15 Great Family Board Games for Screen-Free Fun

If you combined the classic Old Maid and War games and made it faster and more fun, that’s what Happy Salmon is. It’s the fastest game you’ve ever played, and yet, you’ll just keep playing it because it’s so much fun.

Your children will go wild for this game because it appeals to the way their minds work — quickly and chaotically. There is no time for second-guessing, and it’s a wild ride.

Inspired by the very adult game Cards Against Humanity, this family-appropriate card game prompts players with fill-in-the-blank questions. Each person then chooses a card from their hand that they think is the best response.

Warning: The answer cards are totally ridiculous, so be prepared for some wacky combinations. My kids love this game for car trips.

More: These Are the Best Games for an Adults-Only Game Night

Oh, it's on. Finally, it's our chance as parents to prove how good/terrible we are at board games once and for all. This hilarious game will have you battling your children through trivia, challenges, and daring wagers.

Be prepared to do the dishes for a week after playing a few rounds of Beat the Parents: I'm pretty sure it's rigged.

This family board game belongs in every home. Not only will everyone have a blast getting goofy, but the time spent playing this game doubles as an opportunity for kids to build confidence when it comes to expression, creativity, and improv.

When my family plays, it takes about 45 minutes to complete a game, making it a solid choice for younger players with shorter attention spans.

This family-oriented, fun, fill-in-the-blank game will have your creative kiddos coming up with the most hilarious combinations.

Filled with child-appropriate humor and innuendos that all of the grown-ups can chuckle at, this game is an all-around family night win. Think of it as a way to blow off steam within respectful and entertaining limits.

Your kids probably love Bluey already, so they're probably going to love this Bluey game. It's wildly fun and fast and is based on the adventures of Bluey and her friends.

This family board game is one of the best to ever hit the market. Perfect for ages 10 and up, this game has you build an entire civilization from the ground up using just cards and the board. It's all about strategy, and it's genuinely one of the best ways in which you can spend a Saturday night.

This game takes a few hours for my family to get through, so it's definitely for ages 10 and up.

If Memory and Guess Who decided to have a baby, this game would be it. It requires a little bit of subterfuge and a whole lot of free space in your brain, which is pretty much perfect for kids who want to beat their parents. It's like Among Us, but less terrifyingly online.

Early subterfuge lessons for the young aren't a bad thing, right?

When your family consists of a blend of kiddos of all different ages, you need a game that everyone can quickly understand and enjoy: Clack is it.

The directions are super easy. Spread out the magnetic discs and roll the two die. Depending on their shape and color combination, everyone playing will race to pick up each disc that fits the bill. No need to spend hours arguing over the directions — just get to playing.

A collaborative, cooperative, and competitive family board game that requires players to build a structure by stacking ladders one on top of another. It's a bit like a cross between Jenga and Yeti in my Spaghetti, quick-playing, easy for even little kids, and tons of fun.

Even if you hate to admit it, the most entertaining character in a Disney movie is most definitely the villain. This board game is all about tapping into your inner bad guy to win.

The game comes with some of your favorite evil characters like Scar and Ursula, but it can also be played with other Villainous expansion packs.

This is the kid version of the super popular board game Settlers of Catan. It's a perfect intro for kids ages 6 and up who are ready to explore the world of Catan. (Don't forget to find the gold while you're navigating the tropical islands.)

This is hands-down the best intro to traditional table gaming that you'll ever find. It's easy to learn, fast playing, and a ton of fun.

With more than 1,000 rave reviews on Amazon, this classic strategy game is a hit with parents who get to pass along their love of chess to their kids. It's easy to break down, quick-playing, and it's the perfect entry point for kids to learn a game that leads to a lifelong love of the game.

How well can you and your family work under pressure? Heist is a family board game that tests how level-headed you can stay while trying to crack open a safe and steal all of the loot. It's not super easy, but kids 8 and up shouldn't have a problem with it.

Follow the instructions carefully ... because after three false moves, you'll sound the alarm.

True story: Playing this game may lead to inexplicable quotations from Lord of the Rings, Labyrinth, and The Neverending Story. I know because I speak from experience. (And the Goblin King was a wonderful babysitter. Fight me.)

Labyrinth is a classic board game where players have to find the shortest route through the labyrinth to win. It's easy to learn to play and absolutely habit-forming.