My Favorite Games!!

 

 When people hear (board games) they instantly think, BORING! Why is that the reason? Too much screen time. Screens provide rapid stimulation of interest and doesn't require thought. Americans age 8-18 spend an average of 6 hours on a screen a day. So more often than not, people think board games are boring and un-entertaining. When you brain is constantly being fed on these high-stimulated screens, sitting down for a slow-paced, mind-provoking game feels boring. Not because they are, but because we have trained our brain to need non-stop stimulation. In 2021, an article entitled, Human Behavior said kids with more screen time lose rapidly their, attention span, patience, self-directed play, and critical thinking. Kids with little screen time and given brain-building toys, were delighted to play a board game. Meanwhile the first group didn't want to play any boardgames and found them unentertaining. 

So I'm simply saying that every once in a while, pull out a couple games and enjoy playing them.

I love playing games with my family! My family has easily 70 games or more. Our office closet is filled to the brim with all sorts of board games. I think board games are fun and they connect people. Board games are a great way to spend part of your summer. It keeps you off a screen, causes you to think, and connects your family together. So today, I have 8 of my favorite games to play with my family. From deep strategy to a hilarious party style, there is a game for everyone. Board games can be funny, mind-boggling and interesting. So give one of these games a shot and enjoy!

Uno Elite: UNO Elite is a twist on the classic UNO game that adds NFL-themed collectible player cards with special powers. Players draft NFL cards that replace traditional action cards, adding a layer of strategy to the usual color and number matching. With over 2,000 cards to collect and unique abilities tied to each player, the game combines fun gameplay with trading card excitement—perfect for both UNO fans and football lovers.

Exploding Minions: Exploding Minions is a fast-paced, family-friendly spin on Exploding Kittens, themed with characters from the Minions movies. Players take turns drawing cards while trying to avoid drawing an Exploding Minion—unless they have a defuse card like a banana or hypnotic goggles. It features fun minion-themed artwork, silly actions, and quick, unpredictable gameplay. Great for kids and fans of Despicable Me, it's easy to learn and packed with chaotic fun.

Chameleon: is a fast, social deduction party game where one player is secretly the Chameleon and tries to blend in. Everyone knows the secret word—except the Chameleon. Players take turns saying a word related to the secret topic to prove they’re in the know, while the Chameleon tries to fake it. After one round, players vote on who they think the Chameleon is. It's quick to play, full of laughs, and great for groups who enjoy bluffing and clever thinking.

Pandemic: is a cooperative strategy board game where players work as a team of specialists trying to stop global disease outbreaks. Each player has a unique role, and together they must treat infections, discover cures, and prevent epidemics from spiraling out of control. The game is tense, fast-paced, and requires strong teamwork and planning. With multiple difficulty levels and expansions, it’s a favorite for players who enjoy collaboration and strategic thinking.

Relative Insanity is a humorous party card game created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy that pokes fun at all the crazy antics families bring to the table. One player reads a setup card (e.g., “When my brother brought home his new baby, Granny blurted out…”), and everyone else plays a punchline card to finish the phrase. The reader chooses the funniest reply, and that player earns a point—first to laugh out loud wins! Featuring a deck of 100 setup cards and 400 punch lines, it supports 4–12 players aged 14+ and makes for a laugh-filled, unpredictable game night.

Bears vs Babies is a silly card game where players build weird monsters to fight off armies of crazy babies. You collect parts to make strong creatures, then battle the babies when someone provokes them. If your monster is stronger, you win baby cards. The player who eats the most babies wins! It's fast, funny, and totally ridiculous.

Telestrations is a fun party game that’s basically a mix of “Telephone” and drawing. Each player starts by drawing a word or phrase, then passes their drawing to the next player, who guesses what the drawing is. The guess gets passed on for someone else to draw again, and so on. The goal is to see how the original word changes (or hilariously distorts) as it goes around the group. It’s great for groups, super easy to play, and often ends with lots of laughs! Want me to explain how to play or suggest variations?

Bunny Kingdom is a strategic board game where players compete to build and expand their own bunny territories in a charming medieval rabbit world. You draft cards that represent different types of land and resources, then place your bunnies on the map to claim and develop those areas. The goal is to control the most valuable kingdom by carefully managing your resources and positioning your bunnies. It’s known for its cute theme, solid strategy, and clever card drafting mechanics. Want me to explain the rules or give tips for winning?