🎲 The Best Family Board Games to Play on Thanksgiving

🧡 Why Play Games on Thanksgiving?

Between the food, football, and family chatter, Thanksgiving can be a full day. But adding a few board games gives your gathering that extra spark of connection — without screens or scrolling.

Games bring generations together, break the ice, and fill that post-dinner lull with laughter and friendly competition. Plus, they create those unforgettable “remember when Grandpa won at Pictionary?” moments.

🦃 What Makes a Great Thanksgiving Game?

Before you dust off your old stack of boxes, think about these four things when picking a game:

1. Easy to learn: Nobody wants to read long instructions while gravy gets cold.

2. Quick to play: Choose 15–45 minute rounds so everyone stays engaged.

3. Kid-friendly but adult-fun: Look for games that balance silly fun with a bit of challenge.

4. Group-friendly: The more players, the merrier — especially if you have a big family dinner.

🎯 The 9 Best Family Board Games for Thanksgiving

Here are nine tried-and-true favorites for all ages and personalities — from laugh-out-loud party games to cozy classics.

🐱 1. Exploding Kittens

Ages: 7+ | Players: 2–5 | Time: 15 minutes A hilarious, fast-paced card game where players try to avoid drawing the “exploding kitten.” Quick, simple, and guaranteed laughter. 🛍️ Available at ExplodingKittens.com

🔤 2. Tapple Family Word Game

Ages: 8+ | Players: 2–8 | Time: 20 minutes A fast, high-energy word game that’s perfect for large families. Each round tests your quick thinking and vocabulary — all while a timer ticks down! 🛒 Find it at Walmart

✏️ 3. Pictionary

Ages: 8+ | Players: 3+ | Time: 30 minutes Grab a marker and let the laughter begin! Pictionary is perfect for creative families who love drawing, guessing, and a little chaos. It’s a fantastic all-ages game that gets everyone involved — even those who “can’t draw.” 🛍️ Available at most retailers like Target and Amazon.

🎤 4. Family Feud – Big Buzzer Edition

Ages: 8+ | Players: 6+ | Time: 20–30 minutes Bring the excitement of the TV show right to your dinner table! Split into teams, hit the buzzer, and see who can guess the top survey answers. 🛒 Get it at Target

🚗 5. The Game of Life

Ages: 8+ | Players: 2–4 | Time: 45 minutes Spin the wheel and see where life takes you! This nostalgic favorite is great for kids and adults alike, sparking conversations about careers, family, and fortune. 🛍️ Find it at Walmart

✨ 6. Family Feud Gold Edition

Ages: 8+ | Players: 6+ Another version of the hit game show — ideal if you’ve got a big group and want fast-paced, laughter-filled rounds. 🛒 Shop it here

🍂 7. Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Game Bundle

Ages: All ages | Players: 2–10+ This printable bundle from Etsy includes Thanksgiving-themed trivia, scavenger hunts, and conversation cards — easy to play and perfectly festive. 🛍️ Download from Etsy

🔠 8. Scrabble – Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Edition

Ages: 8+ | Players: 2–4 | Time: 30–60 minutes A timeless classic for word lovers. Beautifully designed and perfect for cozy, post-dinner downtime. 🛒 Available at Target

🃏 9. Uno

Ages: 6+ | Players: 2–10 | Time: 20 minutes Simple, colorful, and endlessly replayable, Uno is a must-have for every family gathering. Kids can learn it in minutes, and adults secretly love the competition just as much. 🛍️ Available everywhere games are sold.

🍁 Bonus Ideas for Every Family Mood

• For kids + grandparents: Tapple or The Game of Life

• For large, lively groups: Family Feud or Pictionary

• For relaxed after-dinner play: Scrabble or Uno

• For holiday-themed fun: Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving Bundle

• For quick laughs: Exploding Kittens

🕯️ Final Thoughts

Between the pumpkin pie and football, make space for laughter and connection this Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a quick round of Uno before dessert or a hilarious Pictionary session after dinner, board games bring families together in the best way — through shared fun, teamwork, and a little friendly competition.

So clear the dishes, grab the dice, and let the games begin. 🧡