Board games have the ability to bring friends and family together. They give us an opportunity to connect, compete, and have fun.
The holidays are a great time to play a new board game or revisit a classic, but they don’t have to be limited to the post-Thanksgiving-dinner lull. Board games are worth investing in any time of year.
Playing together is beneficial for the whole family. Studies show board games can boost memory and brain function in senior adults. Simple games are also a great way to connect with people living with dementia.
According to the New York Times, games can help kids of all ages improve important developmental skills.
There are thousands of board games out there to try. No matter your ability level, interests, or type of game you prefer, there is something for everyone.
Here are a few of our favorite picks.
Best Board Game for Families
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure game. Players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. It’s easy to understand and a great way to introduce strategy to younger children.
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 8+
- Difficulty: Easy
- Lasts: 60 mins
Best Game for Groups With Mixed Ages
Herd Mentality
In this game, each card poses a simple question with no right answer. For example, what’s the best sauce? Players then scribble down what they believe most people in the room will say. Those in the majority get a point, and the first one to collect eight points wins. It’s so simple that even young children can pair with an adult to get in on the fun.
- Players: 4 – 20
- Ages: 10+
- Difficulty: Easy
- Lasts: 30 mins
Best Game for Adults & Seniors
SEQUENCE
Part luck, part strategy – SEQUENCE is a combination card and board game. Players take a card from their hand and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board. When you have five in a row, it’s a SEQUENCE. This game lends itself well to visiting while playing. Since it can be played just as easily with two people or twelve, it’s great for a quiet night in or a family gathering.
- Players: 2 -12
- Ages: 10+
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Lasts: 15+ minutes
Best Classic Board Game
Trivial Pursuit
This iconic game includes six knowledge categories: geography, entertainment, history, arts and literature, science and nature, and sports and leisure. But, over the years, Hasbro has developed more than 50 special editions. You’ll find everything from Star Wars to Baby Boomers to Stranger Things. It’s easy to find one that will play to the strengths of your particular group!
- Players: 2 – 6
- Ages: 16+
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Lasts: Typically 1 hour
Best “Outside the Box” Game
Ice Cool 2
This is the perfect game to unite the young and the young at heart. Since it does not rely on trivia, math, or spelling, it’s also a great way to include a family member or friend experiencing difficulty with cognitive functioning. In Ice Cool 2, players flick and spin penguin figures through a multiroom game course cleverly constructed from nesting cardboard boxes. Because the penguin pieces are weighted, they curve and spin in unexpected ways – leveling the playing field for players of all ages.
- Ages: 6+
- Players: 2 to 4
- Time: 20 minutes
Board games are a great way to break the ice with new friends, family you haven’t seen in a while, or shy grandkids. Playing games regularly can help you stay mentally sharp and can add some fun and laughter to your day.
Our Senior Star communities have game libraries where residents can meet to play in a common area with friends or family. Connecting with others is one of the best ways to remain active and engaged as a senior. The benefits of connection are undeniable – and it’s just plain fun. You won’t regret adding some friendly competition to your life.
Looking to learn more about senior living? Contact us for answers to any type of question you may have. We are here to help.