Over Memorial Day weekend, we rented a beach house with family, and although we would have loved to spend our days soaking up the sun on the sandy beach, the rainy weather kept us inside. Luckily, we packed some of our favorite games, which kept us more than occupied. We're big game people, and over the years, we've built up quite the collection (literally an entire closet), and we often get asked for our top games–easier said than done! So we put together a list for you. Of course, there are strategy games and small group games that are some of our very favorites, but this list includes the best family games you could pack for a trip (or a night at home).
If you're looking for some great outdoor game options, here are the best lawn games, most of which can be easily packed up for a weekend at the cabin or beach house.
Priced from low to high, there's a game on this list sure to please any crowd!
1. No Thanks!
We have this game, and the concept is simple, but it’s oh, so fun. The goal is to come out with the least amount of points, so when a card is placed, you have to decide to either take the points or play a chip and say, “No thanks.” If you run out of chips, you’re out of luck. The player with the least amount of points wins the round! 3-7 players
2. LCR Wild
This game is a crowd-pleaser every single time. The players are unlimited, and you can all contribute a few or more dollars, and by the end of the game, one winner takes the lot! Be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and lots of laughs.
3. Cross Clues
This is a cooperative game where all of the players play together, and it's easy to learn yet challenging, but most of all, it's addictive! 2-6 players.
4. Skull King
A face-paced card game of trickery, pirates, and mermaids is perfect for a beachside stay, or a Friday night at home. 2-8 players.
5. Nertz
Nertz is a fast-paced card game where you've got to stay on your toes to keep up. Where are my highly competitive people at? As many players as you have different colored decks (this pack includes 12).
This game won “best party game” and over the summer when we stayed in a beach house with family, we played this over and over again! Could not get enough of it. The chameleon has to do their best to blend in while everybody gives clues to the prompt, in hopes of not getting caught! So, so fun! 3-8 players.
7. Grass is Greener
We're anxiously awaiting the release of this neighborhood sabotage card game, where you fight to win "yard of the month" and get in some laughs along the way—coming to Target on June 18th!
8. Just One
If you like guessing games, you'll like this cooperative party game, where you work together, giving clues to guess as many mystery words as possible. There are a few different ways to play–all of them fun. 3-7 players.
9. Wavelength
The telepathic party game that we can’t get enough of! Two teams take turns trying to read each other’s minds, with a lot of “talking it out” and high-fiving all around. It’s the game that brings out all the interesting conversations you wish you could have at your party. It’s award-winning, strategic, and hilarious. Up to 12 players.
10. Telestrations
I've never once played Telestrations without laughing myself to tears. 8 players, or you can get the party pack for 12 players.
11. Camel Up
An unpredictable game of betting on a crazy camel race. The players are not the camels, although they will wish they could be! Ideal for a party where laughter and mayhem are on the menu. 3-8 Players.
12. Wits & Waters
This feels more like a game show than a board game. Not only for trivia-savvy people but also for those who know who the savvy person is! 4-More Players.
WE'RE CHRIS + JULIA
Portfolio
Projects
