We’re all familiar with classic family board games like Monopoly and Cluedo, but there’s a whole world of newer board games out there too – games that are quicker to learn, easy to bring out on a rainy afternoon, and genuinely fun for parents as well as kids.
Here are 4 new family board games recommended by Board Game Guys.
#1. Dixit
Dixit is a multi-award-winning game, beautifully illustrated, where the main player is really your imagination. It tests logic, bluffing and powers of deduction, while keeping the rules to a minimum.
In every round, a player becomes the storyteller, calling out a phrase or word that describes one of their cards. The other players then choose one of their own cards that best matches what the storyteller has called out. The cards are uncovered and everyone votes secretly, trying to guess which card belongs to the storyteller.
Dixit is simple, imaginative and great fun. It adapts to any age or language, and with expansion packs adding dozens of extra cards, it rarely gets boring. A great choice 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 gain energy, heal your monster or attack other creatures, then spend energy crystals on special power cards. To win, you must either destroy Tokyo or be the last monster standing.
King of Tokyo, designed by Richard Garfield, is a fast-paced dice game of monster-bashing that’s a particular hit with kids who love a bit of chaos – and with experienced board gamers too.
Age: 8+, Time: 30 min, Players: 2-6
#3. Villa Paletti
Long ago in Italy, a man named Paletti tried to build the tallest castle in the world. When he ran out of money before finishing, he took columns from the ground floor to keep building upwards – and somehow ended up with an architectural marvel: the Villa Paletti.
In the game, players try to get their own columns onto the highest possible level of the villa. The game ends when the structure collapses – or when no one can build any higher. It’s quick, tense and genuinely funny to play as a family, especially when the tower starts to wobble.
Age: 8+, Time: 30 min, Players: 2-4
#4. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a clever, exciting tile-laying game for 2-5 players, set in and around the southern French medieval city of the same name. Players build roads, cities, cloisters and meadows, then place their followers – known as “meeples” – as farmers, knights, monks or thieves to claim points.
The rules are easy to pick up, and because the board is built fresh from shuffled tiles every time you play, no two games are ever the same. Carcassonne is a worldwide bestseller and multiple award winner, and a genuine must-have for any family game collection.
Age: 8+, Time: 45 min, Players: 2-5
About Board Game Guys
The Board Game Guys online store stocks a wide range of board games and card games, with delivery across Ireland.
Board Game Guys is a small team based in County Galway, passionate about bringing families and friends brain-stimulating, fun-loving tabletop games for all ages and interests – the kind of games that bring people together around the table.
Have you played any of these board games? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are these board games suitable for?
All four games in this list are recommended for ages 8 and up, making them a good fit once kids are confident readers and ready for a bit of strategy or bluffing.
How many players do you need?
It varies by game. Dixit works for 3-6 players, King of Tokyo for 2-6, Villa Paletti for 2-4, and Carcassonne for 2-5 – so there’s an option whatever the size of your group.
Are these good games for a rainy day?
Yes. Each of these games has straightforward rules and plays in 30-45 minutes, making them ideal for a wet afternoon when you need something engaging that the whole family can join in with.
Where can I find these games?
They’re available through the Board Game Guys online store, along with plenty of other family and strategy games.
Related Articles
Looking for more ideas? Don’t miss 10 Best Family Board Games According to MyKidsTime Parents for more tried-and-tested favourites from real families.
More Rainy Day Ideas
If you’re planning ahead for the next wet weekend, why not browse our full collection of rainy day activities for more games, crafts and ideas to keep everyone entertained indoors?
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