When it comes to entertaining older kids, you can’t go wrong with board games for teens. But it can be difficult to find one which isn’t too childish and will keep them entertained for a long time. When you find the right game, it can make for a fun family games night, or for your teen to play with their friends on a sleepover or when hanging out. And, it’s the perfect way to help them interact with one another rather than staring at a screen constantly. Here, we have picked out our top 15 best board games for teens, whether you’re looking for a game for parties or something the whole family can enjoy together, you are sure to find the perfect pick here. But first, let’s look at ways to choose the best game option.
Considerations When Choosing Teens Board Games
There are a few things which should be kept in mind when shopping around for the best game for your teenage children. First, their age. We have picked out games here which are suitable for teens, but there is a big difference between the games a 13 year old will enjoy and the games which better suit an 18 year old. Be sure to check the box, as this will tell you the age range the game is likely to be suitable for.
Also check how many players can enjoy the game at the same time. Some games are best for many players, and so are perfect for parties or large gatherings. Others are better suited to smaller groups of up to four players, so think about how many people are likely to be playing. Finally, look at the different types of game on offer and choose one which best matches your teen’s interests. For example, there are strategy games, card games, party games, word games, and loads more.
15 Top Teen Board Game Picks
Now it’s time to showcase our list of the top 15 games which are fun for teenagers. No matter which type of game you are looking for, you’re sure to find something fun here.
1. Unstable Unicorns
First up on our list of fun games for teenagers we have the card game Unstable Unicorns. The game was featured on Kickstarter and became one of the platforms best-backed offerings, so you can be sure your teen will enjoy it. It is suitable for most occasions, as it can be played with just 2 players, or as many as 8. It’s best for teens aged 14 and over. The game has 135 cards and typically lasts for around 30-45 minutes. There are different expansion packs available to increase the replay value of this game, and to make it more challenging and fun. You can also find a NSFW version for older teens and adults, if you want to have a go too!
2. Quelf
If you are looking for fun party games for teenagers, Quelf is certainly worth considering. It is sure to make everyone laugh, and is suitable for 3 – 6 players or teams aged 12 and over. There are 300 challenge cards included, which have to be read aloud before following the instructions contained on the card. They’re all fun and silly challenges such as balancing a shoe on your head, or not blinking for as long as possible. There’s also a game board and pieces included, so as you move around the board, this will determine which card to draw and therefore the action to carry out. This game is perfect for using as an ice-breaker with groups where everyone doesn’t know one another.
3. Codenames
Next up we have Codenames from Czech Games, which is suitable for 2 – 8 players aged 10 years and over. The game takes around 15 minutes to play, so it can be played a couple of times in a games night, or just once if time is short but they need something to do. This is a word game which is easy to learn, but challenging to play! Players need to work out the secret identities of the agents using their codenames, and only words which are in their own team’s color. To make the game even more exciting, there’s also an assassin who has to be avoided! The game can also be played cooperatively where one team plays against the game to try and get the highest score.
4. Taboo
We’ve already seen some great party games for teens, and here we have another pick, Taboo. It’s suitable for players 13 years and older, and requires at least four players. Players have to try and get their teammates to guess their ‘Guess word’ without saying any of the ‘forbidden words’. There are 1000 guess words included on cards with the game, so it has excellent replay value. There’s also a timer which players have to beat, to make the game even more fun and exciting! Not only is this game loads of fun, it’s also challenging and will help teens think outside the box and improve their communication skills.
5. Exploding Kittens
This card game is suitable for groups of 2 – 5 players, takes just two minutes to learn to play, and has a 15 minute gameplay. It is a best-seller which has won awards, so you can be sure it makes a great choice. The format of the game is somewhat similar to UNO – if you draw an exploding kitten card, you’re out. But, you can play other cards to stop the kitten from exploding and keep yourself in the game! There are expansion packs available as well as a more explicit version which might be fun for older teens.
6. What Do You Meme?
What Do You Meme is a fun game for older teens – it’s best for ages 17 and above. A minimum of 3 players and required, but it can be enjoyed by 20 or more making it perfect for parties! The game is somewhat similar to Cards Against Humanity, but instead it challenges players to choose the funniest caption for a photo, hence creating a meme. There are 75 photo cards and 360 caption cards, so it won’t get boring in a hurry. The box also contains an easel to display the picture card in each round. There are currently eight expansion packs available for the game which help further increase the replay value of this hilarious game.
7. Catan
Catan is a strategy game which takes a while to learn and to play, but is highly entertaining. It requires 3 or 4 players, lasts around an hour, and is suitable for kids and teens over the age of 10. The game has won many awards and requires players to build settlements and harvest and trade resources. Players have to try and spread their settlement across the board to earn more points, but also avoid the robber who will attempt to steal their resources. If you have a bigger family, an expansion is available which allows 5 or 6 players to enjoy the game.
8. Labyrinth
Ladyrinth from Ravensburger is a game which is easy to learn but can be replayed over and over again as every game is different. Between 2 – 4 players over the age of seven can enjoy this game, and it requires players to find the shortest route through the maze. The game includes a board, 34 maze cards, 24 treasure cards and four play pieces. To master this game, players will need to use strategic planning and think about cause-and-effect, which makes it a challenging and fun game.
9. 7 Wonders Duel
This game from Asmodee is perfect for two players to battle head-to-head against one another, in an attempt to build the biggest and most successful civilization. A typical game lasts around half an hour, and it’s best for players over the age of ten years old. The game asks players to lead their civilizations through different periods, following technological advancements whilst still defending the capital city. If you’re going to be playing with a larger group, choose the original version of the game instead, as it’s best for 3 – 7 players.
10. Apples to Apples
Next up in our list of board games for teenagers is Apples to Apples, a fun party card game which is ideal for groups of up to 10 players. The game involves matching similar cards from your hand which are most similar to the card played by the judge, but you’re sure to find some weird and wonderful combinations coming up! The game is great for all ability levels, and all players can join in on each round, so there’s no time for texting or scrolling through social media! The content of the game is perfect for families – there is nothing inappropriate.
11. Harry Potter Clue
Clue is a classic game but this Harry Potter edition is sure to appeal more to teenagers, especially those who love the series! Three to five players are required for this game, and it typically lasts around 30 minutes. Teens can play as their favorite character from the series, whether it’s Harry, Ron, Hermione or someone else like Neville Longbottom or Ginny Weasley. The format of the game is more or less the same as the original, in that players have to move around the rooms attempting to solve the mystery of a student’s disappearance. Players have to work out the suspect, item and location before making their prediction.
12. Cards Against Humanity
Next up we have one of the most popular party games for older teens and adults. Cards Against Humanity comes with 600 cards – players are dealt some white cards and they have to use these to create funny answers to the black cards. One player acts as the judge of who has created the funniest answer. The number of cards means this game can be played over and over again without getting boring, and you’ll always have different cards to make replies with. This game is certainly for older teens and those who aren’t easily offended, and might be one you won’t want to play with your teens depending on your relationship with them!
13. Phone Phever
This game is perfect for any teen who is glued to their phone, and turns it into a fun way for them to socialize face-to-face. There are six different categories of trivia questions to answer, and players have to use their smartphone to be the first to correctly find the answer. This game needs at least three players or teams, and is suitable for ages 13 and above. The game doesn’t require a lot of general knowledge, as the smartphone will be required for most of the questions, so it’s a great game for players of different ability levels to play together. Some of the challenges are hilarious and are sure to make everyone smile!
14. Forbidden Island
Next up in our list of games for teens boys and girls we have Forbidden Island, a strategy game for between 2 – 4 players. It’s best for tweens and teens aged 10 and up, and a typical game lasts around 30 minutes. This game tasks players with carrying out missions in search of sacred treasure, but they have to think strategically in order to do so. The adventure-themed game is perfect for fans of this genre, and it also uses cards so it’s ideal for those who enjoy card-based games.
15. 5 Second Rule
Last on our list of indoor games for teenagers we have 5 Second Rule, a fast-paced and fun word game. It comes with 150 cards, each challenging players to name three things related to the topic on the card. But, there’s also a timer included which times five seconds – the time in which players have to complete the challenge. The pressure of answering within five seconds is sure to make everyone say some hilarious answers! The number of cards means the game can be played over and over again and still presents a new challenge every time.
Our Best Buy
After reviewing 15 of the most fun board games, it’s time to decide which takes the spot as the best overall. In this instance, we’ve decided to go with Taboo. It’s a great game for teens to have a laugh with their friends, and it’s also ideal for a family games night. They will love some of the funny answers and it’s a great challenge to think of new ways to describe everyday items.
What are Good Games for Families with Teenagers?
We have included some games above which are ideal for the whole family. In fact, many of them have been noted above if they are particularly family-friendly. There are some which mom and dad might not want to join in with, unless they have an excellent relationship with their kids! Others are more suitable for younger players and don’t have any inappropriate content. For example, Labyrinth, Taboo, Five Second Rule, and Apples to Apples. The strategy-type games are also ideal for a family-friendly game time.
Best Games for Teens who Hate Games?
If your teen doesn’t normally enjoy playing games, hopefully they will be taken by one of our fun picks reviewed above. They might prefer some of the card-based games, like Cards Against Humanity or What Do You Meme if they don’t enjoy more traditional board games. Phone Phever is also an excellent pick for those who don’t normally enjoy games, as they don’t have to be away from their precious smartphone in order to play!
