A game that the whole family can enjoy playing together
On a day off when the whole family is together but you’re not going anywhere, or when unexpected free time pops up, how do you and your family kill time?
If you’re just thinking, “I’m bored…,” then let’s play some games together as a family!
In this article, we’ll introduce games that everyone in the family can enjoy.
We’ve picked a wide range of options, from classic familiar games to popular board games and video games, as well as games you can play without any equipment.
If you find a game that catches your interest, be sure to try it out with the whole family!
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Games that the whole family can enjoy together (1–10)
tycoon
Daifugō, a classic card game played with a standard deck of cards, is a great way for the whole family to have fun together.
Its appeal lies in the strategy of getting rid of your hand as quickly as possible, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
It’s often played in groups of four, and you can start right away with just one deck, making it perfect for those unexpected free moments.
Since there are unique regional rules, trying ones you don’t usually use might lead to new discoveries.
You can also play online, so even families living apart can enjoy it together.
On holidays or whenever the family gathers, why not strengthen your communication by playing Daifugō?
Momotaro Dentetsu
First released in 1988, Momotaro Dentetsu is a long-running hit game that’s now also popular as a smartphone app.
With simple rules—roll the dice, aim for the destination, and grow your assets—and a realistic touch featuring actual train stations, famous tourist spots, and historical figures, it’s beloved by players of all ages.
The latest installment even supports online battles, so families living apart can enjoy playing together.
A must for railway fans, “Momotetsu” is definitely worth a try!
Othello
When it comes to classic board games that people of all ages—from adults to kids—can enjoy together, Othello, where you flip black and white discs, is a top pick! Choose your color, black or white, then take turns placing one disc at a time on the board to sandwich your opponent’s discs between your own, flipping the ones in between to your color.
In the end, the player with more discs showing their color wins! Since it’s a one-on-one game, a tournament format is great when playing with the whole family.
With simple rules and no complexity, it’s perfect for getting everyone excited!
Games that the whole family can enjoy playing together (11–20)
Jenga
Jenga, the super-famous game that almost everyone has tried at least once.
With its simple rule of removing one block at a time and stacking it back on top, Jenga is a game anyone—young or old—can enjoy together, making it perfect for killing time at family gatherings! It may look simple at first glance, but it’s actually a brainy, strategic game: you have to think about which blocks to move and how to stack them so you clear your turn safely while putting pressure on the next player.
If you prepare some funny penalties for the loser, it might get even more exciting.
Atama-Oshiri Game
The fresh, TV-famous rhythm game “Atama-Oshiri Game”! In time with the music, you answer by connecting the first and last letters of the word presented.
You have 10 seconds, and the key to winning is whether you can come up with longer words or more letters.
It tests both speed and creativity, so everyone can have fun cranking their brains together.
On the show, Banana Man and Sandwich Man take on the challenge, with unexpected answers being a highlight.
Enjoy laughs and edge-of-your-seat moments.
It’s a recommended game that gets families and friends pumped up while training rhythm and quick thinking at the same time.
Blox
Born in France, the territory strategy game Blokus is a game for up to four players that puts your flexible thinking to the test! Each player has 21 colorful pieces, and on their turn they place a piece on the board.
You can place pieces freely, but the rule is that your own blocks must touch corner-to-corner.
You can’t place pieces so that their edges touch, nor can you leave them completely disconnected.
The game ends when no one can place any more pieces.
Scores are calculated based on the pieces left and how they were placed, and the winner is determined.
Playing in teams and discussing strategy as you go is also highly recommended!
Ubongo
This is a game for small groups of 1 to 4 players.
Complete your puzzle before the sand in the hourglass runs out.
Players who finish first choose valuable gems in order.
The game lasts 9 rounds.
The player with the highest total gem score wins.
Each puzzle has a front and back with different difficulty, so you can adjust it per participant.
Roll the die, flip the hourglass, and start! Use the puzzle indicated in the section matching the symbol on the die and complete it.
When you’re done, shout “Ubongo!” and claim gems in the order the word was called.
It’s a game you can’t help getting absorbed in—sure to get everyone excited.
