Games for big families and groups of 6 or more
Most board games top out at four players. These ones work for a crowd, which makes them perfect for holidays, birthday parties and visits with cousins.
We pick games on their merits. Links go to Amazon, and we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
1.Uno
Match colours or numbers, play action cards on each other, and be the first to empty your hand.
Parent tip: The classic for big gatherings. Cheap enough to keep a deck in the car.
Check price on Amazon2.Camel Up
Bet on a chaotic camel race where camels stack on top of each other and carry each other forward.
Parent tip: The pyramid dice shaker is a hit with kids. Great for bigger groups.
Check price on Amazon3.Codenames: Pictures
Two teams race to find their agents using one-word clues that link several pictures at once.
Parent tip: The picture version is easier for kids than the word version, which is rated 14+.
Check price on Amazon4.Ghost Blitz
Flip a card and grab the right wooden object first. Sometimes it’s the one shown, sometimes it’s the one that isn’t.
Parent tip: A fast reaction game that levels the playing field between kids and adults.
Check price on Amazon5.Spot It!
Every pair of cards shares exactly one symbol. Be the fastest to spot it and shout it out.
Parent tip: Comes in a small tin, ideal for restaurants and travel. Younger kids can play with a head start.
Check price on Amazon6.Sushi Go Party!
The bigger version of Sushi Go!, with more dishes to choose from and room for up to eight players.
Parent tip: Pick this over the original if your family gatherings are big.
Check price on Amazon7.Mysterium
One player is a silent ghost sending dream-like picture cards. Everyone else works out how the ghost died.
Parent tip: Lovely spooky atmosphere without being scary. Great for creative families.
Check price on Amazon8.Dixit
Give a clue about one of your dreamlike picture cards. Others guess which card is yours, but not too easily.
Parent tip: Great for creative kids and mixed ages. Clues can be a word, a sound or a song.
Check price on Amazon9.King of Tokyo
Giant monsters roll dice to smash each other and take over Tokyo. Push your luck and buy power-ups.
Parent tip: Very loud, very fun. Players can be knocked out, but games are short.
Check price on Amazon10.Love Letter
Sixteen cards, endless bluffing. Deduce who holds what and be the last player standing each round.
Parent tip: Fits in a pocket. Rounds are very short, so players who are knocked out don’t wait long.
Check price on AmazonTips
- With mixed ages, team games let younger kids pair up with an adult.
- Choose games where turns are quick or everyone plays at once, so nobody waits long.
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