When it comes to family get-togethers, playing family board games is arguably the best kind of entertainment there is.
Whether it's a special occasion, a big family gathering or an intimate weekend meal, dabbling in a board game is a great way to bond and get the brain juices flowing at the same time.
So we've picked out the best board games to make sure your house is stocked up for a rainy day. And if there's one family bonding game that comes out above the rest, it has to be Articulate, which encourages even the most contentious of family members to bond through shared knowledge and experiences.
We've also picked out the best options for bookworms and creatives, as well as those who can't get enough of trivia. And there's even a pick for those who are obsessed with the magic and mystery of Harry Potter...
Best family board games
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Articulate! – fast talking description game (opens in new tab)
To play with those who know you best
Amp up the mealtime excitement with this fast-paced game that will force you to expand your mind to think of different ways to explain even the most mundane of objects, most common of holiday destinations and most popular of celebrities.
You'll need at least four players for this one as each side needs one reader and one describer. But you can play with as many loved ones as you like – the more the better! Just be sure to pick your teammates wisely as any telepathic vibes will go a long way with this one.
Hasbro Jenga classic (opens in new tab)
You'll need a steady hand for this one
If your idea of the ideal day out is to explore the biggest rollercoasters of the world's most renowned theme parks, then this one is sure to give you the adrenaline fix that you love.
Build up the blocks and do your best to remove each one without knocking the tower over. A great game for if there's only a small group too!
Confident? (opens in new tab)
You have to be brave and take a risk to win
If you like to work your brain but also get a thrill from risking it all then this will give you the best of both with its brilliant concept. Instead of answering questions straight, this game involves a little twist in which you have to guess a range – but will you go wide or take a risk and go more specific?
With a whole load of questions and extra packs available this is a game that's sure to provide endless hours of fun. And it's a great one for perking things up on a video call too!
Spin Master Games Beat the Parents (opens in new tab)
Two-children families will love this one
Parents and kids go head-to-head in this one that has thrilling questions designed for both children and adults, and even fun challenges for each team to complete on the way to victory.
This one might even come to cause some rifts!
Monopoly Deal card game (opens in new tab)
Take this on the go for hours of fun
If there's one board game we've all fallen out over at one point or another it's Monopoly. And this micro version of the combative game may even win over more fans than its predecessor as you can go from start to finish in just 15 minutes, so you're not stuck at the dining table for hours.
Of course, not all games will go by this quickly and it does rely on both skill and luck – so you can never predict the winner with this one!
Pictionary (opens in new tab)
Even beginners can do well at this
A classic that will test even the most creative of artists out there, this comes with prompts and clues to guide players through the game.
You may have to think outside the box a little to see things from your team players' perspectives though!
Scrabble original (opens in new tab)
You'll need to warm your brain up for this one
Readers and non-readers alike can enjoy this classic battle of words that challenges you to come up the smartest words you can think of.
And even if your vocabulary is on the more limited side, play with some strategy to try and use special spaces on the board to gain you more points.
Cheatwell Games Top Trivia Ultimate (opens in new tab)
Unleash your inner quizzer
We're all secretly desperate to show off our knowledge about certain subjects, so no-one can escape the allure of a trivia game. This one comes with 4,500 questions covering topics such as sport, TV and film, general knowledge and music so that you can keep going for hours on end.
Colourbrain (opens in new tab)
Trivia – but with a colourful twist
Everyone loves a trivia quiz, but the normal question and answer format can get a bit boring. So this turns the mundane quiz on its head with a colourful twist.
With questions for every member of the family – from the colours of the Teletubbies to those of the five Olympic rings – this will challenge you to dig into the depths of your mind and remember those all-too familiar colours you're sure you've seen before.
Charades for kids game (opens in new tab)
You might discover a future acting career here
We all love a bit of charades, but this version for kids will let them express themselves while learning about different topics in fun way.
Expect prompts such as 'kangaroo', 'chopping wood' and 'putting a cassette in the player'. Though we expect any 21st century babies might have a problem with the last of those...
What came first? (opens in new tab)
Cast your mind back...
Cast your mind back to the first time you had a bagel – can you remember? Well if so, then this one is for you. With 50/50 answers you have to hedge your bets with this one, which requires you to choose which of the two proffered options came first first.
With questions like ciabatta vs bagel, Tupac vs Notorious B.I.G. and the Himalayas vs. the Rockies, this is one that allows the whole family to show off their knowledge.
Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit (opens in new tab)
Immerse yourself in the magical world
All those rereads and rewatches of the iconic fiction series will come in handy for this ultimate Trivial Pursuit game that challenges all us muggles to tap into our Hogwarts lessons on our way to becoming a wizarding champion.
Play as a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin and answer questions on everything from your favourite magical creatures, to the hidden corners of Diagon Alley and the deepest depths of the dark arts.
Our verdict on the best board games
If it's an all-rounder you're looking for that the whole family will love then we think Articulate (opens in new tab) is the way to go. With rounds covering places, people, objects, nature, actions and even a challenging random category, it'll keep the whole family on their toes for hours on end and give you a whole tonne of laughs along the way.
We also think Scrabble (opens in new tab) is a great one to dip into now and then if you're trying to keep your brain active, and if it's sleuth competition you're after then Monopoly Deal (opens in new tab) has to be up there with the best.
We'd stock up on all of these so that they're in the house for whatever occasion you need them for. Happy playing!
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