families:

  • Team Play: Perfect for large groups, ensuring everyone is involved.
  • Replayability: With endless combinations of word cards, games feel fresh every time.

Fun Fact: Codenames has been translated into over 40 languages and has themed variations, including Disney and Harry Potter editions.

Pro Tip: For a more relaxed experience, skip the timer or play cooperatively to uncover all the agents without competing.

Family game night is much more than just rolling dice and flipping cards. It’s about building connections, sharing laughs, and creating memories that last a lifetime. By adding these must-have board games to your collection, you’re not only spicing up your gatherings but also nurturing a tradition your family will cherish for years to come.