Jenga is a fun and slightly nerve-wracking game. It’s a great game for improving hand-eye coordination and patience, and the suspense makes it exciting (Image: Canva)
If you are looking for ways to get the kids of their screens and spend more time as a family, family game night is your answer. They are a fun way to get everyone involved, create lasting memories and share plenty of laughs.
No matter what age your kids are, they’re never too old for some classic fun games like charades and Pictionary, or an adventurous scavengers hunt or some good-old board games. Get them moving with musical chairs or balloon volleyball, and thinking with Scrabble or memory game.
Story continues below Advertisement
Here are some fun, family-friendly games that everyone – from kids to adults – will enjoy.
Charades is a classic game that’s easy to set up and guarantees laughter. Write down a mix of actions, animals, movies, or famous people on small slips of paper. One person acts out the word or phrase without speaking, while others try to guess. The sillier the actions, the more fun it becomes!
Pictionary is ideal for unleashing creativity. Split into teams, and have one person from each team draw a word or phrase while others guess what it is. You only need paper, markers, and a list of words or phrases. The drawings don’t need to be perfect – in fact, the more “abstract” they are, the better!
Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and The Game of Life are timeless and engaging. These games can last longer, making them perfect for a night dedicated to family bonding. They also teach kids basic money management, vocabulary, and strategic thinking.
UNO is easy for young kids to learn and fun for the whole family. The rules are simple, but the game can get competitive. Try adding some “house rules” for extra twists, like skipping two turns or stacking +2 cards for more excitement.
This game requires no setup and is perfect for younger kids. One person is “Simon” and gives commands like “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says hop on one foot.” The catch? If “Simon” doesn’t say “Simon says,” the others shouldn’t follow the instruction. It’s fun, active, and perfect for getting some energy out.
Create a scavenger hunt around the house or yard. Make a list of items for the kids to find or clues to follow. Each item or clue leads to the next one, and the hunt ends with a “treasure” like a small toy or treat. Scavenger hunts are exciting and encourage teamwork and problem-solving.
Musical chairs is a classic, high-energy game. Arrange chairs in a circle (one less than the number of players), play some music, and have everyone walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone races to sit in a chair. The last person standing is out, and a chair is removed until there’s only one person left. This game is easy to set up and always fun.
For younger kids, try “Guess the Animal Sound.” One person makes an animal sound, and everyone else guesses the animal. You can take turns and even make it more challenging by using lesser-known animal sounds. This game is educational and can get everyone laughing.
Arrange a set of random items on a tray and let everyone look at it for a few seconds. Cover the tray, remove one item, and see who can guess which item is missing. You can gradually increase the number of items for a more challenging game that’s great for building memory skills.
All you need is a soft ball or plush toy for this game. Start some music and pass the “potato” around in a circle. When the music stops, whoever is holding the potato is out. Keep going until there’s only one player left. It’s a fast-paced game that keeps everyone engaged.
Jenga is a fun and slightly nerve-wracking game. Players take turns removing a block from a tower and placing it on top without making the tower fall. It’s a great game for improving hand-eye coordination and patience, and the suspense makes it exciting.
Create a trivia game with questions about family members, like “Who is the best at cooking?” or “Who loves pizza the most?” This is a fun way to test how well everyone knows each other and share family stories.
Bingo is easy for young kids and fun for all ages. You can buy Bingo cards or make your own with paper and a pen. Use household items as markers, and call out numbers or items until someone completes a line or card. This classic game is easy to set up and can be customized with different themes.
Telephone, also known as “Chinese Whispers,” is a hilarious game of whispers. One person whispers a sentence to the next person, who whispers it to the next, and so on until it reaches the last person. The final sentence is often very different from the original, leading to lots of laughs.
Turn your living room into a volleyball court with a balloon. Use a piece of tape to mark a “net” on the floor, and have two teams try to keep the balloon from hitting the ground. This game is safe, active, and perfect for indoors.
Family game nights are about more than just the games – they’re about creating memories, bonding, and having fun together. So pick a few favourites, gather the family, and enjoy a night filled with fun and laughter!
