Over the last couple of years there has been a real renaissance of puzzles and board games, way before we had plenty of time to really enjoy them. We’re a country that loves family games and there’s never been a better time to try out some creative new entries into the gaming arena as well as revisit some classics. That’s why we compiled this list of great board games and amazing puzzles that include the hilarious and the brain-stumping.
Try out something new or find a favorite and gather the family ‘round for some interactive fun and intrigue. Here’s our picks for the 20 most interesting board games and puzzles for your family time:
1. Not Parent Approved: A Fun Card Game for Kids, Tweens, Teens, Families and Mischief Makers
A fun card game for the whole family – even if you have tweens, teens or your crazy Aunt Edna living with you…especially for Aunt Edna. Inspired by Cards Against Humanity, but 100% family-friendly. Designed to reintroduce a love of family games for a screen-obsessed generation.
2. Jenga
Everyone’s favorite game of patience and strategy. The goal of the game is to pull out a single block without letting the stack fall apart — because once the tower falls, it’s game over.
3. Exploding Kittens Card Game
Originating from the crazy mind of Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal). Don’t worry: no kittens are harmed during this game. Players take turns drawing cards, and when a player draws an Exploding Kitten card, they “explode,” or get kicked out of the game. There are action cards that can help prevent this scenario, including laser pointer cards, kitten yoga cards, and kitten therapy to help players stay in the game.
4. On a Scale of One to T-Rex
Described as a “game for people who are bad at Charades,” On a Scale of One to T-Rex has players act out different gestures on different intensity levels. The goal is to find another player acting on the same intensity level to garner points. The player with the most points wins. Created by the same insane maker of Exploding Kittens.
5. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
In this thrilling strategy game, players are each assigned a special role and have to use clues to figure out who the werewolves before five minutes run out. A free app guides your play in real time. Who is the Werewolf?
6. Monopoly Classic Game
The game you always needed 4 hours to play so now is your time! The classic buy, sell, dream and scheme your way to riches game. Players buy, sell and trade to win by building houses and hotels on their properties so they can bankrupt all opponents to win it all.
7. Operation
Fine tune your motor skills and your patience to perfection in this classic game while you learn to steady your hand as you remove body parts from your unfortunate victim, or…um patient. Need something to inspire healthy competition between siblings? Want some competition while improving your hand-eye coordination? This is the game for you! Who doesn’t love to relive some childhood memories with your family?
8. Clue
The classic board game Clue remains a family favorite. In Clue, players move from room to room in a mansion to solve the mystery of: who done it, with what, and where? Players must move to a room and then make an accusation against a character saying they did it in that room with a specific weapon. Once a player knows what cards the other players are holding, they will know what cards are in the secret file. A great game for those who enjoy reasoning and thinking things out.
9. UNO: Classic (Tin Case Edition)
It’s name is UNO but it’s made for as many family players that you can scramble together. In a race to deplete your hand, match one of your cards with the current card shown on top of the deck by either color or number. Compete with your family members to force everyone else to be stuck with as many cards as possible while you shout UNO! as you celebrate victory. In a snazzy tin Case for making it a family heirloom.
10. “I Had One of Those” 1000-Piece Puzzle
Travel a little further back in time with this nostalgic toy-themed collage puzzle, which can also serve as a conversation starter with the kids. How many objects that you had as a kid can you find in this delightful new puzzle? This one is all about the thrill of recognition and remembrance.
11. 3D St.Paul’s Cathedral Puzzle
The manufacturers say this large 3D puzzle will take 16 hours to complete, so settle in for a solid puzzling session, perfect when you find yourself trapped at home. It’s also gorgeous both inside and out – because this puzzle actually swings open. It’s perfect for puzzle fans and architecture buffs alike.
12. Gradient 500-Piece Puzzle
Think this one’s easy? Think again. If you’re in the market for a challenging puzzle you can really dig into, try this gradient piece. It features a duotone finish, available in blue and purple, and yellow and orange. It makes a pretty work of art once completed.
13. Mona Lisa 1000-Piece Puzzle
Celebrate one of the most celebrated works of all time in your own home, with Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Every detail of the painting is imitated in the puzzle, even her soft smile and powerful gaze. No need to travel to the Louvre, you’ll have a masterpiece in your own living room.
14. 4D Ancient Egypt 650-Piece Puzzle
Live your dream of being a Pharaoh and build your own Early Dynastic empire. Literally. This creative and historic puzzle is a collaboration product of National Geographic and toy brand 4D Cityscape. It includes 4D pieces that can be used to teach history for all ages, alongside the interactive National Geographic app.
15. Road Signs 550-Piece Puzzle
This puzzle will challenge your memory of road signs you pass by and see everyday: parking signs, stop signs, danger zones — you name it. What makes this especially tricky are the standard colors shared among signs, like red, blue, yellow, and green.
16. New Yorker View of the World Puzzle
Fancy, Fun, and Elegant! Just like the whimsical magazine. Perfect for framing after completed. Have your family put together a little piece of New York Nostalgia. For the extreme New Yorker fan in every family.
17. Frank Lloyd Wright Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers Puzzle
The Frank Lloyd Wright Saguaro Cactus and Forms 1000 Piece Foil Puzzle brings a new flavor to an iconic piece of art. The foil added to this famous image will guide you through this puzzle bringing joy and relaxation to amateur and pro puzzlers alike.
18. Mini Cereal Boxes-100 Piece Puzzles-Six Pack of Puzzles
Keep these quick 100-piece puzzles handy on the table so everyone can build a puzzle of their favorite cereal while eating their favorite cereal. And both cereal boxes and puzzle boxes can be used as puzzle references…win-win! Continual fun for when cereal becomes what’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Just don’t get confused and pour milk over your puzzle pieces.
19. Travel The World – 550 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
If you can’t travel the world, then bring the world to your living room. Take a trip from the comfort of your own home with this exciting puzzle by Lewis T. Johnson. Beautiful vintage posters take us to Cuba, Israel, India, France, Switzerland, Monaco, Australia and Ireland, to name just a few destinations.
20. Playbill Cover 1000-Piece Puzzle
Clear off the coffee table for this family friendly 1000-piece puzzle featuring the Biggest Broadway Hits such as Cats, Kinky Boots and more! Once completed, use this puzzle as the new addition to your home or office wall décor; this great piece will turn any space into something memorable.