From Monopoly to Tension, eight boredom-busting board games to keep the whole family entertained

Whether you are looking to bring the family together, relieve some built up stress or keep the kids occupied, now is the perfect time to invest in a new board game or two.

With a flurry of new games hitting our living room tables over the past few years, it's not hard to see why a good-old fashioned board game is still one of favourite past-times.

There's a whole world beyond the old-faithful Monopoly and Scrabble – board games are back and there has never been a better time to explore what's on offer. Here are eight of the best.

1. For addictively fun challenges 

Beat That! - The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges, £24.99  

If you find it hard to keep the whole family sitting down for an entire spell of a board game then this is the one for you. 

Limber up and prepare to bounce, flip, stack, hop, roll, blow, balance and catapult your way to victory with the addictively fun Beat That! - The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges. 

Beat That! consists of ten rounds of challenges. All players place a bet on their own ability to complete the challenge. Once bets are placed, go around the circle attempting the challenge. Test things like speed, dexterity and balance for a game that is bound to keep everyone from 8 to 80 entertained. 

Buy now on Amazon

2. For a fast-paced shout-it out game

Cheatwell Games Tension: The Top 10 Naming Game, £17.49 

There is reason why Tension continues to be a best seller on Amazon. Furious and fantastically fun, this one involves the whole family.

Game play here is simple: correctly name as many of the examples on the card before the timer runs out, and then use your score to progress around the board. 

From naming 10 'Pizza Toppings' to 10 'James Bond Films' this is a riotous race against the clock. With orange cards that are easier for younger players, it's perfect for getting the whole family involved.  

Buy now on Amazon

3. For a hugely popular strategy board game 

Ticket To Ride Europe Board Game, £32.68

If you are going stir crazy inside then Ticket to Europe will allow you to escape to the hillsides of Edinburgh or the streets of Constantinople. 

The second installment in the best selling Ticket to Ride series of train adventures, Ticket to Ride Europe is a strategy game that requires you to create routes on the board that score points. Collect cards to build trains that travel across turn-of-the-century Europe. Reach your destination before an opponent derails your cunning plans.

This edition does not require the original version but has plenty of new features fans of the original will love. With over 1,000 five-star reviews already on Amazon this is a worthy contender for your board game nights. 

Buy now on Amazon

4. To keep the kids entertained whatever the weather 

Gotrovo Scavenger Hunt Seek 'N' Build,  £12.95

If you are struggling to get your kids off the screens the Scavenger Hunt Seek 'N' Build is here to help. 

This indoor and outdoor scavenger hunt is ready to spark you child's imagination and get them up, active and problem solving. Aimed at kids aged 4 to 8, the scavenger hunt comes packed with over 80 clue cards, two color-in reusable scavenger bags, and a free printable activity pack with extra play ideas, clues, and activities.

What's more, it doesn't require any set up and you can be sure this will keep them occupied for hours at a time. 

Buy now on Amazon  

5. For a quick-moving board game in under 20 minutes  

Chameleon Board Game, £24.99

Think of yourself as a bit of a sleuth? Then we challenge you to the Chameleon Board Game. 

It's a game of social deduction and the object is simple, don't get caught! Everyone knows the secret word – except for the player with the Chameleon card. Use hidden codes, carefully chosen words, and a bit of finger pointing to track down the guilty player… 

Fun and fast paced enough to finish under 20 minutes, this is recommended for three to eight players and ages 14 and up.

Buy now on Waterstones  

6. For a trivia game with a twist 

What Came First, £19.99 

There is nothing worse then fighting over the rules of a board game. 

In this game you will be asked a simple question: What came first? Bet your chips on the side of the card you think is the oldest or ready your poker face and bluff your way through. With questions like 'what came first, sandwiches or the USA?' this is sure to get the little grey cells ticking and ensure lots of laughs along the way. 

The party trivia game is easy to learn and quick to play. It is recommended for two or more players and for ages ten and above. 

Buy now on Amazon  

7. For Monopoly but not as you know it 

Monopoly for Millennials Board Game, £22.10

No board game round-up would be complete without Monopoly.

While the original Monopoly is a classic, the chances are you have played it to tears or long enough to have seen plenty of fights break out. This new tongue-in-cheek version is sure to keep you entertained. 

Monopoly for Millennials has the same principle as the classic but with a key difference. Instead of money you collect 'experience points' by visiting such things as a music festival, a farmers' market or a vegetarian bistro. Rent is out and so are the classic counters; enter the hashtag and the camera.

Buy now on Amazon

8. For a comforting classic for the whole family 

The Game Of Life Game, £23.99 

The Game Of Life is a board game classic. 

Nostalgic for many, the latest version has plenty of updates to keep both new and old players entertained.

Easy to set up and quick to play, players choose a path and move their car tokens around the game board from Start to Retirement. Navigate your way around the board and decide on key moments from family, career and dream holidays. New to this edition is the very welcome introduction of adopting a pet! 

Buy now on House of Fraser 

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