Family Game Nights: The Ultimate Guide

Making Family Memories

It is so easy to get drawn into the digital world. Lost to the endless black hole that is scrolling. Family game nights can seem daunting at first. Will you all agree on a game, will you all enjoy it? How will everyone handle losing? You can draft up rules to follow for picking games, and your children won’t learn to handle losing if they don’t experience it. What better way to learn, than surrounded by those they feel safe with?

Together, let us put down our screens and delve into this timeless and cherished tradition that has the power to bring families closer together, create laughter, foster communication, and build lasting memories.

In our fast-paced world, we need to learn to slow down. We don’t need everything instantly, we need to share in the beauty of just being together in the moment, coming together face-to-face, to engage in fun and meaningful activities. Family game nights offer a respite from the constant barrage of notifications and a chance to rekindle the spirit of togetherness.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the importance of family game nights and how you can build it into your routine. I’ll even include examples of games to get started and how to find the perfect games for your family. This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Family Game Nights Matter

Family game nights are more than just an enjoyable pastime; they hold the power to transform family dynamics and create lasting bonds.

Strengthening Family Bonds

Sitting around a table as a family shouldn’t just be reserved for meal times. Having family game nights serves as a catalyst for building stronger relationships among family members. In the midst of the laughter and friendly competition, deep bonds can be forged. The act of playing together fosters a sense of unity and belonging, reminding everyone that they are an integral part of a loving family.

Enhanced Communication

Communication lies at the heart of every successful family game night. Whether it’s discussing game strategies, negotiating trades, or simply sharing anecdotes and stories, family members engage in meaningful dialogues. These interactions help improve communication skills, as individuals learn to express themselves, listen actively, and respect differing viewpoints.

Learning Valuable Life Skills

Family game nights are not just about having fun; they are also a valuable learning opportunity. Many board games and card games require critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Children and adults alike develop these essential life skills while enjoying themselves.

Creating Lasting Memories

Perhaps the most significant benefit of family game nights is the creation of cherished memories. Years later, family members will fondly recall these evenings spent together, remembering the games, the laughter, and the moments of triumph and defeat. They will also remember when little Tommy flipped the Monopoly board, but they’ll laugh about it.

Choosing the Right Games

Selecting the perfect games for your family game night is important. You not only have to make sure it is age-appropriate but also within everyone’s taste. However, it is also about embracing something new. There are so many board games out there, you will find something that works for everyone. It is also important to include your children in the decision-making, let them choose a game even if it is something you might not like. This gives them the knowledge that their choices are important. Try things out of your comfort zone.

Remember you know your children, so don’t be put off by the age range if your child isn’t quite there. Catan is an 8-10+, but with a little help, my 6-year-old plays. If you have younger players, try to team up or find a game that has different levels of difficulty.

Let’s dive into some examples of board games. All the games listed we have played, and would recommend.

Classic Board Games for All Ages

Monopoly: This timeless classic lets players become property tycoons, engaging in buying, trading, and building their way to victory. It’s a game that has delighted generations, as well as caused the occasional argument. I think Monopoly is your either love it or hate it. Though, now, there are so many varieties.

Scrabble: A word lover’s delight, Scrabble challenges players to create words and maximise their point potential on the game board. It’s a great way to expand vocabulary while having fun. There are different versions of the game, including a junior version and a trickster version.

Uno: Uno is a fast-paced card game that’s easy to learn and perfect for family game nights. Players race to shed their hands of cards by matching colours and numbers. I found out recently that you can’t play a pick-up 2 on top of a pick-up 2, to pass it on to the next player. What is that about?

Trivial Pursuit: This classic board game tests your knowledge across a wide range of categories. While players aim to collect all six iconic pie-shaped wedges. There are so many different types of trivia pursuits now, that you are sure to find one that works for your family.

Risk: We tried this game with our 6-year-old, and though he understood it, he is still a little young. The aim is to control the world through battle and strategy.

Modern Alternatives for Added Variety

Catan: This strategic board game is where players build settlements and roads on an island, trading resources to achieve victory points. It’s a game of skill, negotiation, and resource management. We started with the Junior Version with our eldest, but he soon moved on to this one.

Codenames: A word game that challenges players to find secret agents using one-word clues. It’s great for older kids and adults who love puzzles and wordplay. This is so much fun and it can really get you thinking outside the box.

Pandemic: A cooperative board game where players work together to save the world from deadly diseases. It’s a thrilling and collaborative experience.

Disney Colour Brain: If you love Disney I would recommend you try this out. It challenges you to recall the colours of your favourite Disney characters and objects. Which isn’t as easy as you would think.

Zombie Kids Evolution: My eldest son loves this game. What is great about it, is the progression. As you win games and complete tasks there are envelopes to open that change the game dynamics. It’s simple and fun.

card and dice games

Card games are a fun and quick way to play a game. They can be taken out with you and slipped into your day whenever and wherever if you want that family game fix.

Monopoly Deal: This fast-paced game is a great quick alternative to Monopoly. Your goal is to be the first player to reach 3 property sets or cause your opponent to run out of cards.

Scrabble Dash: This is another fast-paced card game, that is a twist on an old favourite. The goal is to create a word from the letter cards in your hand, by following the rule set out on the rule card.

Battleship Express: This little game is a fun twist on the original. Perfect for those too young to get the hang of the original. It is also up to 4 players. You each have a set of ships and there are dice to roll to attack an opponent’s ships. The goal is to destroy a certain amount of ships.

Pizza Party: This game card and dice game is only two players, but pick up a couple of copies to make it more. The aim is to create a full pizza before your opponent, by rolling the dice and matching the toppings of each pizza slice. It is fast-paced and fun.

Setting Up a Game Night

Scheduling and Consistency

Making games night a regular thing is important. Choose a day and time that fits in with your family schedule. That way everyone knows when it is and shouldn’t plan something on it. Obviously be open to changes that might occur last minute. Forcing someone to miss something else could cause them to not enjoy game nights in the future. Compromise is key, but missing game night can’t be a regular thing.

Creating a Comfortable Space

Select a cosy and inviting space in your home for game nights. Whether it’s the living room, dining table, or a dedicated game room, comfort is key. Arrange seating that accommodates all players, ensuring everyone has a clear view of the game board or cards. Add cosy cushions or blankets to enhance the comfort.

Snacks and Drinks for Added Enjoyment

Snacks and drinks are a great addition to a games night. Consider family favourites like popcorn, finger foods, or a colourful fruit platter. Offer a variety of beverages, from squash to hot chocolate for those chilly game nights. Snacks not only satisfy hunger but also provide a break for conversation and strategy planning.

Fair Play and Sportsmanship

Establish a culture of fair play and sportsmanship from the beginning. Enjoying the game and the company is what is important. Encourage honesty and discourage cheating. Teach children the value of good sportsmanship by applauding their opponents’ successes. I say this, but I am so competitive and my son takes after me. He has his moments where he does not lose well or win graciously.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Conflicts during games can be opportunities for valuable life lessons. Discuss strategies for resolving disputes, such as taking a short break, involving a neutral mediator (like a parent), or referring to the game’s official rules. Teach children the importance of compromise and effective communication.

Fostering a Positive Atmosphere

Above all, emphasise that game nights are about having fun together. Encourage laughter and lighthearted banter, and remind family members not to take games too seriously. Create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard. Celebrate each player’s unique strengths and contributions to the game.

Screen-free

This is a big rule. Make sure your children have wrapped up any conversations or games that they may have been doing before, and get those screens out of there. This is a time to fully immerse yourself in your family and the game.

Conclusion

Family game nights should be a fun and enjoyable time. They might get a little stressful as children learn to handle losses, but the more that they play the more they’ll learn. Try to handle meltdowns with empathy and understanding. Model how to lose and how to congratulate a winner. Remember, children can learn so much from simply playing a game, it doesn’t have to be a specific learning game. Above all else create memories to last a lifetime.