People who live in places with cold winters have limits on fun things to do. Most activities that can be done outside are usually out of the question. If it's too cold, it makes being outside painful, and snow or poor weather can prevent travel. Parents especially may find this time of year distressing for these reasons. Snow days make it complicated to entertain kids stuck inside. Apparently, there are 12 stages of stress moms go through on days like these — but we digress. Luckily, tons of games exist that can be played inside by both kids and adults. Whether it's a wintery mix outside or mom's friends are coming over for wine and fun, these entertaining options will do the job. They're not necessarily the most active games, but they're definitely fun.
So what kind of games are out there? As we discovered in our research, apparently a lot. Fans of traditional games can turn to Monopoly, which comes in a variety of themes. Historic games, such as mah jong, still are played today. Families also have a lot of newer games to try as well. Uncommon Goods is a useful resource for games made both by companies and by individuals. Many of them take strategy, but the list includes lots that are just super funny. Sometimes, the best part of a game is being able to have fun and laugh with everyone playing it. Of course, the competitive folks in the bunch will enjoy trying to win, and brainiacs will find a puzzle in the list. We're equal opportunity gamers. Even the games that have been around for a while have updated versions.
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Word Teasers
For the superstitious and skeptics alike, this game challenges players with their knowledge of old wives' tales. Players try to determine which tales are fact and which are fiction Each card has answers on the back.
Word Teasers ($15, Uncommon Goods)
Frank Lloyd Wright Double Sided Puzzle
Puzzles are games too, and they get brain cells working. Create a puzzle in the comfort of one's home while also uncovering a gorgeous piece of architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright. One side of the 500-piece puzzle features a photograph of Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, and the other features its blueprint.
Frank Lloyd Wright Double Sided Puzzle ($16, Uncommon Goods)
Charty Party
Some people really love charts. This is their game. Each chart comes with a blank space on the Y-axis of the chart, and players can come up with their own funny answers. A judge rules on which is funniest.
Charty Party ($25, Uncommon Goods)
Mah Jong
Newer games are fun, but it's hard to go wrong with an oldie like mah jong. This handmade set includes 144 tiles made from mango wood and could become a collector's item in addition to providing hours of enjoyment.
Mah Jong ($110, Uncommon Goods)
Game of Phones
Game of Phones is a game that actually requires players to put their phones on the table so they can use them. Players draw a prompt card and try to be the first one to show off their last photo, find a weird Google image result for their name, or create an emoji masterpiece. The person with the most points wins.
Game of Phones ($20, Uncommon Goods)
Tabletop Cornhole
Cornhole is a quintessential spring and summer game, but this tabletop version means it can be played all year. Instead of tossing the bags, players launch them at the hole. The launch pads can be adjusted by skill.
Tabletop Cornhole ($48, Uncommon Goods)
What Do You Meme Game
What Do You Meme Game is similar to that of Cards Against Humanity but asks players to match memes with funny statements instead. It's truly a hilarious way to spend inside time.
What Do You Meme Game ($30, Uncommon Goods)
UDog Game
UDog resembles the old board game Sorry! but instead of just going around the circle, playing cards are involved. It can be played with teams or four, six or eight players.
UDog Game ($95, Uncommon Goods)
Family Charades
It's never a complete indoor game list without charades. This family charades game has different stacks based on age group to play with all adults or kids.
Family Charades ($26, Uncommon Goods)
Cinephile Game
This is the game that movie buffs have been waiting for. We'll let the game directions explain it: "Start out easy with the “movie geek” level, where you battle it out and try to name more films starring the same actor than your friends. Or, take it up a few notches and try the expert-level game, reserved for true cinephiles. In this iteration, you’ll connect actors through the films they’ve appeared in together, keeping the degrees of separation low in order to win it all."
Cinephile Game ($20, Uncommon Goods)
Awkward Moment Card Game
This game is a parents' dream if they would love to see what their kids would do in certain situations. "Cards packed with mortifying moments encourage players to face social faux pas head-on." Cards with a variety of reactions offer ways players could react to these embarrassing situation.
Awkward Moment Card Game ($19, Uncommon Goods)
Two Lies and a Truth Card Game
We've all played some version of two truths and a lie, but Uncommon Goods offers an actual card version. Instead of telling one's own lies, the cards have truths and lies on them, and the person who spots the difference most will win.
Two Lies and a Truth Card Game ($17, Uncommon Goods)
Scary Bingo
Scary Bingo is just that! It's bingo but with funny-looking (or scary) monsters all over the board instead of just numbers. Chips come with the game, as does the monster chip holder. Up to seven people can play.
Scary Bingo ($20, Uncommon Goods)
Penny Hockey Game
Everyone loves a good game of air hockey and finger sports. This penny hockey tabletop game simply combines the two.
Penny Hockey Game ($44, Uncommon Goods)
The Game of Things
The Game of Things is simple but fun and hilarious. A card is pulled with a subject, such as "things that are hairy," and everyone writes down something they think fits that theme. One player has to guess which of the other players said what.
The Game of Things (Nordstrom Rack, $17)
Pictionary Air
Pictionary is basically charades for artists, but thanks to technology, the drawing can be done in the air and seen on a screen. It's fun for any age group and provides plenty of entertainment appropriate indoors.
Pictionary Air ($20, Walmart)
Monopoly Game - Star Wars Edition
Monopoly is as classic as it gets when it comes to board games, but this version with a Star Wars theme spices things up. May the force be with those who play.
Monopoly Game – Star Wars Edition ($27, Amazon)
CLUE - The Office Edition
Clue is another classic game in which players try to solve a mystery. This version does that, but the theme revolves on the characters and settings of The Office.
CLUE – The Office Edition ($49, Hot Topic)
Curling Zone Indoor Game
Who says outdoor games and indoor games can't be the same? Not us. This curling game is meant to be played inside, thanks to battery-operated hurling stones that "hover" on the mat.
Curling Zone Indoor Game ($109, Magic Cabin)
Waste Basket Basketball
This wastebasket basketball game is super simple but can be super entertaining on a cold winter day. Play alone or challenge someone else. Put it in your home office for a fun way to dispose of old papers.
Document Waste Basket ($21, Wayfair)
