15 Top-Rated Family Board Games According to Reviews (2024 Edition)
The holiday season is the perfect time for family gatherings and creating lasting memories. Board games offer a delightful way to bring everyone together, from energetic kids to relaxed grandparents. They not only entertain but also foster teamwork and reveal the competitive spirit of each family member.
Here are 15 highly-rated family board games for 2024, each accompanied by glowing reviews:
15. Ticket to Ride
Amazon
Age: 8+
Embark on a cross-country train adventure, collecting cards to claim railway routes across North America. This game combines strategy with simplicity, making it a family favorite.
Review Highlight:
“An excellent game for family nights. Easy to learn and engaging for both kids and adults.” – C. Allen
14. Herd Mentality
Amazon
Age: 10+
A lighthearted party game where players aim to think like the herd. Answer questions and try to match the most popular response among players.
Review Highlight:
“Perfect for large groups and guarantees laughter. Simple rules and loads of fun.” – Independent.co.uk
13. Sushi Go!
Amazon
Age: 8+
A fast-paced card game where players create the best sushi meal. It’s quick to play and easy to learn, making it ideal for younger family members.
Review Highlight:
“Quick, straightforward, and endlessly replayable. A must-have for family game nights.” – GamesRadar+
12. Wingspan
Amazon
Age: 10+
A beautifully designed game where players attract birds to their wildlife reserves. It offers a serene and strategic experience for older children and adults.
Review Highlight:
“Engaging and educational. The artwork is stunning, and the gameplay is immersive.” – IGN
11. Azul
Amazon
Age: 8+
A tile-drafting game where players decorate the walls of a Portuguese palace. It combines strategy with aesthetic appeal.
Review Highlight:
“A beautifully made game that’s great for beginners and seasoned players alike.” – Boar Gamer
10. Catan
Amazon
Age: 10+
Settle the island of Catan by building roads, settlements, and cities. Trade resources and strategize to dominate the island.
Review Highlight:
“A true board game classic that offers endless replayability.” – Boar Gamer
9. Takenoko
Amazon
Age: 8+
Cultivate a bamboo garden and care for a hungry panda in this charming game of strategy and luck.
Review Highlight:
“A delightful game with beautiful components and engaging gameplay.” – Wargamer
8. Kingdomino
Amazon
Age: 8+
Build your kingdom by connecting domino-like tiles in this quick and accessible game.
Review Highlight:
“Simple yet strategic. Perfect for family game nights.” – Wargamer
7. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Amazon
Age: 10+
A cooperative trick-taking game where players embark on underwater missions. Communication and teamwork are key.
Review Highlight:
“A unique twist on traditional card games. Challenging and fun.” – IGN
6. My City
Amazon
Age: 10+
A legacy game where players develop a city through different eras, with each session introducing new rules and challenges.
Review Highlight:
“Innovative and engaging. Each game builds upon the last, keeping it fresh.” – IGN
5. Camel Up
Amazon
Age: 8+
Bet on camels racing around a pyramid in this lighthearted and unpredictable game.
Review Highlight:
“Hilarious and exciting. Great for large groups.” – Wargamer
4. Dixit
Amazon
Age: 8+
A storytelling game where players use imaginative clues to describe surreal images.
Review Highlight:
“Encourages creativity and interpretation. A beautiful game.” – Wargamer
3. Mysterium
Amazon
Age: 10+
One player acts as a ghost giving clues to mediums who must solve a murder mystery.
Review Highlight:
“Immersive and cooperative. A unique experience.” – Boar Gamer
2. Pandemic
Amazon
Age: 8+
Work together to stop global outbreaks in this cooperative strategy game.
Review Highlight:
“A perfect game for families who love working together. Challenging but rewarding.” – Brett D. Donjon
1. Codenames
Age: 14+
Two teams compete to identify their agents using one-word clues in this word association game.
Review Highlight:
“Turned skeptics into fans! It’s now our go-to game for family gatherings.” – Lindsey
These games offer a variety of experiences, from strategic planning to creative storytelling, ensuring there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
