16 Great Games For The Best Family Game Night Ever!

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a fantastic list of games to make your family game night the best ever with kids ages 5 to 8!

Whether you’re seeking classic favorites or exciting new adventures, we’ve got you covered with board games for kids that promise hours of fun and valuable learning.

And if you have younger kiddos in the 3 to 5 age range, don’t worry—we’ve also put together a fantastic list of the best games for family game night with the little ones.

Get ready for unforgettable evenings filled with laughter, bonding, and great memories!

Related: 10 Best Games for Family Game Night with Young Children (Ages 3-5)

The Benefits of Family Game Night

Family is everything, and spending quality time together is essential for building strong bonds and creating cherished memories.

As a parent, I have come to realize the significance of having regular family time with my kids. Family time not only provides an opportunity for fun, but also strengthen the connection between family members.

The importance of family time, especially when you have children, cannot be overstated. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in work, school, and other commitments.

But dedicating a specific time each week to come together as a family creates a sense of belonging and security for our children. It’s a chance for us to reconnect, share laughter, and create lasting memories.

Among the rituals we cherish, one of my personal favorites is family game night. Family game nights serve as an occasion for us to momentarily set aside our individual worries and stresses, allowing us to be fully present with one another.

As parents, we seize the opportunity to guide our children, impart important values, and foster a profound sense of love and belonging within them.

Teaching Essential Skills Through Games

Board games for kids are not just about fun; they are also powerful tools for learning and development. Through play, kids can develop a wide range of essential skills that will benefit them both in school and in life. 

Cognitive Skills 

Engaging in these activities helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Many games require players to make decisions, plan ahead, and consider multiple possibilities before taking action.

This nurtures logical reasoning and enhances their ability to strategize and adapt to new situations. 

Social Skills 

Playing games with family members and friends teaches kids important social behaviors such as taking turns, playing fair, and communicating effectively.

These interactions encourage empathy and cooperation, as children learn to understand and respect the perspectives of others.

Additionally, handling both wins and losses gracefully helps kids develop resilience and good sportsmanship. 

Motor Skills 

Many games require precise movements and coordination, such as picking up small objects, moving pieces carefully, or performing delicate tasks.

These activities enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for everyday tasks like writing, drawing, and using tools. 

Educational Skills 

Games often incorporate elements of math, language, and other academic subjects in a playful context.

Counting, color recognition, and vocabulary building are common features that help children practice these skills without even realizing it.

This playful learning makes academic concepts more approachable and enjoyable, fostering a positive attitude towards education. 

16 Games For The Best Family Game Night Ever! 

Let’s dive into the best board games for kids that can make your family game night a delightful and enriching experience!

1. Monopoly Junior 

Monopoly Jr is a kid-friendly version of the classic Monopoly where players buy properties and collect rent, making it a blast for family game night.

The rules are simpler, and the game moves faster, so even the little ones can stay engaged.

Plus, who doesn’t love watching their kids get excited about buying their favorite properties?

2. Exploding Kittens

You have to try Exploding Kittens! It is a highly engaging and unpredictable card game where players draw cards until someone gets an Exploding Kitten, causing them to lose the game unless they have a defuse card.

It’s like Russian roulette with adorable, ridiculous kittens.

The game is quick to learn and play, full of laughs, and the artwork alone is worth it.

Trust me, it’s hilariously unpredictable and perfect for a fun, light-hearted evening.

3. Charades for Kids

Charades for Kids is a no-brainer for family game night. In this game, players take turns acting out words or phrases without speaking, while the other players try to guess what they are miming.

It gets everyone up and moving, with the kids acting out silly prompts and everyone laughing hysterically at their performances.

It’s simple, interactive, and a great way to create some unforgettable memories together.

4. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

This one’s a riot! Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is fast, furious, and full of funny moments.

Players take turns placing cards and saying “Taco,” “Cat,” “Goat,” “Cheese,” or “Pizza” in order.

When the card matches the spoken word, everyone must slap their hands on the pile. The last player to do so collects the cards.

You’ll be shouting, laughing, and slapping cards like crazy. It’s the kind of game that’s so easy to pick up but hard to put down. 

5. Operation 

Operation is a classic that never gets old. The kids will love the challenge and excitement of carefully removing the funny ailments from a patient using tweezers.

The suspense of avoiding the buzzer when you touch the sides always brings giggles and a bit of thrill, and everyone will get a kick out of the buzzer sound when someone messes up.

It’s great for developing fine motor skills and providing lots of giggles. 

6. Taco vs Burrito

Taco vs Burrito is a surprisingly strategic card game where players build their ultimate taco or burrito by adding ingredients and using action cards to sabotage opponents.

It’s quirky, creative, and just plain fun. The weird combinations and the playful sabotage will have everyone laughing and plotting their next move.

The creative and unpredictable gameplay keeps everyone on their toes, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. You’ve got to give it a try! 

7. The Game of Life Junior 

The Game of Life Jr simplifies the classic game into an easy, fun adventure that’s perfect for the kiddos.

It allows players to navigate life events on a colorful and engaging board. The best part? It’s quick and keeps everyone’s attention.

8. Rhino Hero 

Rhino Hero is a super fun card stacking game where players build a wobbly skyscraper and move a heroic rhino up and down the floors.

Building the card tower is tense but exciting, and moving the rhino superhero up without toppling it is a hilarious challenge.

The suspense of the tower potentially collapsing keeps everyone on their toes. The kids will love it!

The unique theme and engaging gameplay make it a great choice for family game night. 

9. Sorry! 

Sorry! is a fantastic blend of luck and strategy that’s easy for kids to grasp but still fun for adults.

In Sorry!, players move their pieces around the board with the goal of getting all their pieces home, but they can also send opponents back to start, adding a competitive twist.

10. Unstable Unicorns for Kids

Unstable Unicorns for Kids is a kid-friendly version of the popular game where players build their own unicorn army. Players decide which unicorns to play and when to use their special abilities.

The colorful and whimsical unicorn cards, along with the engaging gameplay, make it a hit with children.

It’s strategic yet super cute, perfect for a family game night.

11. Trouble

Trouble is a classic game where players race to move their pieces around the board and safely into their home spaces, all while trying to avoid being sent back to the start by their opponents.

The iconic Pop-O-Matic dice roller adds an element of suspense and excitement with every turn.

It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and always a hit with the kids, making it a perennial favorite for family game night. 

12. Guess Who? 

Guess Who? is a classic that’s perfect for two players, making it great for siblings or parent-kid duos.

Kids delight in asking yes/no questions to narrow down the identity of their opponent’s mystery character.

It’s super satisfying to flip down those tiles as you narrow down the possibilities. It’s a great way to practice deduction skills. 

13. Kerplunk 

Kerplunk is a game of suspense and strategy where you pull out sticks and hope the marbles don’t fall.

The thrill of each turn and the careful consideration of which stick to pull makes it an engaging experience.

It’s always funny when the marbles come crashing down. It’s a great mix of skill and luck. 

14. Jenga 

Jenga is all about nerves of steel and steady hands. The kids will love the tension of pulling out blocks and stacking them higher and higher.

The suspense builds with each turn, making it a thrilling game of skill and strategy.

It’s exciting, challenging, and always ends in a thrilling tower collapse.  

15. Spot It! 

Spot It! is a fantastic, fast-paced game where players find match symbols on cards.

It’s super easy to learn, quick to play, and perfect for keeping everyone on their toes.

The competitive yet fun nature of the game makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

16. Mouse Trap

Mouse Trap is an interactive delight where players work together to build a complex Rube Goldberg contraption designed to catch a mouse.

The process of constructing the trap is as entertaining as the gameplay itself, keeping kids enthralled from start to finish.

The kids will love the creativity and excitement, making it a must have for family game night. 

Final Thoughts

Family game nights are more than just a way to pass the time—they are an investment in your family’s emotional health and happiness.

With these great board games for kids, your family game nights will be filled with joy, laughter, and invaluable learning experiences.

So, gather around the table, pick a game, and let the fun begin!

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