Whether they force you to get vulnerable, bring out your competitive side, or give you a hell of a workout, I think we can all agree that playing games makes any interaction more fun. That's why, as you plan to gather with family and friends this summer, we're making sure you pack a set of highly entertaining games [1] to spice things up.
We scooped out 21 great options that'll make the next couple picnics a blast. From Jenga to We're Not Really Strangers [2], these options will keep you physically and emotionally active. Plus, you'll learn new things and laugh until your belly hurts. Don't miss out on the fun!
Taboo Kids vs. Parents Family Board Game
On the next family picnic, get the entire group to compete with Taboo Kids vs. Parents [4] ($16, originally $20). Kids play against parents in the race against the clock to get as many words as possible! It's a fun take on the game — the best part might be the squeaker that's used to squeak at the person who uses a forbidden word.
UNO Attack Game
A classic game perfect for a party of two or a larger group, the UNO Attack Game [5] ($7) guarantees hours of fun and healthy competition. Players can even write and customise their own rules for the wild card.
Beyond Outdoors Giant Connect 4-in-a-Row
This Beyond Outdoors Giant Connect 4-in-a-Row [6] ($50) will never get old. You'll find yourself using it summer after summer.
Skip-Bo Card Game
Skip-Bo [7] ($8) challenges players to be the first to make a stack of ascending cards. The first player who empties their Skip-Bo cards is the winner. But watch out for wild cards — they'll throw you for a loop!
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Bean Bag Toss Lawn Game Set
Great for outdoor gatherings, this Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Bean Bag Toss Lawn Game Set [8] ($80) will keep everyone entertained.
Sun Squad Scoop Ball and 4-Piece Flying Disc Game Combo Lawn Sports Set
With four different games included, which will you play first with this Sun Squad Scoop Ball and Four-Piece Flying Disc Game Combo Lawn Sports Set [9] ($30)?
Bicycle Standard Playing Cards
There are a bunch of fun games to play with any deck of Bicycle Standard Playing Cards [10] ($3). Some of our favourites include Crazy Eights, SlapJack, Bluff, and President.
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Bocce Ball Lawn Game Set
The Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Bocce Ball Lawn Game Set [11] ($75) comes with four pairs of bocce balls in red, yellow, blue, and light blue for multiple teams.
Hedbanz
Once the Hedbanz [12] ($15) are on and everyone has a card on their head, the game is on! One at a time, players ask "yes" or "no" questions about the card on their head to figure out what it is. The first person to earn three scoring badges wins!
We're Not Really Strangers Game
The We're Not Really Strangers Game [13] ($25) is designed to deepen your connections with anyone you play it with. If you want to know a friend or partner better, pick up these cards and get ready to be raw and honest.
Jax Sequence Game
The goal of this Jax Sequence Game [14] ($18, originally $25) is to get a sequence of chips before the other player. It sounds easy, but watch out for the jacks!
Hygge. . . I Should Have Known That! Trivia Game
You'll quickly become addicted to this Hygge. . . I Should Have Known That! Trivia Game [15] ($20).
What Do You Meme? Core Game
Everyone will get a laugh out of the What Do You Meme? Core Game [16] ($30) card game which comes with a meme card and a picture.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Game
The Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Game [17] ($9) is super easy to learn and a blast to play.
Flutyco Love Language: Card Game
Perfect to play with a significant other, this Flutyco Love Language: Card Game [18] ($25) will bring you closer than you've ever been.
Off Topic Adult Party Game
Stir up some hilarious conversations with this Off Topic Adult Party Game [19] ($30).
Jenga
You can never go wrong with a classic game of Jenga [20] ($17). It follows three easy steps: pull a block from the stack out, place it back on top, don't let the tower fall! Here's the catch: you can only use one hand, meaning you can't try to stabilise the tower if you see it falling.
Etna Board Game Set
This Etna Board Game Set [21] ($45, originally $60) will let you play a whopping 15 different games, how cool?
One Kings Lane Barona Backgammon Set
This One Kings Lane Barona Backgammon Set [22] ($239) is luxe-looking, and makes a fun and rewarding gift.
Friends TV Show Collage Jigsaw Puzzle
Fans of the show will obsess over this Friends TV Show Collage Jigsaw Puzzle [23] ($17).