Children love playing games, especially with friends and family. A regular family game night is the perfect chance to connect, laugh, and even learn together. Whether it’s a classic board game, a fast-paced card game, or a shared puzzle (not strictly a game — but still great for bonding), it’s all about spending meaningful time together.
Why Play Games as a Family?
Playing games helps strengthen your family bond — but the benefits go beyond that. Games teach:
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Communication
Sitting around the table helps children learn to think strategically and to handle both winning and losing with grace. Game nights also offer a welcome break from screens and busy schedules — a chance to unwind, reconnect, and just enjoy each other’s company.
Choosing the Right Game for Your Family
The best game depends on your child’s age, your family’s interests, and how much time you have. Friday evenings often work well — you can pop dinner in the oven and fit in a quick game while it cooks.
Try to avoid games that take too long or cause frustration. Here are some great options for every age group:
🎈 Ages 3–6: Early Fun and Learning
These games support fine motor skills, turn-taking, and simple problem-solving.
- Orchard Toys – Shopping List
- Orchard Toys – Dinosaur Number Eggs Game
- Hungry Hungry Hippos
- Dobble
- The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game
🧠 Ages 7–11: Fast, Fun, and Thought-Provoking
These games mix strategy, memory, and excitement.
- Uno
- Top Trumps
- Exploding Kittens
- Outfoxed! (a co-operative whodunit game for junior detectives)
- Dragonwood (a dice-rolling game of risk, probability, and adventure)
♟️ Ages 12+: Strategic and Social
Older kids and teens enjoy deeper, more complex games. These are also great for parents!
- Catan
- Ticket to Ride (start with the original US version before exploring the European map)
- Carcassonne
👨👩👧 Whole-Family Favourites
These classics work across age groups and are fun for everyone:
- Scrabble
- Pictionary
- Bananagrams
- Quiddler
How to Keep Game Nights Fresh and Fun
To make family game night something everyone looks forward to:
- Rotate your games – Switch between board games, card games, puzzles, and digital games to keep things interesting.
- Add a fun twist – Offer small rewards, like choosing the next family meal or game, for the winner.
- Let kids take the lead – Allow your child to pick and explain the game. It builds confidence and ownership.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Regular game nights don’t just entertain — they create memories your children will carry into adulthood. It’s not about winning or mastering the perfect strategy; it’s about sharing joy and laughter together.
Try building a small family game library over time. Your kids will think you’re supermum or superdad — and one day, they might carry on the tradition with children of their own.
(We still play board games and card games with our grandchildren — and it’s just as much fun as ever.)
Bonus Idea: Family Movie Nights
If your family enjoys game nights, why not mix things up now and then with a movie night? End-of-term evenings are ideal. Let each child pick a film on different nights so everyone gets a turn. Like games, movies create shared experiences and relaxed family time.