Family game nights are a lot of fun. You can either work together to beat a challenge or get some friendly competition, with rivalry and alliances made and broken in the same night—all in good fun, of course. Game nights are the best when the whole family gets invested in playing and winning. Whether you’re a fan of board games or something more interactive, there are plenty of activities to choose from. From older classics to more modern entertainment, here are a few options that are bound to liven up your game night.
Trivia
Trivia night is a great way to learn some new things while also competing. Make your own game by finding a list of interesting questions or getting everyone to provide some questions of their own. Then you can design a Jeopardy-style game out of the questions, make a unique trivia game with your own rules, or settle in for a classic round of trivia question-and-answer! If you don’t have time to do it yourself, there are also multiple great pre-made trivia games such as these:
Linkee
Looking for something team-based and fast-paced? Linkee is the trivia board game for you! With a wide variety of questions, Linkee also challenges you to think outside the box and connect your answers. It’s a challenge of your knowledge, your word play, and your teamwork, making it a great addition to family game night. There is also a version made by kids, for kids called Dinkee. Linkee can be found at local game stores as well as online retailers such as Amazon.
Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit is the classic old-school trivia board game. Compete player vs player or in teams to answer as many questions as you can. The first to fill-up their pie gets the prize! And with so many different editions available, you can customize for any audience, whether your family is into general knowledge, Disney, sports, or so much more! Trivial Pursuit can be found at your local game store as well as on many online retailers such as Amazon.
Jackbox Party Packs
Jackbox has become very popular over the years as a great way to bond with friends or family. All you need is one person to own the game and a phone or browser for everyone to play. There are multiple games in each pack including some excellent trivia options! You Don’t Know Jack, a fast paced trivia contest, can be found in the first and fifth Party Packs as well as in a bundle. Trivia Murder Party, a life or death trivia game, is in Party Packs 3 and 6. Fibbage, a game of trivia and trickery, is in the first, second, and fourth Party Packs. Even the newest Party Pack 8 has the Wheel of Enormous Proportions, where trivia is combined with luck-based wheel spinning! The Jackbox Party Packs can be found on Steam as well as most consoles.
Board Games
Board games are a classic theme for family game nights. These games are great for bringing families together or, depending on how the game goes, creating new rivalries with every round. Older games like Monopoly and Clue are well-known favorites that many families probably have sitting on a shelf, but if you’re interested in trying something new, check out these recommendations below which can all be found at your local game store or online retailer such as Amazon:
Ticket to Ride
Great for both kids and adults, Ticket to Ride is fairly easy to learn and usually doesn’t exceed an hour in playtime, making it the perfect selection for family game night. Become the next rail baron and complete train routes across the United States! Or check out the “Europe” or “Heart Of Africa” editions for a different experience. This game is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Betrayal at House on the Hill
Have you ever wanted to explore a haunted house? A great game for families with slightly older children, Betrayal at House on the Hill allows you to do just that. Work together with the rest of your family to find new rooms and items while encountering strange happenings along the way. Just beware, you never know when someone might turn on you… This game also has great replay value, with you creating a different house and experiencing a different haunt every time! And if you’re interested in something that might last you a long time, you can check out the Legacy version where you play a campaign with the same people over multiple sessions.
Cosmic Encounter
A great game for fans of science fiction or space in general, Cosmic Encounter is an older title that still holds up well for those more modern board game enthusiasts. Each player gets a special alien power that they can use to assist them while exploring and spreading across the universe. Make and break alliances or negotiate with your family as you strive to control more destinations. There are also different variants to the game so you can customize the experience for whatever suits your family best.
Card Games
With less setup and required space than many board games, card games are an excellent option for family game night. The rounds are usually quick and addictive, with lots of chances for everyone to win. With just a simple deck of playing cards, hundreds of possible games are at your fingertips, from Go Fish to Hearts! Or you can play something a little more unique like the infamous Uno or these fun options:
Cards At War
A fun spin on a classic card game, War, Cards At War is a fantastic way to liven up your game night. Unique card abilities provide dynamic shifts to the fast-paced game. No two rounds will play the same way and, in this game, anyone can take the lead right up until the very end. A player may be on the verge of defeat only to pull out a fantastic victory at the last minute. You never know who’ll win. Play a few rounds of Cards at War and see for yourself how wild the game can get. Set up a tournament or merge two decks together for an even more extreme game night. Cards at War can be found at the Escape Effect and on Amazon.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
A great game for larger families, One Night Ultimate Werewolf assigns everyone a role that allows them to perform an action secretly during the night. Once morning comes, it’s up to you to figure out who the werewolves are before time runs out. Trick your family or call them out on their lies! Interrogate others for important information or hide what you know! However you decide to play, this game is sure to be a great time for everyone in the family. One Night Ultimate Werewolf can be found at your local game store or on online retailers such as Amazon.
Karma
Easy to learn, this fast-paced game can quickly become an addictive staple for family game night. Race to get rid of all your cards before the other players. Keep an eye out for traps or tricks your competitors might play using Karma cards, then get them back using your own! With multiple winners every round, this game is full of friendly competition and rivalry that will keep game night exciting and fresh. Karma can be found at your local game store or on online retailers such as Amazon.
