Fun Games for Families: WFWP USA Home Office Favorites
A game night doesn't have to be elaborate to be memorable. Sometimes all you need is intentional time, a few people you enjoy, and a game that gets everyone laughing, thinking, or just having fun together. This month, we asked the women of the WFWP USA Home Office to share variety of games they love. With recommendations for little ones, older kids, adults, families, and everything in between, there's a good chance you'll discover a new favorite for your next game night!
UNO No Mercy
Fun & Competitive / Quick & Easy / Age 7+
Recommended by: Dr. Katarina Connery, President
One of my current favorites is UNO No Mercy, which I love playing with my 10-year-old son and sometimes my husband joins in. It has the familiar feel of UNO, but with more challenging rules, special cards, and plenty of surprises. The game is usually fast-paced, which makes it exciting and keeps everyone engaged. It’s officially recommended for 7 and up, but I’d recommend it for ages 9 or 10 and up, since the gameplay can get a little dramatic when someone takes a big hit! It’s also a fun choice for a group of adult friends. If you already enjoy UNO, give UNO No Mercy a try for a more challenging and unpredictable twist on a classic.
Animal Upon Animal
Quick & Easy / Age 2+
Recommended by: Naomi Tanaka, HerTribe Creative Lead
One of my favorite games to play at home is Animal Upon Animal, especially with my 2-year-old. The game is simple enough for a toddler to enjoy, while encouraging fine motor skills, focus, and patience as they carefully stack the wooden animals. Although it’s officially recommended for ages 4 and up, my toddler has no trouble playing along! It’s a great way to keep little ones engaged with a fun, screen-free activity that also sneaks in a little STEM learning. If you have a young child at home, this is definitely one to try!
Magical Athlete
Fun & Competitive / Great for Families / Age 5+
Recommended by: Mika Deshotel, HerTribe Education Director
Magical Athlete is a favorite for the whole family, especially if you enjoy games where you never quite know what’s going to happen. My son loves that the game is based on chance—everyone rolls the dice, so everyone has an equal opportunity to win—and that each character has unique strengths and abilities. My husband describes it as a game where “anything can happen,” with unexpected twists and even some frustrating losses along the way. That unpredictability is part of the fun! Recommended for ages 5 or 6 and up, Magical Athlete is a wacky, wild choice for a family game night and a good opportunity for kids (and adults!) to practice handling both winning and losing.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey
Great for Families / Quick & Easy / Age 6+
Recommended by: Adia Lancaster, GWPN Market Manager
One of my favorite games to play with my kids is Ticket to Ride: First Journey. It’s a great introduction to strategy and planning, while also helping kids become familiar with major cities across North America. There’s just enough luck involved to keep things unpredictable, without making the game feel overly complicated. Recommended for ages 6 and up, it’s genuinely fun for both kids and parents, easy to learn, and doesn’t require too much brainpower or take forever to finish! If you’re looking for a family game that’s engaging without being overwhelming, this is a great one to add to your game shelf.
Magic: The Gathering
Strategy & Skill / Great Way to Socialize & Bond / Age 13+
Recommended by: Carie Arline, Administrative Assistant
Right now, my favorite game is Magic: The Gathering, and I especially enjoy playing it with my husband. It’s a game he loves, so I appreciate having something we can enjoy together and he makes it even more fun by helping me build decks around things I’m interested in, like Final Fantasy or angels. If you enjoyed Yu-Gi-Oh! or Pokémon when you were younger, Magic: The Gathering has a similar battle-style format, so it might be a fun game to try! I’d recommend it for middle school age and up, especially for anyone who enjoys strategy, collecting, and a little friendly competition.
Mario Kart & Mario Party
Great for Families / Fun & Competitive / Age 4+
Recommended by: Julie Wagner, Social media manager
For a family-friendly game night that doesn’t require a board or a table, Mario Kart and Mario Party on the Nintendo Switch are two favorites in our home. I enjoy playing them with my husband and our two kids, ages 6 and 4. The Mario games are easy for young kids to understand, making them a fun introduction to video games and a simple way for the whole family to play together. They’re also a cozy option for cold or rainy days when you want to stay inside. I recommend introducing video games around age 4 and up, depending on the child. Best of all, these games give kids a chance to practice handling both winning and losing in a fun, low-stakes way, while keeping them actively engaged rather than simply watching a screen.
Catan, Splendor & Machi Koro
Great for Families
Recommended by: Sayaka Stephens, Financial Administrator
If you’re looking for games to enjoy with the whole family, three of my favorites are Catan, Splendor, and Machi Koro. Each offers something a little different.
Catan has lots of interaction between players, which keeps the game fun and engaging. While it’s officially recommended for ages 10 and up, kids around 8 or 9 can often enjoy it with some help.
Splendor is a great choice for those who like a little more strategy. It gets you thinking while you collect gems and work toward earning points. It’s officially 10+, but kids around 7 or 8 can often play.
For something more relaxed, Machi Koro is peaceful, easy to learn, and quick to play, with a cute design and simple strategy. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up.
Whether your family enjoys strategy, friendly competition, or a more laid-back game, there’s something to enjoy in each of these three!