After sharing a Thanksgiving feast, families often look for ways to extend the evening’s warmth and togetherness. Board games offer the perfect solution—sparking laughter, friendly competition, and creative problem-solving around the table. Whether you have energetic kids, teens eager for a challenge, or adults looking to unwind with strategy or party games, there’s a game for every mood. This curated list compiles family favorites directly inspired by leading board game resources, ensuring your Thanksgiving night ends on a high note.
Board Games to Play On This Thanksgiving
Ticket to Ride
A classic family favorite, Ticket to Ride challenges players to build train routes across North America. With color-coded cards and approachable rules, it sparks gentle competition and strategic thinking for kids and adults alike. This game is accessible, quick to set up, and delivers “just one more round” excitement every time.
Zingo!
Perfect for younger children and families craving speed and simplicity, Zingo! combines bingo mechanics with word recognition. The tactile tile dispenser provides instant engagement, while quick rounds let everyone play multiple times. Zingo! is the kind of game that gets giggles flowing and brings the group together.
Barenpark
If your family enjoys puzzles, Barenpark allows everyone to design their own bear-themed park by arranging chunky tiles. It’s a relaxing yet stimulating game that encourages creative thinking as you fit enclosures and amenities onto your grid. Its visual appeal and gentle learning curve make it great for mixed-age gatherings.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Fast, frantic, and full of laughter, One Night Ultimate Werewolf gives everyone a hidden role and ten minutes to discover the villain among them. Bluffing, social deduction, and creative storytelling are central; it’s a hit with larger groups who love high-energy, “who-done-it” fun.
Telestrations
Telestrations is the drawing-based party game that guarantees laughter—think of it as telephone but with illustrations and wild guesses. Exchanging silly sketches and outlandish interpretations, families see how messages comically twist by the end of the round. Artistic talent isn’t required—only a sense of humor.
Wingspan
For families who appreciate thoughtful strategy and beautiful design, Wingspan is a bird-collecting game with a serene pace. Players attract colorful species, build habitats, and deploy smart combos. Wingspan board game is educational for kids and captivating for adults, ideal for those seeking an immersive experience post-dinner.
Beat the Parents
Beat the Parents board game pits kids against parents in a friendly trivia showdown. Each side answers age-appropriate questions, creating hilarious moments and plenty of bragging rights. It’s perfect for large family gatherings where adults love being challenged by younger members.
Race to the Treasure
This cooperative game unites everyone—players join forces to build a path and outsmart an ogre, emphasizing teamwork and collective problem-solving. Race to the Treasure is especially fun for families new to board games or those who prefer winning together.
Exploding Kittens
Fast-paced and packed with quirky humor, Exploding Kittens lets players avoid disaster with special powers. Easy to learn, quick to play, and full of laughs, it’s perfect for families seeking low-pressure, high-energy play after the feast.
Cauldron Quest
In Cauldron Quest Board Game, players work together to break a wizard’s spell before time runs out. The cooperative fantasy theme entertains kids, while simple rules keep adults engaged without overwhelming complexity.
Codenames
A word association game for two teams, Codenames Board Game rewards smart clues and clever guesses. The flexible player count and inventive challenges make it perfect for groups who want mental stimulation with minimal setup. It’s the ultimate quick-play holiday game.
Betrayal at House on the Hill
Ideal for older children and adults, Betrayal at House on the Hill starts cooperatively as players explore a haunted mansion. Suddenly, the game flips with one traitor revealed, leading to epic storytelling and twists. Its suspenseful adventure keeps everyone enthralled.
Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island is a beautifully designed cooperative experience that has players retrieve treasures and escape as the island sinks. Teamwork and tactical decisions are key, but rules remain simple enough for mixed-age groups. Each victory feels earned, and the adventure keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game
Families wanting in-depth fantasy adventure will love Pathfinder’s deck-building quests. Build characters, explore scenarios, and enjoy a campaign with a creative strategy. It’s rich and rewarding, best for those who crave ongoing play and lasting memories.
Dungeons & Dragons: Castle Ravenloft Board Game
Step into high-fantasy adventure as heroes tackle monsters and mysteries together. Dungeons & Dragons: Castle Ravenloft is streamlined for family play, blending cooperative decision-making and storytelling in a rich, accessible package.
Bananagrams
Bananagrams distills the spirit of word games into a fast-paced race. Players create crossword grids from letter tiles—quick setups and short rounds mean everyone stays entertained and sharp, perfect for after dinner.
Avocado Smash
Simple, silly, and packed with “smash” moments, Avocado Smash is a rapid-fire card game ideal for winding down the evening. The cute theme and energetic play keep spirits light, rounding out a perfect post-feast lineup.
Q&A: Thanksgiving Board Gaming
Q1: Why are board games ideal after Thanksgiving dinner?
A: Board games bring people together, providing entertainment that suits multiple ages and interests. They’re a fantastic way to bond, create lasting memories, and stimulate conversation in a relaxed, tech-free setting.
Q2: What types of games work best for holiday gatherings?
A: Variety is key—party games, strategy games, and cooperative games all thrive in family settings. Choosing games with simple rules and flexible player counts ensures everyone can join in, regardless of skill level or group size.
Q3: How long should games last?
A: Shorter games (10-40 minutes) keep energy up and allow time to sample multiple titles. If the group is invested, longer campaign or story-driven games are perfect for winding down as leftovers are served.
Conclusion
Board games are the ultimate way to wrap up Thanksgiving after dinner, bridging generations, tastes, and personalities. This curated mix—from party classics to thoughtful strategy—ensures everyone finds their place at the table and leaves with joyful memories. Whether your family likes to laugh, solve puzzles, strategize, or tell stories, these games bring loved ones together for a night as memorable as the meal itself.