15 Board Games You Can Play With Kids That Adults Actually Enjoy
Board games are a great way to bond with kids, but finding ones that adults also enjoy can be tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there that strike the perfect balance of fun for all ages. These games offer a mix of strategy, creativity, and excitement that keep everyone engaged. Whether you’re looking to unwind on a lazy weekend or spark a little friendly competition, these picks are sure to please.
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Codenames
Codenames is a word association game that pits two teams against each other in a battle of wits and deduction. Players take turns giving one-word clues to their team, who must then guess which words on the board match the clue. The challenge lies in providing clues that are both broad enough to cover multiple words but specific enough to avoid giving away the wrong ones. This dynamic encourages a mix of creative thinking and strategic planning, which makes the game engaging for players of all ages.
For kids, Codenames is an excellent way to develop language skills and teamwork, as they work together to guess the correct words. Meanwhile, adults will enjoy the deeper levels of strategy that come with managing multiple clues and anticipating the other team’s moves. The game is fast-paced and highly replayable, with each round offering a fresh set of challenges. It’s an ideal choice for family game nights, where everyone can compete on an equal footing, whether they’re seasoned players or first-timers.
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a captivating strategy game where players build train routes across the map, aiming to connect cities and complete their destination tickets. Each player collects train cards, which are then used to claim routes on the board, with the goal of connecting cities as efficiently as possible. The game is simple to learn but offers enough depth to keep adults engaged, as they balance the immediate need to complete their routes with the long-term strategy of building the longest continuous path. With its colorful trains and clear map, Ticket to Ride is visually appealing and easy to follow, making it a hit for kids as well.
The game’s mix of short-term decisions and long-term planning creates an engaging experience for both younger and older players. Kids can enjoy the straightforward concept of building trains and connecting cities, while adults can appreciate the strategic complexity of competing routes and blocking opponents. The game can be played in about an hour, making it a perfect choice for quick yet fulfilling game sessions. Whether you’re playing with younger kids or seasoned board gamers, Ticket to Ride provides hours of fun for everyone.
Sushi Go!
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game that challenges players to collect the best sushi combinations in order to score the highest points. The game uses simple rules that are easy for kids to grasp, with players picking cards that represent different sushi dishes and passing the remaining cards around the table. The goal is to build the best meal by collecting sets of sushi, like pairs of sashimi or complete tempura sets, all while trying to outwit the other players. The quick nature of the game keeps it exciting, with each round offering a new set of decisions to make.
For younger players, Sushi Go! is a fun way to practice matching and strategizing, as they need to think ahead and plan their moves. Adults will enjoy the strategy of choosing which cards to keep while trying to predict what the other players are doing. The game is fast and engaging, with rounds that last just a few minutes, so it’s perfect for both short bursts of fun and longer game sessions. With its charming artwork and easy-to-follow rules, Sushi Go! is a wonderful choice for families who want to enjoy a quick and lighthearted game together.
Jenga
Jenga is a classic game of physical skill and nerve, where players take turns removing wooden blocks from a tower and then stacking them back on top without causing the structure to collapse. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible to kids, but the tension builds as the tower grows taller and more unstable. Each player must decide which block to remove, with the goal of avoiding the one that will cause the tower to fall. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but full of suspense, as each move could be the one that sends the tower crashing down.
For kids, Jenga offers an opportunity to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they carefully remove blocks. Adults will find themselves just as invested, trying to outlast their opponents and make the most calculated moves. The beauty of Jenga lies in its unpredictability, while the rules are simple, the game becomes increasingly challenging as the tower grows. With no need for a complicated setup and a quick learning curve, Jenga remains one of the best games to enjoy with family and friends.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players build a medieval landscape by laying down tiles representing cities, roads, and fields. Each player then places a follower, or “meeple,” on the tile to score points based on the features they’ve completed, like a city or a road. The game is easy for kids to learn, yet there’s enough strategy involved to keep adults engaged. Players must think ahead, not only in terms of completing their own features but also in blocking their opponents from finishing their roads or cities.
The joy of Carcassonne comes from the interaction between players as they lay tiles and place their followers. For younger players, it’s an excellent introduction to spatial reasoning and strategy, as they must anticipate where to place tiles and how to build their structures. Adults, on the other hand, will enjoy the subtle tactics of blocking opponents and creating the longest roads or cities. With its simple rules and strategic depth, Carcassonne offers a fantastic balance that makes it enjoyable for everyone, from younger children to seasoned gamers.
Sorry!
Sorry! is a classic family board game where players race to move their pieces around the board and reach the finish line first. The twist is that players can send opponents’ pieces back to the start by landing on the same space, adding an element of surprise and competition. The game’s straightforward rules make it easy for kids to understand, but the back-and-forth nature of the game keeps adults engaged as well. The objective is simple, you just need to get all your pieces home before anyone else, but beware of the setbacks that could slow you down.
The element of strategy comes in when deciding whether to move your pieces forward or send your opponents back. Kids love the fun of sending others back to the start, while adults enjoy the unpredictability and opportunity for last-minute victories. The game is fast-paced, with rounds lasting only a few minutes, making it perfect for multiple games in one session. It’s a fantastic choice for families who want a competitive yet lighthearted experience that everyone can enjoy.
Dixit
Dixit is a creative storytelling game where players use beautifully illustrated cards to describe a word or phrase. The challenge lies in giving just enough detail for your team to guess your card, while also trying to mislead others. Each round, players take turns being the storyteller and choosing one card from their hand to describe, while others try to guess the correct card. The game fosters imagination and encourages players to think outside the box, which makes it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
For children, Dixit is an excellent way to encourage creative thinking and verbal expression. Adults, on the other hand, will appreciate the challenge of creating subtle clues that will make their card hard to guess but still believable. The game’s stunning artwork adds to the fun, as players are often captivated by the vivid and whimsical illustrations. Dixit is perfect for families who enjoy games that involve both strategy and creativity, with each round offering something new and exciting.
Risk
Risk is a classic strategy game where players compete to conquer the world by controlling territories and continents. The game involves strategic decision-making as players must manage their armies, form alliances, and decide when to attack or defend. While it may be a bit more complex for younger players, kids old enough to understand basic strategy can enjoy it with a little guidance. Adults will appreciate the depth of strategy involved, as Risk requires both careful planning and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing game board.
What makes Risk so compelling is its balance of luck and strategy. The roll of the dice determines the outcome of battles, but players must also consider their position on the board and how best to deploy their forces. The game can last for hours, offering an immersive experience where players need to think several steps ahead. It’s a perfect game for families with older kids who enjoy in-depth strategy and a bit of healthy competition.
Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is a party game where players match nouns to adjectives, trying to create the funniest or most fitting combinations. The judge for each round selects the best match, and the rest of the players try to choose the card that they think fits best. The game is quick, with rounds often lasting only a few minutes, making it ideal for family gatherings. Kids love the silly combinations, while adults enjoy the humor and strategy of picking the right card.
The game’s charm lies in its simplicity and the way it encourages players to think creatively. While the younger players might focus on making hilarious combinations, adults can get more strategic, trying to match their card with the judge’s preferences. With a variety of themed versions available, Apples to Apples remains a versatile and enjoyable choice for family game nights. Its easy-to-learn rules and fun, casual playstyle make it perfect for a wide range of ages.
Pictionary
Pictionary is a fast-paced drawing game where players try to guess the word or phrase depicted by their teammate’s sketch. The game’s simple rules make it easy for kids to join in, while the competition and laughter keep adults engaged. Each round, players are given a word and must draw it without using any letters or numbers, while their teammates try to guess what it is before time runs out. The challenge lies in how well players can translate abstract concepts into drawings, often leading to hilarious results.
For kids, Pictionary is a fun way to practice drawing and problem-solving, as they work to illustrate their words in ways others can understand. Adults enjoy the challenge of creating quick, clever drawings while trying to avoid making the clues too obvious. The game is fast, with short rounds that keep the energy high, making it perfect for family get-togethers. It’s one of those games where the more creative and silly the drawings, the more fun it becomes for everyone.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic board game where players buy, sell, and trade properties with the goal of bankrupting their opponents. Each player moves around the board, acquiring properties and building houses or hotels to increase the value of their assets. The game requires strategic thinking, as players must manage their money wisely while deciding when to make deals or when to take risks. While the rules are simple, the long duration of the game and the multiple ways to win keep it engaging for all ages.
For kids, Monopoly is a great way to learn basic money management and decision-making. Adults can enjoy the negotiation aspect, where deals and alliances can change the course of the game. The game’s competitive nature makes it exciting, and the longer it goes, the more intense it becomes. Whether you’re playing a quick game or an extended session, Monopoly is a timeless favorite for family game nights.
Battleship
Battleship is a two-player game where players try to sink their opponent’s ships by guessing the coordinates of their vessels. The game involves strategy and a bit of luck as players try to guess where their opponent’s ships are hiding on a grid. The goal is to sink all of the opponent’s ships before they sink yours, making for a thrilling, suspenseful experience. This simple yet intense game is perfect for both kids and adults, as it combines elements of deduction and memory.
Kids love the straightforward gameplay and the excitement of hitting an opponent’s ship, while adults enjoy the strategy behind placing and guessing the coordinates. It’s a fast-paced game that doesn’t take long to play, making it ideal for quick, competitive rounds. The element of surprise keeps the game fresh every time, and it’s easy to pick up and play with no long set-up time. Battleship is a great choice for families who enjoy a quick and engaging game that doesn’t require much preparation.
Connect 4
Connect 4 is a simple, yet highly competitive, game where players take turns dropping colored discs into a vertical grid. The goal is to be the first to line up four of your discs in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The rules are easy for kids to grasp, and the game can be played in just a few minutes. However, the strategic depth of planning moves ahead and blocking your opponent’s attempts to connect their discs keeps it challenging for adults as well.
The beauty of Connect 4 lies in its simplicity and the level of strategy that grows as the game progresses. For kids, it’s an excellent way to practice spatial awareness and problem-solving. Adults will appreciate the tactical nature of the game, as they work to anticipate their opponent’s moves while setting up their own winning combination. The quick gameplay and the excitement of trying to get four in a row make Connect 4 a fun and addictive game for the whole family.
The Game of Life
The Game of Life is a board game where players simulate a journey through life, making decisions about careers, family, and finances. Players spin a wheel to move along the board, making choices that impact their success in life, such as going to college, buying a house, or having children. The goal is to retire with the most money, but the path to that goal is filled with unpredictable events and decisions that can change the course of the game. This game is easy to understand for kids, but it also offers enough decisions for adults to enjoy the experience.
For kids, The Game of Life is an educational way to learn about decision-making and the consequences of choices. Adults will enjoy the game’s balance of strategy and chance, as they try to make the best choices to lead their character to success. The game’s long duration and variety of life events keep it interesting, as players must adapt their plans based on what happens along the way. Whether it’s a quick round or a longer play session, The Game of Life is a fun way to bond as a family while learning valuable lessons.
Labyrinth
Labyrinth is a strategy game where players navigate a constantly shifting maze, trying to collect treasures and reach their goal before their opponents. The board is made up of movable tiles, which change the layout of the maze each time you play. Players move their pieces along the maze and shift the walls to create paths while blocking their opponents. The simple rules make it a perfect game for kids, but the dynamic maze and strategy involved will keep adults engaged.
Kids enjoy the excitement of seeing the maze shift and figuring out how to get to their treasures, while adults will appreciate the strategic planning required to outwit their opponents. The game is quick, with each round lasting around 30 minutes, which makes it easy to fit into a busy game night. The combination of chance and strategy makes it a fun, unpredictable game that can be played over and over again. Labyrinth is an excellent choice for families who want a game that’s easy to pick up, but still offers plenty of challenge.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.