Finding the best games for families to play together can feel like a challenge, but it’s one that’s well worth it. Dad’s after action, Mum’s unsure about trivia, the teens are hard to impress, and the little ones just want something fun (as long as it’s not what their sibling picked!). But when you land on a game that clicks for everyone, that’s when the magic happens.
At Happy Puzzle, we believe games are more than just entertainment, they're a brilliant way to bring families closer, spark learning, and create unforgettable memories. That’s why we’ve pulled together a few of our best family board games to make family time a blast. Expect giggles, brain teasers, friendly rivalries, and best of all, fun for all ages!
Let the Games Begin
There’s something special about gathering the gang and diving into a great game. It’s one of the best ways to spend quality time and make lasting memories. The best board games bring everyone together, whether it’s through a bit of friendly competition, clever teamwork, or just sharing a laugh.
With so many options out there, picking a game that keeps the entire family happy can feel like a puzzle in itself. Our collection is the missing piece! Packed with fun, family-friendly games and puzzles, we have something to suit all ages and interests. Whether it’s game night at home, a rainy day on holiday, a birthday bash, or just a chilled Sunday afternoon, we’ve got just the thing to keep everyone entertained.
Best Games for Families to Play Together: Our Top 5 Picks
Looking for a top family game? Here are our 5 standout picks that are sure to score points with the whole family:
1. Red Herrings
Think you know your homophones from your homonyms? Red Herrings is the fast-paced word game that will put your language skills - and your quick thinking - to the test.
Each of the 400 challenge cards presents eight colour-coded clues and five possible answers. Your task? Identify the two 'red herrings', the homophones that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings, within 30 seconds. The other clues? They're homonyms: words that sound and are spelled the same but have different meanings.
It's a brilliant blend of quick thinking, auditory and visual skills, and a dash of friendly competition. Perfect for players aged 10 and up, Red Herrings is ideal for family gatherings where fun and learning go hand in hand. Whether you're a word wizard or maybe could have paid a little more attention in English class, this game promises plenty of laughs and "aha!" moments.
2. Lost 4 Words
Another clever game to battle wits and words. If you’re a fan of fast-paced wordplay and thinking outside the box, Lost 4 Words is your kind of challenge. Designed for ages 7 to adult, this game will have you scratching your head and shouting answers in equal measure.
The aim? Find the one word that can go before or after each of the four on your card to create four completely new words. Simple? Not quite. Especially when you're racing against other players to reach the finish line. The only downside? Winners might just enjoy their bragging rights a little too much… until you’re ready to challenge them to a rematch, of course!
3. The Genius Square
Packed with dice rolling, colour matching, and plenty of brain-boosting fun, The Genius Square is a brilliant choice for kids as young as 6 and adults alike.
Roll the dice, place your blockers, and race to complete the square using all nine coloured shapes, and watch how the challenge evolves as the game progresses. With a mind-blowing 62,208 possible puzzles, and a guaranteed solution every time, this fast-paced game is a fun and engaging way to build logic, problem-solving, and spatial awareness skills in growing minds, and grown-up ones too.
And when the game ends and it’s time for a rematch? Try out the rest of the Genius Collection to keep banking victory points!
4. Itchy Feet
If you're looking to spark a love for travel in young adventurers, Itchy Feet is the perfect game to get the whole family involved. Designed for players aged 8 and up, this compact card game turns your living room into a global race.
Players attempt to first journey to their own assigned country before racing to the central destination. To travel, you'll need to collect a passport and three specific items unique to each country. Gather these by drawing, recycling, trading, or even stealing cards from fellow players, adding a fun twist to the adventure.
With its travel-sized box, Itchy Feet is ideal for on-the-go fun, and a delightful way to engage young kids in strategic thinking and friendly competition.
5. Story Time Chess
The original game of chess, but with a twist, and a tale!
If you've always loved the idea of teaching your child to play chess but didn’t know where to start, Story Time Chess is here to save the day. It turns classic chess into an enchanting storytelling adventure, where game pieces have their own characters, backstory, and fun way of moving. Think pawns with big personalities and knights on noble quests.
Perfect for kids aged 4 and up, this clever version skips the complicated rules and takes you straight into a world where learning the game is part of the fun. As young players compete, they naturally pick up the rules by following simple, engaging stories. And when they’re ready for a bigger challenge? Flip the board to play regular chess!
Whether your little one is brand new to the game or already showing signs of being your household’s chess master, Story Time Chess is perfect for great fun and learning.
Benefits of Family Game Time
Playing games as a family isn’t just fun, sometimes it can also be just what your family needs to connect, learn, and grow together.
A few benefits of family game time include:
-
Stronger family bonds: Laughing, chatting, (sometimes competing!) and playing side by side helps create lasting memories and brings everyone closer.
-
Better communication: Games encourage adults and kids alike to express ideas, listen to others, and work through challenges together. Our Escape Room Games collection is perfect for developing communication skills in younger children.
-
Learning through play: Many games help boost skills like reading, counting, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all while having fun. Brain teasers are a great way to get family members exercising their strategic thinking!
-
Social development: Taking turns, following rules, and being a good sport (win or lose) are great life lessons wrapped in every game.
-
Teamwork & trust: Cooperative games teach you how to rely on each other’s strengths, celebrate successes, and support each other through the tough rounds.
-
Fine motor skills: Dexterity games like the Sensory Activity Cube have a hands-on element that helps little ones engage their senses and improve coordination.
Main Types of Family Games
Whether you’re in the mood for high-stakes competition or silly fun, family games are a fantastic way to bring everyone together. From traditional board games to creative crafts, the best family games are the ones that get everyone involved.
Family Board Games
No matter if you’re looking for an educational game that gets the brain ticking or a modern board game that brings everyone to the table, Happy Puzzle has some of the best family board games around. Expect puzzles that challenge, rules that are easy to follow, and bonus points? We’ve got a pretty great track record with the older kids too!
Creative Arts and Crafts
If your family isn’t fussed about a game board and prefers getting stuck into some colour and glue, arts and crafts are a brilliant alternative. These hands-on activities encourage creativity, spark conversation, and let everyone - from toddlers to grown-ups - tap into their inner artist.
Video Games
Rolling dice isn’t for everyone. Interactive game play on a console can be a fantastic way to bond. And trust us, older kids will be surprised when Mum or Dad starts climbing the leaderboards. With cooperative modes and changing challenges, video games offer endless variety and excitement for playing time that doesn’t need to stay at the table.
Outdoor & Interactive Games
Looking for a more active way to connect? You can’t go wrong with a classic game like hide and seek. It's a family favourite that also teaches the little ones how to count. And no, Dad can’t always hide in the den in front of the telly!
A simple game like charades, a scavenger hunt, or even an energetic round of tag can keep everyone moving and laughing, no matter the age. Our Outdoor and Garden Games collection will have you counting down the days to the next sunny afternoon!
You’ve Reached Finish… Roll Again?
Games have a special way of bringing people together through laughter, teamwork, and a touch of friendly rivalry. Whether you’re planning a rainy afternoon indoors or a sunny weekend in the garden, the right game can turn any moment into quality family time. From clever puzzles to lively party picks, Happy Puzzle offers something for every age and interest. Make family game night a tradition with our list of the best games for families to play together and keep the fun going week after week!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good party game that works for all ages?
At Happy Puzzle, we’ve got a brilliant range of games and puzzles to make parties even more fun! From Pickleball and Trampoline Tennis to Jungle Speed, there’s something for everyone. We can even bring the fun to you with our at-home puzzle parties, perfect for keeping both younger players and adults alike on their toes.
Are there any strategy games that younger players can enjoy too?
Definitely! Games like The Genius Square or Lost 4 Words from our list, include strategic thinking without overwhelming rules, making them great intro strategy games for younger players learning the ropes.
What if my family enjoys legacy games or wants more depth?
If you're after games that grow with each session, consider a legacy game or explore other games in a series. Our top picks for this include our new game which had quickly become a firm favourite, Story Time Chess, Set of Three Pocket Trivia Games, and any game from our Escape Room collection.