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Board Games That Won’t Make You Dread Family Game Night

Smiling child

Let’s be real. If you have to play Chutes and Ladders one more time, you might just slide into madness. But fear not, fellow weary parent — we’ve rounded up seven family games that are actually fun for adults and kids. Yes, even for the snarky tween and the toddler who thinks the dice is a snack.

What Makes a Great Family Game?

  • Easy to learn (because no one’s reading a rulebook while chasing a three-year-old)
  • Engaging for different ages
  • Doesn’t last until someone cries (you or your little)

The Games

1. Outfoxed!


It’s like Clue meets DuckTales. A cooperative mystery game where your littles actually work WITH you instead of yelling at you.


2. Sleeping Queens


Easy enough for a 4-year-old, fun enough for adults, and beautifully illustrated. Win-win-win.


3. Rhino Hero


Stack cards to build a skyscraper for a heroic rhino. Also great for stealthily teaching balance and patience.


4. Hoot Owl Hoot


No competition, no tears. Just owls flying home before sunrise. Cooperative cuteness overload.


5. Dragomino


Dragons? Check. Tile matching? Check. My kid demanding we play it again five times in a row? Also check.


6. Spot It!


Speed-based and sneaky educational. It’s like brain boot camp, but fun.


7. My First Carcassonne


Yes, the beloved adult game has a preschool-friendly version — and it’s legit fun.