Best Reasons To Play Family Board Games

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as a big lover of playing games, and with Christmas approaching where we’re all getting together, I share the best reasons, including health benefits, to play family board games.

As the Christmas season approaches, many of us are eager to spend quality time with loved ones. One fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories is through family game night. Board games, in particular, offer a unique blend of fun, strategy, and social interaction, and in my house our games cupboard is our pride and joy.

In this post, with the help of Dr Zoe Williams, I’ll explore the numerous benefits of playing board games, from boosting cognitive function to strengthening family bonds, and some of the best games to play with your own family.

So, gather your loved ones, grab your favorite board games, and get ready for a night of laughter, learning, and togetherness.

Gathering around the tabletop for a game is a highlight for many of us these days, and particularly so in the festive season. But, these times spent connecting are more than just great fun.

Looking back, we would all sit around the TV to watch the big movie at Christmastime, but times have changed. With so many ways that members of the family are accessing media, things have become more disconnected.

Games are more than ever a great way to bring generations together, and if the big day can sometimes bring some family tensions, they’re also a great way to break the ice and keep positive energy flowing.

-Dr Zoe Williams

Best Reasons To Play Family Games

Beyond the fun and laughter, family game nights offer a myriad of cognitive and emotional benefits. Let’s explore some of the ways playing board games can positively impact your well-being:

• Stress Reduction: Engaging in board games can provide a much-needed mental break from the pressures of daily life. The focus required to strategize and problem-solve can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Improved Mood: Laughter is a powerful tool for boosting mood and reducing stress hormones. Sharing jokes, playful banter, and friendly competition during game night can create a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Many board games require players to think critically, problem-solve, and make strategic decisions. Regular game play can help improve memory, attention span, and cognitive flexibility.
• Stronger Social Bonds: Board games offer a unique opportunity to connect with loved ones on a deeper level. Sharing experiences, collaborating, and competing can strengthen family bonds and foster friendships.
• Reduced Screen Time: In today’s digital age, it’s easy to spend countless hours glued to screens. Family game nights provide a fun and engaging way to limit screen time and encourage face-to-face interaction.

So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and rewarding activity, consider organizing a family game night. It’s a simple yet powerful way to boost your well-being and create lasting memories.

Recommended Family Games

Mycelia

Mycelia is a captivating board game that offers a delightful introduction to the world of deckbuilding. Its beautifully illustrated components and engaging gameplay make it perfect for both young and old.

The game’s core mechanic involves clearing dewdrops from your game card, a task that requires strategic planning and careful resource management. As players collect and upgrade cards, they unlock powerful abilities that can help them achieve their goal. The interactive forest shrine adds an extra layer of excitement, providing opportunities for both cooperation and competition.

Recognized with prestigious awards like the Best Family Game at the UK Games Expo and the Imagination Gaming Awards, Mycelia has proven to be a hit among gamers of all ages. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends and family, this enchanting game promises hours of magical fun.

Absolute Balderdash

Absolute Balderdash is a hilarious party game where players test their creativity and deception skills. Each round, a card is revealed, presenting a word, event, law, or historical figure. Players then secretly write their own humorous or absurd definition for the term. These definitions are then shuffled together with the actual answer, and everyone takes turns reading them aloud.

The challenge is to identify the correct definition while trying to convince others that your own made-up answer is the real deal. With each round, the laughter grows as players share their witty and outrageous interpretations.

Whether you’re a seasoned wordplay enthusiast or a newcomer to party games, Absolute Balderdash is sure to provide endless fun and entertainment.

Oh My Pigeons!

Oh My Pigeons! is a hilarious and fast-paced party game that’s sure to bring laughter and excitement to any game night. Players compete to fill their park bench with pigeons, but beware – sneaky tactics and a little bit of luck can turn the tide.

As you play your cards, you’ll have the opportunity to steal pigeons from your opponents or even “flick the poo” to knock their birds off the bench. With its simple rules and engaging gameplay, Oh My Pigeons! is perfect for players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game nights or get-togethers with friends.

Skyjo

Skyjo is a fast-paced card game where players aim to be the first to discard all their cards. Each player is dealt twelve cards, and the goal is to create rows of three cards in descending order.

Players can draw cards from the draw pile or the discard pile to improve their hands. However, be careful! The lower your card values, the better, but drawing a high-value card can set you back.

With its simple rules and strategic gameplay, Skyjo is a perfect game for families and friends.

Garden Heist

Garden Heist is a thrilling tabletop game that pits raccoons against a vigilant gardener. Players transform the game box into a charming house with a curtained window, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek.

While the gardener looks away, the raccoons must stealthily navigate the garden, dodging obstacles and reaching the ultimate prize: the trash bin paradise. With each move, tension mounts as the raccoons try to avoid detection and the gardener strives to thwart their plans.

This engaging game is suitable for players aged 6 and up, offering fun and excitement for families and friends alike.

Disney Lorcana Gateway

Disney Lorcana Gateway is the perfect starting point for your adventure into the enchanting world of Disney Lorcana. This immersive trading card game allows you to summon iconic Disney characters and embark on magical quests to earn story stars.

The set includes everything you need to start playing, including a game board, two pre-constructed decks, additional card packs, and essential gameplay accessories. The easy-to-follow guidebook and rulebook make it simple to learn the game, even for beginners.

Whether you’re a seasoned card game enthusiast or a newcomer to the hobby, Disney Lorcana Gateway offers a fun and engaging experience for players aged 8 and up. So gather your friends and family, and let the magic unfold!

That’s Not A Hat 2

Get ready for a hilarious game of bluff and deception with That’s Not A Hat 2! In this fast-paced card game, players will be “gifting” each other a variety of peculiar items, from hats to household appliances.

As cards are passed around the table, players must carefully remember which item is hidden beneath each card. However, with the constant shuffling and bluffing, it’s easy to lose track of what’s what. If you’re caught bluffing, you’ll face a penalty, so think carefully before you speak!

With simple rules and endless laughter, That’s Not a Hat 2 is a perfect game for families and friends of all ages. Gather around the table, unleash your inner bluffer, and enjoy a fun-filled game night.

Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls (Disney)

Embark on a heroic quest in Chronicles Of Light: Darkness Falls, a cooperative board game where you take on the roles of beloved Disney and Pixar characters. As a team, you’ll work together to combat the encroaching darkness and restore light to the land.

Each player possesses unique abilities that can be combined to overcome challenges and defeat powerful foes. Whether you’re using Elsa’s icy powers to freeze enemies or relying on Woody’s sharp wit and resourcefulness, you’ll need to work together strategically to succeed.

With its engaging gameplay and iconic characters, Chronicles of Light: Darkness Falls is a perfect choice for families and friends who love Disney and Pixar.

Connect 4

Connect 4 is a classic strategy game that has captivated players of all ages for decades. This simple yet strategic game involves two players taking turns dropping colored discs into a grid. The objective is to connect four of your colored discs in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

The game’s simplicity belies its strategic depth. Players must carefully consider each move, anticipating their opponent’s next action and planning their own counter-strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a casual gamer, Connect 4 offers a fun and engaging experience.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a high-energy card game that’s perfect for a quick and fun gaming session. Players simultaneously slap the table when a specific word or phrase is called out. The first player to correctly slap the table wins the round and collects a card.

The game’s simplicity and fast-paced nature make it a great choice for families and friends of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is sure to provide plenty of laughs and excitement.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Family game nights are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial for our overall well-being. By bringing people together, stimulating minds, and reducing stress, board games can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships.

As Christmas approaches, make time for family game nights. Choose games that cater to your family’s interests and ages, and let the fun begin! In my house, our family has spent many hours of joy playing games such as Balderdash, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Skyjo and Connect 4. We’re excited to add a wider selection of games to our ever growing cupboard of fun this Christmas!

Remember, the most important aspect of game night is spending quality time with loved ones. So, grab your favorite board games, gather around the table, and let the fun unfold.