Looking for a much-needed break? A table might be all you need! Skip the technological gadgets for once, and go old-school with our roundup of the best family-friendly board games on Amazon US.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year, and with the latest dining restrictions — it can feel like a drag. But not all hope is lost. While the great outdoors remains relatively inaccessible to us, the great indoors, however, can be pretty neat too! It may seem like second nature to kick back with the latest on Netflix or zone out with mobile games like Clash Royale or Genshin Impact. Yet, they just don’t offer the same multi-sensorial pleasures as their analogue predecessors: board games. Since the school holidays are almost upon us, now’s the perfect time to start stocking up on these best family-friendly board games. If your knowledge is limited to Jenga or Monopoly, fret not. We’re here with 8 of the most highly-reviewed games on Amazon US!
1. Upside Down Challenge
Image credits: Amazon
Minimal effort, maximal fun — that’s what this game is in a nutshell! It’s also one of the few instances where your family will be laughing along with you, and not at you.
The Upside Down Challenge Game is simply a test of sheer skill and precision; players are tasked to complete seemingly simple tasks like pouring a glass of water or writing their name down. The challenge? They’d have to do it while wearing special goggles that flip their vision upside down. Not so simple now, huh? While it’s suited for families with young children, we reckon it’ll be hilarious to round up the adults for a game after a tipple or two!
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
Player count: 2 – 6
Ages: 8+
Price: US$21.49 (~S$29.20)
Get yours here.
2. Cards Against Humanity: Family Edition
Image credits: Amazon
This one doesn’t exactly fall under the best family-friendly board games category but we had to put it in. Fans of Cards Against Humanity can now rejoice because the risqué, dark humour-riddled game now has a PG version for the family! Now before you write it off as a lame and tame version of the original, we thought that it might be worth sharing that a whopping 87% of its 7000-odd reviews gave it a 5-star, with families sharing their seal of approval.
While it might not be as crude and out there as the original, the Family Edition has its fair share of hilarious plays that’ll make anyone giggle (think ‘boobies’ and ‘filling your butt with spaghetti’ — just the right amount of humour!)
Image credits: Cards Against Humanity
Of course, do exercise discretion when playing this with kids — parents and guardians should review the cards beforehand so that they can have the option of removing any option they deem inappropriate. After all, humour and appropriateness are subjective!
Amazon Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
Player count: 4 – 20+
Ages: 8+
Price: US$34.00 (~S$46.35)
Get yours here.
3. Monopoly Speed
Image credits: Amazon
The OG Monopoly board game and Monopoly Deal are fun, but they often take way too long to complete. For this version of the iconic board game, speed is literally the name of the game.
Wonder how exactly that works? Monopoly Speed is played through a series of four timed rounds where all the players get to roll their dice and buy property simultaneously, making it as hectic as it is fun. The trading of properties remains a mainstay, with opportunities to wheel and deal to your hearts’ (and banks’) content, and all under 10 minutes — perfect for those who need a quick midday work break!
Amazon Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐
Player count: 2 – 4
Ages: 8+
Price: US$18.99 (~S$25.80)
Get yours here.
4. Catan
Image credits: The Spruce Crafts
Touted as one of the best-selling modern classic board games in the scene, Catan was designed to appeal to both board game enthusiasts and beginners alike.
For a strategic game of resource collection and expansion, Catan has pretty straightforward rules: collect and trade resources, and build the largest settlement possible. However, don’t be deceived by the simplicity of this addition to our list of best family-friendly board games. Catan has a very decent replay value as the board pieces are modular, making it easy to explore a near-infinite amount of gameplays as you become better acquainted with the rules.
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Player count: 3 – 4
Ages: 10+
Price: US$43.63 (~S$59.30)
Get yours here.
5. Rummikub
Image credits: Amazon
Here’s another classic (the first edition was released in the 1930s!) that’s perfect for those who prefer something more dynamic. For those familiar with the game Rummy — it’s kinda similar, except that Rummikub uses tiles instead of cards. For those who aren’t familiar with either, think of Rummikub as the distant cousin of Mahjong with some Scrabble characteristics.
The gameplay is relatively straightforward: use your existing tiles to create winning number patterns, or manipulate the tiles played on the table to help you advance towards your goal. Like Mahjong, Rummikub is a game of strategy that involves identifying number patterns and thinking two steps ahead of other players — perfect for parents who wish to hone their kiddos’ skills in STEM-related subjects!
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Player count: 2 – 4
Ages: 8+
Price: US$11.01 (~S$15.00)
Get yours here.
6. Rory’s Story Cubes Game
Image credits: Amazon
Regardless of whether you have younguns in your family, this game is a great way to exercise creativity! Rory’s Story Cube may not follow the traditional definition of a board game, but it has made a home in the hearts of many purchasers with that 4.8-star rating!
The rules of the game are pretty simple: roll all 9 cubes in the set, and create a story based on the icons found on each cube, starting with “once upon a time”. We love that there isn’t a hard and fast rule on how to play and that you can create your own rules if you wish. This game is perfect for honing creative storytelling, and has been used by speech therapists worldwide too — making it one of the best family-friendly board games out of the lot!
Amazon Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
Player count: 1 – 6
Ages: 6+
Price: US$9.99 (~S$13.60)
Get yours here.
7. Exploding Kittens
Image credits: Kickstarter.com
A game is that equal part chance and strategy, Exploding Kittens is also known as the “kitten-powered version of Russian roulette,” which is pretty self-explanatory if you ask us. While the goal is to avoid the Exploding Kitten cards at all costs, you should also try your best to stockpile as many Defuse cards so that you’ll be able to stay in the game for as long as possible.
When you’re not busy trying to survive the rounds, take some time to appreciate the beyond-cute cat illustrations, lovingly drawn by the creator of The Oatmeal. Our favourite is the Bikini Cat, just because.
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐
Player count: 2 – 10
Ages: 7+
Price: US$24.99 (~S$34.00)
Get yours here.
8. Trial by Trolley
Image credits: Amazon
Wondering why the illustrations look all too familiar? That’s because Trial by Trolley was created by the folks behind the hilarious webcomic series Cyanide & Happiness. And with that knowledge in mind, you can already guess what kind of game this will be.
The premise of this game is simple. Inspired by the ethical Trolley dilemma, Trial by Trolley begins with one player taking on the role of the train conductor, while the rest of the players split into 2 teams. Here, teams will draw scenario cards at random and form compelling arguments to convince the train conductor to not run down the characters on their track.
We know it sounds a little dark, but we think it’s an interesting game of strategy and a good way to beef up your argumentative skills — always look at the silver lining!
Amazon Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐
Player count: 3 – 13
Ages: 14+
Price: US$24.99 (~S$33.90)
Get yours here.
Get On Board With The Best Family-Friendly Board Games On Amazon US!
The world of games, and more specifically, the world of best family-friendly board games has expanded exponentially over the last few decades, with plenty of unique and beautifully crafted games making their mark. Not only are they great ways to unwind, but they also allow us to forge deeper bonds with loved ones especially in today’s digital world.
Of course, if you’re still on the fence about purchasing, you can visit establishments like the OG The Mind Cafe (insert #SupportLocal plug here), where you can rent some of the best family-friendly board games by the hour and not commit to anything. But whether you choose to make a (worthy) investment, or to play on the safe side through rentals, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip card!
If you find yourself on that Amazon US spree, you’d be pleased to know that you can tap onto our Wholesale Exchange Rates as you explore products like Kindles, Dyson vacuum alternatives, affordable home projectors, and Bluetooth speakers!
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 6 October 2021 SGT 16:00. Bank card prices are calculated based on a 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
