Family game night is a great way to bond, create memories, and unwind together. It brings everyone into a shared experience, encouraging teamwork, friendly competition, and laughter. Whether it’s a board game, card game, or video game, it promotes communication and problem-solving skills while allowing for relaxation away from daily stress. Game nights also help strengthen relationships, giving family members the chance to connect without distractions. The laughter and playful moments foster a sense of belonging and joy, making it an important tradition that strengthens family ties and nurtures positive, lasting memories.
Charades
Cost: FREE
Charades is fun for all ages and families because it taps into creativity, imagination, and teamwork. Players get to act out clues in a playful way, which encourages laughter and bonding. For younger players, it’s a chance to develop communication and expression skills in a fun environment, while older participants enjoy the challenge of thinking on their feet and interpreting the actions. The game doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, and everyone can participate regardless of age. The unpredictability of each round keeps the game fresh and entertaining for everyone involved!
Charades can be especially exciting when each time your family plays, you create clues that are based on a theme. Keep it local by making that evening’s theme “local places we love to go,” or “names of neighborhood streets.”
What’s the Point
Cost: $20
Buy from: Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys,
111 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
“What’s The Point?” is a quick, easy-to-learn, strategic game with a playful theme featuring cacti. Players try to collect sets of cacti cards by using various action cards to gain an advantage, including the ability to “see and steal” from other players’ hands. This game’s simple rules make for high replay-ability (a bonus when adding any board game to your family game library). The basic gameplay is straightforward to understand, but the action cards add a layer of strategy, allowing for diverse gameplay. Its fast pace keeps the game exciting and prevents players of all ages from getting bored.
Mario Party
Cost: Used from $20
Buy from: Games Ahoy, 982 E EisenhowerBlvd., Loveland
If your family has a Nintendo Switch game console, you’ll love this game. Mario Party is considered fun for the whole family because it’s a simple, accessible party game with a variety of short, quick minigames that anyone can pick up and play, regardless of age or skill level, making it perfect for casual gamers and competitive players alike.
Mario Party Minigames utilize easy to learn controls, so even the family members who aren’t “into gaming” can easily catch on and play. Another plus is the game duration. Most minigames are short, meaning quick wins or losses that don’t feel too impactful and keep the game flowing. Finally, isn’t the whole point of family game night a little light competition? Mario Party minigames are easy and low stakes, so the focus can stay on having fun and playing together rather than intense competition.
