Welcome to the world of family board games! Whether spending a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, board games are a fantastic way to create lasting memories and enjoy quality time with loved ones. 

In this guide, we will explore 16 of the best board games for families. From classic favorites to modern gems, there is something here for every age group and interest. So, buckle up, get ready to discover new favorites, and make your family game nights worth it!

Best Board Games for Families Comparison Table 

1. Rescuing Robin Hood - Best Family Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Starting off, we have a new and exciting board game that’s perfect for family game nights: Rescuing Robin Hood. In this game, players work together to save the legendary Robin Hood from execution after he’s captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Playing as Robin Hood’s Merry Band leaders, players have five days, or five rounds, to rally villagers together. On the fifth day, you storm Nottingham Castle to rescue Robin Hood.

Why We Like It

Rescuing Robin Hood is a perfect game for families and groups, as it is entirely cooperative—everyone wins or loses together. The exciting storyline of rescuing Robin Hood immerses players into the game, making the experience even better. The game’s dynamic 5-day structure adds variety and challenge, with each day building toward the ultimate goal of freeing Robin Hood. With simple mechanics but strategic depth, the game is accessible to players aged 10 and up, making it an excellent choice for family game nights.

2. Settlers of Catan - Best Resource Management Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

One of the best classic board games for families is The Settlers of Catan. This game has captivated players for decades! Why? Because it's a settlement builder game, and everyone knows how famous these games are. Plus, The Settlers of Catan is available in 40 languages, and more than 40 million copies of this board game have been sold worldwide!

Why We Like It

The Settlers of Catan is a strategy game in which players build settlements, cities, and roads on a hexagonal island. The island is divided into different resource hexes, such as wheat, ore, sheep, wood, and brick. In each turn, the players have to roll two dice to determine which hexes produce resources. Then, they use these resources to build settlements, cities, and roads or you can trade resources with other players.

The game's goal is for the first player to score 10 victory points. Points can be earned by building settlements and playing certain development cards. Players can also earn points by being the first to build a certain structure, having the longest road, or having the largest army.

3. Dune - Best Dune Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Next up, we have Dune, which is considered one of the best board games for families with teens! This game has everything you can wish for in a thrilling game night: strategy, resource management, making alliances, eliminating enemies, keeping the world rolling, you name it!

Why We Like It

This strategic masterpiece is based on Frank Herbert's iconic science fiction novel. In it, the players fight against each other to take control of the desert planet Dune. Players take on the roles of powerful leaders of one of the 6 factions, using their strategic skills to dominate the planet, the only place where the most valuable substance in the universe, melange, is found.

The game combines negotiation, diplomacy, military might, and resource management. The aim is to carefully balance your forces, form alliances, and use the planet's harsh environment to secure melange and eliminate your rivals.

4. The World Needs a Jetpack Unicorn -  Best Whimsical Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

Let’s talk about a true party game that is best for a large group of people. We’re talking about The World Needs a Jetpack Unicorn, one of the best board games for families of all ages! It's a fun and silly party game perfect for bringing laughter and creativity to your game nights. You and your family will have a great time proving who's the best at convincing others about the wackiness, greatness, or craziness of different weird topics.

Why We Like It

In this game, you try to persuade others that bizarre things like flying elephants or dancing shoes are better, worse, or stranger than other things. It's all about telling stories and convincing others to win points and become the champion. This game's storytelling and imaginative aspect make it a great choice for families with kids. 

With 265 unique cards, every time you play The World Needs a Jetpack Unicorn, you'll find new and surprising combinations, changing the story each time. So, whether you have family members who are party game pros or kids who are just starting to get the hang of board games, Jetpack Unicorn is designed to entertain everyone for hours. 

5. Castelli - Best Abstract Art Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

If you’re a fan of castles and everything that has to do with medieval times, Castelli is just the game for you. It is one of the best family board games for all ages, and the players take on the role of architects constructing magnificent castles. 

Why We Like It

Castelli is a strategic board game in which each player receives a set of cards representing different building materials and architectural elements. Over a series of rounds, the players strategically place these cards on the board to construct their castles. Each card has a specific shape and color, impacting the overall design and functionality of the castle.

As the game progresses, players must carefully balance their resources and consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each building choice. The aim is to build your castles in the best location and gain an edge over other landlords. The player with the most points is victorious. 

6. Spurs: A Tale in the Old West - Best Western-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Howdy mates! Put on your cowboy hats and get ready to ride into the Old West with Spurs: A Tale in the Old West! It's one of the best board games for family gatherings, as it takes players back to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West. This exciting game captures the essence of the Old West with its engaging gameplay and rich storytelling. 

Why We Like It

Players play as cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen in the game as they make their way through the beautifully crafted world of frontier towns, saloons, and untamed wilderness. The game's objective is to survive and thrive in the Old West by completing missions like cattle herding, bank robbing, horse-breaking, and more.

To win, the players must carefully manage their resources, form alliances, and confront fierce outlaws. The player who best navigates the dangerous land of the Old West and accomplishes their objectives takes the lead in this thrilling game of survival and daring missions.

7. Poetry Slam - Best Creative Word Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Our first recommendation for the best board game for family is Poetry Slam. It's a fun and competitive board game in which the players take turns drawing cards and using the words on them to create poems and bring out their inner poet. Sounds creative, right?

Why We Like It

Points are awarded based on creativity, originality, and how fast you can compose a poem. This game is all about thinking outside the box. By using random words to come up with a poem, you can improve your vocabulary, creativity, and public speaking skills. 
Plus, it's an enjoyable way to introduce kids to the wonderful world of poetry!

8. The Tree Lined Avenue - Best Nature-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

If you’re looking for the best board games for families with teenagers, we suggest trying The Tree Lined Avenue. This game offers a perfect balance of strategy and creativity, making it ideal for players of all ages. With engaging mechanics and plenty of opportunities for teamwork and competition, it’s a fun and memorable way to bond as a family. 

Why We Like It

The Tree Lined Avenue is a captivating board game that revolves around creating the most picturesque avenue with trees and charming landscapes. The players must strategically arrange trees and other elements, such as animals and project cards, to beautify their avenues and score the most points. This game is one of the best because it is visually appealing, with stunning visuals and relaxing gameplay, even though it is competitive. 

9. Zen Garden - Best Relaxing Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Our next recommendation for the best board game for families is Zen Garden. Unlike other board games, this unique game invites players on a journey of tranquility and mindfulness. It's inspired by the traditional Japanese rock gardens and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Why We Like It

Zen Garden features a beautifully designed board with intricate pathways, serene landscapes, and calming colors. Players take turns placing stones and raking sand to create their own personalized garden.

10. Skyliners - Best City-Building Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Let’s talk about one of the best board games for families with elementary students, Skyliners. It's a fun board game set in a busy city, where the players act as city planners, competing to build the tallest and most impressive skyscrapers in the city skyline. 

Why We Like It

The goal of Skyliners is to place building tiles and build towers to earn the most points and be recognized as the best city planner. Players must carefully place tiles to maximize tower height, make strategic decisions to gain an edge over opponents and manage resources smartly to get valuable building materials. However, the players must also deal with unpredictable events and challenges that prevent them from effectively expanding their city skyline. 

11. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party - Best Storytelling Cooperative Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party is a fun and cooperative board game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel, The Hobbit. This novel is the prequel to the famous The Lord of the Ring book series. The players take on the roles of one of the 13 dwarves as they set out on a dangerous journey through Bag End and perform the song “The Things Bilbo Hates” to earn points.

Why We Like It

The game features a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay. The dwarves move through the board, gathering items, being the mischievous creatures they are. The main goal is to perform all 15 lines of the song and arouse Bilbo’s curiosity. The dwarf who completes all the challenges and obstacles gets the highest points and wins! The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party is one of the best new board games for families with young kids who are fans of The Hobbit.

12. King of the Dice - Best Family Dice Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Are you looking for a game that young kids would love and enjoy? Then look no further than King of the Dice, one of the best cooperative board games for families with young kids.  King of the Dice is an exciting board game in which humans and mystical creatures like fairies, elves, dwarves, and gnomes live together peacefully.

Why We Like It

The aim of the game is for each player to gain control of different regions within the kingdom by using strategic skills and acquiring resources to strengthen their dominion. The players must also adapt to unpredictable events and utilize their unique abilities to gain an edge. The player who successfully conquers the most regions and gathers precious gemstones and valuable resources is the victorious ruler of the kingdom!

13. Cellulose: A Plant Cell Biology Game - Best Educational Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Do you have younger kids who are just starting to understand the concepts of biology, especially plants? If so, you can help them understand it in a fun way with Cellulose: A Plant Cell Biology Game. We would say that it is one of the best board games of all time for families with school-going kids, as it offers an engaging way to learn about plant cell biology. 

Why We Like It

The game takes you into the world of plant cells, where you must compete for resources to power photosynthesis, create carbohydrates, and build cell walls. The best part of the game is that you use your understanding of plant cell biology to outsmart your opponents by choosing the right time to use proteins, hormones, and cell component cards to develop your strategies. 

Cellulose: A Plant Cell Biology Game gives you control over resources, strategies, and even the length of the game, adding more depth and excitement. So, get ready to explore plant science in a fun and interactive way!

14. Ninja All Stars - Best Fast-Paced Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Let’s move on to another of the best board games for the whole family, Ninja All Stars.
It's an exciting board game that introduces you to the action-packed world of ninjas. You play as one of the elemental ninja clans competing against each other in a series of challenges and battles to prove your power. The players must carefully choose their actions to gain the upper hand.

Why We Like It

The aim of Ninja All Stars is to lead your ninja clan to victory by mastering various abilities, utilizing specialized ninja skills, and putting your strategic skills to use. Each elemental clan has unique strengths and capabilities that can help them gain points and win. The game uses dice rolling and a rock-paper-scissors type to knock out the opponents and place them on the dojo side boards.

15. Jungle Joust - Best Animal-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

If you’re a family with young members, we recommend getting Jungle Joust. It's engaging and is known as one of the best board games for young families. This thrilling game takes you to the heart of the tropical kingdom, where you become a brave animal knight! You get to take part in jousting matches atop rhinos as you strategize your moves to take on your opponents. 

Why We Like It

Jungle Joust combines skill and luck for an exciting gaming experience. With its scenic jungle theme and beautifully illustrated game components, it completely hooks you in the action-packed world of animal knights.

16. Rattle, Battle, Grab the Loot - Best Pirate-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

Let us wrap up this guide with another of the best board games for families: Rattle, Battle, Grab the Loot. This exciting game combines strategy, luck, and adventure as players take on the roles of pirate captains, sailing the high seas to plunder treasure and battle rivals. The lively theme and fast-paced gameplay make it a thrilling experience that’s sure to keep everyone engaged from start to finish.

Why We Like It

It's a fun game where you play as a pirate. You have to roll the dice and play cards to try and win as much treasure as possible. In each round, you fight other players' ships on the sea and collect treasure upon victory. You can use the treasure to make your ship stronger or hire new crew members. The player who gets the most treasure from the Pirate King at the end of the game wins!

Buying Guide for the Best Board Games for Families 

When looking for the best board games for a family, here are some factors to consider:

• Age Appropriateness: When buying a board game, always consider the ages of your family members. Some games are perfect for younger children, while others are better for older kids and adults. Similarly, games with simple rules are great for little ones, and the more complex ones can be a fun challenge for older kids and grown-ups.
  
• Theme and Interest: You don’t want to end up buying a board game that nobody wants to play! Therefore, choose games with themes that interest everyone. Popular family board game themes include fantasy, adventure, strategy, and trivia.
• Gameplay Mechanics: You will find a variety of board games out there! Some are cooperative, where players work together to achieve a common goal. Others are competitive, where players compete against each other to win. Then we have quick and easy games, while some strategy games can take hours. So, always choose a game that fits your family's attention span.
  
• Player Count: Depending on your family size, go for games that can accommodate everyone. 
• Educational Value: If you're looking for a fun and educational game, consider games that teach skills like math, reading, or problem-solving.
  
• Reviews and Recommendations: As you are getting a board game for your family, we suggest reading reviews from other families. This can help you know whether it fits your family well.
  

Final Thoughts on Best Board Games for Families

Family game nights are among the most anticipated events. Family members get together for a night of fun games, food, and drinks. Therefore, to help you make them memorable, we have compiled a list of 16 of the best board games for families, catering to players of all ages. If you want to browse more games, check out our impressive board game collection and pick the one that suits you best!

So, get your game on this week with some of the best board games of all time!