The Best Party Games

Buying Guide

There are a lot of great party games out there that can provide hours of entertainment for your guests or for your family the next time game night rolls around. However, with so many options, it can be tough to decide which types of fun are right for you and your group. Fortunately, knowing the types of games you usually prefer can help narrow down the options.

For one thing, you could go for card games. If you prefer off-color, adults-only games, you can break out Cards Against Humanity and get ready to laugh all night. If you want something a bit more family friendly, Apples to Apples is a great go-to. These games are versatile and easy for large numbers of people to play together. Apples to Apples and games like it are a bit easier to keep PG, while Cards Against Humanity falls to the dark side almost no matter what you do.

Do you like to stretch your mental muscles a bit more? If you love Scattergories, try to find other word-based options that will make you think. Love art? Pictionary is of course an excellent option. And, of course, there’s the ever-popular Cranium if you want a little bit of everything.

You can also try something newer, like Exploding Kittens, Herd Mentality or What Do You Meme? Games like these are great for groups that want to have a good time and don’t mind getting a little silly. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s bound to be a party game out there that’s perfect for you and your group.

When planning a party or game night, there are some other things to consider. First, the game should be appropriate for the ages of the players. The game you choose for your college buddies will almost certainly not be the one you select to play with your teenager and her friends.

It is also important to choose a game that everyone can play together without feeling left out. Card games or team games are excellent for this reason. Lastly, the game should be something that everyone will enjoy and have fun playing. If someone in the group hates trivia, don’t pick a game that requires vast knowledge of movies or sports. If younger kids are involved, avoid games with a lot of big words or complicated rules.

Here’s a tip for saving time and getting right to the fun: If you’re the host, read the rules ahead of time. Be ready to explain them to your guests or your family.

Many games sold today have an after-dark vibe or are marketed as drinking games. If you are serving alcohol at your party, set some rules that ensure that everyone drinks responsibly. For example, you can limit the number of drinks people are allowed per hour, or you could require guests to leave their car keys with a designated, non-drinking person.

You should also provide plenty of non-alcoholic options for your guests to choose from, and make sure to have plenty of food available to control the effects of alcohol. By following these tips, you can ensure that everyone has a wonderful time without drawbacks.

• Consider your group when making a game purchase. Don’t buy anything that is inappropriate for the people you plan to play it with.
• If you have kids, try to get games that you can enjoy together and that will help your children learn something new or improve their skills. For example, the board game Monopoly can teach your family about economics. Games can also be used to improve problem-solving skills, memory and creative thinking.
• Fill your game shelf with a variety of fun titles so you’ll always have something perfect for any given occasion. For instance, keep a word game like Scattergories and a math-based game like Uno on hand.
• Ask your friends to bring their favorites along for your next game night. This is a great way to discover new activities you love.
• Playing games can reduce stress and improve mental well-being while connecting you with other people. Make sure you’re fostering a comfortable and safe environment with people who get along.