There's something about gathering the family around for a family board game tournament that just fills us with joy, whether it's a party, special occasion or just a family game night. Whether you're using a classic board game or something new and fun to play, it's a simple pleasure that draws out the best (and sometimes worst) in people, giving us memories that will last a lifetime.
While some Monopoly games will last for hours, or even days, others games are quick-fire, which are perfect for an evening or while on holiday. If you're looking for inspiration for your next board game purchase, whether it's for you and your partner at home or to entertain the kids and grandchildren, we've collated some of the best board games of all time.
With everything from strategy and tactical games to whodunnits and trivia too, we've tried and tested the must-have games that are worth stocking your cupboards with, so you'll always have something to entertain everyone with. Plus, there are some brilliant game sets that contain so many games, you might never need to buy anything else.
The best family friendly board games 2024
Best fast-paced game
Tested
This game from Ginger Fox includes no general knowledge or dice rolling, just basic card play and fast reaction times. Players must swap cards to form groups of the same colour and once they have achieved this, they must grab the corresponding cork.
Our reviewer said that they enjoyed playing Corks, the fast-paced game of elimination from Ginger Fox. "The rules are simple and the set-up is quick and easy, meaning that each round is short and you can get the kids involved."
Reviewed by our Commercial Content Writer Arabella Horspool.
Pros
- Great for a party
- Fast-set up
Cons
- Heavy box
Age rating: | 6+ |
Number of players: | 3-14 players |
- 56 cards
- 15 corks
Best bluffing game
Tested
You don't need to know the answers to the trivia questions in Sounds Fishy, as they will be revealed to you on the card. One person has to be the guesser and the rest of the players must give them an answer, but only one of them will be right. The guesser must then work out who is bluffing and who is telling the truth.
Our reviewer said: "I love how the title of Big Potato Games' Sounds Fishy plays on the concept of the game. We all enjoyed making up answers to the questions. Overall, it's a funny game to play which puts your bluffing and guessing skills to the test."
Reviewed by our Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
Pros
- Plastic-free packaging
- Nicely illustrated game pieces
Cons
- Rules may be too complicated for some
Age rating: | 10+ |
Number of players: | 4-10 |
- 1 card dispenser
- 9 fish
- 80 point tokens
- 200 questions
Best for a quiz board game
Tested
It's time to put your pub quiz knowledge to the test in The Chase board game! Fans of the award-winning ITV quiz show will love playing against their favourite Chasers, answering questions within the time limits and moving higher up the board.
A fantastic game for families who watch the show together. The rounds are just like they are on the show (you've got the Cash Builder and head-to-head) and it comes with everything you need, including a timer and mini cut-outs of The Beast, The Destroyer, The Governess and The Sinnerman to move around the game sheet.
Reviewed by our Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
Pros
- Rounds are similar to that of the TV shows (Cash Builder, head-to-head)
- Includes game pieces of the Chasers, a timer and more than 1,000 questions
Cons
- Text size of the questions is quite small
Best trivia board game
TESTED
If you've watched Michael McIntyre's The Wheel on BBC, you'll know that contestants are given the opportunity to win a cash prize, by answering questions on different topics, with the help of celebrity "experts" who are spun around on a big wheel. The board game version is relatively similar, albeit there's a much smaller wheel and no big stars.
There are 14 topics in total, including 'celebrity', 'food & drink', 'history', 'sport', 'video games' and 'numbers', and you must choose 7 to play and get a question right from all 7 to go through to the End Game, where you must get the answer right to win.
When playing Michael McIntyre's The Wheel Board Game with my family, we found that most of the questions seemed to be relatively easy, which made the gameplay quite quick. We liked that you have the option play in teams (which works well when there's different generations, or areas of expertise) and that the wheel was fun to spin. Whilst it's simple to collect 7 correct answers from the chosen topics, some jeopardy is added through the wheel, which gives the other players a chance to play.
All in all, this is a good quiz game for families who want some light trivia questions to answer after dinner, as it caters to all of the generations.
Pros
- Able to play in teams or compete alone
- Can "choose" how fast the wheel spins, depending on how far you push the button
Cons
- Some of the questions may be too easy
Age rating: | 10 |
Number of players: | 2+ |
- 570 questions (across 14 different categories)
- Spinning wheel with a pushdown mechanism
Tested
The best whodunnit game on the planet, Cluedo is a firm favourite across the generations, with players working against each other to solve the crime. There are 6 suspects in total, including a new character named Dr Orchard.
We enjoyed playing detective through investigation and bluffing and accusing our way through the board. Gameplay is made faster with bonuses spaces, which is ideal for those with short attention spans.
Reviewed by our Commercial Content Writer Arabella Horspool.
Ages: | 8+ |
Number of players: | 2-6 |
Best letter game
Tested
Top It is no ordinary naming game. You must use the topic card to come up with words that begin with the letter discs. However, if a letter has been used, other competitors can 'top it' by placing one of their cones onto the letters.
"Top It by Cheatwell is a high-stakes game and the rule of being the last cone on a letter to take home all of the points certainly added to everyone's competitiveness. Although there are topic cards, the opportunities for answers are endless, which means the game can be enjoyed over and over again."
Reviewed by our Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
Pros
- Timed element
- Encourages people to think fast
Cons
- Cones are small
Age rating: | 10+ |
Number of players: | 2+ |
- 75 double-sided topic cards
- 18 letter discs
- 60 coloured cones
- Pencil
- Scoring pad
- Sand timer
Best active board game
Tested
If everyone's board of sitting around a table, why not liven up your games night with Without Fail by Exploding Kittens? As well as competing to complete challenges, players must decided how likely the others are to finish the tasks successfully.
Reviewed by our Commercial Content Writer, Arabella Horspool.
This classic code-breaking game has been going strong since the '70s - and for good reason. Challenge your kids or grandkids to see if you've still got the gaming and problem solving skills!
Simple but addictive, the first to connect their four coloured discs wins this fast paced game, making it an easy and fun game for kids. This one will have you asking for rematches for hours...
Best for a games multipack
This game set will entertain you for years to come with its huge selection. Choose from chess, backgammon, Ludo, Chinese checkers, snakes and ladders, solitaire and so many more.
Try to collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging and throwing squishy airborne burritos. The cards you collect earn points, but getting hit by flying burritos loses them.
12.
Monopoly
No list would be complete without the one game that's caused more family arguments than any other. Will you ever finish a game? Who knows, but you'll have fun trying!
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, playing board games and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.