Board games may seem like an outdated form of entertainment, but they're actually hotter than ever. Thanks to indie publishers, there are board games out there for everyone.
Growing your board game collection has some major benefits. They're great to pull out for a family game night. It's especially fun if your family is dedicated to getting into it, whether it's competitive or cooperative. These games are an awesome jumping point for making unforgettable memories.
What's great about the picks on this list is that they aren't the same games you grew up on. Classic board games are great, but how many times can a person play Monopoly or Candy Land before they mentally unravel? Learning a new game is good for shaking off the rust and getting your mind off your worries. Immerse yourself in a new world, whether it's for 20 minutes or 2 hours. You'll feel all the better for it.
Fun First Board Games: The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 3-6
This game is great for young players learning how to play board games. In this game, you use squirrel-shaped tweezers to pick up colorful acorns. The first player to fill their log is the winner!
Shop Now: The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game (Amazon, $13.99)
A Game That's Nice To Look At: Top This! The Ice Cream Game
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 4+
This sweet-themed game will be a big hit with dessert lovers everywhere. Be the first player to assemble their sundae.
Shop Now: Top This! The Ice Cream Game (Amazon, $16.21)
Cooperative Fun: Stone Soup
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 5+
This cooperative memory matching game is a great way for kids to learn about working as a team. Get your ingredients together before the kettle goes out!
Shop Now: Stone Soup (Amazon, $16.99)
A Good Time That Keeps You Guessing: The Magic Labyrinth
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
This changing game board will keep young players engaged. Collect all the objects the Master is missing before he realizes they're gone to win the game.
Shop Now: The Magic Labyrinth (Amazon, $33.27)
Tile Placement With a Twist: Qwirkle
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
Qwirkle is an easy-to-play game that's almost like a cross between Scrabble and dominoes. Players work to make Qwirkles, or sets of tiles by color or shape. It's easy to pick up but tricky enough to involve a bit of strategy.
Shop Now: Qwirkle (Target, $24.99)
Tetris, Tabletop Style: Blokus Trigon
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 7+
The original version of Blokus features shapes that call back to the days of Tetris. This Trigon edition is just a little bit trickier.
Shop Now: Blokus (Amazon, $27.93)
A Good Time That Keeps You Moving: Throw Throw Burrito
Number of players: 2-6
Ages: 7+
This silly game is fun for everyone. Work to collect cards and make matches. Make the ones you need, and then work to survive a battle with the included foam burritos.
Shop Now: Throw Throw Burrito (Target, $24.99)
Fun for the Whole Family: Ticket To Ride
Number of players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Ticket To Ride has been hailed by some as this generation's Monopoly. Your job is to create train routes across the country based on route cards you draw. It's harder than it looks, however, considering that placement is limited. The great thing is that there are plenty of variants to this game, so if you have younger players, there's even a way to get them started.
Shop Now: Ticket To Ride (Target, $44.99)
For the Family Who's Been Watching HGTV: Azul
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 8+
Artisans are looking to decorate their palaces with beautiful, ornate tiles. Making the mosaics your own is a fun journey that's simple and hard to give up after one game.
Shop Now: Azul (Target, $28.99)
Getting Into Fantasy: Small World
Number of players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Small World teaches players about all types of creatures you'll find throughout the fantasy genre. Play as orcs, wizards, Amazons, and more. Grow your territory as players vie for spaces to grow their own.
Shop Now: Small World (Walmart, $49.95)
Fast-Paced Fun: Splendor
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 10+
You're a Renaissance merchant looking to accumulate a fortune. There are four action options to help you achieve just that. Earn 15 prestige points to walk away victorious.
Shop Now: Splendor (Amazon, $31.57)
An Addictively Good Time: Settlers of Catan
Number of players: 3-5
Ages: 10+
This is a great game to get players into strategizing in a complex but still accessible way. Gather resources to expand into other settlements. Trade and barter with opponents as you fight your way to the finish.
Shop Now: Settlers of Catan (Target, $44.99)
In the Mood for Something Spooky? Betrayal at House on the Hill
Number of players: 3-6
Ages: 12+
Work together to uncover the rooms of a spooky old mansion on a hill. Like with any haunted house, you may not always be prepared for what you discover.
The great thing about this game is the infinite replay value. The game comes with over 50 different scenarios, so you never play the same game twice.
Shop Now: Betrayal at House on the Hill (Amazon, $29.49)
Tile Laying That Keeps You Guessing: Castles of Mad King Ludwig
Number of players: 1-4
Ages: 13+
Build a castle fit for a mad king! Players work to buy tiles and build out their castle while achieving secret goals. The player with the highest-scoring castle wins.
Shop Now: Castles of Mad King Ludwig (Amazon, $38.95)
For the Fairy-Tale-Loving Family: The Grimm Forest
Number of players: 2-4
Ages: 13+
Your favorite fairy-tale characters are all incorporated into this aesthetically gorgeous game. As family members of the Three Little Pigs, you're racing to build your house before your opponents can. Characters can shake up the game, so anyone's able to win.
Shop Now: The Grimm Forest (Amazon, $49.87)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
