There’s something so magical about family game night. As someone who’s tested many of the best family board games over the years, I’ve discovered that it’s a chance to slow down, unplug from our busy schedules, and laugh until our sides hurt. But if you’re like me, planning a game night can feel like one more thing on the to-do list. Between dinner, homework, clean-up, and bedtime routines, finding the time—and the right games—can be overwhelming. Trust me, though, it’s worth it.
During the holiday season, when the kids are home and bursting with energy, a family game night is the perfect way to keep everyone entertained and fight off those dreaded “Mom, I’m bored!” moments. Just like in our “Make Memories: 10 Engaging Games for Thanksgiving Day” post, these activities create lasting memories.
Over the years, I’ve discovered that family game nights don’t need to be complicated or fancy to be fun. With a little planning and the right essentials, you can create an evening everyone looks forward to—even if it’s only for an hour after dinner. And I like to use it as an incentive to get them motivated to help with clean-up.
Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to make family game night a hit, along with a few essentials to keep things running smoothly. If you are looking for the best family board games, this list will guide you to some amazing choices that everyone will enjoy.
Start with the Basics: Best Family Board Games to Choose
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Every family is different, and finding games everyone can enjoy is key. For younger kids, classics like Candy Land, Connect 4, and Bluey Scavenger Hunt are always a win for us. If you’ve got older kids or teens, try something more engaging like Codenames or Exploding Kittens (yes, that’s a real game—and it’s hilarious!).
For our family, we love a mix of strategy and silly games. Some of our favorites include:
- UNO Flip (a fun twist on the classic card game)
- Monopoly Junior (A simplified version-great for introducing kids to money management and strategy)
- Zingo (A fast-paced bingo-style game that’s perfect for younger kids learning words and matching)
- Ticket to Ride (great for kids and adults who love a little strategy)
- Spot It! (perfect for quick rounds and keeping younger kids engaged)
During the holidays, games like Charades or Pictionary are a blast when extended family joins in, too! They’re easy to learn and bound to get everyone laughing.
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Create a Cozy Setup
When setting up for your best family board games night, having a comfortable space is crucial. Set the stage with comfy seating, throw blankets, and plenty of space to spread out the board or cards. You can even dim the lights and light a few candles to make it feel extra cozy (just keep them out of the way of little hands!).
If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love having their own little corner of the setup. A beanbag chair or soft throw pillow can help them feel more comfortable and keep them seated (for the most part). We use these comfy floor chairs, which the boys also use during video gaming.
During the holidays, adding festive touches like string lights or holiday-themed snacks can make game night feel extra special. It’s a simple way to bring a little seasonal magic to your living room!
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Snacks Are Non-Negotiable
As we all know, snacks are a must for any fun family game night. While you could make some “Easy Christmas Cookies for Kids” (these are always a hit!), popcorn, pretzels, and trail mix—everyone loves the classics. But for a holiday twist, why not serve up some homemade hot cocoa? It’s the perfect drink to enjoy by the fire while bonding with your loved ones. Here’s a quick recipe to whip up a delicious cup of cocoa that we love, and the kids enjoy helping me make.
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Make It a Tradition
What makes game night special isn’t the games or the snacks—it’s the time spent together. That’s why I try to make it a regular tradition in our house. Whether you’re playing the best family board games or card games, putting it on the calendar makes it something to look forward to.
During the holiday season, traditions like family game night can help create lasting memories. They’re also a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained when school’s out and everyone’s home for the holidays.
A Few Extra Essentials
Here are some other items that make game night easier and more fun for everyone:
- A Folding Card Table: Perfect for smaller spaces or when you want to set up in the living room instead of the kitchen.
- Reusable Snack Bowls: Less cleanup, and they’re great for portioning out snacks for little hands.
- Storage Solutions for Games: If you’re short on space, grab a simple game storage shelf or basket to keep everything organized.
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Final Thoughts
Family game night doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Sometimes the baby will knock over the game pieces, or the teens will roll their eyes at the fifth round of Charades, but that’s okay. It’s about being together, laughing, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
During the holidays, game nights are a lifesaver when you need to keep the kids entertained and off their devices for a little while. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to wind down after a day of holiday shopping, decorating, or baking cookies.
So, grab a game, some snacks, and your family—and let the fun begin! If you’re looking for some of the essentials I mentioned, you can find them by clicking on the links in the post! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases – at no extra cost to you). I’d love to hear about your favorite games or tips for making game night special, so leave a comment below and share your ideas!
Here’s to more nights filled with laughter, love, and a little healthy competition. 🧡
