Board games for family

Features of Family Board Games

Family board games are the most common and well-balanced category, suitable for bringing together different generations around one table—from grandchildren to grandparents.

Typically, the rules of these games are not too complicated for children, but also not too simple to keep adults engaged. The game duration is optimal: not too long to tire out younger players, but not too short to bore adults. Conflict is minimal or absent in such games, as aggressive strategies can lead to disputes. For a shared activity, it’s important that everything is balanced and thematically neutral. For example, girls generally don’t enjoy zombie apocalypses or the horror of H.P. Lovecraft, and not all boys like cute kittens.

How to Choose the Right Family Board Game?

In our store, you’ll find convenient filters to help you find a family board game that’s perfect for your family. The easy navigation on the website allows you to select the number of players, recommended age, genre, amount of text in the game, and price range.

To ensure the game doesn’t gather dust on the shelf but becomes a gem of your family time, we offer a step-by-step guide to help with your selection:

1. Number of Players. Decide on the number of players. Usually, for family gatherings, a game for 2-4 players is sufficient. If you have a large family or often have guests, consider having a few games for 6-8 players.
2. Age of Players. Pay attention to the age of the youngest player—everyone should be engaged!
3. Genre and Mechanics. If your family doesn’t like conflicts, choose a game where each focuses on their own tasks, or a cooperative game where you achieve a common goal together. If you enjoy economic games or association games— the choice is yours!
4. Amount of Text in the Game. Note the amount of text in the game—it's not just children who dislike reading, but some adults as well.
5. Visual Appeal. This criterion cannot be filtered on the site, but it is important. The game should visually and thematically appeal to your family. Browse the catalog, note what catches your eye. Examine the components, game board, and illustrations on the cards. Board games, unlike computer games, are about tactile sensations and live interaction!

Top 10 Family Board Games from Gallu

Some of the best genres for family leisure are cooperative, association, abstract, logical, and economic games of European design. Gallu wants to share a personal ranking of family games based on his own experience:

1. Carcassonne — A classic family tile-placement game. Simple rules that can be explained in 5 minutes make it accessible for both children and adults.
2. Ticket to Ride — A game that both children and adults will play with equal interest, regardless of their experience with board games.
3. Keep the Heroes Out! — A great cooperative game with high replayability and difficulty options, suitable for children aged 8 and up.
4. Dixit — An association game with unparalleled illustrations and simple rules, which will appeal to the whole family.
5. Mice and Mystics — A family adventure game that captivates both children and adults.
6. Bunny Kingdom — A strategic game with drafting and area control mechanics, featuring attractive miniatures and excellent visual components.
7. 7 Wonders — A light and balanced game for a family evening or a large group.
8. Wingspan — A card engine-building game with fantastic components that will impress everyone.
9. Cascadia — The perfect mix of light mechanics and brain activity with wonderful illustrations and components.
10. Dungeon Petz — A language-independent game where you become the owner of a pet shop and raise charming creatures.

FAQ: Family Board Games