Game night at our house includes a teenager, a pre-teen, two adults, and a sharp-witted grandma — and finding games we all love? That took some trial and error. After years of family game nights, here are five games we’ve found work really well across ages and skill levels.
🎫 Ticket to Ride
This one’s a classic. It takes about five minutes to teach and plays in under an hour. The basic version is great, but there are tons of different maps and variations to keep things fresh. It’s competitive without being mean, and everyone gets the hang of it quickly. Ticket to Ride
⚔️ 5-Minute Dungeon
Fast, funny, and cooperative — this is one we pull out when we don’t have a lot of time. Each round is only five minutes long (hence the name), but we usually end up playing a few back-to-back. It’s loud, chaotic, and fun for all ages — especially if someone’s around to help explain the cards. 5 Minute Dungeon
🔷 Sequence
Simple and surprisingly addictive. It’s part luck, part strategy, and totally approachable. This is the game we pull out when we want something relaxed that everyone already knows how to play. Sequence
🏝 Jamaica
You’re racing pirate ships around an island, collecting treasure and food. There’s a bit of player interaction, but it’s mostly about how your turn plays out — not direct attacks. Lighthearted and just the right level of challenge. Jamaica
💎 Splendor
This one has that satisfying “engine-building” feel. You start small, but as you buy cards, you get stronger and your turns become more powerful. It’s easy to understand, and kids can absolutely keep up with adults. Almost always under an hour to play. Splendor
🎖 Honorable Mentions:
-
Play Nine – Fun golf-themed card game. Quick and simple.
-
Dutch Blitz – If you like speed games and a bit of chaos, this one’s a blast.
⚠️ Games That Didn’t Work for Us
Not every “family game” is really a family game. Here are a few we tend to avoid:
-
Risk – Takes forever and usually ends with someone upset.
-
Monopoly – Same.
-
Trivial Pursuit – Hard to play fairly across age groups unless you have the same pop culture knowledge.
Final Thoughts
The best family games hit that sweet spot: easy to learn, fun for all ages, and done in under an hour. If you're looking for something new for game night, any of the five above are a great place to start.
You can find all these games at WiredVillageGames.com — or message us if you’re not sure where to start!
