Your kids begged you to play with them when they were children. But now that they are teenagers, the tables have likely turned. Just about any parent knows that getting a teenager to come out of their room requires some serious coaxing. Simply put: whatever incentive you’re offering them to hang out with you better be good! Fortunately, these fun and competitive board games have been known to be a hit among teens. If you’re planning a family night, consider including these games to get your teen to participate actively.
1. Poetry for Neanderthals
Poetry for Neanderthals is described as “a word game where you must speak good or get hit with stick,” and is perfect for adults, teens, and children. The game forces players to explain concepts like “plastic surgery” or “animal cracker” using only one-syllable words. The best part is that the game comes with a two-foot-long club. If someone uses a word that’s longer than one syllable, you can use the club to bop them.
2. Mind the Gap
Whether you’re playing with teens or Boomers, Mind the Gap is fun for people of all ages. The game contains a collection of pop culture trivia questions about TV shows, music, news-worthy events, slang, and movies that others will need to answer. The twist is that players need to act out their questions if they land on a “Challenge Space.”
3. Watch Ya’ Mouth
This game, which was originally a Kickstarter project, skyrocketed in terms of popularity and was seen all over TV. Watch Ya’ Mouth comes with a total of ten dental-grade mouthpieces (which are dishwasher safe) that keep the players’ lips apart as they try to sound out phrases. Teammates will need to guess what the player is saying, and, as expected, hilarity ensues.
4. Throw Throw Burrito
What teen (or even adult, for that matter) wouldn’t like a game where they’re encouraged to throw things (a squishy, soft burrito, in this case)? Players who are able to collect matching cards are awarded points, but getting beaned by a burrito will result in those points being taken away. Things can get pretty crazy when playing this game, but it’s definitely fun.
5. Speed Charades
We’re sure you’re familiar with the rules of Charades, but this game has a twist! Players will need to act out words as fast as they can and get their teams to guess the answer. The first team to guess four out of the five words printed on the card is awarded a point. The team that has the most points after ten rounds wins the game.
6. What Do You Meme? (Family Edition)
If your child is big on TikToks and memes, this game is perfect for playing with them. The best part is that the family edition of this game is great for anyone over the age of eight, so everyone in your family can participate. Players are given a series of caption cards and are required to choose a hilarious caption for the meme. The winner is determined by a judge.
7. Utter Nonsense
This game is ideal for extroverts, given that it requires some letting loose. But it’s so much fun that you’ll be laughing hard by the end. The game requires players to pull a phrase card and an accent card and speak the phrase in whatever accent is printed on the accent card. The game doesn’t just include foreign accents; you may have to speak in a Valley Girl or Batman accent, too, for instance.
8. Monopoly Cheater’s Edition
Is your teen known to cheat at Monopoly? If so, this game is sure to be right up their alley! Monopoly Cheater’s Edition encourages players to con, cheat, steal, and fake their way to success. Given that most teenagers enjoy getting one over on their parents, this is a great way to let them get up to a little mischief.
9. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
This is the best game to bring along with you if you’re traveling because it’s literally just one deck of cards. The game is fun and fast-paced, and if the spoken word happens to match what is printed on the card, you’ll need to slap your hand down on the pile.
One tip: Play this game with oven mitts.
10. Artsy Fartsy
This is a fun drawing game you can play with your teens. Artsy Fartsy includes a total of 234 cards with different subjects that the players will need to draw. The others will need to guess what the player drew. It’s sort of like Pictionary but with a few extra challenges thrown in.
