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The top 9 board games to play with the family at home during lockdown

The family that plays together stays together, so the saying goes. We’ve found you nine of the best family games to try when you're at home, whatever the weather.

Family board games can be played whatever the weather
Family board games can be played whatever the weather

Bananagrams

“Playing games with the kids is a superb way of getting you all in the same space at the same time, to do exactly the same thing – no digital diversions, pure analogue fun,” says Board Games Club co-founder and toyologist Peter Jenkinson. “Bananagrams is great, because no-one has to wait on their turn.”

£15, Johnlewis.com

You'll go bananas for Bananagrams Picture: PA Photo
You'll go bananas for Bananagrams Picture: PA Photo

Battleship

A classic two-player game from the 80s that’s still just as popular now) – challenge the kids’ problem solving skills as they try to sink their opponent’s fleet of ships, by guessing where they are on the grid. It’s quite a lengthy game, so will challenge concentration.

£20, Thetoyshop.com

The classic two-player game, Battleship Picture: PA Photo
The classic two-player game, Battleship Picture: PA Photo

BuzzleBox

Designed by Dix, this is an original and compelling board game and puzzle box for families. Different boxes have different themes, so you can either opt for Gardens and Chickens, or Doughnuts and Cakes (we can guess which one you’re going to go for). Each box contains six games, plus a series of puzzles.

£49.99, Thedarkimp.com

Buzzlebox Picture: PA Photo
Buzzlebox Picture: PA Photo

Camel Up

Recommended by Dix, this is a game for two to eight players, which revolves around a camel race. “Players bet on the outcome of various legs of the race,” she says. “It’s great, because when the camels land on the same space, which they do all the time, they jump onto each others’ backs. When the one at the bottom moves, the ones on top go with it. It’s tense and fantastically fun.”

£32.64, Board-game.co.uk

Camel Up Picture: PA Photo
Camel Up Picture: PA Photo

Monopoly Speed

OK, so you do sort of have to be in the mood for Monopoly as an adult, but it always gets a big thumbs up from the kids. Learning valuable lessons about money is educational too, as each player travels around the board buying up property and paying their bills. And there are now loads of different versions of the classic game, including Monopoly Speed, for those short on time, Fortnite Edition for gaming fans, and Monopoly Junior for smaller folk.

£22, Thetoyshop.com

Don't want your game of Monopoly to drag on? Try Monopoly Speed Picture: PA Photo
Don't want your game of Monopoly to drag on? Try Monopoly Speed Picture: PA Photo

Jenga

Another classic that rarely gets turned down when you ask if anyone wants to play, Jenga simply involves extracting and placing wooden blocks from and onto a tower of more wooden blocks. Will it come crashing down on your turn? Who knows, but it’s great fun seeing how high you can build it. Giant versions are also available for gardens, which are even better.

£15, Thetoyshop.com

Jenga never goes out of fashion Picture: PA Photo
Jenga never goes out of fashion Picture: PA Photo

Photosynthesis

For those who like a little more strategic thinking, he also gives Photosynthesis a big thumbs up. The award-winning concept sees players sowing seeds in order to grow a woodland, and as the sun moves around the board each day, trees grow bigger, which may overshadow others in the forest. Points are won when your trees come to the end of their life cycle, but timing when to chop them down is a key decision of the game.

£34.99, Zavvi.com

Photosynthesis Picture: PA Photo
Photosynthesis Picture: PA Photo

The Mind

Jenkinson also recommends collaborative games where everyone plays to beat the game, like The Mind. Suitable for anyone over the age of eight, and perfect for two to four players, you have to learn how to communicate with everyone else, without using any words at all.

£12, Menkind.co.uk

Mind is suitable go ages eight and over Picture: PA Photo
Mind is suitable go ages eight and over Picture: PA Photo

Twister

When cabin fever destroys the fun in everyone, crack out Twister. Whoever thought placing limbs on coloured spots could be so much fun? As everyone in the family ends up getting in a tangle - and the more players, the better - collapsing into a giggling heap of people is likely to bring a much-needed laugh.

£14, Amazon.co.uk

Twister is one of the classics Picture: PA Photo
Twister is one of the classics Picture: PA Photo

For more things to do during lockdown click here.

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