I’m actually pretty bad at playing with my kids. In fact, one of the things I tell them all the time is, “That’s why we had four kids so you would always have someone to play with.”

But I do enjoy the occasional board game and even more so now that my kids are getting old enough to play without throwing fits and messing up the game. We have a range of ages, from 16 to 5, so I have to choose games that are friendly for all ages. I buy a new one every year at Christmas.

These are three of our favorites that we come back to over and over again.

1. Apples to Apples

The thing I like best about this game is you can play it anywhere! We have taken a few cards in the car, to restaurants, and definitely to parties. It’s just cards, the red cards and the green cards, and words. We have played with non readers and we just have a designated reader for them or they just play whichever card they want which ends up being pretty funny.

It’s a word game where the judge holds the green card and reads it to the group. The players choose a card that best fits the word. The judge chooses the best card and that person is the winner of that round.

2. Quirkle

I picked this game out last Christmas and it was easy for even the youngest to play. There’s no reading or numbers, but it does involve a little strategy. You play your tiles building based on color or shape. The box says ages 6 and up but my 4 year old was able to play.

3. Spot It!

We got this one this year and have enjoyed it. Everyone can play! No reading and several quick games can be played. Our favorite is hot potato. Everyone is dealt a card and all at once turn them over. The first person to spot a match between their card and another yells out the name of the symbol and piles their card into the hand holding the match. The person left with all the cards in their hand is the loser.

It’s a fast paced fun game.

What are your favorite family games?