Link to Online Resources
Finding the perfect board game for your family can be a daunting task, so looking to online resources is a great way for parents to make sure they are buying the right game for their family. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
1. Board Game Geek ” This is an extensive catalogue of board games, reviews and news on upcoming releases from the gaming industry.
2. Toyology “Toyology provides thoughtful ratings by real moms and experts on various games appropriate for various ages. They also offer reviews on strategy board games and classics like Monopoly or Scrabble for younger kids.
3. Parenting Magazine”Parenting provides rankings, photos and summaries of top picks in categories such as ‘Best Card Games 2021’, ‘Top 10 Board Games 2020’ and ‘Fun Math & Logic Board Games 2021’. They also provide advice on selecting the best game based on development stage and interests of your family members.
4. Amazon Reviews – The Amazon reviews section contains detailed feedback from verified purchasers with helpful comments regarding the ease of play, visuals, components and replay-ability of each title in an accessible format. It is a great place to look if you want more specific information about a particular board game before trying it out for yourself!
Multigenerational Games
Multigenerational games have been gaining in popularity over the past few years. They can provide a great way to bring together different age groups, from grandparents to young children, and have fun as a family. There are a variety of board games that are suitable for multigenerational play.
For example, the game Mrs. Meeple Rebound is designed for 3-7 players and was created to be played between different generations. Players use cards, dice and action tokens, with the goal being to collect all of the right pieces before everyone else does. It encourages strategy building, teamwork and creative thinking, making it perfect for families looking to enjoy some quality time together.
The game The Island of Doctor Lucky is also suitable for multigenerational play and involves both strategic luck and deduction skills. Players take on the roles of villains in a story based on an island full of dangers and secrets held by Dr. Lucky, who they must find”and try not to die in the process! This exciting race against time can lead to countless rounds of laughter while still providing enough challenge for all members of the family.
There are many more multigenerational board games out there as well, ranging from cooperative adventures such as Forbidden Skye to logic puzzles like Patchwork Express. No matter what your family’s interests may be, you’re sure to find something that will bring everyone together for an evening spent enjoying each other’s company over some inventive game play!
Price Point Category
Budget-Friendly:
For those looking for a fun and budget-friendly board game to enjoy with the family, there are many options available. One popular choice is the classic card game Uno. For adults and children of all ages, Uno offers an easy to learn set of rules that are always well-received by players. Other budget-friendly titles include Codenames, Rat-a-Tat Cat, Frog Juice, and Zombie Dice.
Mid-Range:
For mid-priced board games that offer slightly more complexity and challenge than the budget titles mentioned above, there are plenty of great options available. Some creative choices include Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Catan Junior, Spirit Island, Dixit and Formula D. These games provide hours of enjoyment for board game fans of all ages.
Luxury:
Root ” The Labyrinthine Tree offers players a luxurious gaming experience that will last for hours on end. Players can select their own treehouse before exploring three layers of Root’s forest world in this strategic area control title from Leder Games. Other luxury titles include Gloomhaven (a cooperative dungeon crawler), Food Chain Magnate (an economic simulation about restaurant management) Mechs Vs Minions (a robot building strategy game), Terraforming Mars (a colonization strategy where you must terraform a barren planet into a lush garden world), Scythe (a mechanized warfare/economic engine builder) and Arkham Horror Third Edition (the ultimate horror adventure).
DIY Ideas
1. Custom Monopoly board: Create your own Monopoly board using poster board and craft supplies. You can also find template versions online, which you can print out onto-thicker paper or cardboard. You can add custom touches, like changing the color scheme or adding unique artwork or hand carved game pieces such as tokens or dice.
2. Chess set: Use woodworking skills to make a chess set that is specific to your family members. Make each character unique, with each piece having its own look and style. If you don’t have access to woodworking tools, use sculpting clay covered in paint to create adorable characters for your new chess game.
3. Magnetic word search: Transform an old cookie sheet into a word search game! Create a word list of all the words you would like players to find and then use magnetic letter tiles for them to move around on the cookie sheet until they have created all of the correct words.
4. Virtual card games: Set up multiple computers (or tablets) side by side and create an interactive card game such as Uno, Crazy Eights, Go Fish and more! To take it further, you can program cards with unique effects that change when they’re played, making them even more exciting!
Takeaways
Family game nights provide a unique and enjoyable way to bring family members together, lasting far beyond the time spent around the board or table. It can help strengthen family bonds, create a sense of connection and belonging, improving communication between parents and children. Studies have continually shown that increased opportunities for families to spend quality time together can lead to more positive relationships and better communication skills in both youth and adults. Family game nights can also serve as an important distraction for any stressful situations, helping to relieve tension amongst everyone involved by providing a short break from the day-to-day issues that can arise. Furthermore, playing games often results in creative problem solving skills while imparting important lessons on perseverance and learning how to work through difficult moments with grace. Ultimately, these experiences are invaluable opportunities that can stay with families long after the end of each family game night comes to a close.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
