Finding a game a teenager actually wants to play can feel like a challenge. Teens often outgrow family classics and want something faster, funnier or more strategic. The good news is that there are excellent board and card games built for exactly that age. Here’s how to choose board games for teens, with ideas for every kind of player and tips for getting a game to the table.
Why board games are great for teens
Board games give teens a reason to put screens down and spend time with friends and family face to face. Many games also build useful skills along the way: planning ahead, reading other people, negotiating, working as a team and handling a loss gracefully. Most of all, a good game is simply fun, and that’s what will keep a teen coming back to it.
How to choose a game for a teenager
- Think about their friends. A game for a group of six friends is very different from one for a teen and a parent.
- Match their interests. A teen who loves fantasy, mysteries or a particular movie series may enjoy a themed game.
- Keep it quick to teach. Teens will lose interest during a long rules explanation, so start with something simple.
- Check the age rating. Most boxes list a suggested age; it’s a good guide to complexity.
Party games for groups of friends
Party games are often the easiest win with teens because they’re loud, quick and social.
Codenames
Two teams try to find their secret agents from one-word clues. It’s simple to learn and works with large groups. Read our Codenames guide for how to play.
Exploding Kittens
This fast card game, created by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman and Shane Small, is a favorite with younger teens for its silly artwork and quick rounds. See our Exploding Kittens review.
Telestrations and Just One
Drawing and word games like Telestrations and Just One get everyone laughing and don’t need any special skills. Just One won the Spiel des Jahres award in 2019.
Strategy games for thinkers
Teens who like video game strategy or puzzles often enjoy modern strategy games.
Catan
Players gather resources, trade and build settlements on an island. It’s a great step up from classic family games. Our Catan guide explains the rules.
Ticket to Ride
A route-building game that’s easy to learn but full of choices. See our Ticket to Ride guide.
Azul and Splendor
These tile and card games look simple but reward careful planning. Both play in under an hour.
Cooperative games
If siblings argue over competitive games, try a cooperative one where everyone wins or loses together. In Pandemic, designed by Matt Leacock, players work as a team to stop diseases spreading around the world. Forbidden Island, by the same designer, is a lighter option. See our post on Pandemic board games for more.
Roleplaying games
Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons let teens create characters and tell a story together, with one player guiding the adventure. They’re great for creative teens and can turn into a weekly tradition with friends. Our post on the benefits of tabletop games like D&D explains how to get started.
Mystery and deduction games
Teens who love detective stories often enjoy deduction games, where players gather clues to solve a puzzle. Classic Clue is a good start, and escape room games in a box add a timed challenge. See our guide to escape room board games.
Tips for a teen game night
- Let the teen pick the game and invite friends.
- Keep snacks simple and the rules explanation short.
- Mix one quick party game with one longer game.
- Don’t force it. If a game isn’t landing, switch to another one.
Board games as gifts for teens
Board games make good holiday and birthday gifts for teens, especially party games they can bring to friends’ houses. If you’re not sure what they’d like, a quick, social game like Codenames is a safe bet. For more ideas, see board game gifts for the gamer in your life.
FAQ
What are good board games for 13-year-olds?
Quick party games like Codenames and Exploding Kittens and approachable strategy games like Ticket to Ride are good places to start.
Do teens still like board games?
Many do, especially social party games they can play with friends.
How many players do teen party games need?
Most work best with four or more, and many, like Codenames, handle big groups easily.
What’s a good game for teens and parents to play together?
Cooperative games like Pandemic or Forbidden Island keep everyone on the same team.