Our family is a board game family. Let me tell you, we know a thing or two about board games for large groups because with 7 kids and two adults, we can’t just pick the regular 4-6 players games! We also love to have friends and family over to play games. Sometimes, there are more than 50 of us!
Family game nights are a great way to form connection, build memories, strengthen relationships, reinforce learning concepts in a fun way, and spend screen free time.
We’ve tried a lot of games over the years. I’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites for large groups (more than 10) and another list for games we like for between 4 and 10 players.
The Best Board Games for Large Groups:
Taboo – I have been playing this game since I was a teenager. We especially like to play a guys vs. girls version of this. So much fun! The object of the game is to have your team guess the word you’re describing except that there are certain buzz words you’re not allowed to say. It’s done in speed rounds which only adds to the fun.
What’s Yours Like? – We’ve had a lot of laughs with this game. When you play with adults only, the answers can quickly take on double meanings which gets pretty funny. You can also play it with kids or groups of kids and adults though. You just need to keep your answers PG for that!
Mafia – While not exactly a board game, I’m saying it still counts because it involves a deck of cards. This game is a favourite of ours for playing out by the campfire. We’ve played with as many as 45 people before. It’s fun for all!
Heads-Up – While there is a board game version of this popular game, I suggest that you get the mobile app version. If one person in your group downloads it to their phone, you can all use that phone for hours of fun. This is another one that we’ve played in our living room with a large gathering. We usually play boys against the girls.
Charades – This is the ultimate game for a large group when you don’t have any board games handy. Just use a pen and slips of paper to create your own version. Have everyone write down ideas to make it extra fun.
Pictionary (or the new high tech Pictionary Air) – The nice thing about this classic is that the worse your art skills, the funnier it is! Fun for all ages.
What Do You Meme – This game brings the relatively new popularity of memes into the board game world and can be played with up to 20 people.
Blurt – Funny game that can be played with up to 12 players.
Taboo Board Game
What’s Yours Like? Party EditionMafia CardsHeads Up Party GameSpeed CharadesPictionaryPictionary AirWHAT DO YOU MEME?
The Best Board Games for 4-10 players:
Pit – 3-8 players – This game is an awesome ice breaker! One thing it isn’t though is quiet as people shout out their bids. It’s kind of a commodities trading market gone wild.
Codenames – 2-8+ players – I find that this is a great ice breaker. If you’ve got people who are just getting to know each other, this is the one to start with. You’ll all be comfortable with each other in no time.
The Resistance – 5-10 players – This can be a team game so it’s quite interactive which we like.
Sequence – 2-12 players – One of our sons gave us this for Christmas one year and it soon became a family favourite. It’s easy to learn and appeals to a wide audience from kids to grandparents.
Five Crowns – 2-7 players – I chose this game at the store because of its small size as I wanted to pack it along on a camping trip. It turned out to be a great purchase and has been played often since. This award winner is a rummy style card game with a twist.
Apples to Apples – 4-10 players – There are many variations of this popular word game. It’s a nice one for playing with multiple ages.
Wizard – 3-6 players
Pit GameCzech Games CodenamesThe ResistanceSequenceFive Crowns Card GameApples to Apples Party in a BoxWizard Card Game
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If you’re looking for large group games that are more interactive, then check out some of our Minute to Win It challenges:
Minute to Win It Family Fun Night
Thanksgiving Minute to Win It Games