Looking for the best board games you’ll 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. Our family is big board gamers, and these are some of our favorite games that we’ve played over and over again over the years.
And even better, they’re all less than $30 and will help you reach your goals. budget! (Check out all the latest board game deals we’ve posted!)
This list of the best board games was thoughtfully compiled by Sarah from the MoneySavingMom team. Sarah is a lifelong strategy board game player and is always on the hunt for the latest and greatest board games.
Here are some of our favorite board games to play with family and friends in 2026. You’ll find the perfect option for a comfortable screen-free day indoors, a fun evening with the family, or as a gift for a loved one. All of these games are sure to be a huge hit and provide years of enjoyment.
Note: While most of these games are typically under $30, board game prices can vary considerably. If one costs just over $30, be sure to check the price history. Camel Camel Camel.com We look forward to offering you even better prices! If it’s on this list, it’s usually less than $30.
Popular strategy board game
1. pandemic
It’s a super fun cooperative game! You work as a team and use each character’s strengths to either win as a team or lose as a team.
2. forbidden island
This cooperative game is a little less complex than Pandemic, but still a lot of fun. It’s a place our family visits many times.
3. carcassonne
This is a fun little tile placement game with easy gameplay. You can usually play the entire game in about 30 minutes. This was one of our first strategy games. Catan And we love it!
4. splendor
This is also a really fun and fast strategy game that can be played within 30 minutes. This is something to take with you while camping because it doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t take hours to play.
5. Othello
The tagline says it perfectly: “It takes a minute to learn, a lifetime to master!” It only takes a second to teach someone the basic premise of this game, but there’s a lot more to this game than meets the eye. If you have someone who likes strategy games like chess that require you to think through rounds in advance, this is perfect for them.
6. azur
This is a beautiful and unique game! It’s a good game for two people to play, so it’s my go-to game when I have a weekend break. It’s one of our favorites!
7. labyrinth
This is a great strategy game to play with kids and families. It’s very easy to learn and requires fairly basic strategy. It’s one of my kids’ favorites and they play together even though they are 9 years apart.
Favorite Party Board Game
8. LRC left and right center dice game
This is a fast-paced dice game perfect for different age groups. The rules are very simple, so giving candy instead of tips adds a little fun. This is one of the best family game night ideas.
9. code name
This is definitely a very social game, but it’s also a unique game that requires a lot of thinking and verbal creativity. You can play with 4 people, but you can also play with up to 8 to 10 people! (Technically you can play with more than that, but it gets a little crazy.)
10. Farkle
This is also a fun game that can be played with just as many people. Team play is also possible for 10 or more people! It feels like Yahtzee With a twist (but more fun).
11. doomlings
Do you like strategic card games? A great mix of strategy and chaos that you can play right away. The rules are always changing, so it’s always fun to play. The illustrations are also very bright and colorful!
12. taco cat goat cheese pizza
This is a fun and quick card game that you can take with family and friends and always get a good laugh.
13. chameleon
This is our go-to game when we want to involve our teens on game night. Hidden codes, secret words, and trying to track down chameleons in the flock!
14. Outrun the panda
This is a fun and unique dice game. One of the things I love most about it is that it’s easy to play with my special needs daughter and a group of friends with different abilities. Add multiple sets to play with even more friends.
best small games
15. catan card game
This card game is perfect for Catan lovers. usually Catancan be played as a 2 player game!
16. dutch blitzkrieg
It’s a very fun card game! It’s fast-paced, competitive, and is sure to hook any game lover in no time.
17. collapsible board game bowl
This is a unique gift for board game lovers and will make game night more fun. I can’t tell you how often I pull small bowls out of my kitchen cabinet to use as game pieces when playing complex strategy games. It’s very convenient to have, and it’s foldable so it’s easy to store!
18. banana gram
know the person you love scrabble?This is a fun, fast-paced development. And it runs well. I take this with me on holidays and play with friends and family.
19. sleeping queens
This card game is fun for all ages and teaches math skills. Also, the illustrations are so fun!
20. Quix
A fun, fast-paced, and easy-to-learn dice game that combines strategy and chance.
twenty one. coup d’etat
A fast-paced card game for 2-6 players. This is also something my teens love and bring to play with their friends. Add. expansion of reforms You can play with up to 10 players.
Bonus Ideas ($30+)
Do you have a little extra on your budget and don’t mind spending a little more? Try one of our favorite board games below.
twenty two. Katan
The list of board games is classic catan. If you’re just getting into strategy games, this is a great place to start. If you already love Catan, be sure to check out its many expansions, including: city and knight!
twenty three. cat island
I bought this game on a whim, but it quickly rose to the top of my favorite strategy board games. I love that I can plan with standard rules, family rules (short and easy for kids), or solo. The solo version is a super fun winter game that replaces puzzles. Art is beautiful! A great option for board game, Tetris, and cat lovers.
twenty four. national park trekking
This is a fun game that combines two things I love: national parks and strategy games. Perfect for family game nights with older kids.
twenty five. wingspan
This game for bird lovers is so cool and unique. Beautiful artwork and facts about each bird are also included.
26. ticket
This is a super fun strategy game that isn’t too complicated and is perfect for families. This is a game that can be enjoyed even by people who are not strategy game players.
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- How to have the best family movie night at home
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What is your family’s favorite board game? Let us know in the comments!
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