Since this Summer looks like it will consist of a lot more staying home than any of us could have imagined, I thought I’d share some of the best family board games EVER.
We’ve always been a board game family, but let’s be real – not all games are equally fun. While I will definitely take Star Wars Monopoly over the traditional version, there are so many more – BETTER options for family game night.
This post contains affiliate links which means I will earn commission if you purchase through one of these links.
Here are a few of our current favorites.
We’re a family of four, so most of these games have a max 4 players, unless otherwise noted.
Best Family Board Games for Elementary-Age Kids
As I write this, my kids just finished 2nd and 3rd grade, and these games are ones we’ve been able to enjoy with both of them, unless there’s a not about just my older child enjoying them.
If you are looking for family board games for younger kids check out my post about the best board games for 3 & 4 year olds and this one about the best board games for toddlers.
But for today, we’re focusing on family games that elementary school kids will enjoy!
Minecraft IRL
If your kids are Minecraft fans, then they NEED this “real life” minecraft game. I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of the computer version of Minecraft, but I still loved this game.
The kids are a lot more into it because it reminds them of the computer version so it’s a big win for everybody. Get the game here.
Takenoko
This is one of our more recent buys, and it’s been a huge hit! The age on the box is 13 and up, but if you play games as a family a lot, elementary kids should’t have any trouble figuring out how to play this game. My 7 year old and 9 year old are both able to play it with no problem!
The game involves an adorable panda bear, growing bamboo and meeting secret challenges to earn points. It’s lots of fun and I can’t get enough of it! This is one of the longer games on this list, so be prepared for 45 minutes to an hour of playtime. Grab the game here.
Pokemon – the Game
Pokemon trading cards have made a huge comeback over the last few years, but around here, most of the kids do trading and play a card game more similar to war than the traditional 2 player Pokemon game.
My son (9 year old) recently taught me how to play the real Pokemon battle game and we’re hooked! This gets played at least 3x a week at our house. You can use cards you already have to build a battle deck, or do what I did and purchase a pre-made battle-ready deck. My son makes his own, since he has 100s of cards and I just grab a deck and go! Get a pre-made deck here.
Spy Alley
This is a game from my childhood and we recently got it to enjoy with the kids. Each player is a spy and trying to gather all of their information to win the game without anyone else guessing their secret identity. I always felt like a super-cool spy when I played this as a kid, and it seems like my kids feel the same. Grab this game here.
Go Nuts for Donuts
Who couldn’t use a donut themed game? This one is a fast paced game that’s perfect to wind down after a busy day, especially if you’re pressed for time! Grab the game here.
Rhino Hero Super Battle
Not only does this game have the best name ever – it’s also super fun! You work together to stack buildings and race your way to the top. The player who is on top when the building topples (as long as they’re not the one to topple it) wins! Get the game.
Carcassone
In this game players place tiles to build the city of Carcassone. You earn points based on the type of structure you complete: roads, cities, cloisters or farms. My husband and I have played and loved this game for 11 years so we were very excited to introduce it to the kids.
To be sure the kids can compete we remove the farming element from the game when playing with the little ones. That puts everyone on more even footing since scoring farms can be pretty strategic. There’s also a kid’s version of Carcassone but we always play the regular Carcassone at our house.
Dominion
This is another game that says 13 and up on the box, but my 9 year old plays it with no trouble. It is not a game he often wins, but we enjoy playing it together. Dominion is a whole series of games, and you can buy card expansions to make it even more fun as you play. Get the base game here.
Kingdomino
We bought Kindomino when our youngest was just 5 and she was able to hold her own. In fact, she often won because she had the benefit of tips and advice from mom and dad as we played.
There are a couple of expansions to this game to make it different and harder as the kids grow up. Lots of fun!
Risk
This game needs no introduction. It’s a classic, and it’s epic. Risk definitely has to go on the family board game night list. Get Risk here.
Does your family have a favorite board game? I’d love to hear what you’re playing this Summer!
Tamarac Rehab says
Cool games to spend time with family. My kids love these toys. Especially now during quarantine it is a necessary thing, it helps us to relax morally after a hard day when there is nowhere to hide from each other. This year was difficult for everyone, but such simple games really help to have fun in your free time. My children are delighted with this and I like to see them laughing and having fun. Good luck!
Kristina Daugherty says
Great suggestions! I’ll have to try these! We love family game night! Thank you!
snow rider says
Wonderful recommendations! I can’t wait to give these a shot! We look forward to game night every week! I really appreciate it.
Alex31 says
Studying can be tough, but with a little help from https://takemyclassesforme.com/, things become a lot more manageable. I chanced upon this site, and it’s been a blessing. They offer a wide range of academic services for students of all ages and levels. From exam preparation to handling assignments, it’s a one-stop-shop. What sets them apart is the expertise of their tutors. They’re experienced and dedicated to helping you succeed. Plus, the flexibility in accessing their services makes it even more appealing. So, if you need some academic assistance, don’t hesitate to explore this site.
dianahardy says
I completely agree with the article’s perspective. Online education https://www.familyminded.com/s/why-online-education-can-make-students-lazy-05100f0db8a5498c offers convenience, but it’s essential for students to stay self-disciplined to combat laziness and succeed academically. Motivation and time management are key!
run away 3D says
Sincerely, I wish that a greater number of individuals would avail themselves of the outstanding and critical forum that you provide.
jacksonalbert says
Get Varsity Jackets offers a stunning louis vuitton green varsity jacket for LV fans. Limited stock available, so order now before it’s too late! Don’t miss out on this exclusive item.
terasa cu carti seriale turcesti says
Once upon a time, Turkish series stole our hearts with their epic plots and beautiful characters. Now, you can watch them all on Terasa cu Cărți—Romanian subtitles included, and best of all, it’s free! Let the drama begin… 🎬✨ #SerialeTurcesti
Harry Willliam says
The information is ver help full
retro niners jacket
Shawn Joseph says
In this Best Sabrina Carpenter Costume Ideas guide, we have a list of all the essentials that you’d need to carry the same look as hers from Coachella.
Cameron says
The subject here turned out to be very related to the one I had been studying for a long time slope run
Marnie B Oswald says
Better Than Monopoly Family Board Games That Don’t Suck is looking good with this review and I love to give it a try. So when I tried Expert Builders Sunshine Coast I saw a lot of solutions that brought the results to us.
Clarke Diane says
This summer, as we stay indoors, consider trying out exciting board games like those mentioned, along with the invigorating Slope. This exhilarating racing experience is perfect for family fun, providing a blend of adventure and creativity that board games alone might lack.
mapquest directions says
This roundup is fantastic! Love how you’ve covered such a fun and diverse mix of games for elementary-age kids—way better than the usual Monopoly grind! We’re big fans of Kingdomino and Spy Alley too, and now I’m definitely eyeing Takenoko and Rhino Hero Super Battle for our next game night. Appreciate the real-life tips and age suggestions—makes choosing a new game so much easier.
NateCarter says
Say, you got a nice article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
Seattle Store
NateCarter says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about
Giants Shop
messi says
In the modern digital era, online gaming has evolved far beyond just being a source of entertainment. Millions of players across the globe now look at gaming not only as a fun hobby but also as a serious opportunity to generate income. With technological advances, increasing connectivity, and the growth of platforms that connect gamers to audiences and marketplaces, it has become easier than ever to turn passion for gaming into profit. Whether you are a casual gamer, a professional esports player, or someone who loves creating content around video games, there are multiple ways to make money while playing games. This article provides a comprehensive, detailed, and professional look at the many opportunities, strategies, and practical steps one can take to earn money through gaming. https://mapagbigay.com/
azaleigh says
Posts about family games often spark memories of digital titles that shaped casual evenings or friendly competitions. When technical issues interrupt those moments, people naturally search for reliable assistance. Thinking through similar situations, I turned to best pogo phone number which collects customer experiences involving troubleshooting or account access. These reflections offer a grounded sense of how well the platform supports players reconnecting with familiar games.
Emilycandy says
A very good game, isn’t it? Children can explore and develop their intelligence by playing board games with their parents and other family members during their free time. level devil run download.
Ivan says
I enjoyed these suggestions because they focus on games that actually keep families engaged instead of dragging on like Monopoly usually does. The emphasis on cooperation, quick turns, and shared laughs really stood out to me. We’ve had similar vibes when switching from board games to couch gaming nights, especially when local co-op matters more than competition. That’s one of the reasons I often explore lists like two player ps5 games, where teamwork, split-screen play, and shared problem-solving feel just as social as a good board game. Mixing these kinds of experiences makes family game nights more dynamic and genuinely fun for everyone involved.
jenny mod minecraft nsfw says
It is important to be aware that the jenny mod minecraft nsfw tag is applied for a reason. According to multiple sources, the mod is designed with mature themes and includes sexually explicit content, making it “Not Safe For Work” and intended for a mature audience only . The interactions with Jenny and other characters are designed to simulate adult relationships and can lead to “spicier” interactions as the player progresses . Due to this content, the mod is not available on official marketplaces and is distributed through third-party forums and file-sharing sites .
quran lessons online says
Structured learning is the cornerstone of mastering any subject, and the Quran is no exception. Modern digital platforms offer comprehensive quran lessons online that cater to various age groups and skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced students. These quran lessons online are designed to be interactive, often utilizing digital whiteboards, screen sharing, and visual aids to keep students engaged. Whether it’s learning the Arabic alphabet or understanding the complex rules of pronunciation, these structured quran lessons online provide a clear roadmap for students, allowing them to progress at their own pace while receiving continuous feedback from their dedicated instructors.
Berg Publisher says
Really enjoyed your list of family board games! It’s refreshing to see options that actually keep everyone engaged. By the way, for anyone looking to turn their board game ideas—or any creative project—into a published book, affordable book publishing agency services like Berg Publisher make the process smooth and professional.
Aimee Dodd says
That’s a great list! My family’s been doing a lot of indoor activities too. Aside from board games, we’ve been getting really into Geometry Dash. It’s surprisingly addictive and everyone from my little cousin to my grandpa enjoys trying to beat each other’s scores. If you’re looking for something digital to mix things up, give it a try! It’s free to play and super challenging.
Mark Tuan says
Hey Paula! Love this roundup of board games—finally, some solid options to break away from Monopoly! Can’t wait to bring these to family game night. Also, speaking of games, check out sports games for some fun twists on sports too! Thanks for sharing!
SweepStars Casino says
Monopoly somehow turns every family night into emotional damage 😂 We switched to lighter games recently and the vibe is way better now. Funny enough, my cousin found a few ideas while browsing community threads connected to SweepStars Casino , and people were sharing surprisingly good recommendations for casual game nights that don’t end in arguments.
OpenClaw AI says
That’s a great list!GREAT!!!
Gakuran Hub says
We’re a board-game family too, and regular Monopoly always drags past everyone’s patience – glad I’m not the only one who’d rather play literally anything else. Sequence has been our reliable pick for mixed ages because it’s simple enough for the youngest but still competitive for the adults. Curious which of your list you’d grab first for a rainy summer afternoon.