Have you ever started a game that specified 2 or more players, only to realize that while it can be played with two people, it just works better with more? Our family of four has played a lot of games over the years. We sat down to family game night with all four of us, but sometimes with only three or even just two, so we can tell you what are the best game for small families!
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All of these games be played with up to four players, but are just as good with 2 players. Below you will find a variety of games, such as cooperative games, dice, card and even a tile laying game, so no matter how competitive your family is, there is something for everyone.
Note on age recommendations: These are my personal suggestions and may differ from the manufacturer's recommendations or what's best for your family's situation.
Cooperative Games Suitable for Small Families
Roller Coaster Challenge Logic & Building Game
Find it: Amazon
This game is primarily designed as a single player game. However, we enjoyed playing it as a family, taking turns and helping each other solve the challenges. Younger children will definitely need assistance and playing it together nurtures cooperation skills. Using challenge cards, players engage their logic skills to finish a roller coaster. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a game that builds on S.T.E.M. skills, especially engineering and design. Ages 6 and up.
Hoot Owl Hoot
Buy it: Amazon
Hoot Owl Hoot is one of our absolute favorite cooperative games and a terrific game for 4 year olds. Cooperative games teach kids the benefits of working together. Kids learn problem solving, simple strategy, taking turns and all around good sportsmanship. Unlike Candyland, which depends solely on the luck of the draw, Hoot Owl Hoot requires strategic thinking and basic logic, making it much more fun for the grown-ups who play with their kids! Ages 3 and up.
MORE: Best STEM games for kids
Dice Games for 2-4 Players
Drop Dead Dice
Read the instructions: Drop Dead Dice Game Instructions
Despite its questionable name, Drop Dead is one of our absolute favorite dice games. You need 5 dice, but no special skills or strategy, although there is some light math. Bonus: dice games are excellent for on-the-go entertainment, so be sure to check out the instructions for all of our favorite dice games for kids. Ages 4 and up.
Impact: Battle of Elements
Find it: Amazon
Impact is a game that takes zero time to learn, is quick to play, but engaging enough that playing it over and over at the request of your child does not send your brain into a boredom spiral. Taking turns, players roll their dice in the "cauldron," attempting to roll matching dice according to the controlling factor of the round, which is either earth, lighting, water, wind or fire. Impact is also a game that younger kids can join in to play with their older siblings. Ages 5 and up.
Learn more about Impact in our game of the month feature.
Card Games for Small Family Game Night
Skip-bo
Find it: Amazon
Skip-bo is a classic card game that belongs in everyone's game closet. This sequencing card game where players race to empty their card stockpiles works especially well with only 2-3 players and we have played it more times that I can count. Ages ago, it was one of our first game of the month choices. (The photos in that post are embarrassingly bad.) Ages 7 and up.
Abandon All Artichokes
Find it: Amazon
Abandon All Artichokes is a unique "deck-wrecking" game. The whimsical deck consists of artichoke cards and vegetable action cards. Players begin with a personal deck of 10 artichoke cards. The remaining vegetable cards make up the garden. On their turn, each player performs actions according to the hand they currently hold, attempting to "compost" their artichokes and stack their deck with non-artichokes. Ages 8 and up.
Go Boom!
Read the instructions: How to play Go Boom
All you need for Go Boom! is a standard deck of cards. This easy to learn card game may remind you a little bit of Uno or Crazy Eights in that players aim to get rid of cards by matching suit or color. However, instead of continuous play, Go Boom relies on winning "tricks," rounds of play in which each player contributes one card. This game can be played with 2-4 players, but it's probably most enjoyable with 3-4. Ages 5 and up.
Tile & Board Games Good for Small Families
Rummikub
Find it: Amazon
As in the classic Rummy card game, the object of Rummikub is to use up your "hand" (in this case numbered tiles instead of playing cards) by creating numbered runs and sets. Players put together new runs and sets as well as strategically reorganize the tiles already out on the table. The first player to use up their tiles wins the round, amassing points based on the tiles left in the other players' hands.
You can read my tips for making the game more enjoyable when kids are at the table in my Rummikub game of the month feature. Ages 8 and up.
Ticket to Ride
Find it: Amazon
Ticket to Ride is a strategy game and a great choice for families who want a game that lasts at least 20 minutes and involves more complex instructions that most of the games on this list. However, it's still an easy game to learn. The benefits of Ticket to Ride are many. Kids will work on spatial planning, long term strategy, and patience, which is why it is one of my favorite games for helping kids build executive function skills. Ages 8 and up.
More great games for small families:
- Games with 5 dice
- Golf card game
- Garbage card game (excellent even for preschoolers)
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