The Most Popular Board Games According to Research
Whether it’s too hot to go outside or you need activities for rainy days, nothing beats board games to keep kids and parents entertained and enjoying quality time together. They’re great for family gatherings or even just an afternoon when you want the kids to take a screen-free break. With so many family board games to choose from, the question is, which new game should you pick? A recent survey revealed the most popular board games across the country to try for your next family game night.
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The Most Popular Board Games in America
Enlisting Google Trends for data on the most searched-for games by state, game, and puzzle retailer, Spilsbury compiled a list of the most popular board games in America for the past year. They also created a handy map to show which games ranked as the most searched for by state.
According to the data, popular board games varied widely from state to state, with many classics and a few newer games appearing, including Pictionary, Monopoly, Clue, Battleship, Codenames, Hungry, Hungry Hippos, Apples to Apples, Scrabble, Chutes & Ladders, and Settlers of Catan.
A handful came up in the highest rankings again and again, however. The top games across the country included Dungeons & Dragons, Chess, Backgammon, and Codenames. Taking second place overall is Hungry Hungry Hippos. The most popular game by far and ranking as the most popular board game in America is Monopoly.
More Fun Family Games to Try
With so many excellent games on the market, it’s not surprising that many popular choices didn’t even make the list. To help with your next game night, we’ve compiled a list of the best board games in several categories for players of all ages to enjoy:
Best Classic Games
Quite a few fun classics didn’t make the list. Many of these don’t involve a game board, but they are easily some of the best games of all time.
Guess Who
The original guessing game has you asking yes or no questions till you figure out the mystery person. This is a great two-player board game that never gets old.
Connect Four
Easily one of our top favorite games! It doesn’t get much better than this classic game with simple rules. All you have to do is be the first two to get four in a row, but depending on your opponent’s skill, it can be a lot trickier than it sounds. There are plenty of awesome oversized outdoor versions that make for the perfect party game.
Jenga
Find out how you stack up in the ultimate game of strategy and a steady hand. This versatile game works for a large group or just two players.
Trivial Pursuit
The classic trivia game is a fun game for a party or game night with older kids. With so many variations, including family editions, Disney, Harry Potter, Star Wars themes, and more, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy.
Best Cooperative Games
Mouse Trap
Work together with your fellow players to construct the best trap, and then all bets are off as each player tries to get their mouse through without getting trapped. Setting up the game is half the fun in this game that teaches younger kids problem-solving skills and cause and effect.
Dinosaur Escape
For younger children, we love Peaceable Kingdom’s cooperative games, like Dinosaur Escape. These are a fun family activity for little ones who aren’t quite ready for the competitive aspect of gameplay yet, as they allow players to work together towards a common goal.
Sloth In a Hurry
Like Peaceable Kingdom, game manufacturer eeBoo also makes some of the best cooperative games for kids. This one is an excellent game for the whole family that involves improv and will keep you moving and laughing.
Best Strategy Games
Battleship
Will you cluster your ships in one corner or spread them out across the board? No matter your strategy in this classic game, shouting out, “You sunk my battleship!” is always a lot of fun.
Disney Villainous Strategy
This 2019 TOTY Winner has players taking on the different roles of classic Disney villains like Captain Hook, Maleficent, Jafar, Ursula, and the Queen of Hearts to win. You can add more of your favorite villainous characters to the mix with expansion packs.
Ticket to Ride
This fast-paced strategy game has players racing to build railway routes across the United States. Score points with longer routes to earn the highest score by the end of the game.
Best Card Games
Everyone loves Uno, but if you need a break from the iconic game, try one of these fun games that will be a perfect choice.
Exploding Kittens
One of the most unique card games released in recent years. The ultimate goal is to avoid drawing the Exploding Kitten card. It’s a simple game that’s easy to learn and play and guaranteed to be so much fun.
Throw Throw Burrito
What do you get when you combine a card game with dodgeball? One of the most unique games you’ve played in a long time and a great addition to any family game night.
Sushi Go!
Become a sushi master in this fast-paced, colorful card game where players must make the best sushi combinations to score points and win.
Phase 10
This Rummy-style game is a modern classic with players trying to complete 10 sets of different colors and numbers.
Underrated Board Games
While most of the top choices across the country were games that have been around for years, there are so many new board games to try for your next family game night. Spilsbury has a few suggestions that you may not have heard of:
Family Feud
Several newer games have popped up based on popular TV shows. Much like the hit game show, Family Feud is a fun way to get the whole family to work together and see what creative answers they come up with.
Name 5
Another fun one for older kids and grown-ups asks players to come up with five answers for a specific topic, like five vegetables that start with “A” in a short amount of time.
Heroes Wanted
Avengers fans will love this roleplaying game that has players assembling a team of superheroes to battle a supervillain.
What are your family’s favorite game night choices? Share them with us in our Facebook community.
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