In my family, the holidays are a time for playing games! Games are a great way to strengthen connections, improve teamwork and communication, and create lasting memories.
Strengthening Family Connections
Family game nights provide an opportunity for parents and children to come together and strengthen their bonds in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
Additionally, laughing and having fun through games is an excellent stress reliever! It allows families to unwind, forget about the day’s challenges, and focus on enjoying the moment.
Teamwork and Communication Skills
Games often involve communication, whether it’s strategizing, negotiating, solving puzzles, or just having good-natured banter. Playing as a team enhances communication skills, helping family members express themselves more effectively. In addition, both parents and children can learn better cooperation and the importance of supporting one another.
Creating Lasting Memories
Establishing a regular game night can become a cherished family tradition. Whether it’s something small like every Saturday night, or something big like New Year’s Eve–playing games makes space for a digital detox.
Putting away phones and devices allows for genuine, face-to-face interaction, encouraging deeper connections among family members. These moments of fun and laughter become part of the family lore, helping family members feel a sense of unity and nostalgia.
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Games for Kids Ages 4-8+
In this color-coordinated matching game, kiddos will learn to take turns and cooperate to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun comes up. If all the owls are home before sunrise, everyone wins!
This is such a simple game, and it makes us all put on our thinking caps. You start with a pile of chips, and for each roll of the dice, pass a chip to the Left, Right, or Center depending on if L, R, or C is rolled. Be the last one with chips to be declared the winner!
In this game, 12 of the Queen’s treasures have been stolen, and you need to work together to find all the missing treasures in the stone maze. Kids need to cooperate to navigate the magnetic maze before time runs out!
Happy SalmonOn the box of this game, it says, “A 90-second game that you will play for hours.” I can attest to that! In a frenzy of friendly competition, players work to find cards that match with someone else’s—don’t forget the silly hand motions! Be the first one to get rid of all your cards to win.
LabyrinthI love this game because it teaches cause and effect—or consequences! Be the player to find the shortest path through the maze, but make sure you collect your treasures on the way. It is very quick to learn and is a game kiddos will want to play over and over again.
Games for Pre-Teens and Older
SplendorThis game plays differently every time as you strive to build a lucrative jewelry business in Renaissance Europe. You can do this by establishing trade routes, hiring skilled artisans, and obtaining mines to get your gems. Watch your family members work to become the wealthiest merchant!
KarubaThe premise of this game is that a team of adventurers gets dropped off on a beach and needs to collect treasures to make it to the ancient temple. Players make important decisions every time as they lengthen their paths. Race against other players to snag the loot first!
KarmaThe goal of this game is to get rid of all your cards by playing a card that is equal to or higher than the main card. But what happens if your “friend” hands you the entire discard pile? And don’t get too comfortable if you’re out—you can even be brought back into the game with another Karma card. This crazy game will keep everyone on their toes!
Rear WindowThis game is a throwback to the 1950’s murder mystery by Alfred Hitchcock. The Director can silently act out clues, and players need to watch the suspicious actions of their neighbors to figure out what actually happened. With tension building as the game progresses, amateur detectives will get a great sense of satisfaction when they uncover the actual mystery.
This is a strategy and exploration game where you trade spices to gain property in the land of Caravania. On each turn, a player can complete one of four actions: establish trade routes, harvest crystals, fulfill demands, and rest (I love this!).
If you want to create more meaningful family time, check out these resources: