If the rain has you stuck indoors breaking out the board games is a great way to entertain the whole family. With 10 children between us on the Mykidstime team, we have come up with 7 we love. In no particular order;
Hedbandz is the question game of “What am I”. Each player has a card on a headband and has to guess if who or what they are before the timer runs out.
Suitable for ages 7+ with 2-6 players.
Dobble, players compete with each other to find the matching symbol between one card and another. Each card is unique and has only one symbol in common with any other in the deck. The match can be difficult to spot.
As the game is based on reactions and visual perception, rather than knowledge or strategy, there is no advantage for adults over children, making it the perfect family game.
Suitable for ages 6+ and playable by 2-8 players.
Scrabble Twist N Turn is a new version of the old classic (which we also like to play ). It’s fast, easy and you don’t have a board. Colour-coded “Gotcha” tiles add twists and skip turns make game play more lively. The first player to get rid of all of their tiles wins.
Suitable for ages 8+ and up to 4 players.
Pictureka! is a particular favourite in our house. Players than take turns rolling the dice, selecting a mission card and trying to find objects fast and first. Three different card decks keep the game exciting – players either have to find a matching image or objects that fall into a category like “things that can fly”. Collect enough cards to win.
2-4 players Age 6+
Dixit is simple, brilliant and great fun. It can adapt to any age or language making it ideal for family play. The main player is your imagination. The game tests your logic, ability to bluff and your 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 cards that best matches what the storyteller calls out. The cards are then uncovered and the players vote secretly to try and guess the storyteller’s card.
3-6 players, ages 8+
Cranium Junior act, sculpt, sketch, crack codes or solve puzzles to win this brain teasing game. Players must complete tasks, against a timer, listed on the playing cards in order to move forward. Tense and fun!
2-6 players, ages 5+
Monopoly is one of the world’s most popular board games. There are many versions where you can Buy! Sell! “Go directly to Jail!” Buy real estate, collect rents, build hotels – but don’t go bankrupt.
2-8 players Ages 8+
For more family board game ideas check out www.mykidstime.com
