Best Board Games for Family Reunions - 10 Crowd‑Pleasers for All Ages
Looking for the best board games for family reunions? We’ve rounded up 10 multi-generational favorites that keep grandparents, parents, and kids at the same table—starting with our top pick, Rolling Jokers.
Family reunions are all about connection—which means you need games that welcome every generation, scale to big groups, and teach in minutes. Below are ten favorites that work beautifully with mixed ages and energy levels. We lead with Rolling Jokers—a premium, card‑driven take on marbles‑and‑jokers that truly supports 2–8 players without splitting the room.1) Rolling Jokers Board Game (Best Overall for Reunions)
Why it’s perfect for reunions: Easy to learn for new players, strategic enough for gamers, and supports 2–8 players (individual or teams). Wooden interlocking boards and a specialty card deck make it feel special at holiday or reunion tables.
- Players: 2–8 · Time: 30–60 min · Complexity: Easy–Medium
- Highlights: Multi‑generational appeal, card‑driven decisions, premium components.
Want to find more information on the best board games for 8 Players? We have a write up about it as well!
2) Telestrations Board Game (Party Pack)
Telephone meets doodling. Zero artistic skill required—just guaranteed laughs across ages.
- Players: up to 12 · Time: 20–30 min · Complexity: Very Easy · Style: Party, drawing
3) Codenames Board Game
Two teams give one‑word clues to connect words on the table. Scales cleanly, minimal downtime.
- Players: 4–10 (flexible teams) · Time: 15–30 min · Complexity: Easy · Style: Team word game
4) Wits & Wagers Board Game (Party Edition)
Trivia where you can still win by betting on the best answer. Great for mixed knowledge levels.
- Players: 6–20 · Time: 25–30 min · Complexity: Easy · Style: Party, trivia, wagering
5) Blank Slate Card Game
Write a missing word to match exactly one other person. Fast, funny, and easy for all ages.
- Players: 3–8 · Time: 20–35 min · Complexity: Very Easy · Style: Word matching
6) Decrypto Board Game
Team code‑clue creation and interception. Brainy, but accessible with a good explainer.
- Players: 3–8 · Time: 30–45 min · Complexity: Medium · Style: Team deduction
7) Catch Phrase
Pass the device, give quick clues, don’t get caught when the buzzer sounds. High‑energy crowd pleaser.
- Players: 4–12 · Time: 15–30 min · Complexity: Very Easy · Style: Party, rapid clues
8) Secret Hitler Board Game
Hidden roles and table talk keep large groups engaged. Use the variant that fits your vibe.
- Players: 5–10 · Time: 45–60 min · Complexity: Easy–Med · Style: Social deduction
9) Spyfall Board Game
One player is the spy; others share a secret location. Ask questions and read reactions—short, replayable rounds.
- Players: 3–8 · Time: 15–20 min · Complexity: Easy · Style: Social deduction
10) Beat That! (Challenge Party Game)
Quick tabletop challenges that get everyone moving and laughing—great icebreaker after dinner.
- Players: 2–8 · Time: 20–40 min · Complexity: Very Easy · Style: Party, dexterity
Comparison: Best Games for Family Reunions
| Game | Players | Play Time | Teach Time | Energy Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Jokers | 2–8 | 30–60 min | 5–8 min | Moderate | Multi‑generational strategy + teamwork |
| Telestrations (Party) | 6–12 | 20–30 min | 2 min | High | Big laughs, drawing |
| Codenames | 4–10 | 15–30 min | 3–5 min | Moderate | Teams, wordplay |
| Wits & Wagers Party | 6–20 | 25–30 min | 3–5 min | High | Trivia + betting |
| Blank Slate | 3–8 | 20–35 min | 2 min | Moderate | Word matching, casual |
| Decrypto | 3–8 | 30–45 min | 5–8 min | Moderate | Thinky team puzzle |
| Catch Phrase | 4–12 | 15–30 min | 2 min | High | Fast clue‑giving |
| Secret Hitler / Avalon | 5–10 | 45–60 min | 5–8 min | Moderate–High | Talky groups, social deduction |
| Spyfall | 3–8 | 15–20 min | 2–3 min | Moderate | Quick rounds, replay |
| Beat That! | 2–8 | 20–40 min | 2–3 min | High | Active, silly challenges |
FAQ
What’s the best board game for a family reunion?
Rolling Jokers—it scales to eight players, teaches fast, and keeps grandparents, parents, and kids engaged at the same table.
We have a wide age range—what game works for everyone?
Rolling Jokers for strategy + teamwork, or Telestrations for instant laughs and zero learning curve.
How do I avoid splitting the group?
Choose games that support 8+ players or simple team formats (e.g., Rolling Jokers, Codenames, Wits & Wagers Party). Keep teach time under 5 minutes.
