Board Games Everyone Will Love: Family Favorites for All Ages
From 5-year-olds to parents—these fun and flexible games bring the whole family together for screen-free connection and laughter.
Finding a game everyone actually enjoys can feel impossible. With young kids who can't read, older kids who crave a challenge, and grown-ups who don’t want to be bored stiff, it’s hard to land on something that works for everyone. But it is possible—and worth it. I’ve rounded up our absolute favorite family-friendly board games that we actually play (and love). These are the games that spark laughter, invite connection, and create the kinds of memories you'll all treasure.
Players are junior naturalists helping Charles Darwin finish his book On the Origin of Species. Study animals, carry out cartographic surveys, publish your findings, and develop theories. Your goal is to score Victory Points to determine who contributed the most to the Origin of Species! No reading required. Older kids and adults will strategize, while younger kids will pick their favorite animals to draft onto their board. Either way, everyone can have fun!
In Bärenpark, players will attempt to build the best bear park, not only for the largest Kodiak bears, but also for polar bears and even koalas. Yes, we hear you, Koalas aren't bears. But they were too cute to leave out, so they're here! Place enclosures, animal houses, and shops skillfully in your park. Complete areas quickly to score a lot of points. Cover icons to get new tiles and park sections. Make the most interesting park for years to come! No reading required. Older kids and adults will strategize, while younger kids will pick their favorite bears and design a unique zoo!
In Camel Up, up to eight players bet on five racing camels, trying to sus out which ones will place first and second in a quick race around a pyramid. Camels don't run neatly, however, sometimes landing on top of another one and being carried toward the finish line. Who's going to run when? That all depends on how the dice come out of the pyramid dice shaker! No reading required. Young kids (and adults) will love using the pyramid to roll dice, and the unpredictable nature of the camels makes it less of a strategy game and more of a fun way to spend time together with surprising twists and turns!
Kingdomino uses tiles like dominoes but with a twist! Create the most points-worthy kingdom in a 5x5 grid by matching terrains. Winner of the family game of the year. A fun game great for all ages, no reading required. Older kids and adults will strategize, while younger kids will pick their favorite tiles and design their unique kingdom!
I absolutely love this cooperative game based on a real zoo! Play as the real staff members and take care of the animals you can visit at the Miller Zoo in Montreal, Canada! Also makes a wonderful solo game. No reading required. Older kids and adults will come along younger players in this cooperative game to work together and try to win!
Pitch your tents! Players will explore the hazardous ruins of the temple in five rounds, recovering gems and artifacts while pressing their luck with how deep into the temple they will explore, thus risking the loss of everything they have collected during that round. Party games meet card games. This is a family favorite. It works for any age! No reading required. In this 'push your luck' chance game, all kids have to do is reveal one of two cards—will they stay or go? Simple, easy, but you’ll be on the edge of your seat!
Join a team of adventurers dropped on a mysterious island beach, navigating through the jungle to hunt for treasure & reach ancient temples in this fun family game. Lay your tiles on a grid to form paths & race other players to collect treasure. Each time you play this tile game it's a unique board game experience offering fun family time. No reading required. Older kids and adults will strategize, while younger kids will make their own paths to their temples! I let my younger kids change pieces if they find they are stuck and cannot make a path later in the game.
This beautifully designed, easy-to-learn board game brings the award-winning spatial puzzle of Cascadia to younger players, without sacrificing fun for older ones. With bright, colorful tiles and adorable animal tokens (hello, bears and foxes!), kids can dive into pattern matching and set collection while exploring diverse habitats like rivers, forests, and prairies. Quick to play in just 15–30 minutes, it’s the perfect mix of education and entertainment—and as kids grow more confident, the advanced mode offers a fresh challenge for the whole family. No reading required.
This fun card game invites players of all ages into the vibrant heart of the African grasslands for a thoughtful, strategic game night experience. Through card drafting and clever placement, you’ll build a thriving savanna ecosystem filled with lions, zebras, elephants, and more—balancing species and landforms to earn points. This game isn’t just fun; it’s a subtle science lesson in ecological harmony and resource management. With stunning artwork inspired by the Serengeti and a blend of strategy and nature-based learning, Ecosystem: Savanna is a perfect choice for families seeking a game that’s both educational and visually stunning. No reading required. Older kids and adults will strategize, while younger kids will eventually learn which cards work best together, or they might simply enjoy designing their own savannah.
Gnoming-A-Round is a charming twist on the classic card game Golf, brought to life by Grandpa and Grandma Beck—family game night legends with 17 grandkids to test their creations! In this light strategy game, players compete to score the lowest points by flipping and matching cards, dodging hazards, and collecting clever combos. Easy to learn but surprisingly strategic, it’s a hit with kids, teens, and adults alike. With whimsical gnome-themed artwork and high-quality materials, Gnoming-A-Round is as delightful to look at as it is to play—perfect for making memories across generations. No reading required. This is a great introduction to negative numbers. My six-year-old was fascinated with the idea that you can go below zero, and in this game, you want to do that to win!
A Gentle Rain offers a peaceful pause in the middle of a busy day. This beautifully designed tile-placement game invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple pleasure of matching tiles to bloom delicate flowers. With its easy-to-learn rules and nature-inspired art, it’s perfect for a quiet solo moment or a calming game with a friend. Whether you’re new to board games or just craving a little serenity, A Gentle Rain brings mindfulness and beauty to your tabletop—no stress, just gentle joy. No reading required. This is by far the most relaxing game you will play. It is amazing solo (kids can play on their own with no issues) or as a cooperative opportunity to connect, chat, and sip tea.
Toy Battle is a fast-paced, two-player strategy game where toy troops clash across imaginative battlegrounds—from volcanic jungles to floating cloud cities. Easy-to-learn rules, it’s perfect for family game night or a fun head-to-head challenge between siblings (or grown-ups!). Each of the 8 unique terrain boards adds fresh strategy and replayability, keeping the game dynamic and engaging. With high-quality components and a playful theme, Toy Battle delivers big tactical fun in a small package—for kids, parents, and anyone who loves a good showdown. No reading required. Once your kids get the hang of the special powers of the toys, watch your back, they may very well outwit you! Easy to learn, multiple boards with varying difficulty. Games take 5-10 minutes tops, but you’ll find yourself playing game after game!
Share your favorite family-friendly games below that work for your family!
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