Create Lasting Memories with a Family Game Night

Board games possess a unique ability to unite friends and family, creating moments of connection, competition, and pure enjoyment.

While the holiday season traditionally offers a perfect backdrop for indulging in board game fun, the joy of these games need not be confined to post-Thanksgiving gatherings. The allure of board games is evergreen, suitable for any time of the year.

Engaging in these shared experiences delivers a bounty of benefits to the entire family. For seniors, studies reveal that board games can enhance memory and cognitive function. They also serve as wonderful tools for connecting with individuals living with dementia. In the eyes of the New York Times, games hold the potential to foster essential developmental skills across all ages of children.

With a vast array of board games available, catering to diverse abilities, preferences, and interests, there’s something for everyone to relish.

Here’s a selection of our top picks:

Top Family Board Game

Ticket to Ride

Embark on a cross-country train adventure with Ticket to Ride. Collect train cards to secure routes connecting cities throughout North America. Longer routes yield more points, making it an easily comprehensible game that introduces strategy to younger players.

• Players: 2-5
• Ages: 8+
• Difficulty: Easy
• Lasts: 60 mins

Ideal for Mixed-Age Groups

Herd Mentality 

Challenge your wits with Herd Mentality. Each card poses a question without a definitive answer. Players guess the popular response within the group. Majority decisions earn points, and the first to reach eight points wins. Its simplicity makes it accessible to children and adults playing together.

• Players: 4 – 20
• Ages: 10+
• Difficulty: Easy
• Lasts: 30 mins

Best for Adults & Seniors

SEQUENCE

A blend of luck and strategy, SEQUENCE combines card and board gameplay. Players lay cards and place chips on corresponding spaces on the board, striving to form five in a row. Suitable for intimate gatherings or larger parties, it offers flexibility for family nights or quiet evenings.

• Players: 2 -12
• Ages: 10+
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Lasts: 15+ minutes.

The Classic Choice

Trivial Pursuit 

Unveil your knowledge across six categories in Trivial Pursuit: geography, entertainment, history, arts and literature, science and nature, and sports and leisure. With over 50 special editions available, it caters to diverse interests. Whether Star Wars or Baby Boomers, you’re sure to find one that resonates.

• Players: 2 – 6
• Ages: 16+
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Lasts: Typically 1 hour

An “Outside the Box” Experience

Ice Cool 2

Ignite delight with Ice Cool 2, a game that bridges generations. Relying neither on trivia nor math, it accommodates players of varying cognitive abilities. Flick and spin penguin figures through a creative, multiroom game course constructed from nesting cardboard boxes. The weighted penguin pieces introduce unpredictability for an even playing field.

• Ages: 6+
• Players: 2 to 4
• Time: 20 minutes

Get Your Game On

In the realm of family activities, board games stand out as powerful catalysts for connection and joy. Beyond their entertaining facades, these games offer cognitive benefits, particularly for seniors, enhancing memory and fostering mental agility. 

As you gather around for a family game night, envision more than just friendly competition—imagine the creation of lasting memories and traditions. This holiday season, roll the dice, draw a card, and revel in the shared joy that board games uniquely bring to every generation. Get ready to make every moment count with the magic of family game nights.