Top 12 Best Family Board Games in 2025
- blaze aldrich
- May 19
- 5 min read
By: Blaze Aldrich | May 19th, 2025
Top 12 Best Family Board Games in 2025
Wow, that family looks like they are having a blast playing that $300 board game (Discworld) for a photoshoot. Any who, I am sure you and your family would love to have this same gaming experience but for real! Time to throw away your game of Monopoly and Clue and now enter in the world of Modern board games that the whole family will love. The ages for most of these games start at ages 8-10+, but don't get it twisted, these games are great for older kids/adults as well. No matter the age, these family board games are highly rated and loved by millions of families. I listed these games in no particular order.
1. Dixit
Why It’s Great for Families: Dixit is a storytelling masterpiece that sparks creativity. Players take turns as the “Storyteller,” giving a clue about a beautifully illustrated card, while others guess which card matches the clue.
Family Appeal: Its simple rules make it accessible for kids as young as 8, while the imaginative clues keep adults engaged. The whimsical art and open-ended gameplay ensure everyone’s laughing and sharing stories.
Playtime: 30 minutes | Players: 3–6 | Age: 8+
2. Exit: The Game
Why It’s Great for Families: Exit brings the escape room experience to your table. Each box is a one time puzzle solving adventure where players work together to crack codes and solve mysteries.
Family Appeal: Teens and adults love the brain-teasing challenges, while younger players (10+) can contribute to the cooperative fun. With various themes and difficulty levels, there’s an Exit game for every family. Note: Each game is single use, but the experience is worth it!
Playtime: 60–120 minutes | Players: 1–4 | Age: 10+
3. Colt Express
(Ann Th., 2014)
Why It’s Great for Families: Saddle up for a wild west train robbery in Colt Express! Players program their bandit’s moves to steal loot and dodge bullets on a 3D train.
Family Appeal: The playful chaos and physical train set thrill kids, while strategic planning keeps adults hooked. It’s easy to learn but offers depth for repeat plays. Perfect for families who love action packed fun.
Playtime: 30–40 minutes | Players: 2–6 | Age: 10+
4. Ticket to Ride
(James, 2006)
Why It’s Great for Families: Ticket to Ride is a classic where players build train routes across a map to connect cities and complete destination tickets.
Family Appeal: Its straightforward rules make it ideal for kids (8+) and newcomers, but the competition for routes adds enough strategy for adults. With various maps (like Europe or Asia), it stays fresh for countless game nights.
Playtime: 30–60 minutes | Players: 2–5 | Age: 8+
5. Quacks of Quedlinburg
(Goodman, 2022)
Why It’s Great for Families: In Quacks of Quedlinburg, players are quirky potion makers pulling ingredients from a bag to brew potions without blowing up their cauldron!
Family Appeal: The push your luck mechanic is exciting for all ages, and the colorful theme delights younger players (10+). Adults enjoy the strategic bag building, making it a hit across generations.
Playtime: 45 minutes | Players: 2–4 | Age: 10+
6. Survive: The Island
Why It’s Great for Families: Survive is a cutthroat yet fun game where players flee a sinking island, guiding their explorers to safety while sea monsters and sharks lurk.
Family Appeal: Kids love the dramatic moments (like feeding an opponent to a shark!), while adults enjoy the light strategy. The quick pace and interactive board keep everyone engaged.
Playtime: 45–60 minutes | Players: 2–4 | Age: 8+
7. Catan Energies
(Rolleman, 2024)
Why It’s Great for Families: A fresh twist on the classic Catan, Catan Energies adds a sustainability theme. Players settle, trade, and build while balancing energy production and environmental impact.
Family Appeal: Fans of Catan will love the familiar trading and building, while the eco friendly twist adds depth for teens and adults. It’s slightly more complex, so it’s best for ages 12+.
Playtime: 60–90 minutes | Players: 3–4 | Age: 12+
8. Cascadia
(Schmid, 2021)
Why It’s Great for Families: Cascadia is a relaxing tile laying game where players create habitats and place wildlife to score points.
Family Appeal: Its peaceful theme and simple rules make it perfect for all ages (8+). Kids enjoy matching animals, while adults appreciate the strategic puzzle of optimizing tiles and tokens. It’s a calm yet engaging choice for mixed groups.
Playtime: 30–45 minutes | Players: 1–4 | Age: 8+
9. Machi Koro
(Board Game Point of View, 2015)
Why It’s Great for Families: In Machi Koro, players build a charming city by rolling dice and buying buildings that generate income.
Family Appeal: The easy to grasp rules and quick turns make it great for kids (8+), while the engine building aspect appeals to adults. Its lighthearted vibe and dice rolling excitement keep everyone smiling.
Playtime: 30 minutes | Players: 2–4 | Age: 8+
10. Potion Explosion
(Burfey, 2025)
Why It’s Great for Families: Potion Explosion is a magical marble matching game where players collect ingredients to brew potions, triggering satisfying chain reactions.
Family Appeal: The tactile marble dispenser and vibrant components captivate kids (8+), while the strategic potion crafting keeps adults engaged. It’s like a board game version of a match 3 app, but way more fun!
Playtime: 30–45 minutes | Players: 2–4 | Age: 8+
11. Camel Up
(Howell, 2019)
Why It’s Great for Families: Camel Up is a silly camel racing game where players bet on which camel will win as they stack and sprint around the track.
Family Appeal: The unpredictable races and silly camel pile ups are a hit with kids (8+), while adults enjoy the betting strategy. It’s fast, funny, and perfect for lively family gatherings.
Playtime: 20–30 minutes | Players: 3–8 | Age: 8+
12. Cubitos
(Eric, 2021)
Why It’s Great for Families: Cubitos is a quirky dice rolling race where players customize their dice pool to speed their character (like a chicken or superhero) to the finish line.
Family Appeal: The colorful theme and wacky characters entertain kids (10+), while the dice building strategy hooks adults. Its modular tracks and variable setups ensure every race feels fresh.
Playtime: 30–60 minutes | Players: 2–4 | Age: 10+
Why These Games Shine for Families
These 12 board games strike the perfect balance of accessibility, engagement, and replayability. They cater to a wide range of ages (mostly 8+), ensuring younger players aren’t left out while still offering enough depth for teens and adults. Whether your family loves cooperative challenges (Exit), competitive strategy (Catan Energies), or laugh out loud moments (Camel Up), there’s something here for every game night.
Tips for Family Game Nights:
Mix It Up: Alternate between quick games (Machi Koro, Camel Up) and longer ones (Catan Energies, Exit) to suit different moods.
Adapt for Younger Kids: For games like Quacks or Cubitos, simplify rules or play cooperatively with very young players.
Keep It Fun: Emphasize enjoyment over winning, especially with competitive games like Survive or Colt Express.
Ready to elevate your family game nights? Grab one (or more!) of these games and watch the fun unfold. Have a favorite from this list or a family game you think deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and happy gaming!
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