The country-wide lockdown due to COVID-19 has left most of us clueless about how we’re going to spend our days – no eating out, meeting friends and family, catching on that much-awaited movie, partying or even going to the office. While all this might sound a little depressing, maybe we should see the bright side of it… Now, we have all the time in the world to sleep in, take up that hobby for which there was never enough time, try something new altogether and the best of all, spend some quality moments together as a family. And what could be a better way to connect with family and have some fun the old-fashioned way (read screen-free!) than making time to play board games.
There are, of course, the ever-favourites that we have enjoyed since our childhood and even today like Ludo and Chess. And then there are some latest ones or the newer versions of some cult games that everyone is talking about today like Speak Out! and Pictionary. With so many options to choose from, here’s a list of 5 fun-filled board games that we’re sure you’ll love to play with your family:
1. MONOPOLY
Monopoly | Board Game
If you and your family like to be competitive, then there is no obvious choice for you than Monopoly. This fast-dealing trading game lets you buy, sell and scheme your way to riches – all while sitting in the comfort of your living room. Exciting right? So just place your choice of token on GO! and roll the dice to start building houses and hotels on your properties and eventually, bankrupt your opponents to win it all. The best part is this game lasts a few hours but the time just flies by!
- Recommended for: Ages 8 and up
- of Players: 2-6
2. SCRABBLE
SCRABBLE | Board Game
Scrabble has been around for years but it’s still just as exciting, don’t you agree? It has a simple, yet addicting gameplay that will keep you and your family engaged for a couple of hours. The best thing is that this word-based board game is fun for all ages – it can be educational for the young ones and with seasoned players, it can get pretty competitive too. All you need to do is grab your fam, rack up your letters, make great words at every turn and hope to land with the highest score in the end.
- Recommended for: Ages 8 and up
- of Players: 2-4
3. THE GAME OF LIFE
THE GAME OF LIFE | Board Game
Not sure how many of you are familiar with The Game of Life but if you aren’t, then you’re definitely up for a surprise. What’s exciting is that this family game allows you to reinvent your life for an hour, making you forget that you’ve been quarantined in your own home. You can create an exciting new story for yourself as you navigate around the board, spending money during different stages in your lives – from start to retirement. If you have the most money at the end of the game, you win!
- Recommended for: Ages 8 and up
- of Players: 2-4
4. SEQUENCE
SEQUENCE | Board Game
Have no doubt, Sequence is easily one of the best board games you can play with your family as it’s suitable for all ages, easy to learn and of course, extremely fun. This card-based strategy game is the best of both worlds, easy enough for the younger players and challenging enough for adults. Play it individually or in teams – just remember to block your opponents, try to get five chips in a row for a Sequence and watch out for the Jacks. All you need to win is a little strategy and whole lot of luck!
- Recommended for: Ages 7 and up
- of Players: 2-12
5. SCOTLAND YARD
SCOTLAND YARD | Board Game
Well, this one’s another classic that is sure to keep you all hooked for at least an hour. What sets it apart from others is the ‘one-against-many’ format, i.e. one of you will take on the role of Mr X – a criminal mastermind who spends most of the game hiding in the city of London. Other players will work together as detectives and move from point to point around the city in taxi, bus or subway to capture Mr X. Ever thought you can make a thrilling trip to London without even leaving home?
- Recommended for: Ages 10 and up
- of Players: 3-6
This is just our list but there are, of course, hundreds of other games that you can play in these times of lockdown or otherwise. Tell us which games do you enjoy as a family in the comments below.
