Family Game Night Ideas Without Screens: Simple Games Anyone Can Play
A family game night does not need a big budget or a closet full of board games. A few printed cards, a bowl and some snacks are enough for an evening that people remember. Here are easy games to try.
Would you rather
Read a question aloud and ask everyone to choose a side. The fun comes from the reasons. These questions work for a wide range of ages and need no props. Keep the choices silly and avoid anything that could upset someone.
This or that
Name two choices, such as pancakes or waffles, and have players move to one side of the room. It gets people up and laughing, and it is a quick way to learn what each person likes.
Trivia
Take turns reading questions. Mix easy and harder ones so every age can answer something. Play in teams so children can pair with a grown-up. Keep the answer key with the reader and keep score if you like, but do not worry about winning.
Charades
Write words on cards and act them out without speaking. Use a 60 second timer and let the team guess. Easy words such as animals and everyday actions keep it fun for children.
Conversation starters
Questions such as “What was the best part of your day?” or “What are you looking forward to?” turn dinner into a real conversation. They work well at the table or in the car and they help shy family members speak up.
Set the mood
- Pick a night each week or month and keep it regular.
- Make a simple snack, such as popcorn or fruit.
- Put phones in a basket for the hour.
- Let each person choose a game in turn.
Adjust for different ages
Choose cards by age. Young children enjoy this or that and simple charades, such as animals. School-age children can handle trivia and would you rather. Teens and adults often prefer conversation starters and harder trivia. If the group is mixed, play in teams and let each team pick which card type to try.
Try a short game night first, about 30 to 45 minutes. Stop while everyone is still having fun, and the next one will be easier to plan.
Keep it kind
Make sure the youngest players get time to answer, and praise good guesses and funny answers. If someone does not want to play a round, let them watch and cheer.
Printable game night cards
Our Family Game Night Card Pack has would you rather, this or that, trivia with answers, charades and conversation cards. Try the free game night sample first.
You can also browse every free sample on the Free Printables page, or see all digital downloads.
