Best family board games

In this category we introduce family games with a long record at home tables. Some are modern designs, such as Ticket to Ride, where players collect coloured train cards to claim routes across a map, or Azul, where you draft colourful tiles to decorate a wall. Others are older classics, such as Monopoly and Cluedo, that many families already own and may want to play better. Labyrinth adds a moving maze that changes shape every turn, which makes it a favourite with younger players.

For each game we list the player count, a typical playing time and the age printed on the box when we are sure of it. We explain how a turn works, what makes the game fun, and where it can go wrong, such as games that run too long or leave one player out. Ratings are our own opinion. We do not sell or host these commercial games here; we only introduce them. For a quick family moment on a phone or laptop, try one of our free browser games, such as our maze or memory games.