We all know the classics — Monopoly, Cluedo, the games that have been in every family cupboard for decades. But if you’re after something new to bring to family game night, it’s worth branching out. Here are four family board games recommended by Board Game Guys, each one tested and loved by families looking for a bit of fun, strategy and friendly competition.
#1. Dixit
Dixit is a multi-award-winning game, beautifully illustrated, where imagination does most of the work. It tests your logic, your ability to bluff and your powers of deduction, all while keeping the rules refreshingly simple.
In every round, one player becomes the storyteller, calling out a word or phrase that describes one of their cards. The other players then choose a card from their own hand that best matches what the storyteller said. All the cards are shuffled together and revealed, and everyone votes secretly on which card they think belongs to the storyteller.
Dixit is simple, clever and genuinely good fun. It adapts well to any age group, and with extension packs adding dozens of extra cards, it rarely gets stale. A great pick for family game nights or an evening with friends.
Age: 8+, Time: 30 min, Players: 3–6
#2. King of Tokyo
Transform into a mutant monster, a giant robot or another terrifying creature, take on your opponents, conquer the city, and become the one and only King of Tokyo. Roll dice to build up energy, heal your monster or attack rivals, and use special power cards — bought with energy crystals — to give your creature an edge.
To win, you either destroy Tokyo or be the last monster standing by squashing your opponents along the way. King of Tokyo is a fast-paced, simple dice game by Richard Garfield that’s just as popular with kids as it is with experienced grown-up gamers.
Age: 8+, Time: 30 min, Players: 2–6
#3. Villa Paletti
Long ago in Italy, a man named Paletti set out to build the tallest castle in the world. When he ran out of money partway through, he began taking columns from the ground floor to keep building higher levels above — with, understandably, some structural drama along the way.
The result was the impressive (if precarious) Villa Paletti. Can you repeat his daring feat without everything coming down?
Players try to get their own columns onto the highest possible level of the tower. The game ends when the tower collapses, or when nobody can build any higher. It’s quick, tense and a lot of fun for the whole family.
Age: 8+, Time: 30 min, Players: 2–4
#4. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a clever, exciting tile-laying game for 2–5 players, set around the southern French medieval city of the same name. Players build roads, cities, cloisters and meadows, then deploy their followers — “meeples” — as farmers, knights, monks and thieves to claim them.
The rules are easy to pick up, and the game never feels repetitive, because the board is built fresh from scratch every time you play, with near-endless combinations of tiles and strategies. A world bestseller and multiple award winner, it’s a genuine must-have for any board game collection.
Age: 8+, Time: 45 min, Players: 2–5
About Board Game Guys
Board Game Guys is an online store offering a wide range of board games and card games. Based in County Galway, the small team behind it is passionate about bringing families brain-stimulating, fun-loving tabletop entertainment for all ages and interests — games that encourage everyone to bond, participate and compete together.
FAQs
What age group are these games suitable for?
All four games recommended here — Dixit, King of Tokyo, Villa Paletti and Carcassonne — are suited to children aged 8 and up, making them good options once younger family game night staples start to feel too simple.
How long does a typical game take?
Most of these games run for around 30–45 minutes, short enough to fit into an evening without taking over the whole night.
Are these games good for mixed-age family groups?
Yes. All four are designed to be accessible for both children and adults, with straightforward rules that don’t take long to learn, so they work well when different age groups are playing together.
Where can I buy these games?
All four are available through Board Game Guys, an online board game store based in Galway.
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Looking for more rainy day ideas?
If your family loves a good board game, browse our other rainy day activity ideas for more ways to keep everyone entertained when you’re stuck indoors.
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