With no surprise, when the words ‘schools are closed’ are announced we all panic! Whether it be for a bank holiday, snow days, or a pandemic sweeping the world. However, we are here for you. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing lots of family-friendly entertainment ideas to keep you and the kids having a great time at home. From playing with toys and teddies to arts and crafts and cooking – there are lots to get stuck into. This week, our theme is board games – a classic option. Clear the table, get some snacks for the game, and let’s get playing!

Doh Nutters

Doh Nutters has to be our first pick. This game is absolutely crazy and is guaranteed to have the kids crying with laughter. Play the part of a crazy doughnut-loving elephant with two nutty game options. First option: can you be the first elephant to get all your doughnuts on your trunk? Or, make things a little bit harder – can you pick up and place your doughnuts on your game board one at a time before your fellow elephants?

• Ages 4-7
• 2-4 players
• 20-30 minutes playing time

Ticket To Ride: Europe 

Coming from a family of travel-obsessed expansions, we have picked the European edition for you…  In this game, you’ll have the chance to visit the greatest cities in Europe. Taking you on an adventure from Edinburgh to Lisbon or Moscow. This edition features brand new gameplay elements, too. Test your strategic skills, build on your geography skills, and have a great time! So, where will you find yourselves – building on tunnels, on a ferry, or paying a little extra to use an opponent’s route?

• Ages 8+
• 2-5 players
• 30-60 minutes playing time

Codenames

Next on our game list, is a team-based party game. So, if your little one is going to be celebrating a birthday at home this year – here is a great way to start the celebrations! Two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents. Their teammates know the agents only by their codenames. By taking turns, your team’s spymaster will give a hint about their agents’ identities and the respective cards. Win or lose, it is so fun to figure out all of the clues.

• Ages 10+
• 2-8 Players
• 15 minutes playing time

Dixit

Dixit, the winner of the 2010 Spiel des Jahres award (Family Game of the Year), is all about using your imagination and your skills of interpretation. But unlike Codenames, this board game is competitive. So be prepared to have your eyes on the prize… Perfect for young players, this game is packed with cartoon artwork and large playing cards. Grab your cards and start the storytelling, and collect tokens for the best ones!

• Ages 6+
• 3-6 players
• 30 minutes playing time

Mr. Lister’s Quiz  Shootout

Mr. Lister’s Quiz Shootout is part of a series of games from Big Potato Games, a London based indie board game company. Perfect for teens aged 14 and above, this game is super fun while also being easy to play. Mr. Lister asks you all a question with lots of answers and teams get three shots at a correct answer. The team that gets the most correct answers, wins the card. But if it’s a draw or both teams hit a Golden Answer, then you both go straight to the Last Chance Saloon to play the Impossible Question.

• Ages 14+
• 3-20 players
• 20 mins playing time

Shop the collection!

Editors note: This blog was originally published on April 24th, 2020. Updated on September 27th, 2021 to improve the information available.