Let’s be honest : finding a board game that gets *everyone* excited – kids, teens, parents, even grumpy uncles – it’s not that simple. Between the endless rows of boxes at the toy store and the hype around every “must-have” game of the year, it’s easy to end up with something that gathers dust on a shelf. So we’ve done the hard part for you : tested, played (sometimes way too late at night), argued over rules, and laughed a lot – all to bring you a short but solid list of the best family board games of 2025. And when I say fun, I mean *actual* fun. Not just “good for learning” or “nice illustrations”.
By the way, if you’re also on the hunt for personalised gift ideas that don’t scream “last-minute panic”, take a look at https://www.mon-beau-cadeau.fr – they’ve got some gems that work great as birthday or Christmas add-ons with the games below.
1. Dixit Odyssey – Still Pure Magic, Even in 2025
It’s been around for a while, yes. But Dixit Odyssey is still unbeatable when it comes to sparking creativity and weird family discussions. If you’ve never played : it’s all about storytelling using surreal illustrations. Each player tries to guess which image matches the storyteller’s clue. But the twist ? The clue has to be vague enough to confuse *some*, but not *everyone*. It sounds simple, but it’s *genius*. The 2025 version has some updated card packs – more inclusive, more diverse, and frankly, more beautiful. Perfect for families with older kids (say 8+) and for those who love a bit of imagination over competition.
2. Cascadia – Peaceful, Strategic, and Addictive
If your household loves puzzles and nature, Cascadia is your go-to. It’s one of those games where everyone starts calmly… and ends up quietly obsessed. You build up ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest by placing tiles and animal tokens in smart combinations. It’s calm, yes, but don’t let that fool you – there’s real strategy involved. You’ll catch yourself plotting moves in your head while brushing your teeth. It plays well with 2 to 4 players and is ideal for age 10 and up. A great Sunday-afternoon game with tea and biscuits.
3. That’s Not a Hat – The Game of “Wait… What Just Happened ?”
This one’s pure chaos. Fast, loud, and surprisingly mind-bending. That’s Not a Hat is basically a memory bluffing game where you’re passing gift cards around, trying to remember what’s where – while tricking others into believing you know exactly what you’re giving them. Except… you almost never do. The fun ? Watching your uncle insist “this is definitely the rubber duck” and seeing your niece burst into laughter when it’s actually a cactus. It’s small, cheap, and works in any group. Total party hit.
4. The Fuzzies – For Families Who Love a Bit of Tension
Think Jenga, but fuzzier. Literally. The Fuzzies has you pulling little sticky balls from a tower and sticking them elsewhere – without making the whole thing collapse. Sounds childish ? Maybe. But it turns grown adults into nervous wrecks. The pieces are colourful, the rules are easy, and even toddlers can get involved (with supervision). It’s tactile, ridiculous, and strangely satisfying. Not the deepest game on the list, but one of the most laugh-out-loud fun.
5. Ticket to Ride : San Francisco – Short, Sweet, and Still Strategic
If you love Ticket to Ride but don’t have 90 minutes to commit, the San Francisco edition is a winner. It keeps the core mechanics – collecting cards to claim routes – but trims everything down to a fast-paced 15-30 minute experience. And yes, you still get that “YES!” moment when you block someone’s perfect route at the last second. The map’s compact, the gameplay’s tight, and the little cable car tokens are a lovely touch. Great for school nights or casual family game time when nobody wants a brain-burner.
6. The Crew : Mission Deep Sea – For Families Who Like a Challenge
Warning : this one’s not for the easily frustrated. The Crew : Mission Deep Sea is a cooperative trick-taking game where communication is limited, tension is high, and each round gets harder. Sounds stressful ? It is. But also incredibly satisfying when your team pulls off a near-impossible win. It’s best with older kids or teens (12+) who can handle a bit of pressure and love working as a team. Feels more like a mission than a game – in the best way possible.
So, Which One Should You Pick ?
Honestly, it depends on your family vibe. Want laughs and chaos ? Go for That’s Not a Hat. More into calm strategy ? Cascadia is your thing. Need something to fill 20 minutes before dinner ? Ticket to Ride : San Francisco. These aren’t just “fun family games”. They’re games that actually *work* in real-life family settings – short attention spans, different ages, unexpected tantrums included.
Got a favourite we missed ? Let us know – we’re always up for testing one more (strictly for research, of course).