Family Game Night Games for Every Season
Family game nights are a practical way to strengthen bonds, create regular quality time, and have fun together throughout the year. Whether you're looking for indoor activities during chilly winter evenings or backyard games for warm summer nights, there's something for everyone.
Want to get your family together more often? Here are a bunch of ideas for games and activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all sizes and ages, no matter the season.
Board Games for All Ages
Board games are a classic choice for family game nights, offering entertainment and educational value for players of all ages.
Catan Junior is a kid-friendly version of the popular Settlers of Catan game. In this pirate-themed adventure, players collect resources to build hideouts and ships. It's perfect for children as young as 6 and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
King of Tokyo is a dice-rolling game where players take on the role of giant monsters battling for control of Tokyo. With its simple mechanics and exciting gameplay, it's an excellent choice for families with children aged 8 and up.
Card Games for Quick, Casual Fun
Card games are perfect for family game nights, and a standard deck offers endless options. Here are a few favorites. If you don’t know how to play, a card game instruction book or a simple Google search will get you and your loved ones playing instantly!
Go Fish: Collect sets of four matching cards; great for ages 4+.
Crazy Eights: Match cards by rank or suit; suitable for ages 6+.
Rummy: Form sets or runs; ideal for ages 8+.
War: A simple luck-based game for two players, ages 4+.
Old Maid: Match pairs while avoiding the Old Maid card; fun for ages 6+.
Spoons: Fast-paced matching game; perfect for larger groups, ages 8+.
Enhance your game nights by using the Family Daily app to schedule and plan these fun activities together!
Active Games for Energy Release
Sometimes, families need games that get everyone up and moving. For this type of game, here are a few ideas:
Charades is a classic game that requires no special equipment. Players act out words or phrases without speaking while others try to guess. It's perfect for all ages and can be adapted to suit different themes or difficulty levels.
Minute to Win It style games are perfect for adding excitement to family game night. Set up simple challenges using household items, such as building a paper cup tower or transferring marbles using only a spoon. These games are great for all ages and can be easily customized.
Backyard Family Games
When the weather is tolerable, take your family game night outside with some of these classics!
Spikeball is a fast-paced game combining elements of volleyball and four square. Players bounce a small ball off a circular net, creating exciting rallies.
Cornhole is a popular lawn game that's easy to set up and play. Players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it. It's suitable for all ages and can be played in teams or individually.
Giant Jenga brings the classic tower-building game to a larger scale. Use oversized wooden blocks to create a tower, then take turns removing blocks without causing it to topple. This game is perfect for backyard fun and can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Creative Family Games for Artistic Evenings
For families who enjoy expressing their creativity, these games are sure to be a hit.
Pictionary is a drawing game where players try to guess words or phrases based on their teammates' sketches. It's a great way to encourage creativity and communication skills.
Blind Drawing is where one family member describes an object while another draws it blindfolded without looking at their paper. The resulting sketches are often comical and showcase the importance of clear communication.
Consequences is a storytelling game where players collaboratively create a story by writing a sentence, folding the paper to hide the previous lines, and then passing it to the next person to continue the story—without context. The resulting tale is often hilariously absurd and unexpected!
DIY Games for Unexpected Fun
No board games in the house? No problem. Creating your own games can be just as enjoyable.
Indoor Treasure Hunts are easy to set up and can be tailored to suit any age group. Hide clues or small prizes around the house and watch as your family works together to solve the mystery.
Family Trivia is a great way to learn more about each other. Have family members submit interesting facts about themselves, then create a quiz game using this information.
Balloon Volleyball is another fun and easy DIY game. Simply blow up a balloon and toss it back and forth like a volleyball over a string "net" for hilarious, slow-motion fun.
Tech-Based Games for Multigenerational Families
For families who enjoy incorporating technology into their game nights, consider these options.
Jackbox Party Pack games are digital party games that can be played using smartphones or tablets as controllers. With a variety of games suitable for different ages, they're perfect for tech-savvy families and often allow multiple players for a collaborative competition.
Nex Playground Game System is a unique AI-powered motion-tracking video game console that transforms your living room into an interactive gaming space. It's a great way to combine physical activity with digital entertainment for kids!
Plan Upcoming Family Game Nights With Family Daily
To make the most of your family game nights, plan ahead and make sure everyone knows when and where to meet. Whether you have a large family or you’re inviting extended family over, use the Family Daily shared calendar app to schedule and plan the fun. Family Daily can help you:
Set regular game night schedules
Rotate game choices to keep things fresh
Assign responsibilities for setup and cleanup
Track favorite games and activities
Coordinate with multiple family members' schedules
Share grocery lists to stock up on all the right snacks
And more
By incorporating the Family Daily app into your scheduling, every family event—including special game nights—becomes a consistent and cherished part of your routine.
So, whether you're battling monsters in King of Tokyo, solving puzzles, or laughing through a round of charades, the most important thing is the time spent together. Download the Family Daily app to make family game nights a regular (and favorite) priority!
