We all love a good family game night, don’t we? There’s something magical about sitting around the table together with your family while playing games.
Games are a great way to bond with your family and have some fun, especially during the winter season when it can be hard to get outside. The best part of a game night is that it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You don’t need fancy board games or expensive equipment — just some creativity and a willingness to experiment with your family.
So what kinds of games are best for family game nights? Well, if you want something fun, exciting, and memorable for your family this winter season then here are some of the best family games you should try this winter and tips on organizing a fun game night!
Monopoly
Monopoly is one of the most iconic board games in the world, and it’s also a great choice for your next family game night. The game is easy to learn, fun to play, and helps you learn some valuable lessons about money management — after all, who doesn’t love playing as a real estate mogul trying to build up their property empire?
Scrabble
Scrabble is a great family game because it’s educational and requires strategic thinking. The game also helps you learn new words and improve your vocabulary, which is always a plus when you're playing with the kids!
Clue
Clue is a classic game with a murder mystery theme. Players take on the role of one of the six suspects, each with their own weapon and alibi. The goal is to figure out who did it and where by using clues and deductive reasoning. It’s a fun way to practice critical thinking and problem-solving while having some laughs with the family.
UNO
UNO is a fast-paced card game where players try to get rid of all their cards by matching them with the ones in play. The twist? You can only match one color or number at a time, so it requires some strategy if you want to be the first player out.
Chess
Chess is a classic brain game that’s been around for centuries. It involves two players taking turns moving their pieces across the board to attack each other’s king. It takes strategy, planning, and a good dose of luck to win this game. But it also teaches kids about competition and how to think ahead — and isn’t that what life is all about?
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons and Dragons is a role-playing game that lets players assume the role of an adventurer in a fantasy world. Players create their own characters and embark on quests, battling monsters and solving puzzles along the way.
One Pass That Does It All. Get Out And Play!
Tips For a Fun Family Game Night
Select a date
Pick a time when everyone can be available. It’s best to schedule game night on a day when you don’t have school or work the next morning, so the fun can go late into the night!
Choose a theme
Be sure to choose games that are appropriate for all ages. A good way to do this is by selecting games that take more than one player and require strategy and planning.
Choose a venue
You can play game night in your living room, or you can move it outside for more space. Just be sure to choose a place that is free of distractions and clutter.
Buy a few key pieces of equipment
A deck of standard playing cards, a set of dice, and a timer are all you need to play many classic games. If you have kids who enjoy video games, consider buying a portable gaming device for them to use during family game night.
Stock up on snacks and drinks
Make sure you have plenty of food and drink on hand so that your kids don’t get hungry or thirsty while they play. You can also plan ahead and serve healthy snacks instead — it can be tempting to buy junk food when it’s right there in front of you, but it’s better for everyone if you opt for healthier options like fruit or vegetables instead.
Have a no-gadget rule for game night
You may want to ban cell phones and tablets from your family game night, or at least make sure everyone puts them away during the event. This will help keep everyone focused on playing games together instead of checking their devices for notifications or social media updates.
Make sure everyone gets a chance to play
If you have a large family or group of friends, be sure to include everyone in the game. This is especially important if you have a lot of younger children. Let them get the hang of playing before you start moving quickly or making complex rules changes.
Make it an event
Kids will remember the games they play, so make it an event. Plan a time and place to play, and make sure everyone knows about it ahead of time. Make it something that the whole family looks forward to.
Be kind
It’s easy to get competitive and lose sight of the fact that this is a game. Make sure you are being kind and encouraging when you play, especially if there are young children who don’t know the rules or may be struggling with their moves.
Don't be a sore loser
Or a sore winner either! There is no need to be a sore loser or a sore winner. If you lose, have fun with it and try again. If you win, congratulate your opponent on their good game and encourage them to keep trying.
Have fun
This is the most important rule of all. Make sure you are having fun, and don’t let the game get too serious. This is supposed to be a fun way to spend time with your family or friends, so make sure everyone is having a good time!
Conclusion
Game nights are a great way to bond with your family. You can spend time getting to know each other better and laughing about silly things that happen in the game. It doesn’t matter what game you play or how many people are involved, just remember to have fun and enjoy your time together.