Top 10 Family Board Games That Aren’t Monopoly

Board games bring families together for laughter, strategy, and a break from screens. While Monopoly often comes to mind as the go-to family game, there are many other options that offer fresh mechanics, shorter playtimes, and just as much fun. This list highlights ten family-friendly board games that cater to a range of ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone at the table has a good time.

Games for All Ages and Interests

1. Ticket to Ride

In Ticket to Ride, players build train routes across a map by collecting colored cards and claiming tracks. It’s easy to learn, with simple rules that still allow for strategic depth. Games typically last around an hour, making it a good fit for family nights. The various editions, like Ticket to Ride: Europe, add new maps for variety.

2. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players build a medieval landscape by placing tiles to create cities, roads, and fields. It’s visually engaging and works well for younger players while offering enough strategy for adults. A typical game lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

3. Settlers of Catan

In Settlers of Catan, players compete to build settlements on an island by trading resources like wood, brick, and sheep. The game encourages negotiation and planning, making it a dynamic choice for families. It’s best for slightly older kids and adults due to the trading element, with games lasting around 60 to 90 minutes.

4. Dixit

Dixit is a storytelling game where players use beautifully illustrated cards to create clues for others to guess. It sparks creativity and works well across generations since there’s no heavy strategy involved. A round can be as short as 30 minutes, perfect for a quick game.

5. Codenames

Codenames is a word-based party game where players give one-word clues to help their team guess specific cards on a grid. It’s cooperative within teams but competitive overall, and it scales well for different group sizes. Games are quick, often under 20 minutes.

6. King of Tokyo

In King of Tokyo, players control giant monsters battling for control of the city. It’s a light, dice-rolling game with a playful theme that kids tend to love, while adults can appreciate the subtle strategy. A game usually wraps up in about 30 minutes.

7. Splendor

Splendor is a card-collecting game where players gather gems to buy cards and build an empire. The rules are straightforward, and the gameplay is quiet but engaging, making it a nice change of pace. It typically takes around 30 minutes to play.

8. Azul

Azul is a tile-drafting game inspired by Portuguese tiles, where players create patterns on their boards. It’s visually stunning and offers a balance of strategy and accessibility. Games last about 30 to 45 minutes, and it works for a wide age range.

9. Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island is a cooperative game where players work together to collect treasures and escape a sinking island. The teamwork aspect makes it a great bonding experience for families, and the adjustable difficulty suits different skill levels. A game takes around 30 minutes.

10. Sushi Go!

Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game where players draft sushi dishes to score points. It’s lighthearted, easy to learn, and perfect for younger players or as a quick filler game. Rounds take about 15 minutes, so you can play multiple times in one sitting.

These games offer a variety of themes and mechanics, ensuring there’s something for every family to enjoy. Whether you’re into strategy, creativity, or just a good laugh, stepping away from Monopoly can open up new ways to connect over a game night. Pick one or two from this list and see which becomes your next favorite.