Game On! The Ultimate Summer Game Guide for Family Fun

The secret to enjoying (and suriving) family time is to make sure you’ve got these games on tap

Summertime is the best time for extended family vacations and lazy weekends at home. Without the pressure of a normal school routine, accompanied by three more hours of daylight, there are endless opportunities for spending time with those you love. So, whether you’ve (somewhat regrettably) booked an Airbnb for all 42 members of your extended family over a long holiday weekend, or you’re simply enjoying a chill Friday evening at home with the kiddos, “game night” is a low-price, high-bonding option for having fun and creating lasting memories. 

Buyer beware: Keep an eye out for that one family member who is clandestinely competitive. This personality may be hiding in your sweet 73 year-old Aunt Janet, or permeating just below the surface in your otherwise laid-back teenage brother. But hand these folks a pen during Pictionary and watch out. It doesn’t matter if their drawing of a sumo wrestler appears to you like a giant, overfed baby; they will make sure everyone is aware that you are the problem.

Beyond that, have a blast! Here are some of the best family games that are sure to keep everyone entertained, regardless of age:

Charades – Family Edition

How to play: A family-friendly version of the classic game where players act out clues to their team, who try to guess them. Themes can include animals, movies, TV shows, or anything family-related.

Why we love it: It’s adaptable for any age and always results in hilarious performances.

Twister

How to play: Players place their hands and feet on colored circles on the mat as instructed by a spinner. The last person standing without falling wins.

Why we love it: It’s a physical game that gets everyone moving and laughing, perfect for energetic family gatherings.

Pictionary

How to play: Players draw a picture of a word or phrase, and their team has to guess what it is. The first team to guess correctly wins.

Why we love it: It combines creativity and teamwork, and it’s perfect for all ages—just adapt the difficulty level based on the age of the players.

Bingo

How to play: Players mark off numbers on their cards as they are called out. The first player to complete a pattern (like a line or full card) wins.

Why we love it: It's simple for younger kids but still fun for adults, especially when you add prizes for the winners.

Catchphrase

How to play: Players try to get their team to guess a word or phrase by giving clues, but they can’t say the word itself. The timer runs out when the buzzer sounds.

Why we love it: It's a fast-paced, laughter-filled game that’s ideal for larger family gatherings.

Heads Up!

How to play: One player holds a card with a word on it on their forehead, while the rest of the family gives clues to help them guess the word. You can use cards for categories like movies, animals, or celebrities.

Why we love it: It's easy to play, involves everyone, and can be played in teams or individually.

Uno

How to play: Players take turns drawing and playing cards, trying to get rid of all their cards first. Special action cards (like Reverse, Skip, or Draw Two) make the game unpredictable.

Why we love it: It’s a simple card game that’s great for families of all sizes and ages.

The Game of Life

How to play: Players navigate life choices like getting a job, buying a house, and having a family, all while trying to make it to retirement with the most money.

Why we love it: It’s a strategic game that also incorporates humor and some lighthearted competition.

Scavenger Hunt

How to play: Create a list of items or clues for players to find within a certain time frame. You can have themed hunts or challenges (e.g., photo scavenger hunts).

Why we love it: It gets people moving, thinking, and working together, and you can adapt it to suit your family's interests.

Minute to Win It

How to play: Players must complete fun, silly tasks in under a minute, like stacking cups or bouncing ping pong balls into cups.

Why we love it: It’s fast-paced, exciting, and easy to set up—perfect for a family gathering full of energy.

Human Knot

How to play: Everyone stands in a circle, reaches out with both hands, and grabs someone else’s hand. The goal is to untangle yourselves without letting go.

Why we love it: It's a cooperative game that requires teamwork and problem-solving, and it often leads to lots of laughs.

Jenga

How to play: Players take turns pulling blocks from a tower and placing them on top without toppling the tower.

Why we love it: It’s easy to play, and the suspense of pulling the last block is always thrilling!

Last but certainly not least...

Bonus gAMES

Brad Berger’s Big Book of Family Games offers endless ideas (101 to be exact) for “games that don’t need charging.” Check it out and bid adieu to those boring, hum-drum, family gatherings.