If you've watched all the family entertainment you can take and are craving a bit of social contact, board games are the answer. They get everyone away from their screens, focused on something other than who left their socks in the bathroom, and laughing.
You learn things about people when you play board games together, too. What you learn depends on the game. Maybe you'll uncover a quick wit, a strategic mind, a competitive streak, or an ability to lie.
Here are five board games that will keep your family sane and laughing through what might be a long winter.
Do you like your kittens to explode?
$19.99
from
If you haven't played this game yet, it's time. It's an easy card game for ages 7 and up, and it's hilarious. If you draw an exploding kitten, you are out! It explodes, and you sit out the rest of the game. That is, unless you also have a way to stop that kitten from exploding. Lasers? Scritches? Maybe even a goat?
You can play a quick round of this game anytime and anywhere, and it's always hilarious.
You said what?
Pull a card and read the question. Then everyone writes an answer. That answer doesn't have to be true, fact-checked, or even possible. It doesn't even have to be tasteful. Then everyone guesses who answered what. (Warning: There will be dad jokes.)
For ages 14 and up.
Take an epic train ride.
A gorgeous strategy game that takes you on an amazing train ride through iconic cities, Ticket To Ride is the game you want to gather everyone — and some snacks — around for, put on some music, and make it an evening. Because you are in for an adventure.
For players 8 and up.
Are your relatives crazy? This game will help you through.
Based on the humor of Jeff Foxworthy, this game pokes fun at the crazy in your family and turns everyone into a comedy writer. The cards do the setup. The game is in writing the punchlines — specific to your particular people.
For example, a card might say, "While walking past my sister's bedroom, I heard her say … " Everyone writes the punchline, and the group picks the best one. Got a family with a sense of humor and some crazy? This will be hilarious.
You solve this mystery. And there are ghosts!
Ready for an epic evening of role playing? This mystery — with ghosts and people who can speak to them — will have you all thinking hard to solve a terrible crime committed on the grounds of an old mansion 30 years ago. There are witnesses, but they aren't alive, and getting clues out of them is a challenge. Can you solve it? If not, you can try again.
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