Game Nights Elevated: 30 Must-Have Card & Board Games for Teens and Adults

(Strategy Game - 3-6 players)

In this light strategy game, players take control of a pack of wolves as they attempt to find food and establish dominance over different areas in the forest. With stunning artwork by a park ranger, this game is perfect for keeping teens and adults who love the outdoors.

(Cooperative role play game - 2-5 players

The HeroQuest board game lets players cooperate to uncover treasures, complete quests, and stave off hordes of evil foes. Players become the Game Master and four heroes then venture through a maze filled with monsters and dark dungeons on one or more mythical adventures. With awe-inspiring artwork featured throughout along with 65+ intricately designed miniatures included in the set-up, players can immerse themselves into this fantastical world entirely. The game also provides 14 different quests as well as limitless replay value so that you never grow bored.

(Strategy Game - 3-4 players)

One of the most popular strategy games, Catan challenges players to build an empire on the fictional island of Catan. With multiple expansions available, this game can be played over and over again with new challenges each time.

(Card game - 2-4 players)

This game is a refreshing take on Old Maid, featuring bold women who made huge impacts on our world. The goal is to end the game with the Bold Made card, representing an aspirational goal of empowering women everywhere.

Created By National Parks enthusiasts, this game sends players on a cross-country adventure to visit different National Parks. The goal of the game is to score points by collecting sets of matching park cards. With rules that can be learned in minutes, this is a perfect game for family game night or for when friends come over.

(Escape Room Game - 1-6 players)

The Clue Treachery at Tudor Mansion Escape & Solve Mystery game offers classic Clue characters and stories in a compelling escape room experience. You and fellow players must  crack codes, solve puzzles and find clues to help you piece together the mystery and escape the mansion. This game is perfect for Clue enthusiasts as well as those new to the world of escape rooms.

(Party Card Game - 4+ players)

This popular party game becomes more fun the more adult children are in the room. With an average of 90% five-star reviews on Amazon, this game can be provocative at times, has something for everyone who wants to let loose and have some laughs. Plus, with expansion packs available for purchase, there's always something new to explore.

(Role Play Game - 3-6 players)

This cooperative board game is set in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, and tasks players with working together to survive the iconic city’s dark alleys and deadly catacombs. With different character options and a variety of ways to play, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment. 

(Board Game - 2-5 players)

Players are tasked with building the longest train routes across the United States. Goal of play is to rack up points by connecting distant cities, and earn Destination Tickets as bonuses along the way. This game is perfect for teens to play with friends or with family during family game night.

Trivia Game - 2-6 players)

Coming up with answers quickly under pressure is not as easy as it seems, but you will be surprised at how much knowledge you have. The player who can answer the topic card correctly first earns a point and bragging rights among the group! Also available Amazon. 

(Classic board game - 2-4 players)

Excellent game for families and teens who enjoy traveling! Visit amazing travel destinations instead of Boardwalk and Park Place. Players buy tickets to destinations, achieve various travel goals to win. Plus, you'll learn interesting facts about locations all over the world as you play!

(Card game - 4 or more players)

The point of Double Ditto is to be fast and smart by writing answers you think other players will write down too. If your answer matches another player's, you score a "ditto!" But if both answers match, then you get a "double ditto!" 4 or more players.

(Travel board game - 2 players)

This travel-sized chess set is perfect for active teens to play at home or take on the road.  The set includes a 7.8" board and pegged chess pieces, so the pieces won't fall off during transport.

(Party Game - 4-8 players)

Here the best bluffer wins! The goal is to "Spoof" your friends by making up clever, fake answers to fun trivia questions. But beware, they will be trying to do the same to you!

(Card Game - 2-5 players)

This card game became an instant hit when it was first published, and for good reason. With hilarious artwork and easy-to-learn gameplay, this game is perfect for family game nights.  Just be careful of the exploding kittens! Also available Amazon.

(Mystery game - 4-8 years)

Inspired by The Walking Dead show, "walkers" are on the loose and everyone is looking for a safe place to hide. Your group of survivors will need to open the door in time or be silenced -- forever! Each team has 90 minutes to work together, find clues, solve puzzles and gain entrance into The Collective. Also available Amazon.

(Card Game - 3+ players)

This card game tasks players with making the best meme using a combination of photo cards and caption cards. With hours of laughs, this game is perfect for family game night.

(Role play game - 4-12 players)

Players find themselves in a murder mystery where one player is the murderer. The remaining players try to solve the crime through interpreting clues – and one of them is actually the killer! This game is perfect for large groups of teens.

(Strategy game - 2-7 payers)

In this classic strategy game, players must build an empire that will withstand the test of time. With different ways to play and multiple expansions available, this game provides hours of entertainment.

(Strategy Card game - 2-4 players)

This wildly popular game was created by a 7-year-old and is fun for all ages. The goal of the food fight game is to build the most valuable meal.

(Strategy game, 2-4 players)

This beautiful board game was inspired by Moorish art, and is perfect for anyone who loves strategy games. The goal is to collect sets of tiles to place on your board and decorate the walls of the Royal palace of Evora. But you have to be careful not to overfill your rows or you'll lose points! Also available Amazon.

(Card game - 5-9 players)

Hysteria is a social deduction game forages 14 and up that lasts about 15-20 minutes. In the game, you're playing as either part of Team Skelton trying to capture the Humans or as part of Team Human working to escape from the Skeletons. What makes Hysteria unique is that players have the ability change teams during the course of gameplay!

(Board game - 4 to 10 players)

If you're looking for a board game that the whole family can enjoy, or one to break out at parties with friends, this is it. Some people even turn it into an adult drinking game! Here's how it works: One player says a word, and then everyone else has to try to sing a song containing that word. Singing ability is a plus, but isn't required.

Trivial Pursuit Decades 2010 to 2020

(Trivia Game - 2-6 players or teams)

Perfect game for teens and adults ages 16 and up who love trivia questions and quiz games about pop culture. Also available Amazon.

(Board game, 3-6 players)

This fast-paced game is perfect for playing with friends and family, testing your wit and speed under pressure. To play, flip cards until the symbols on two players’ cards match. Then, both players must give an example of their opponent's card category before anyone else can snatch the win. With Wild Cards and face-offs keeping things interesting (and intense), this game isn't as easy as it looks—but that's half the fun.

(Board game, 2-4 players)

This is a cooperative board game based on the classic film, Jumanji. Players must work together to find clues and solve puzzles in order to win the game and escape the jungle. Also available Amazon.

(Strategy bard game, 3-10 players)

This special edition of the werewolf game is perfect for large groups. The goal is to find out who the werewolf is before it's too late!

(Strategy game - 2-4 players)

In this cooperative board game, players must work together to cure four deadly diseases. With multiple expansions available, this game provides hours of entertainment. Also available Amazon.

The classic game of world domination. Players must strategize to gain control of territories and armies in order to defeat their opponents. Also available Amazon.

(Card game - 2-6 players)

This dodgeball card game is a ton of fun and is perfect for large groups. The goal is to collect matching sets of cards, but be careful – if you get hit by a burrito, you lose your cards! ALso available Amazon.

(Dice game - 2-4 players)

Yahtzee is a classic dice game where players roll dice to score points in various categories, aiming for high-scoring combinations like a full house or a Yahtzee (five of a kind). It's a fun and strategic game that combines luck and decision-making, providing thrilling moments as you try to maximize your score with each roll of the dice. The online version of Yahtzee is available for free, and offers customizable settings.

(Card game - 1-4 players)

Cribbage is a fast-paced card game that involves players strategically playing cards to score points and create combinations. With its unique scoring system and the element of pegging, it offers an engaging blend of strategy, calculation, and a touch of luck, making each round a captivating and enjoyable experience. The online version of Cribbage offers the game in easy, standard, and pro modes.

(Checker game - 1-2 players)

Backgammon is a board game where two players strategically move their pieces around a board based on dice rolls, aiming to bear them off the board before their opponent. It's a game of skill, tactics, and risk-taking, offering an entertaining time that keeps players engaged and coming back for more. You can also play Backgammon online.