The Best Family Board Games : Rainy Day Activities

When I was a kid my mum spent a year buying us a new family board game each payday which she then used to create a weekly family game night. Together with my two brothers, my parents would join us around the family table to play one of the board games. It was so much fun, and provided quality family time – something I have attempted to replicate with my own kids.

The great thing about family board games is that they can be pulled out of the cupboard at any time and you’re ready to play. They make the perfect rainy day activity.

Rainy Day Activities – We Round Up the BEST Family Board Games

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The best family board games have the ability to unite (and sometimes divide – especially if you are playing Monopoly!) your family whilst also exercising different areas of your brain without you even realising it. Logic, concentration, strategy, memory…..these will all improve if you play enough.

With so many family board games available in stores these days, it can be overwhelming knowing which to choose for your family game night. To make selecting your board game for your family a little easier, we have pulled together all the games we love. Hope it helps, especially when you are trying to find a rainy day activity.

I have broken my board game list into traditional family board games, which are basically the games we had in our cupboard when I was a kid; family card games, which are card decks that you can purchase for their dedicated game (not a regular pack of cards and games you play with them); and, more family board games which are games I love but have only discovered since the kids started playing.

Traditional Family Board Games

The following board games are some of my favourites from my childhood. I have played every single one of these games and continue to play them with my kids today. I would love to hear which is your family favourite.

Sadly, I haven’t included Squatter (do you remember that game?) as it doesn’t seem to be readily available any more.

Please note that the ages and player numbers listed are those recommended by each board game maker, not necessarily what I think!

1. Barrel of Monkeys

This is possibly the cheapest of the board games (and, I guess, technically it isn’t a board game!). Basically you empty the Barrel of Monkeys into a pile so they are all tangled up, before choosing a monkey and attempting to connect it with another monkey and another and another to form a chain without dropping it. Drop one and you lose your turn. All ages. 1+ players

2. Battleship

First released in 1967, Battleship has always been a family favourite although only two people can play at once. These days there is an electronic version that comes with sound effects, but I am still a sucker for the old school version. Lay out your ships and then try to bomb your opponents boats before they get yours! This is a strategy based guessing game. 2 players. Age 8+.

3. Celebrity Head

The kids are probably familiar with the app version of this game, but the original Celebrity Head along with its fashionable (ha!) headbands are the real winner. This is a great family game to help the kids to learn how to categorise characteristics and attributes with each play attempting to learn which celebrity name they have on their head by asking questions such as Am I Australian? or Am I a famous sports person? 2+ players. Ages 8+

4. Charades

You’ve probably played charades before but had no idea that it is an actual board game! When teaching the kids the game, using the board game provides structure and will teach them the rules. So what is Charades? Charades is a game where each player draws a card and then needs to silently act out a book, movie or song by using their body actions. The current version has been updated with the latest films and music. Ages: 12 + | Players: 3 + (Look at the game Kids on Stage for a version suitable for younger kids).

5. Cluedo

This is the classic murder mystery game and one of Sunshine’s favourites. Six suspects. One murderer. One weapon. One location. Through the process of elimination, you need to guess who the murderer was, what weapon they used and in what room. In the current board game there is also another twist of intrigue if you want to play with two players only.

Suitable for ages: 8+ years. For 2-6 players. (There is a junior Cluedo version available)

6. Connect Four

Originating in the Soviet Union, Connect Four was first released as a board game in 1974. This is a two player game, so not strictly a board game, but how could I not include it! The aim of the game is to form a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of four of your colour pieces to connect four and win the game. For 2 players. Ages 7+

7. Game of Life

This game is quite old, originally created in 1860 by Milton Bradley, with the modern version released a century later in 1960. My first introduction was actually via an old computer version in the late 90s. The game sets out to replicate a life journey, job or university? Marriage or a mortgage? You pay bills along the way, whilst also earning money. Once all players reach Retirement, everyone settles their debts and calculates their net worth. The player with the most money wins the game! For 2-4 players. Suitable for ages: 8+ years

8. Guess Who?

I just love Guess Who?! Released back in 1979 it is a game I played throughout my childhood and one I introduced my children to when they were quite young. It is another game where artful questions will help you to work out who the other person is. Skilful players will learn the art of binary search to reduce the number of questions they need to ask to solve the problem. For 2 players. Suitable for ages: 6+ years

9. Jenga

The concept of Jenga originated in Ghana, however the modern version wasn’t released until 1982. Basically the games’ 54 blocks are set up as a tower and one by one, players remove a block then place it on top of the tower, creating a progressively more unstable structure. There are no winners, rather a loser in this game. The game ends when the tower falls, identifying the loser for that round. For 2+ players. Suitable for ages 6 and up.

10. Hungry Hungry Hippos

Hungry Hungry Hippos was my absolute FAVOURITE board game when I was a kid and I was super delighted to receive it for Christmas one year. Introduced to the marketplace in 1978, this game had a really catchy commercial jingle too. The aim of the game is each player to collect as many marbles as possible with their hippo. It’s so much fun, but can get a little frantic as each player tries to win. For 2–4 players. Suitable for ages: 4+ years

11. Monopoly

I have a love/hate relationship with Monopol. It is the one board game that makes me sigh when the kids pull it out from the cupboard as I know we are in for a long game. Originally released in 1935, Monopoly is probably the most famous of all board games. It’s touted as a fast-dealing property trading game where players buy, sell, dream, and scheme their way to riches. I don’t think I need to detail the game as most people know it. What I should ask is – how do you use Free Parking? For 2 to 6 players. Suitable for ages: 8+ years. (There are junior editions available).

12. Mousetrap

Released in 1963, I bet it’s been frustrating families since then. This Mousetrap is the most frustrating of all the family board games we have. I can never set up the mousetrap easily and by the time I have, the kids have lost interest. The premise of the game is to trap the mouse. To be honest, we’ve never gotten that far as I CAN NOT SET IT UP!!! For 2+ players. Suitable Ages: 6+ years.

13. Operation

Operation continues to delight my children as much as it did my brothers and I when I was a kid. First released in 1965, Operation is a battery-operated board game. Basically, each player takes it in turns to operate on the patient with a pair of tweezers. You need to remove the bone without tripping the buzzer or you lose your turn. There are 12 whacky ailments in all – so lots of fun. For 1 or more players. Suitable for ages: 6+ years.

14. Pictionary

Pictionary is a board game that has evolved over the years since its original release in 1985. You can now purchase an electronic version that connects to your phone for augmented reality, or a version that comes with whiteboards. I prefer the original pen and pad version.

Pictionary is basically charades on paper. Working in teams of two, teams move around the game board progressing only when correctly guessing the word or phrase being drawn by their partner. It’s lots of fun, but can be frustrating at times. Best played with 4 or more players. Suitable for ages 8+ years. (There is a junior Pictionary version available).

15. Risk

Invented back in 1957, Risk is a strategy board game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest. It is basically a game of warfare on a board. Depending on the roll of the dice, a player will either defeat the enemy or be defeated. The aim of the game is to conquer! Best played with 2 – 4 players. Suitable Ages: 10+ years.

16. Rummikub

Invented in the 1940s, Rummikub is essentially a combination of the card game rummy and mahjong. It is said to be the most played family board game in the whole world, although I’m not sure if it featured in any of my mate’s homes when I was growing up.

The game features a board and 104 number tiles and two joker tiles. Playing continues until a player has used up all of their tiles, at which point they should call out “Rummikub” to win. There are endless combinations of moves which means no game is the same as the last. Best played with 2 – 4 Players. Recommended Age: 8+ Years

17. Scattergories

I have introduced Scattergories into every classroom I’ve taught as this creative-thinking category-based game helps my students to learn how to compartmentalise different concepts ready for quick retrieval.

First released in 1988, Scattergories is a simple game where a letter is rolled and players need to complete their list using with words that begin with the identified letter. The first person to finish can stop the gameplay, thus reducing the number of answers their opponents have.

Best played with 2 or more players. Recommended Age: 12+ years (although I have played with primary aged students).

18. Scrabble

My mum is an absolute whizz at this game so it is one I have often avoided to prevent my total annihilation on the game board! Scrabble is a word game and a great family board game to play to help increase your children’s vocabulary and word knowledge.

First released in 1972, Scrabble is sold in over 121 countries and is available in more than 30 languages – so impressive. The basic premise is that each player needs to combine tiles to create words in combinations and locations that take the best advantage of letter values. Different letters have higher score values and the gameboard needs to be used strategically to..

Best played with 2-4 players. Recommended Age: 10+ years. (UpwordsI is a good gateway board game before introducing Scrabble).

19. Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is actually an ancient Indian board game. It is no wonder by any single board game manufacturer which means you can pick up a game board pretty cheaply at most toy shops.

The game is a simple race to the finish line, with your move determined by the roll of the dice. It is a game of luck more than anything, with strategy having little to do with who wins.

Snakes and Ladders is best played with two or more players and can be played from a young age making it a perfect introduction to board games.

20. Sorry!

I can’t help thinking that Sorry! is like Trouble but with cards instead of dice. Based on the ancient Indian cross and circle game Pachisi, the modern version, Sorry! was released in 1929. It as my brother’s favourite game when we were kids and one he gifted my children for Christmas a few years ago.

Just like with Trouble, the objective of the game is to be the first player to get all four of your coloured pawns around the board to your home space. Sorry! is played by 2-4 players and is recommended for ages 6 and u.

21. Testmatch

Testmatch was a game that my neighbourhood boys played every summer, refusing to let the girls join in. Released in 1955, Testmatch is a cricket-themed board game. These days I think it is best left to cricket enthusiasts, but that’s probably because I am still recovering from being excluded from the game as a kid.

The game can be played with 2 to 22 players. It is recommended for ages 6+.

22. Trivial Pursuit

First released in 1981, I can still remember receiving this game as a combined gift for my middle brother and me. Initially only an adults version was released, so the questions were quite tricky – easier when we memorised a bunch of the questions!

The game is a trivia game. Each player moves around the board with the roll of the dice, answering questions along the way to maintain their go, and collecting coloured wedges when landing on category headquarters. The winner is the first person to collect one of each of the coloured wedges.

There are many versions of Trivial Pursuit available these days, so you can choose your trivia level or even theme. The game is best played with 2-6 players. Ages vary depending on the pack you choose, but generally 12+.

23. Trouble

Launched in 1965, Trouble is T’s favourite board game and one that is always set up on our outdoor table ready to play.

Like Sorry! the objective of the game is for each player to move their coloured pawns around the game board to home. The first person to get all four of their pawns to home wins. The key is to try to keep your opponent’s pawns at the starting point (you need to roll a 6 to get out) but landing on them when it is your go and sending them back.

Played with 2-4 players. Recommended for ages 5+.

24. Twister

Designed back in 1964, Twister is a board game that involves a level of physical interaction as you literally move on the game mat, placing your hand or foot across six rows of large coloured circles, each row a different colour: red, yellow, green, and blue depending on what you spin. The goal is not to fall over.

Played by 2+ players. Twister is suitable for ages: 6+ years

25. Upwords

Upwords is a word game and similar to Scrabble however in this game the letters can be stacked on top of other letters already on the gameboard to create new words. The higher the stack of letters, the higher the score.

Played by 1 or more players. Recommended for ages 8 years and up.

26. Yahtzee

Released back in 1963, Yahtzee is a dice game that helped me to quicken my speed at addition as a kid. The basic idea of the game is to score points by rolling five dice to make certain combinations. It’s easy and fun.

Yahtzee is played by 2 or more players and recommended for ages 8 and up

Family Card Games

Whilst a general pack of card games can provide endless amounts of fun depending on the games you know (think snap, go fish, poker, sh*t head, spoons and so forth), these days you can also buy games played through cards. We have a few favourites that you may enjoy too.

1. Avocado Smash

Avocado Smash is a fairly new card game. It is similar to snap with an Avo’ twist. Each game takes around 10 minutes. You will need 2+ players. Avocado Smash is recommended for ages 6+.

2. Cards Against Humanity (make sure to get the Family Edition)

It is absolutely essential that you pick up the family edition or one of the kid-friendly versions of this game if you are going to play this as a family. Somehow this game became part of our Boxing Day family traditions, resulting in lots of laughter.

Each round, one player asks a question from a black card, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card. Recommended for ages 8+.

Click here to download the Cars Against Humanity family version for FREE.

3. Exploding Kittens

Touted as a strategy game with one simple rule – don’t get blown up! Start the game by putting the cards face down and players take turns drawing cards until someone draws an exploding kitten card. Played by 2-5 players. Exploding Kittens is recommended for ages 7 years and up.

4. Spot it!

I was introduced to Spot it! at school and bought it for our family, resulting in a slight addition to the game. This game is very fast-paced and will test your observation skills and reflexes. In this game, all the cards are dealt out except one which is placed in the middle.

Be the first to match a symbol and put yours on top. The winner is whoever gets rid of their cards first. (for those who love this type of game, it is called a shedding type card game). For 2 to 8 players. Recommended for ages 6+ years.

5. Uno

Uno was released back in 1971 and is the original shedding card game. Officially, the aim of Uno is to be the first player to score 500 points, achieved (usually over several rounds of play) by being the first to play all or your cards and scoring points for the cards still held by the other players. I have never played it like this.

Instead, we play a round and whoever gets rid of their cards first, wins. I had no idea that you were supposed to score! The most coveted card in the pack is the Draw 4. Uno is best played with 2 or more players. It’s recommended for ages 7+.

6. Unstable Unicorns

Unstable Unicorns is a strategy card game. The key is to build your unicorn army as fast as you can and destroy everyone else. I am yet to play this game to really determine if it is any good – sorry! Played by 2+ players. Recommended for ages 14+ (probably because of all the destruction!)

ADDITIONS:

7. Muffin Time

We started playing Muffin Time during the June 2021 school holidays and Sunshine fast became addicted. It’s really a card game, although I have seen it touted on websites as a board game. The premise of the game is to win the game by getting 10 cards in your hand the quickest. Along the way, your opponents will try to challenge, trick or trap you. We love this game!

More Family Board Games

New board games come on the market all the time. Some prove to be popular and become staples items at Family Game Night, whilst others fade back into obscurity.

The next selection are board games that are new to our boardgame cupboard. I will try to add to this list as we find new additions that we love.

1. 5 Second Rule

5 Second Rule is a word and time pressure game. Basically, the rules are very easy – name three things in 5 seconds flat! It becomes a little tricky when you have only 5 seconds to respond. The game is ideal for 3 to 6 players and recommended for ages 8+ years.

2. Articulate

Articulate is a word game where each player needs to describe a word without saying it whilst racing against the timer. Sounds easy, but it becomes challenging when you have time against you. Suitable for 4 – 20+ players and recommended for ages 12+ years.

3. Blokus

Blokus is a building and strategy game. Each player takes turns to place their piece on the board, starting from your own corner. Each new piece must then touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners! The goal is to get rid of all your pieces. For 2+ players and suitable for ages 7+.

4. Catan

You may know this game as its former name, Settlers, Catan is a multiplayer board game that is built using hexagonal terrain tiles. Points are accumulated by building settlements and cities, having the longest road and the largest army (from some of the development cards), and gathering certain development cards that simply award victory points.

You’ll need 3-4 players for this game and it is recommended for ages 12+.

5. Cranium

I have the card version of Cranium which I have used with high school classes as part of our Morning Circle. The board games are a little different but has the same goal – to utilise all parts of your brain across 4 domains: Creative Cat, Data Head, Star Performer and Word Worm.

This game is for 4 players or more and is recommended for ages 16+ years.

6. Family Feud

The Family Feud board game was developed due to the popularity of the television game show. Teams respond to “SURVEY SAYS” questions in a competition to beat the other team. Best played with 4+ players, Family Feud is recommended for ages 8+.

7. Googly Eyes

I have found that I can only play this game for a short period of time before it affects my eyes, but the kids love it so much!

Played with 4+ players, each team members wears whacky vision-altering glasses to draw various challenges for their team who must guess what is being drawn. Recommended for ages 7+ years.

8. Kids on Stage

This is basically a charades game developed for children. Drawing a card, players need to silently act out what they see on the card, refining their acting skills along the way. Best played with 2- 6 players, this is one game that is suitable for ages 3+.

9. Pass the Bomb

These days it can be quite challenging to get Striker to join in playing our family board game activities, but Pass the Bomb is one game he is ALWAYS happy to play.

To play the game, a card is dealt in the middle revealing two letters. Players take it in turns to shout a word that contains the letters on the card and pass along the bomb (you can’t pass until you have stated a word that contains the letters and has not been used already). The person holding the bomb when it explodes, loses.

You’ll need two or more players to play Pass the Bomb. It is recommended for ages 12+.

10. Pass the Pigs

Pass the Pigs has become a very popular game derived from the dice game Pig. Each turn involves one player throwing two model pigs, depending on how the pigs land, points are scored or deducted. For 2 or more players and recommended for kids 8+.

11. Sequence

Sequence is both a board game and a card game. Each player competes to create rows, columns or diagonals of 5 connected checkers placed on the cards that the player has laid down. Two-eyed Jacks are wild, while one-eyed Jacks allow an opponent’s checker to be removed. The game ends when someone has reached a specified number of connections. Played with 2 or more players, Sequence is suitable for ages 7+ years.

12. Throw Throw Burrito Board Game

This is dodge ball created for your living room, just make sure all your breakables are safe before you start! Try to collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging, and throwing squishy airborne burritos. Ideal for 2-6 players and recommended for ages 7+.

13. Watch Ya’ Mouth

When we first bought Watch Ya’ Mouth my kids thought this was hilarious and it has been a favourite ever since. I use sharpies to clearly label whose mouthpiece is whose and disinfect between games.

Whilst wearing cheek retractors, players attempt to read and interpret the phrase for their team players. It is quite funny. 3-10 Players wear cheek retractors and speak out phrases while teammates guess what they are saying. Suggested Age: 8 Years and Up