Apps You Need for Your Next Family Game Night

Hey, just so you know ... This post includes affiliate links. That means if you use them to make a purchase, I may earn a commission. You can read my full affiliate disclosure HERE.

People complain that technology isolates people, but it certainly doesn't have to. Yes, there's potential for isolation, but we can combat that by teaching our kids healthy tech habits.

As the first generation of digital moms, we need to figure out ways to guide our kids towards healthy habits and attitudes about electronics usage. One way to do this is offering screen time that brings families together, such as for family game time or a special family game night.

Why not try giving a techie edge to your family game night once in a while by playing apps instead of board games or cards?

You can even involve family members who live far away, or encourage your kids to connect with friends when they can't be together.

RELATED POST
15 Educational Games for Kids that Teach STEM

Every family is different, and I honestly would much rather play a board game over an app…not going to lie!  But, my kids have a blast playing multi-player apps, and I think it's important to play with them every once in a while. Not only does it help me stay in tune with what they are playing, but it shows them I value them and care about the things they enjoy.

And while I don't think they should completely replace board games, there are some benefits to the multi-player apps!  They…

• take up less space
• are more portable
• don't have crucial pieces to lose
• are less expensive than board games.

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.

As I researched, I discovered four different multi-player modes, and they vary by game.

• Play on the same mobile device, all at the same time (you'll get really cozy)
• Pass-and-play on the same device (one player takes a turn, then passes the devices)
• Play on multiple devices locally (all on the same WiFi network or through Bluetooth).
• Play online with multiple devices (set up an account for each family member and invite to play)

Apps You Can Use for Family Game Night

Here are 25 of the top game apps that would work great for a family game night. I'm familiar with the physical version of some of lots of them, so I'm confident my kids will like them.

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.

1. Heads up (Android, iOS, Kindle)
2. Words With Friends (Android, iOS, Kindle)
3. Mad Libs (Android, iOS)
4. Bounden (Android, iOS)
5. Scrabble (Android, iOS)
6. Reverse Charades Jr (Android)
7. Ticket to Ride (Android, iOS)
8. Teledoodle (Android, iOS)
9. Psych! (Android, iOS)
10. Catan (Android, iOS)
11. Shakepop (iOS)
12. Space Team (Android, iOS)
13. Uno & Friends (Android, iOS)
14. Battleships – Fleet Battle (Android, iOS)
15. Carcassonne (Android, iOS)
16. King of Opera (Android, iOS)
17. The Game of Life (Android, iOS)
18. Glow Hockey (Android, iOS)
19. Connect Four (Android, iOS)
20. Jenga (Android, iOS)
21. Yahtzee with Buddies (Android, iOS)
22. Roll the Pigs (Android, iOS)
23. Finger Twister (Android)
24. Battle Slimes (Android, iOS)
25. 6 Takes! (Android, iOS)

If the links don't pull up, try searching for the game title in your chosen app store.

Even More Apps for Family Game Night

In addition to the popular apps above, we've stumbled onto a few more games and apps over the years that are great to play with the family, so I wanted to add them to the list!

Here they are, separated by the following categories: Online Board Games and Card Games, Multiplayer Online Games, Trivia and Quiz Games, and games that foster communication and creativity.

Online Board Games and Card Games

1. Tabletop Simulator: A platform that allows you to play virtual versions of popular board games and card games.
2. Board Game Arena: Offers a wide variety of classic and modern board games that can be played online with friends and family.
3. TablePlop: Virtual tabletop for playing board games and RPGs online with friends and family.
4. Gartic Phone (Online Telephone!): Gartic Phone is a multiplayer online drawing and guessing game that adds a fun twist to the classic game of “Telephone.”

Multiplayer Online Games

1. Minecraft: Build and explore together in this sandbox game that's great for all ages.
2. Among Us: Work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify the impostors.
3. Fortnite: Battle Royale mode and creative mode allow families to play together in a competitive or creative environment.
4. Roblox: Offers a vast collection of user-created games and experiences suitable for all ages.
5. Stardew Valley: Collaboratively build and manage a farm, go fishing, mine, and more.
6. Overcooked! 2: A chaotic cooking simulation game where players work together to prepare various dishes.
7. Human: Fall Flat: Solve physics-based puzzles with customizable characters in this quirky multiplayer game.
8. Terraria: Explore, build, and fight monsters in this 2D sandbox adventure.
9. Rocket League: Combine soccer and rocket-powered cars for exciting multiplayer matches.
10. Sea of Thieves: Set sail on a pirate adventure with your family, exploring islands and seeking treasure.

Trivia and Quiz Games

1. Kahoot!: Create and play custom quizzes together, suitable for all ages.
2. QuizUp: Engage in trivia battles on a wide range of topics against family members and friends.
3. Jackbox Party Pack: A collection of party games that can be played using smartphones as controllers.

Communication and Creativity

1. Skribbl.io: A multiplayer drawing and guessing game that sparks creativity.
2. Google Arts & Culture: Explore art and cultural exhibits together virtually.

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.

Tell me, what multi-player apps do you use for your family game night? Leave a comment to let me know.

Low-Tech Favorites for Family Game Night

CodenamesScattergoriesCarcassonePrime ClimbCoupTrekking The National Parks

RELATED POSTS:

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

Want some techie homeschooling tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for weekly-ish emails from me.

Techie Homeschool Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You can read my full affiliate disclosure HERE.