Great family board/card games

[crisi]

Not easy, but because there are some board game geeks on here.

My teenage daughter LOVES Arabian Nights. Probably ages 10 or 11 and up. Takes a few hours to play, the mechanics are relatively easy, but it is an odd game.

Her and her friends like Pandemic - I'd say 14 and up. Its a cooperative game - hard to win - not a simple rules set.

We like The Resistance - again, odd, but this one is pretty easy to play once you get the idea

Everyone loves the "not safe for work, frankly just not safe" Cards Against Humanity. But it is offensive and obscene - you are always cautious who you play it with. It is however, very easy to play.

Lords of Waterdeep and Small World are both fun

Sentinels of the Multiverse - but its complex. For when you are well past "Settlers of Catan" and "Munchkin" are way to simple.

 

[antmaril]

I second the "Exploding Kittens" game. My son is 11 and loves this game. It is his favorite game. Get ready for suspense and lots of laughter! It is great for the whole family.

I am glad to hear this about Exploding Kittens. I bought it for my niece who is eight (I bought the family friendly version for 7 and up). I also bought Farkle and Googly Eyes. I think she will have fun with these games. I sure hope so.

 

[indyannamom]

For easy games to learn' I love racko. It would be a good one for OP's stated guidelines.

If you want to take it up a level without getting too complex, Sushi Go is a good intro to deck building games.

 

[trip]

I haven't played it yet but my Grandsons like -- Roll for It Deluxe Edition Board game.

 

[ckcnj]

Zingo is fun. It is like a fast version of bingo.

 

[Pinkos]

Maybe I missed it but it doesn't look like anyone has mentioned Jenga, or Connect 4. Both are hits in this house and both are simple. We are getting battleship for our ds this Xmas. We also like old maid and go fish card games ... Again, simple.

 

[North of Mouse]

My DS12 and DS8 and I love to play games. The simple the better. And I want to get some new ones for them for Christmas. Our favorites in the past have been Uno, Sorry, and Headbanz (did I mention we like simple?). Any suggestions?

Did not read all the replies so this may have been mentioned, but we really love the game of Rummikub - it also stimulates the mind.

 

[starry_solo]

Monopoly
Trivial Pursuit
Operation

 

[jennasmommyinMS]

My daughter and I are starting our own little family game night tomorrow evening, and this will be our first game: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J0ZFA60?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I'll let y'all know what we think about it soon!

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

I had my mom bring her cribbage board for Thanskgiving. My girl is in second grade and at a perfect level for the pairs and math to 15 to be fun. Can't wait for the Christmas tournament! We also like skip-bo and Mancala.

 

[uk_wildcat]

We bought a super easy card game this summer called "Man Bites Dog." We played while we were in our hotel on vacation and it was funny and a nice quick game.

 

[platamama]

Q Bitz - we just played it last night (DD10, DH, me) and it was quick and fun. It challenges your visual spatial abilities, each player has to put cubes into a tray to match the pattern of the card drawn from the pile. First one done correctly wins the round. Each round took about 10 - 30 seconds.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I always give my boys a new board or card game on Thanksgiving. When they were little, it kept them out of my hair while I'm cooking and gave the whole family something to do after dinner. It's a tradition that continues now that they're 13 and 15.

This year, the game was Exploding Kittens. It's GREAT! We laugh so much every time we play it! It's super easy but lots of fun. It's a pretty quick game too. The graphics on the cards are hysterical.

Definitely would recommend!

 

[madge]

We love, love, love Blokus.
Wits & Wagers and Bananagrams are favorites ... as is Spot It. (currently playing the holiday edition )
Our new favorite this year is Qwixx.

Farkle & Phase 10 are always fun, too.