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Game On! A Family-Friendly Guide to Fun Kid Games

Indoor Adventure Awaits: Unleashing the Fun with Family Board Games

By Amanda Wayman January 11, 2024

We love adding to our collection of fun games to play! I can't help but gravitate toward games that build and strengthen various skills. (Perhaps it's the 'teacher' in me!) From testing observation skills to strategic thinking and quick reflexes, these games are the perfect recipe for unforgettable family game nights or simply family fun. So, gather around, set up the table, and let the games begin!


  1. Stare: A Challenge for the Eyes and Mind

Stare is not your average card game; it's a test of observation and memory skills. With captivating images on every card, players have a limited time to soak in the details before facing a series of questions. It's a great way to sharpen young minds and have a blast while doing it. Get ready for some friendly competition and lots of "aha" moments!


  1. Shut The Box: Roll the Dice and Shut Those Tiles!

Shut The Box brings a classic dice game to the family table. Roll the dice, flip down numbered tiles, and strategize to achieve the lowest score possible. This game is not only addictive but also helps kids practice basic math skills in a playful way. Plus, the satisfaction of "shutting the box" is unmatched. It's a win-win for learning and family fun.


  1. Ticket to Ride: All Aboard for Family Adventure!

Embark on a cross-country train adventure with Ticket to Ride. Connect cities with train routes, complete destination tickets, and race against each other to build the longest continuous route. This board game is an excellent introduction to geography and strategic thinking for kids, making it perfect for family game nights filled with excitement and friendly competition. (There's a kid version that's on a smaller scale to start with that my 5 year old was able to pick up easily.)


  1. Spot It: Quick Reflexes and Matching Madness

Spot It is a fast-paced matching game that's simple to learn and endlessly entertaining. With various themed editions, from animals to numbers, Spot It challenges players to find matching symbols on cards. It's a great way to enhance visual perception and reflexes, making it perfect for kids of all ages. Get ready for some speedy, spot-matching fun!


  1. Junior Detective: Solve the Mystery Together!

Unleash the inner detective in your child with Junior Detective. This cooperative game involves solving a series of mysteries, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. It's a thrilling experience for the whole family as you work together to crack the case. Get ready for an evening of suspense and family collaboration! 


  1. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: A Hilarious Card Game for All Ages

With its quirky name and fast-paced gameplay, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a hilarious card game that will have the whole family in stitches. Players must match the word on the card with the corresponding gesture, and the last one to react loses the round. It's a recipe for uproarious laughter and goofy family moments that everyone will enjoy.


  1. Uno: Classic Card Game Fun for Everyone

Uno has been a classic for generations, and for a good reason! This card game is easy to learn, endlessly entertaining, and perfect for all ages. With its colorful cards and simple rules, Uno is a great way to teach kids about strategy, turn-taking, and the joy of a well-timed "Uno!" Get ready for hours of family-friendly competition and excitement.


  1. Mancala: A Timeless Strategy Game

Mancala is a game that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. This ancient strategy game involves capturing your opponent's stones and promoting critical thinking and planning. Its wooden board and colorful stones make it visually appealing for kids, and the gameplay ensures that every move counts. It's a timeless classic that will keep the whole family engaged. (If you're lucky, your kids will also enjoy imaginative play with the colorful stones, which you will then find all over your house...thus making it difficult to actually play Mancala. But I digress, it is still such a fun game!)


  1. Sneaky Snacky Squirrel: A Nutty Game of Skill and Chance

Join the Sneaky Snacky Squirrel on a nut-collecting adventure! This game combines skill and chance as players use a squirrel-shaped grabber to snatch colorful acorns. With simple rules and vibrant components, Sneaky Snacky Squirrel is a delightful game for younger children, teaching them about colors, counting, and fine motor skills in a playful way.


  1. Set: A Pattern Recognition Challenge for All Ages

Set is a visual perception game that challenges players to find sets of three cards with matching or completely different features. It's a brain teaser that sharpens pattern recognition and cognitive skills. With its deck of unique cards, Set is an engaging game that will have the whole family competing to spot sets and shout "Set!" first.


There you have it – a fantastic lineup of kid-friendly games that cater to a variety of interests and skills. It's hard to stop as more games keep coming to mind that can be added to this list! Whether you're testing your observation skills with Stare, strategizing your way through Ticket to Ride, or having a laugh with Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, these games promise memorable moments for the whole family.

What's a favorite game you and your family enjoy playing?!