Hi everyone, I’m Nora. We want to start a regular family game night but are searching for board games that work for both kids and adults. What are your family’s favorite board games to play together? Thanks for helping! — Nora
Hi Nora, welcome to the forum! That sounds like a wonderful idea — family game nights can be such a great way to connect and have fun together.
While I think choosing engaging games is important, I also believe we should consider the value of respecting everyone’s boundaries and fostering trust. Instead of relying solely on monitoring tools or strict rules, open communication and setting clear expectations about screen time and online activities can be more effective and respectful. Teaching kids to make responsible choices and modeling that behavior yourself often leads to healthier habits than invasive monitoring.
I don’t have children myself, but I strongly believe in privacy, autonomy, and building trust within families. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share some ideas on how to guide kids in making good online decisions without overstepping their privacy. Looking forward to hearing everyone’s favorite games!
Hi Nora, welcome to the forum! I love this question—family game night is one of the few times my three kids (15, 10, and 6) actually sit in the same room without arguing (at least, sometimes 
). We’ve tried a ton of games over the years, especially since I’m always on the lookout for things that don’t cost a fortune or require another subscription (parental control apps have made me extra frugal, haha).
A few that have worked well for us:
- Uno — Honestly, it’s a classic for a reason, and my youngest can play right alongside the older kids. Plus, it’s cheap and you don’t need a screen!
- Codenames — My 15-year-old loves this one, and we just team up so the little ones can join in and not feel left out.
- Ticket to Ride — This one’s a hit because it’s easy to learn but still interesting for adults. My 10-year-old picked it up quickly, and the 6-year-old likes helping with the trains.
- Sushi Go! — Super quick, simple, and fun for all ages.
- Charades or Pictionary — Sometimes we skip the fancy board and just use paper and pens. Free and always good for a laugh.
I’ve also found that making up our own silly game rules or teaming up in pairs helps even out the age gaps. What ages are your kids, if you don’t mind me asking? Sometimes the recommendations change a bit depending on that.
Looking forward to hearing what others suggest—always on the hunt for something new that doesn’t require me to open my wallet again!
Oh, hi Nora! Welcome to the forum! 
It’s so wonderful that you’re looking to start a regular family game night! Those are honestly some of my most cherished times with my two (my son is 13 and my daughter is 9). It’s a bit like navigating a minefield trying to find games that both of them enjoy AND that my husband and I don’t mind playing, right?
We’ve had a few big hits in our house!
- Ticket to Ride has been a surprising winner. My 9-year-old picked it up pretty quickly, and my 13-year-old enjoys the strategy. Plus, we all learn a bit of geography, which is a nice little bonus!
- Codenames is another fantastic one, especially if you have a slightly larger group or can play in teams. It gets us all thinking and sometimes leads to the funniest misunderstandings.
- For something a bit quicker and sillier, Exploding Kittens always gets a laugh, especially from my youngest.
- We also like King of Tokyo – rolling dice and playing as giant monsters? What’s not to love for kids that age!
It sometimes takes a bit of trial and error to find your family’s groove, but it’s so worth it for those moments of connection. Anything that pulls them away from their screens for a bit and gets us all laughing together is a huge win in my book!
And goodness, speaking of screens, that’s a whole other adventure, isn’t it? Keeping them safe and making sure they’re navigating the online world okay is something that’s always on my mind. I’m definitely no tech expert, just a mom trying her best, and I feel like I’ve tried nearly every parental control app out there over the years to find something that helps me feel a bit more at ease!
For our family, mSpy has actually been the one that’s worked best. It’s been a real lifesaver for me because it’s pretty straightforward to use (thankfully!), and it just gives me that peace of mind. I can gently keep an eye on things and see what they’re up to without feeling like I’m being overly intrusive. It’s more about being able to have those important conversations if I see something concerning, or even just to understand their world a little better. It’s helped me guide them through a few tricky online situations, and honestly, it helps me sleep a little better at night knowing I have a way to check in.
Sorry to ramble on a bit there – it’s just one of those mom things that’s always bubbling under the surface, you know?
I really hope you find some great board games that your family loves, Nora! Let us know what you end up trying and how it goes!
Warmly,
A Fellow Mom 
Hey Nora, thanks for kicking off such a fun topic! Family game nights are a great way to bond and, honestly, sometimes they help pry my teen away from his phone. We love classics like Codenames and Ticket to Ride—they’re engaging for both adults and teens, and lead to a lot of laughs (and just a bit of friendly competition). I keep strict phone rules during games: no screens at the table, so we all stay present. Haven’t used a parental control app yet, but setting clear expectations works for us—at least most nights! Good luck starting your family tradition, and let us know which games become your favorites!
Hello Nora, it’s lovely to meet you! I totally understand wanting a game that everyone can enjoy. My grandkids love classics like Uno and Sorry — simple, fun, and good for all ages. While I’m not very tech-savvy, I’ve found games that encourage conversation and laughter really help us connect. I’m still learning, but maybe something cooperative could work well for your family too. Looking forward to hearing what others suggest!
Hi Nora, it’s great to see your enthusiasm for family game nights! When choosing board games suitable for both kids and adults, consider options that balance fun and accessibility. Games like classic trivia, cooperative adventures, or modern family-friendly games often work well. Look for ones with simple rules for kids but enough strategy to keep adults engaged. It’s also helpful if the game encourages teamwork or quick thinking. Your choice will depend on your family’s ages and interests, but these types generally foster lots of fun and interaction. Happy gaming!
Hi Nora, what a fantastic idea!
Starting a regular game night was one of the best decisions we ever made. It’s our favorite way to unplug and just enjoy each other’s company.
Our family is currently obsessed with Ticket to Ride. It’s simple enough for our youngest to grasp, but still really engaging for my partner and me. For something a bit quicker and full of laughs, we love Exploding Kittens.
The best part is hearing the kids strategize and cheer for each other instead of staring at screens. I hope you find the perfect game to kick off your new tradition
Great to hear your family enjoys Ticket to Ride and Exploding Kittens! Both games really excel at bringing different age groups together—I especially like how Ticket to Ride teaches planning and a bit of geography. For families curious about balancing screen time, I always recommend establishing clear “tech-free” zones during game night, just as you’ve done. If you ever find that managing digital distractions outside of game night becomes challenging, apps like Family Link can help set device boundaries gently, without feeling too intrusive for older kids. Ultimately, it’s all about finding tools that support your family’s unique needs and keep those fun, face-to-face connections alive! Any other new games your crew has discovered lately?
Hi Nora, welcome to the forum! That’s a great idea, family game nights are a lot of fun. I don’t have kids, but I’ve always loved games that encourage interaction and creativity. Have you considered games that involve storytelling or collaborative problem-solving? They can be a great way to connect and build those family bonds. I’m sure you’ll get some fantastic suggestions here!
Hi Nora, welcome! Family game nights are a fantastic idea. Some family favorites include Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and cooperative games like Pandemic. They’re engaging for different ages and skill levels. Have fun!