From time immemorial, board games have been wonderful entertainment for children and families. Though fun any time or place, they are perfect for a humid summer day when school is out and everyone is hiding from the heat. Whether players are children, adults, or both, check out one of these games and see if you can master some friendly family rivalry.

Sweeping all the board game awards when it came out in 2017, Kingdomino is a fast-paced, exciting game about creating and building up kingdoms with cards and tiles. Set up your domino tiles to optimize your land, place your castles on the perfect locations, and play again and again until you get it right. Who says royal scheming is just for historians?

Hey, That’s My Fish is about a subject we can all relate to- being a penguin and stealing another penguin’s fish! A small group of players navigate hexes to snatch up their food, and plot to block other players from going their same way.  Be careful not to get stuck on a single disconnected block of ice or you’ll be removed from play! It’s a long swim back home for a disconnected penguin.

Agricola is a clever and popular eurogame, and Agricola: Family Edition is no different. You can play all by yourself or with a group, using strategic thinking to build up your farm and family.  Players control both a farmer and their spouse working hard for their livelihoods, placing workers and growing their resources in the best way available. Don’t be afraid to introduce children to strategy this way- it’s easy to pick up and very accessible.

If you want more active, dextrous fun, have you considered knocking down soldiers with catapults?  Whether the box is called Catapult Feud or the renamed Catapult Kingdom, it’s absolutely the two-player game you’re looking for.  Take your rounds to set up your attacks- then ready, aim, fire!  And of course, use that dexterity to avoid flying toys yourself.

If your ideal medieval two-player game is a bit less violent, try Fairy Tale Inn.  The players are rival innkeepers seeking to give fairy tale characters pleasant stays (or happy in their fiendish ways!)  Figure out ways to make them happy and trigger their abilities and you’ll earn a whole lot of gold.  Place your visitors carefully, and always be ready for trouble!

We wish you a happy time playing all of these games with your family and friends! Who knows, you may create a few lifelong board game fans!

By: Mira G.

Edited By: Irenee W.