We all know how hard it can be to find fun activities for the whole family. Board games are great, but buying new ones all the time gets pricey.
That’s where printable board games come in handy. They’re a low-cost way to enjoy quality time together.
In this post, we’ll share over 16 of the best printable board games for family fun. These games are easy to make and even easier to play.
We’ll show you where to find them and how to set them up.
Get ready for hours of laughter and bonding with your loved ones. Let’s explore these exciting and fun printable board games that will bring joy to your family game nights.
16+ Printable Board Games You Will Love
1. Ancient Egypt Trivia Game
This trivia game takes you on a journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring its history, culture, and mythology. It’s a great way to engage players of all ages in learning about one of the oldest civilizations.
How to Play:
- Players take turns drawing trivia cards, each with a question about Ancient Egypt.
- If a player answers correctly, they move forward on the board.
- The first player to reach the end wins.
Download the free game template here: homeschoolgameschool.com.
2. Storming the Bastille
Set during the French Revolution, this game lets players recreate the storming of the Bastille, a pivotal moment in French history. It’s both educational and exciting for history buffs.
How to Play:
- Players advance by answering questions or completing tasks related to the French Revolution.
- Using dice or tokens, players storm the Bastille as they compete to be the first to reach the fortress.
- The first player to succeed wins the game.
Download the free game template here: tinasdynamichomeschoolplus.
3. Spelling Battleship
This game merges the classic Battleship format with spelling challenges, making it a fun way to reinforce spelling skills. Players target “ships” by correctly spelling words.
How to Play:
- Each player draws a word card and must spell the word correctly to “hit” an opponent’s ship.
- If the word is misspelled, the turn passes to the other player.
- The first player to sink all of the opponent’s ships wins.
Download the free game template here: homeschoolgameschool.
4. Grammargories
A fast-paced game that helps players improve their grammar knowledge. It’s perfect for sharpening skills in a competitive, group setting.
How to Play:
- Players are given a category (e.g., nouns, verbs) and must quickly write down as many words fitting that category as possible in a limited time.
- Points are awarded for correct entries.
- The player with the most points at the end wins.
Download the free game template here: classroomfreebies.com.
5. Parts of Speech Tic Tac Toe
This game takes the basic tic-tac-toe format and adds a grammar twist. It’s a fun way for kids to practice recognizing different parts of speech.
How to Play:
- Instead of Xs and Os, players must identify or write a part of speech (like noun, verb, adjective) to claim a square.
- The first to get three in a row wins the game.
Download the free game template here: teacherspayteachers.
6. Flick The Eraser Game
A simple and fun game that doesn’t require dice. Players flick erasers and make dialogues based on where the eraser lands, combining physical activity with creativity.
How to Play:
- Each player flicks their eraser across the board, and wherever it lands, they must create a dialogue or sentence using a prompt from that square.
- The player with the most completed squares or points at the end of the game wins.
Download the free game template here: games4esl.com.
7. Race Around the World
This exciting board game lets players “race” around a world map while learning about geography and cultures. It’s a fast-paced game that fosters competition and quick thinking.
How to Play:
- Players take turns using rock-paper-scissors to move around the board.
- The winner of each round moves forward one space, while the loser stays put.
- The first player to complete the journey around the world wins.
Download the free game template here: games4esl.com.
8. Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic real estate trading game where players buy, sell, and trade properties to dominate the board. It’s perfect for teaching financial strategy and negotiation.
How to Play:
- Players take turns rolling dice to move around the board, buying properties when they land on unowned spaces.
- The goal is to bankrupt your opponents by collecting rent and building houses or hotels on your properties.
- The last player standing with money wins the game.
Download the free game template here: hobbylark.
9. Snakes and Ladders
A simple and timeless game that’s perfect for players of all ages. Climb up ladders and slide down snakes in this race to the finish.
How to Play:
- Players roll dice to move across the board.
- Landing on a ladder moves the player forward, while landing on a snake sends them back.
- The first player to reach the final square wins.
Download the free game template here: pinterest.com.
10. Shut the Box Game
This is a fun dice game where players try to shut the numbered tiles by rolling the dice. It’s both entertaining and educational, helping improve basic math skills.
How to Play:
- Players roll two dice and flip down the numbered tiles that match their dice roll.
- The goal is to shut all the numbers on the board.
- The player with the fewest points remaining on their board after a set number of rounds wins.
Download the free game template here: whatdowedoallday.
11. Pirates & Plunder
A strategy game where players lay tiles and gather treasure while trying to outsmart their pirate competitors. It’s a fun mix of tactics and luck.
How to Play:
- Players take turns placing tiles to build paths, creating opportunities to collect treasure.
- The player who gathers the most treasure by the end of the game wins.
Download the free game template here: boardgamegeek.
12. Go Board 9×9
This is a simplified version of the classic Go game, perfect for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of this ancient strategy game.
How to Play:
- Two players take turns placing stones on the board, with the goal of surrounding more territory than their opponent.
- The game ends when both players agree there are no more moves to make, and the player with the most territory wins.
Download the free game template here: maui-go-club.
13. Domino Double-Six Set
A fun and easy game where players match domino tiles to clear their hands. It’s a great game for family gatherings and casual play.
How to Play:
- Players take turns placing matching domino tiles end-to-end on the board.
- If a player cannot make a move, they draw from the pile.
- The first player to get rid of all their tiles wins the game.
Download the free game template here: pinterest.com.
14. Genghis Khan
This historical strategy game immerses players in the Mongol Empire, where they must lead their armies and conquer lands just like the great Genghis Khan.
How to Play:
- Players command armies and move them across a map, battling opponents and claiming territories.
- The goal is to conquer the most land by the end of the game.
- Victory is achieved through careful planning and strategic use of resources.
Download the free game template here: boardgamegeek.
15. How Does David Feel?
This game encourages children to recognize and express emotions by relating them to different situations. It’s a fun way to teach emotional awareness.
How to Play:
- Players are presented with a situation involving “David,” and they must choose how David might feel (happy, sad, angry, etc.) from a list of emotions.
- Points are awarded for correctly identifying the emotion.
- The player with the most points wins.
Download the free game template here: teacherspayteachers.
16. Anger Management Jeopardy
A Jeopardy-style game designed to help children understand and manage anger in a fun, structured way.
How to Play:
- Players choose categories and point values, answering questions about anger triggers, coping mechanisms, and positive reactions.
- Correct answers earn points, and the player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Download the free game template here: jeopardylabs.
17. Social Skills Football
This is one of those printable board games where one uses the metaphor of football to help kids practice conversation skills and develop better communication.
How to Play:
- Players “pass” the football by taking turns speaking.
- Each round has a communication goal, such as asking open-ended questions or active listening.
- The team that completes the most successful conversations without “dropping the ball” wins.
Download the free game template here: teacherspayteachers.
Summing It Up
Printable board games offer a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy family time.
With the 16+ options we’ve shared, you have plenty of choices for your next game night. Printable board games not only save money but also let you create lasting memories.
Remember, the key is to have fun together. Whether you’re solving puzzles or racing to the finish line, these games bring smiles and laughter.
They also help develop skills like problem-solving and teamwork.
Why not try a new game this weekend? Print one out, gather the family, and start playing. You might just find a new favorite activity.
Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below. Happy gaming!
