As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, these board games are perfect for family game nights and will keep you laughing all night long.
Gather your family around the table, because it’s time to unleash the laughter with some exciting board games!
Board games have a unique charm that can turn any dull evening into a memorable fiesta filled with giggles, competitive spirits, and maybe a little friendly rivalry.
From classic favorites to quirky new hits, there’s a board game out there for every family member, making it the perfect recipe for a night of bonding and fun.
So, grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to roll the dice as we embark on a journey through 30 fabulous board games that promise to bring joy and many laughs to your family game nights!
1. Codenames
Codenames takes word association to a whole new level!
In this game, two teams compete to find secret agents based on clues given by their spymaster. The challenge lies in the fact that the clues must be clever yet concise. You’ll find yourself laughing as your teammates misinterpret clues or make wild guesses. The thrill of guessing right or the groans of a wrong guess can lead to some memorable moments.
Keep the atmosphere light. If someone gives a particularly funny clue, don’t hesitate to burst out laughing, even if it leads to a wrong answer! This game is great for family members who love wordplay and quick thinking.
If you’re looking for more fun, consider adding Exploding Kittens Card Game to your collection. This hilarious card game is perfect for family gatherings and can keep the laughter rolling with its quirky humor and engaging gameplay.
For a longer game night, Ticket to Ride Board Game offers an exciting journey through Europe as players compete to build train routes. It’s a fantastic option that encourages strategic thinking while fostering a fun and competitive spirit.
With these games, you’re sure to create an atmosphere filled with laughter and unforgettable moments!
Product Recommendations:
• Codenames: Pictures
• Codenames: XXL
• Codenames: Duet
2. Apples to Apples
This game is the ultimate test of wit and humor.
Players take turns being the judge, who picks an adjective card while others submit their best noun cards to match it. The results are often hilarious!
With a mix of serious and ridiculous combinations, prepare for moments when the perfect card comes to life, leading to laughter around the table.
Suggestion: Share anecdotes related to the cards you play. It brings a unique personal twist to the game! Plus, get ready for some wholesome banter when your siblings try to outwit each other for the judge’s favor.
Product Recommendations:
• Apples to Apples Party Box
• Apples to Apples Junior
• Apples to Apples Not-Your-Average Game
3. Pictionary
Put your drawing skills to the test with Pictionary!
In this classic game, players draw clues for their teammates to guess. The twist? You don’t have to be a pro artist to join in on the fun! Some of the funniest moments come from wildly inaccurate sketches. Will your family recognize a ‘cat’ drawn to look more like an abstract blob? Probably not!
Set a timer and let the pressure build. The frantic energy leads to spontaneous laughter as players race against the clock. It’s a fantastic way to showcase creativity and ingenuity, all while having a laugh. For an exciting twist on the traditional game, consider adding the Pictionary Board Game to your collection, which brings a new level of fun with its unique components.
If you enjoy the drawing aspect but want a different kind of challenge, try Telestrations Game. This hilarious party game encourages players to draw and guess in a way that guarantees lots of laughs and unexpected interpretations.
For a game that emphasizes wordplay and teamwork, check out Codenames: XXL Edition. Although it shifts focus from drawing, it still keeps the competitive spirit alive as players work to connect clues creatively.
Whichever game you choose, you’re sure to have a night filled with laughter and memorable moments!
Product Recommendations:
• Pictionary Board Game
• Telestrations Game
• Codenames: XXL Edition
4. The Game of Things
This game will have your family thinking outside the box!
Each round presents a prompt, like “things you shouldn’t do at a wedding.” Players write down their answers anonymously, and then everyone tries to guess who said what.
The hilarity ensues when unexpected answers arise, and you get to learn quirky secrets about each other. To enhance the fun, encourage everyone to come up with outrageous responses. It will lead to guaranteed laughs and some surprising revelations about your family members.
If you’re looking for more laughter-filled games, consider adding Exploding Kittens to your collection. This original edition card game brings its own brand of humor, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Another great choice is Codenames, a party game that encourages teamwork and creativity as players connect words with their teammates.
For a bit of a twist in gameplay, you might also consider Marvel Crisis Protocol: Elsa Bloodstone & Man-Thing. While it leans more towards strategy, it adds a different flavor to your game nights.
Whether it’s through guffaws or strategic thinking, these games will keep your family entertained and engaged all night long!
Product Recommendations:
• Exploding Kittens
• Codenames
• Marvel Crisis Protocol: Elsa Bloodstone & Man-Thing
5. Uno
Uno never goes out of style!
This classic card game is simple but filled with surprises. As players draw cards and play their best strategies, tension slowly builds up. Nothing feels quite like that moment when someone calls ‘Uno!’ and sweeps the game!
The vibrant colors of the cards make for a striking visual, and the competitive spirit can lead to some uproarious moments. You can level up your game night by grabbing the Mattel Games UNO, classic card game for kids and adults, which is perfect for family game night. With space for 2 to 10 players, it’s a fantastic option for gatherings of all sizes.
To add even more excitement, consider creating house rules that introduce fun penalties for forgetting to call ‘Uno.’ This can raise the stakes and make the game even more entertaining!
Product Recommendations:
• Mattel Games UNO
• classic card game for kids and adults
• UNO Flip! Card Game
• UNO Deluxe
• Card Game with Customizable Rules
6. What Do You Meme?
If you love memes, this game is perfect for your family!
Players compete to create the funniest meme caption for a chosen image. This game has a way of bringing out everyone’s inner comedian, leading to an array of hilarious combinations!
You’ll find yourself chuckling, if not bursting into laughter, as the unexpected captions take on a life of their own. To keep the fun going, consider pairing your game night with something like the emotional support gingerbread by Relatable. These adorable stuffed animals not only make a whimsical addition to your game night but also serve as great conversation starters and props for your memes!
Use images from popular events or movies for added context! You’ll be surprised how creativity flourishes under pressure when everyone is aiming for the biggest laugh. The unexpected hilarity will be even more enjoyable with these playful plushies around!
Product Recommendations:
• What Do You Meme? Expansion Packs
• Cards Against Humanity
• Exploding Kittens
7. Telestrations
Telestrations is the ultimate mix of drawing and guessing. The game starts with a word that players must illustrate and pass along. What starts as a simple drawing often transforms hilariously as interpretations go off the rails.
It’s a riot to see how a word like ‘dog’ can become something entirely different through a series of drawings! To enhance the fun, you can include a twist by playing in teams or having themed rounds. This keeps the atmosphere light and encourages everyone to think creatively.
For an unforgettable game night, consider adding the Telestrations Game to your collection. This hilarious party game is perfect for 4-8 players, making it ideal for family gatherings or get-togethers with friends.
If you’re looking for another engaging game, Codenames: XXL Edition is a fantastic option. It adds a strategic twist to your game night with its unique party gameplay, accommodating 2-8 players in just 15 minutes. These games are perfect for families who love art and a good laugh!
Product Recommendations:
• Telestrations Game
• Codenames: XXL Edition
• Pictionary Board Game
8. Exploding Kittens
This quirky card game is all about strategy and luck. Players try to avoid drawing the ‘Exploding Kitten’ card while using various tactics to sabotage their opponents. The absurdity of the game’s theme adds to the fun, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
To enhance your game night, consider adding Exploding Kittens Card Game to your collection. Its unexpected twists and hilarious moments make it a perfect complement to the playful spirit of Exploding Kittens. When someone finally draws that kitten, the collective gasp followed by laughter is unforgettable!
Make sure to share personal ‘near-explosions’ stories to keep the night exciting. If you’re looking for a more classic experience, you might also enjoy the Game of Life Board Game, which brings a nostalgic twist to family game nights. It’s great for those who enjoy a bit of unpredictability in their gameplay.
Whether you stick with the quirky theme or explore classic options, these games are sure to keep your family entertained and laughing all night!
Product Recommendations:
• Exploding Kittens Card Game
• The Game of Life Board Game
• Uno Card Game
9. Betrayal at House on the Hill
If your family enjoys a hint of mystery and spooky fun, Betrayal at House on the Hill is a must!
Players explore a haunted mansion, uncovering rooms and secrets. As the game progresses, one player becomes the traitor, creating an unexpected twist that leads to thrilling plot twists. The blend of strategy and storytelling makes it an immersive experience, and the unexpected betrayal often leads to laughter and gasps around the table.
To enhance your game night, consider adding Betrayal at House on the Hill Board Game, which perfectly captures the essence of suspense and surprise. Additionally, for a change of pace, you might enjoy Codenames: XXL – Board Game, a party game that encourages teamwork and sharpens your deduction skills, keeping the laughter flowing.
Encourage everyone to embrace their roles fully. Acting out their characters adds an extra layer of fun and hilarity to the evening.
Product Recommendations:
• Betrayal at House on the Hill Board Game
• Codenames: XXL – Board Game
• Betrayal Legacy Board Game
10. Ticket to Ride
All aboard for family fun with Ticket to Ride!
This game involves building train routes across a map, all while competing to complete destination tickets. The strategy is engaging, and as players block routes, the tension rises, leading to both frustration and laughter, especially when plans fall apart.
The beautiful illustrations on the game board create a captivating experience. It’s a great way to learn about geography while having fun!
If you’re looking to add more excitement to your game night, consider having a friendly wager for the longest route. It adds an exciting twist and more competitive banter to the game night! To elevate your collection, you might also enjoy Ticket to Ride Board Game, which includes the Europe edition for even more routes to explore.
For a change of pace, you could break out Codenames, a party game that’s perfect for larger groups and offers a different type of strategic fun. If you’re in the mood for something light-hearted and hilarious, the Exploding Kittens Card Game is a fantastic option that guarantees laughs and keeps the energy high.
With these games in your lineup, your family game night will be filled with laughter and unforgettable moments!
Product Recommendations:
• Ticket to Ride Board Game
• Codenames
• Exploding Kittens Card Game
11. Mind the Gap
Mind the Gap is an interactive board game that combines trivia with personal stories.
Players answer questions about their fellow players, leading to hilarious revelations and sometimes shocking truths. The laughter comes from the unexpected answers and the shared experiences that unfold.
The game encourages connections and discussions, making it perfect for families looking to bond.
Consider turning it into a storytelling session. After each round, prompt players to share memories related to their answers for a deeper connection!
Product Recommendations:
• Mind the Gap board game
• family-friendly trivia games
• storytelling card games
12. Carcassonne
In Carcassonne, players build a medieval landscape while strategically placing tiles. The challenge is to claim features like cities, roads, and fields. It’s a mix of strategy and luck, and the moments of realization when someone completes a city can ignite cheers or groans. The beautiful art adds to the charm, creating an inviting atmosphere for friendly competition.
To enhance your game night experience, consider adding other engaging options like Codenames, a fun party game that fosters teamwork and communication while accommodating a larger group. Or, if you’re looking to expand your collection further, Ticket to Ride is another great choice that offers a different style of strategic gameplay.
For a unique twist, you might introduce theme-based bonuses for features in Carcassonne to inspire creativity, which can really liven up the evening!
Product Recommendations:
• Codenames
• Ticket to Ride
• Carcassonne Expansion Packs
13. 5 Second Rule
5 Second Rule is a fast-paced game where players have to name three things within five seconds. The pressure can lead to hilarious answers, and the laughter often comes from the frantic responses. The excitement builds as players compete to see who can think on their feet!
For a fun-filled family game night, consider adding the PlayMonster 5 Second Rule Mini to your collection. This simple questions card game is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family fun. It’s designed for ages 8 and up and is sure to bring out the best (and most amusing) answers in everyone!
You can create teams and add a time penalty for wrong answers to turn it into a more competitive showdown, which will radically increase the laughter levels! If you’re looking for more engaging party games, Codenames is another fantastic option. Although a different type of game, its strategic gameplay can complement the quick-thinking chaos of 5 Second Rule, providing a well-rounded game night experience.
Overall, these games will quickly reveal who can handle the pressure and keep everyone entertained all night!
Product Recommendations:
• PlayMonster 5 Second Rule Mini
• Codenames
• Exploding Kittens
14. Scattegories
Get ready to unleash your creativity with Scattegories!
Players must come up with words that fit specific categories, starting with a designated letter. The twist? If someone else has the same answer, you both get zero points! The ridiculous answers and the race against the ticking clock make for entertaining moments and plenty of laughs. To make it even more enjoyable, consider incorporating personal categories related to your family—think categories like ‘Family Vacations’ or ‘Embarrassing Moments’ to spark hilarity and shared memories.
To get started, you might want to check out the Scattegories board game, which brings the classic fun right to your living room for only £13.49.
And if you’re looking to diversify your game nights, don’t miss the chance to try out Codenames. This engaging party game is perfect for players aged 10 and up and encourages teamwork and clever thinking, making it a fantastic addition for a lively family gathering. At £15.98, it offers a different flavor of fun while keeping everyone on their toes!
Product Recommendations:
• Scattegories board game
• Codenames
• Exploding Kittens
15. Pandemic
In Pandemic, players unite to save the world from global outbreaks. Cooperation is key, and the thrill of strategizing together leads to unforgettable moments. The pressure mounts as players race against time, prompting bursts of laughter when plans go awry. This game fosters teamwork and communication, which is essential for family bonding.
To enhance your game night even further, consider adding Pandemic Board Game to your collection, where you can join forces to overcome challenges as a team.
Introduce challenges like limited communication to ramp up the excitement in Pandemic, but don’t forget to have backup options for when you want a change of pace. Games like Codenames Board Game can also spark laughter as players work together to guess the correct words while navigating clues.
For a lighter, quick-paced option that’s sure to keep everyone giggling, try Exploding Kittens Card Game. It’s an entertaining addition that brings its own brand of chaos to family game nights and adds layers of fun to your evening.
These games not only provide entertainment but also create cherished memories through laughter and teamwork.
Product Recommendations:
• Pandemic Board Game
• Codenames Board Game
• Exploding Kittens Card Game
Conclusion
Board games are more than just a source of entertainment; they’re a chance to create lasting memories and share a few laughs.
From word games to strategic challenges, each game offers a unique way to connect as a family and enjoy each other’s company.
Next time you’re wondering what to do for family fun, consider setting up a game night filled with laughter and friendly competition – the joy it brings will be priceless!
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
Note: We aim to provide accurate product links, but some may occasionally expire or become unavailable. If this happens, please search directly on Amazon for the product or a suitable alternative.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.