Apps You Need for Your Next Family Game Night

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People often complain that technology isolates us, but it doesn’t have to. Yes, there’s potential for screen time to create distance, but we can flip the script and use tech to bring families closer together. As digital moms, we’re the first generation figuring out how to guide our kids toward healthy habits and attitudes about electronics.

One way to do that? Offering screen time that connects instead of divides—like family game time.

Why not try giving your next family game night a techie twist by playing apps together? These multiplayer games are perfect for pulling everyone in, whether you’re piled on the couch, spread out across devices, or even connecting with family members who live far away.

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Now, I’ll be honest: I still love a good old-fashioned board game. But my kids have a blast playing multiplayer apps, and I’ve found that joining them every once in a while not only helps me stay in tune with what they’re playing, but also shows them I value the things they enjoy. It turns gaming into a shared experience instead of just “their” thing.

And while apps won’t ever fully replace our shelves of board games, they do have some big benefits:

• They take up less space (no missing pieces to hunt for).
• They’re portable (play them anywhere).
• They’re often less expensive than boxed games.
• They let family members near and far join in on the fun.

My kids have discovered a few game multi-player apps they like. And, wanting to learn more about how we could incorporate these into our family game time, I went on a quest to find more games that we could all play together.  Feel free to use my list to find games for your family's techie game time as well!

Now, we have not yet tried all of the apps on the list, but it's a place to start. Take a look and decide which ones you want to try by reading reviews or watching a gameplay on YouTube.

You could even get the whole family involved in the research, helping your kiddos discern what would be good games to try. Then plan a family game night when you will play the games together.

Different Ways to Play Together

As I dug into multiplayer apps, I discovered there are several modes of play, depending on the game:

1. Same-device play (everyone cozies up around one screen).
2. Pass-and-play (one person takes a turn, then passes the device).
3. Local multiplayer (each player uses their own device over the same WiFi or Bluetooth).
4. Online multiplayer (set up accounts, invite family members, and play across the internet).
5. Cross-platform play (increasingly popular—play together even if one person’s on iPad, another’s on PC, and another’s on a console).

Apps You Can Use for Family Game Night

Here are some of the best multiplayer apps to try with your family. Some are digital versions of board games, others are laugh-out-loud party games, and a few are perfect for creative collaboration.

I'm including links for you to find these on Google Play, the iOS App Store and Kindle Store. That way, no matter what device you use, you should be able to find the app.

Party & Quiz Games

• Heads Up! (Android, iOS, Kindle) – Act out clues before the timer runs out.
• Jackbox Party Pack (PC, consoles, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, mobile controllers) – Tons of hilarious party games everyone joins with their phone.
• Kahoot! (Android, iOS) – Create custom family quizzes or play trivia sets together.
• Gartic Phone (browser-based) – Like “telephone,” but with doodles and drawings.
• Skribbl.io (browser-based) – Multiplayer Pictionary-style game.
• Psych! (Android, iOS)
• Mad Libs (Android, iOS)
• QuizUp: Engage in trivia battles on a wide range of topics against family members and friends.

Classic Board & Card Game Apps

• Ticket to Ride (Android, iOS) – Build train routes across the map.
• Catan Universe (Android, iOS) – Trade, build, and settle in the digital version of Catan.
• Carcassonne (Android, iOS) – Tile-laying strategy at its best.
• Uno! Mobile (Android, iOS) – Just like the card game, but with new twists.
• Monopoly Go! (Android, iOS) – A modernized spin on the family classic.
• Words With Friends (Android, iOS, Kindle)
• Scrabble (Android, iOS)
• 6 Takes! (Android, iOS)
• The Game of Life (Android, iOS)
• Yahtzee with Buddies (Android, iOS)
• Reverse Charades Jr (Android)

Silly, Quirky, and Indie Favorites

• Bounden (Android, iOS) – A dance game with your phone.
• Teledoodle (Android, iOS) – Drawing + telephone game combined.
• Shakepop (iOS) – Quick reaction party fun.
• Space Team (Android, iOS) – Shout goofy commands at each other while “flying” a spaceship.
• King of Opera (Android, iOS) – Bump rivals off the stage in a wacky singing contest.
• Glow Hockey (Android, iOS) – Air hockey on your device.
• Connect Four (Android, iOS) – The classic four-in-a-row.
• Jenga (Android, iOS) – Pull out blocks without toppling the tower.
• Battleships: Fleet Battle (Android, iOS) – Sink your opponent’s fleet.
• Roll the Pigs (Android, iOS) – Just like the quirky dice game with pig figurines.
• Finger Twister (Android) – Twister, but for your fingers!
• Battle Slimes (Android, iOS) – Colorful slime battles.

Creative & Sandbox Games

• Minecraft (Android, iOS, PC, consoles) – Build, explore, and create together.
• Roblox (Android, iOS, PC) – Tons of family-friendly multiplayer experiences.
• Stardew Valley (Android, iOS, PC, consoles) – Team up to run a farm, mine, fish, and more.
• Terraria (Android, iOS, PC, consoles) – A 2D world of adventure and creativity.

Fast-Paced & Chaotic Fun

• Overcooked! 2 (PC, consoles) – Work together in a wacky kitchen.
• Human: Fall Flat (Android, iOS, PC, consoles) – Physics-based puzzles with clumsy avatars.
• Rocket League Sideswipe (Android, iOS) – Soccer with rocket cars, mobile style.
• Fall Guys (PC, consoles, mobile) – Compete in silly obstacle-course chaos.

Adventure & Multiplayer Online Games

• Among Us (Android, iOS, PC, consoles) – Spot the impostor before it’s too late.
• Fortnite (Android, consoles, PC) – Battle Royale and creative building modes.
• Sea of Thieves (PC, Xbox) – Team up as pirates, explore, and hunt treasure.

Even More Apps for Family Game Night

Want to go beyond apps? Here are a few more ways to make family game night tech-powered:

• Board Game Arena – Play hundreds of board games online with friends and family.
• Tabletop Simulator – Create and play digital versions of your favorite games.
• TablePlop – Great for role-playing games and tabletop classics.
• Google Arts & Culture – Not a “game,” but fun for exploring museums and art together virtually.

Wrapping It Up

Remember to check the age appropriateness of these games/apps for your family members and to ensure that they align with your family's values and guidelines. Online interactions can vary, so monitoring and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment is essential.

At the end of the day, family game night isn’t about what you play—it’s about who you play with. Some nights it’ll be board games, others it might be Minecraft or Jackbox. The point is that you’re laughing, connecting, and making memories together.

Now it’s your turn: what multiplayer apps does your family love for family game night? Drop your favorites in the comments—I’d love to add them to this list!

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• 5 Ideas for Techie Family Fun
• Fun Video Games You Can Play As a Family
• 10 Educational Apps You Should Use for Homeschooling

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