Family Game Night: Games We Love for Family Fun

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on December 28, 2023 by The Smetz Files

This post includes affiliate links in which I am fractionally compensated for clicks and purchases you make at no additional cost to you.

If you read my post on giving experiences as part of Christmas, then you’ll likely find these suggestions for a fun family game night a hit, too!

On a rare night we’re not at the field or on the court, we try to squeeze in family game night. It should come as no surprise that amongst our foursome there are some competitive genes! And a considerable amount of trash talk goes on! Sports moms, you feel this?!

We’ve transitioned from classis favorites Go Fish, Chutes & Ladders, and Sequence games. Those were great options when the kids were younger. Now that the kids are pre-teens here are a few of our favorites for family game night.

Uno (Updated Versions)

We played the original Uno for years with the kids. A few years ago we found the updated versions Uno Flip and Uno Triple Play.

Uno Flip makes frequent appearances in the family game night rotation. The kids bring it out when friends are over and they’re looking for something to do. Just when you think you’re about to win, someone throws you a curve ball and you flip the deck.

If you’re ready to play Uno on steroids, Uno Triple Play is for you! We got this for Christmas a few years ago and it takes Uno to a whole new level. Strategy, guess work, and pure luck guarantee lots of laughs (and a few frustrations!)!

Pro tip: if you’re playing card games with kids, we found these cardholders perfect for little hands to keep their hand organized! 🙂

Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples is a game friends gave us when they came to the beach with us a few year ago. This one can be harder for the kids, but it’s always fun to see them work on their persuasive skills and show their analytical creativity! We got lots of laughs playing this one and it can only get better as the kids get older and can play more independently.

LCR

We keep a set of LCR at the beach because it’s an easy, fun game that everyone can play and enjoy without having to think too hard. Perfect for a round of laughs after a fun day in the sun. You literally roll the die and follow the directions and the winner is the one with all the chips at the end. I love it for its simplicity!

Bananagrams

The word nerd in me LOVES this game! Plus it’s fun for the kids and can be played with younger kids who are working on letter sounds and short words. Teachers, this could a fun one for your classroom game rotation!

Blank Slate

One of our family gifts this year was Blank Slate. We played this with the entire family several times during Christmas break. The kids got in on the fun and surprised us with some great responses!

Any of these are sure to incite a little family friendly competition. What are your go-to games for family game night?

Looking to host a more adult themed game night? Try this Bunco kit to get the game night going!

Thanks for reading! Follow The Smetz Files on social media for more content!