Are you looking for the best board games that you are sure to love? Whether you’re looking for the best family board games, the best 2-player board games, or the best solo board games, this guide has you covered! We are big board game lovers in our family and these are some of our favorites that we have played over and over again for years!
And, best of all, they’re all under $30 to help you stick to your budget! (Be sure to check out all the latest board game deals we’ve posted!)
This list of the best board games has been thoughtfully compiled by Sarah from the MoneySavingMom team – a lifelong board-gamer who is always on the hunt for the latest and greatest board games.
These are some of our favorite board games for 2026 to enjoy with family and friends! You’ll find options that are perfect for a relaxing screen-free day indoors, a fun family night out, or a gift for a loved one. All these games are sure to be a hit and will give you years of entertainment.
Note: Most of these games are usually under $30, but prices fluctuate a bit for board games. If one is a little over $30, be sure to check the price history at CamelCamelCamel.com and wait for a better price! If it’s on this list, it’s usually under $30!
Top Strategy Board Games
1. An epidemic
This is a fun, cooperative game! You work as a team, using each character’s strengths – win as a team or lose as a team.
2. Forbidden Island
This cooperative game is a little more complicated than Pandemic, but still a lot of fun! It’s one our family returns to again and again.
3. Carcassonne
This is a fun little tiling game with fast gameplay. You can play the entire game in about 30 minutes. This was one of our first strategy games after Catan and we love it!
4. It’s a luxury
This is another fun and fast strategy game that plays in less than 30 minutes. This is the one we take while camping as it doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t take hours to play.
5. Othello
“A moment to learn…all of life is to know it well!” The tag line describes it well. It only takes a second to teach someone the basic premise of this game, but there is more than meets the eye. If you know someone who likes strategy games like Chess where you need to think ahead, this is perfect for them.
6. Azul
This is a beautiful and unique game! Our go-to game when we have a weekend away as it plays well with two people. It’s one of our favorites!
7. The Labyrinth
This is a great strategy game to play with kids or as a family. It is very easy to learn and involves a good basic strategy. It’s one of my kids’ favorites and they play it together even when they’re nine years old.
Favorite Party Board Games
8. LRC Left Right Dice Game
This is a quick dice game suitable for various ages. The rules are very simple and you can add fun by passing candy instead of chips! This is one of our best family game night ideas!
9. Code Names
This is a unique game, because it is definitely a social game but it also requires a lot of thinking and creating words. It’s great to play with only 4 people, but you can play with up to 8-10 people! (You can technically play with more than that, but it gets crazy.)
10. Farkle
This is another fun potential player with as many people as you have. If you have more than 10 people, you can play in groups! It’s like Yahtzee with a twist (but WAY more fun).
11. The Doomlings
Do you like card games with mixed strategies? It’s quick to play with a great mix of strategy and chaos. The rules are constantly changing, making it fun every time you play! And the illustrations are bright and colorful!
12. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This is a fun, fast card game to play with family and friends and always involves LOTS of laughs!
13. A chameleon
This is our go-to game when we want to get our youth to join us on game night! Hidden codes, password, and trying to track the chameleon in the group!
14. Pass the Pandas
This is a fun, unique dice game! One thing I really like is that it was easy to play with my special needs daughter and a group of friends with different abilities. Add multiple sets together to play with more friends!
Best Mini Games
15. Catan Card Game
This card game is perfect for Catan lovers, because unlike regular Catan, it can be played as a two-player game!
16. The Dutch Blitz
This is a fun card game! It’s fast, it’s competitive, and it’s sure to get any sports fan hooked in no time.
17. Collapsible Board Game Bowls
This is a unique gift for board game lovers and will make your game night more fun! I can’t tell you how many times I pull small bowls out of the kitchen cupboard to use for game pieces when playing complex strategy games! These can be very handy to have, and easy to store as they fold up!
18. Bananas
Do you know someone who likes Scrabble? This is a fun, quick twist! And it’s going well. I take this on many vacations to play with friends and family!
19. The Queens sleep
A fun card game for all ages that also builds math skills. In addition, the illustrations are very interesting!
20. Qwixx
A fun, fast, easy-to-learn dice game with a combination of strategy and chance.
21. A coup d’état
A quick card game for 2-6 players. This is another favorite of my teens and they bring it to play with friends. Add conversion expansion to play with up to 10 players.
Bonus Ideas (Over $30)
Do you have more wiggle room in your budget and are willing to spend a little more? Try one of these favorite board games:
22. Catan
No board game list would ever be complete without the classic Catan. If you’re new to strategy games, this is a great place to start! And if you already love Catan, be sure to check out its many expansions like Cities & Knights!
23. Cat Island
I bought this game on a whim and it quickly rose to the top of our favorite strategy board games. We love that you can organize it with standard rules, family rules (makes it short and easy for kids), or on your own. The solo version is a fun winter alternative to puzzles. The art is beautiful! The perfect choice for a board game, Tetris, and cat lover!
24. Trekking The National Parks
This is a fun game that combines two of my favorite things: National Parks and strategy games. Great with older kids for family game night.
25. Wingspan
This game for bird lovers is cool and unique. It also has beautiful illustrations and facts about each bird!
26. Boarding Ticket
This is a fun strategy game without being overly complicated and works well for families! It’s one that seems to be enjoyed by non-strategic players as well.
More Inspiration for Junk Family Fun
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What are your family’s favorite board games? Let us know in the comments!
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