Best Board Games to Buy

So are you dreading the days getting shorter and the temperatures dropping? I’m not, but I know I am definitely dreading my kids getting sucked into their video games and hours of watching the television. So what am I going to do about it? The answer is quite simple, Board Games.

A Forgotten Past Time

Board games seem to be the fun of yesteryear. The nostalgic memories that come to mind for us 30 and 40 somethings of the world. We were the generation that saw the start of computers and cable television. 

So what did we do before we had these technological luxuries? We played outside most of the time. But what did we do when it was just too darn hot or god forbid it was raining a flood? That’s when board games came to the rescue. For some individuals, board games are still very much a way of passing the time. But for most, old fashioned board games have taken a back seat to the newest social media craze. That is where I come in. 

I fully intend to bridge that gap. This post isn’t to say that Facebook and TikTok are bad, or that you need to put down that game of Candy Crush or Diggy’s Adventure. This post is all about bringing back those sweet memories of your own childhood and sharing them with your children. And if you stick around to then end, I might even have a couple of recommendations for Adults Only games for after the kids go to bed, wink wink. 

Tried and True

So there are obviously some board games that would be considered “tried and true”. These are the ones you can mention by name and pretty much anyone would know what you are talking about. Monopoly is one such game. Players get to make their fortune by buying properties and building houses and hotels on them, but beware, you may just end up going to jail. Other such iconic board games are Sorry, Connect4, Yahtzee and Trouble. All five of these games can still be found in their classic versions to this day, but have also have new editions that have terrific modern twists.

My other suggestion for no-fail fun with your kids are some simple card games. I can’t tell you how many times I played Old Maid and Crazy 8’s as a child. And don’t get me started at Go Fish. I was a champion “fisherman” by the time I was in Kindergarten. 

Kids Games

Toddler/Preschool Games

1. Chutes and Ladders – Preschoolers are trying to reach the top first. No need to know how to ready, just turn the spinner and move your pawn the amount of spaces it says.
2. CandyLand – If I’m being honest, this was my absolute favorite game as a child. I’m pretty sure my father is scarred for life from playing it nonstop with me during my younger years. So if you have a little one who doesn’t know how to read yet, this game is perfect as it is based on colors and not numbers or words. 
3. Let’s Go Fishing – This fishing game is admittedly still fun as an adult even if it can be played by kids as young as 4 years old. And a bonus, it helps them work on their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. 
4. HiHo! Cherry-O! – AImed at children 3 and older, this game is a wonderful way to start your little one’s love of numbers and counting. 
5. Yeti in My Spaghetti – This game is another amazing game that works your kid’s fine motor skills, but also helps them with problem solving. Like Ker-Plunk of days gone by, this one comes down to pulling the right stick and keeping the “Yeti” in this instance from falling into the bowl.

Older Kids

6. Ticket To Ride – This is a game that gets those elementary minds churning, but can also challenge older adolescents. During the course of the game, your child will use strategy as they “ride the rails” towards the finish line. New versions to this game can be found in the European Edition, Rails & Sails, and First Journey among others.
7. Apples To Apples – I have never laughed as hard as i did when I played this game. Each player must convince the “judge” where their answer to the adjective is the best choice. Hilarity is destined to ensue playing this game. 
8. Exploding Kittens – this is a game that we aren’t allowed to play near my nine year old as she is obsessed with kittens. So the idea of them exploding, even a cartoon version, is traumatic for her. But if you have kids that don’t mind a little humor and some light talk of explosions, this is the perfect card game for older kids. 
9.  Escape Room The Game (JUMANJI) – If you are a fan of the movie and want to tempt fate, grab this game for your kids. I can not speak from experience, but I’ve been told that you will not get pulled into an alternate universe. I have however been assured that you will spend 60 nail biting minutes trying to escape.

Fun for the Whole Family

• UNO – What I like to refer to as America’s favorite card game, the entire family can get in on the action and plot revenge against each other while also enjoying some laughs. 
• GUESS WHO What’s not to love about a simple game of guessing who your opponent is by narrowing down their appearance?
• CLUE – Touted as the “Classic Murder Mystery Game”, the object of the game is to figure out whodunit, where, and with what. 
• SCRABBLE – Who’s the biggest wordsmith in your home? This game is sure to help you find out. Players build words to accumulate points and win the game.
• BEAT THE PARENTS – A trivia game meant for the whole family. This game pits kids vs parents to see just who is smarter. Individual question cards are geared towards kids or parents to level the playing field. 

Adults Only 

1. Trivial Pursuit – While not necessarily for adults only, this game has through the years proven itself to be aimed more towards adults. I’d also like to add that it does suggest ages 16 and up. So, if you are a sucker for useless wisdom,  grab yourself a copy of this all encompassing trivia game.
2. Man Laws and Woman Rules – This game is all about the unwritten rules that have been passed down from generation to generation. Laughs are sure to take place when you get together with the opposite sex and test their knowledge of your genders’ secret code.
3. Talk, Flirt, or Dare – I love that this game has 3 different levels. Meant for couples to play, it allows the players the opportunity to pick just how involved they want to play. It is a great way for new couples to get to know each other and for seasoned spouses to learn more about their significant other. 
4. Couple Connect and Couple Reconnect – the original game created by a licensed psychologist, this one is meant to help couples connect on every level possible. If you and your significant other fall into the 10+ years of marriage/commitment bracket, then the Reconnect version is the one for you. Both will help couples get closer than they ever thought possible. 
5. Love Battleship – if you are looking for something a little spicier to play with your special someone, then this is definitely it. This game is meant to be played behind closed doors by two adults.

This list barely skims the surface of what is out there in the board game world. There truly is something out there for everyone.  So whether you are looking for something kid friendly or a game to reignite some passion in your relationship, there is a board game to scratch that itch. So put the technology down and reconnect with those closest to you.