Who loves games? Here are 15 family-friendly group games for your party, family night, a family reunion, etc
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Family-Friendly Large Group Games
Life is more fun if you play games. -Ronald Dahl
This girl, right here, is a game girl!
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Games were an integral part of growing up. When the family got together it wasn’t IF we would play games, but what game to play. Many wonderful family memories were made over some of these very games below.
Because we like to salvage moments around here, we are sharing some games to create memories of your own. Whether it’s at the holidays, or if you are inviting some friends over, games can be a great way to laugh together.
15 Family Friendly Large Group Games
Being from a big family who loved playing board games, here are some of my favorite family-friendly large group games.
CLASSIC! We love this game. In fact, does anyone, not like this game? And it's super easy to learn.
- PLAYERS 4-8 (suggested)
- AGES 12+
This is a game that combines the challenge, suspense, and fun of Hearts, Poker and Michigan Rummy into a thrilling, friendly game.
- PLAYERS 2-9
- AGES 8+
Definitely a game we play(ed) at family gatherings. You roll the dice and have to come up with words that start with that letter that no one else will get.
- PLAYERS 2-6
- AGES 12+
No matter what artistic ability, this game is always a hit. In fact, sometimes a perfect drawing isn't as much fun. We remember the time someone drew a shark that looked like a bus. lol
- PLAYERS 2 Teams
- AGES 8+
Before we actually had this game, which we finally got at a yard sale, we played this using just a dictionary and some notepaper. In fact, I never laughed so hard when we played it with a friend.
- PLAYERS 2+
- AGES 10+
This gare is like a combo of Pictionary and the old telephone game. Again, drawing skills are not needed as you try to decipher the other people's drawings.
- PLAYERS 4-8
- AGES 12+
This game of chance doesn't require any strategic skills, giving beginners the same chances of winning as experienced players.
- PLAYERS 3+
- AGES 6-8+
Codenames is a social word game with a simple premise and challenging gameplay.
There are many versions of this strategic game.
You can buy a version of it or you can just do it like most of us have for years...grab a spoon and some cards. Here is how to play.Here is how to play.
- PLAYERS 3-8
- AGES 7+
Pick a card, read the seemingly easy topic, then start the timer! Now with only 5 seconds to name 3 things that fit the topic, it might sound easy...but not so fast.
- PLAYERS 3+
- AGES 10+
SERIOUSLY! LOVE! THIS! GAME!
Warning - It is LOUD!! This was a family favorite growing up and it never disappoints. It's fairly simple to pick up, but it is very fast-paced.
- PLAYERS 3-8
- AGES 7
If you are looking for something new, the reverse charades option is a team acts out for one person. You can develop these on your own or you can get the game with it already for you.
- PLAYERS 6+
- AGES 6+
This is a high energy Russian roulette card game. Just don't get the wrong card or you will be out ...unless you have...maybe...a laser pointer.
- PLAYERS 2-5 (up to 9 if you have another deck)
- AGES 7+
- *Expansion Pack
So, the buzzer is half the fun in this game. Give clues but say the wrong word or you will get bzzzzzzzzzed!
We've been playing this one for years!!
- PLAYERS 4+
- AGES 13+
FREE GROUP GAMES
In case you want to do some old standards, here are group games that will cost nothing.
- Classic charades
- Actors- Players ‘react’ to a made-up scenario and others have to guess what it is.
- Back Draw- Players try to guess the word that their teammate is drawing on a piece of paper on their back.
- Wink murder- Choose a card that will indicate who will be the murderer. Each player gets a card. The person who gets the special card tries to wing at the players to “kill” them off without others seeing. If a person is killed, they put their head down. The game goes until the murderer gets everyone or someone guesses who they are.
OUTDOOR GAMES
Unsplash, Kelly Sikkema
During the summer you may want to head outdoors. Here are some ideas:
- Flag football
- Volleyball
- Capture the Flag
- Scavenger hunt
- Cornhole
- Backyard ‘Connect Four‘
- Horseshoes
- Ultimate frisbee
- Croquet
- Dodgeball
- Obstacle course
- Tug of war
- Ladder toss
- Water balloons, have you seen these reusable ones?
MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY POSTS
We truly believe in taking time with your family. Here are a few posts that you may have missed to celebrate time with those you love.
Thanks for stopping by today. Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home AND life. If you enjoyed these family-friendly group games, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.
What a great collection of ideas!
Jenny, Thanks for stopping by! Board games are a favorite activity for large groups for me
Oh my golly I’d forgotten about PIT! We play games everything holiday and can’t wait to find that one again. And now I’m on the hunt for Telestrations. I’ve always LOVED Pictionary so this seems like a ton of fun to me too. Thanks for sharing. Found you from The Latina Nextdoor’s Blog. Merry Christmas!
Hi Cindy, Glad to meet you!! PIT is def a fav for me! And telestrations will bring such laughter. I am sure you will love it.
There are several on here that we love, and a few that are completely new to me! Thanks for the list
Emily, Hope you find a new one to add to your game night 🙂