Online Family Game Night: Board Games to Play Together

Family game night used to need everyone in one room, a board nobody had lost pieces from, and a table cleared of dinner plates. It still works like that sometimes. But families now live in different cities, work odd hours and are rarely all home on the same evening.

An online game night keeps the tradition going when the family is spread out. Here is how to plan one that people actually enjoy.

Pick games everyone can play

The best family game is one the youngest and the oldest player can both enjoy. That usually means simple rules, a bit of luck, and short turns.

• Ludo. Everyone knows it, the luck keeps it fair, and there is enough choice for adults to stay interested.
• Snakes and ladders. Pure luck, perfect for small children, and over in under twenty minutes.
• Carrom. Better for older children and adults, since it needs aim rather than dice.

Ludo Jim, Snakes and Ladders Jim and Carrom Jim are all free.

Choose how you will play

There are two setups, and many families mix them.

• Private online rooms, when family members are in different places. Only the people you invite can join.
• Pass-and-play on one phone, when some of you are in the same room. Everyone takes turns on one device.

A good combination is a private room for the grandparents in another city, with the kids sharing one phone at home.

Set up before the night

A little preparation stops the first twenty minutes being spent on technical problems.

• Send the game link to everyone in the family group chat earlier in the day.
• Make sure older relatives know how to open it. A quick practice game the day before helps.
• Charge phones and check the Wi-Fi.
• Pick a start time and keep it short. An hour is plenty.

Agree on the rules

Every family has its own house rules. Does a capture give an extra roll? Do you need an exact roll to finish? Decide before the first game, not in the middle of an argument.

For Ludo and snakes and ladders, there are rule guides on this blog you can share in advance.

Make it about the family, not the game

• Keep a video or voice call open alongside the game. The chatting is half the fun.
• Mix teams so it is not always the same person winning.
• Let the youngest player choose the first game.
• Keep a running family scoreboard over several weeks, and give the winner a silly title.

Ideas for different ages

• Young children: snakes and ladders, played with a parent helping them tap.
• Older children: Ludo with the full rules, where they can beat the adults with good choices.
• Teenagers and adults: carrom and faster Ludo games, with real competition.

Keep it relaxed

Game night should end with everyone wanting to do it again. Stop while people are still enjoying it, rather than pushing for one more game when the youngest is tired. And if one person keeps losing, switch to a game with more luck in it.

Frequently asked questions

What games can a family play together online?

Board games with simple rules work best: Ludo, snakes and ladders and carrom. They are easy for all ages and can be played in private rooms or on one phone.

How do you play board games online with family in another city?

Use a game with private rooms. One person creates the room and shares it with family members, so only invited players can join.

Can a family play on one phone?

Yes. Pass-and-play mode lets players take turns on one device, which is ideal when some of the family is in the same room.

What is a good game for young children and grandparents to play together?

Snakes and ladders. It is pure luck, so a young child can win fairly against anyone, and the rules take seconds to explain.

How long should a family game night last?

About an hour works for most families. Stop while everyone is still enjoying it.