Top 10 Favourite Family Board Games

One of the best ways to have fun, screen-free, quality time together as a family is by setting aside time to play board games. However, there are so many to choose from, it's hard to know which will be a good match for you and your kids.

There are, of course, the classics that many of us parents enjoyed when we were kids and still enjoy today (games like Operation and Uno) and then there are the latest, hot games that everyone is talking about (currently, it seems to be Pie Face and Speak Out!).

If you're looking to add to your family board game collection, or start your collection, here are a few suggestions based on what we own and love, have enjoyed in the past, or that are on our wish list!

1. Memory

Recommended for ages 3 and up, 1+ players

This is a game that will always stand the test of time. We have a couple different editions that have been around since the kids were very little and they still get pulled out sometimes. The best part of this game is that kids (and adults!) of all ages can play, and while playing, you'll give your memory a little exercise. There's no reading required, so as long as your kids can match pairs, they can play.

2. Candy Land

Recommended for ages 3 and up, 2 to 4 players

This was the first board game my kids owned and it's a great one to introduce them to the world of board games. Players draw cards to make their way through the many sweet locations on the board on the way to King Kandy's castle.

3. Trouble

Recommended for ages 5 and up, 2 to 4 players

This is another good, quick starter game for kids (they'll love the dice popper!) and one that we enjoy on many game nights. The objective of the game is to have each of your four pieces make their way around the board safely while avoiding trouble (being landed on by another player's piece). If a player does run into trouble, they have to return their piece back to the start and begin again.

4. Guess Who

Recommended for ages 6 and up, 2 players

Another simple game that is great for younger kids is Guess Who. Each player has to choose a character while the other tries to guess who the character is by asking questions about the character's appearance (hair colour, eye colour, whether or not they wear glasses, etc.). The one who correctly guesses first, wins!

5. HedBanz

Recommended for ages 7 and up, 2 to 6 players

HedBanz is technically not a board game, but it is a fun "what am I" guessing game the whole family will enjoy. Each player draws a card and puts their card into their headband so everyone but them can see it. They each take turns asking yes or no questions of the other players and the first to guess the object on their card, wins!

6. Monopoly

Monopoly recommended for ages 8 and up, 2 to 6 players

No family board game list can be compete without Monopoly! This has been a favourite for us ever since my eldest was given Monopoly Junior as a birthday gift. Kids love that they have a big stack of cash to control and how they have the power to own property, build houses and earn even more money.

Monopoly Junior

Monopoly Junior recommended for ages 5 and up, 2 to 4 players

You may be wondering what the difference between Monopoly Junior and Monopoly are. The rules for Monopoly Junior are simplified, the board is smaller and the money rules are straightforward.

7. Settlers of Catan

Recommended for ages 8 and up, 3 to 4 players

This award-winning game that is on my wish list! Players make decisions on how to build a settlement on the Isle of Catan by building roads, buildings and more. Players also trade and acquire resources to develop the land, but beware, there are thieves and other players who can swoop in and upset your plans. (Note: There is also a Catan Junior available for kids 6 and up!)

8. Trivial Pursuit Family Edition Game

Recommended for ages 8 and up, 2+ players

We are partial to the Harry Potter edition, but if you aren't into Harry Potter, the family edition is just as fun! Players make their way around the board collecting pieces for their pie after answering trivia questions from different categories (there are questions for the kids and questions for the adults). The player who makes their way around the board with all of their pie pieces first, wins.

9. Scrabble

Recommended for ages 8 and up, 2 to 4 players

Another classic — you just can't go wrong with Scrabble! Kids will love coming up with words and using the dictionary to prove their words are actually words; parents will love that their kids are learning new words and adding to their vocabulary while having fun.

10. The Game of Life

Recommended for ages 9 and up, 2 to 4 players

If you aren't familiar with The Game of Life, it's a game that gives players the chance to make choices for different stages in their lives while they make their way around the board. Choices for their education, their career, buying a house and more. They also collect salaries on payday and have to make smart decisions on how to spend it.

This is just my list, there are, of course, hundreds of other games out there! Tell me which games (classic or new) you enjoy as a family. I'd love to hear about them and maybe add them to my wish list!