Did someone say bored? Not to be confused with board, like family board games. However, coincidentally, board games are a fantastic way to solve the boredom blues. I also believe board games serve as a great family bonding activity.
Like most of my generation, board games were part of growing up and are nostalgic reminders of our childhood. I grew up during the 80s and 90s; when Nintendo 64 and PlayStation were just becoming household names, home computers were basic at best and a cordless phone in your bedroom was all the rage. Pagers were the closest thing to communicating with someone on the go, since cell phones were way too chunky and expensive for the average family. Oh! and here’s a kicker- instead of asking Siri, Alexa or Google for help, my generation used actual encyclopedias and the card catalog system as forms of research…
and now I feel weirdly old…
Clearly, life in the 80s and 90s was less technology driven. Therefore, board games were more prominent forms of fun back in the day. But ‘old school’ is the new school. The 90s are making a comeback in more ways than just fashion.
Vintage is modern. Modern is vintage. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine. Families are having to revert to more classic or ‘old school’ ways of living and forms of entertainment; adding momentum to the 90s comeback.
Family time is less of an option these days; which can be both good and bad for a family unit. So if you are in favor of good times with family, this would perfect time to start hosting a family game night each week. Competitive bonding- a family favorite in our home!
Family Board Games
Most of us are familiar with the classic board games like Clue, Monopoly, The Game of Life, Candyland, Scrabble, etc. Generally, these games are for all ages as well as timeless forms of entertainment. And now many of these original board games have been restored or updated by the manufacturer to be put back on store shelves.
But the classics aren’t the only board games available. With the resurgence in popularity, as well as increases in e-commerce shopping, comes competition between board games. I was pleasantly surprised to find a plethora of board game options and have compiled a list of some of the best board games, both new and old:
- Monopoly. There are many different varieties but this is the classic version (it has all the original game pieces included)
- Sequence. For all ages, including toddlers. Challenging enough for adults. Easy for kids to learn.
- Scattergories- The Card Game. Old school board game modernized and mobile.
- Kids Against Maturity. The kid friendly version of Cards Against Humanity (which is the more “adult” version of Apples to Apples). Nonetheless, its a hilarious game and we could all use a good laugh.
- Game For Fame. Everybody wants their 15 minutes and this claim to fame challenge doesn’t require any talent. (disclaimer and FYI- the fame isn’t really real)
- Pandemic Board Game. Too soon? Nah. Think about how good it will feel to play as a family to conquer the pandemic. Could be very therapeutic.
- Quick Cups. So easy to play I have nothing to say besides “looks like family fun”.
- Jenga. Tell you never played Jenga with the fam. The stress is real but so is the fun.
- Life. How else are they gonna learn of the real world? just kidding but this game is fun and nostalgic am I right?
- Operation. It made me feel like a doctor growing up and it’s a high paced family fave.
- Candyland. A trusted favorite of mine as a child. I love that my kids love it just as much now.
- Pie Face. I selfishly love this game mainly because I love to see my kids get pied in the face.
- Uno. I played this with my family all the time as a kid and look back so fondly.
From the reviews, looks like Kix cereal isn’t the only thing ‘kid-tested; mother-approved’ (another ‘old school’ classic reference). Regardless, I hope this list of board games brings back, and continues to create, good memories with those you call family. #boardgamesarenotboring
What are your favorite family board games that you and your kids enjoy playing? Let me know in a comment below!
