Best Family Games for Older Kids for Family Game Night

When you have older kids in the house, Family Game Night can go in a whole new direction once they can read and write.

The following games are games that I would consider a good fit for older kids. It doesn’t mean that a younger child couldn’t understand the game but due to the reading and/or writing involved or even, as in the case of Hands Down, it boils down to faster reflexes. Find them at an Indiana toy store near you! The following games are affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you make a purchase.

Best Family Games for Older Kids

10 Days In The Usa Game— You wouldn’t think that a game featuring geography would be so much fun, but we absolutely love it! Not only is it a great way to introduce (or reinforce) US geography, it’s also fantastically fun! With ten cards, you need to follow the colors and use the appropriate modes of transportation to make your way across the country. Of course, there’s a little more to it than that. You can only do so much per turn so it can be really tricky!

Sorry Spin— We love the Sorry line-up of games that are appropriate for younger players, but in the case of Sorry Spin, it can turn into a lengthier game! All it takes is a spin of the board to put your pawn away from home base. As frustrating as it can be when you aren’t the one winning, it is a really fun twist!

ThinkBlot Board Game— There aren’t any psychiatric evaluations, only guaranteed laughs! What do you see in the ink blot? Certain answers will achieve bonus points!

LEGO Minotaurus Game (3841)— Working as teams or individually, get all of your people safely to the center without getting captured by the Minotaur! Customize the rules, the dice, and plan on having a really great time! We normally include the green and gray side of the dice and only use three people (instead of the four) to keep games from dragging on. Part of the fun is changing the rules, right?

Hands Down— Although younger kids could play, they may become frustrated at not having as fast a reaction time. Draw a card and hope for a match! When you have a pair, slap the hand down. The last person to react must lay one of their cards down. The fun really begins when you “fake” having a match–players who slam down the hand must lay down a card! The most pairs wins!

Picture Picture— How observant are you? Picture Picture is an old one (1992) but it is a good one! Within the time allowed, you must look at the picture, and write down one word next to each letter of the alphabet. Earn extra points for the more difficult letters. Did two people both write down “man” for the letter “m?” Scratch it out–no one gets a point! It can be very funny!

Family Game Night for Older Kids

This is just the beginning of a great list of games for older kids. I’ve got plenty more where that came from. Stick around and you’ll discover other fantastic board games to play with your family.

Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is little Indiana!

Just don’t forget to tell ’em that  little Indiana sent you!