Easy Board Games I Actually Play (And Why They Work So Well for Family Nights)
We play board games almost every week — and while I enjoy a good challenge, I’ve come to appreciate that not every great game needs a thick rulebook or a 30-minute explanation. Some of my favorite memories with family and friends come from games that are easy to learn, quick to teach, and still full of strategy and laughter.
In this post, I want to share a few of the board games I truly love — games I come back to again and again because they’re fun, simple to start, and perfect for family game nights.
🎲 1. Catan — The Classic That Never Gets Old
Catan is one of the first games that really got me into board gaming. It’s competitive in a friendly way, and the rules are surprisingly easy to grasp. You trade resources, build settlements, and race to earn victory points — but what makes it so fun is the mix of luck, negotiation, and strategy.
Why I love it:
- ✅ Easy to learn
- ✅ Full of interaction and strategy
- ✅ Always different thanks to the modular board
🧱 2. Carcassonne — A Peaceful, Strategic Tile Game
Carcassonne is all about placing tiles and building a landscape: cities, roads, monasteries, and fields. It’s not a high-conflict game — which I appreciate — but it still requires good planning and decisions.
Why I love it:
- ✅ No one feels “attacked”
- ✅ Simple mechanics with elegant depth
- ✅ Visually satisfying as the board grows
💎 3. Splendor (Esplendor) — Strategy in 10 Minutes
Splendor surprised me. I thought it would be more complicated, but you can learn how to play in 10 minutes. You collect gems and try to build a powerful set of development cards — it’s all about efficiency and timing.
Why I love it:
- ✅ Easy setup and clear iconography
- ✅ Fast turns, little downtime
- ✅ Great introduction to engine-building games
🏗️ 4. Tower Up — A New Favorite With a Unique Dynamic
Tower Up is a newer game in my collection, and I instantly liked it. It introduces a fresh mechanic that feels different from most games. It’s still very simple to explain, and everyone at the table picked it up quickly.
Why I love it:
- ✅ New and refreshing
- ✅ Quick to learn, but engaging
- ✅ Great for both kids and adults
🗺️ 5. Maya — A Hidden Gem
Maya might not be as famous as the others, but it deserves more love! It’s simple, tactical, and fun to play. It doesn’t take long to learn, and each game feels satisfying.
Why I love it:
- ✅ Underrated but delightful
- ✅ Easy for anyone to join in
- ✅ Strategic without being stressful
💬 Final Thoughts
These are the games I actually play and enjoy — not just trendy names from a list. They’re part of my weekly routine because they’re easy to teach, fun to replay, and perfect for bringing people together.
If you love this type of experience — easy, stress-free, and social — you might also enjoy some of the printable party games I create. They’re designed with the same spirit: simple to explain, quick to play, and perfect for families or friends.
What are your favorite easy board games? I'd love to hear — feel free to leave a comment or tag me if you share your game night on social media!
