If your household is anything at all like ours, the kids are spending a lot of time on video games, TikTok, FaceTime and Zoom hangouts these days. Obviously we get the need for extra screen time. The kids miss their pals, and we want them to stay connected to classmates and buddies as best they can. But to help break up the monotony of the virtual hangout situation at hand, we’re suggesting some good old-fashioned classic board games as a way to mix up their social time.
Sure, they can play the actual board games with you in the house, but through apps and online versions, they can play with friends and family far and wide — and let you sit this one out if you wish. Maybe sinking Grandpa’s battleship might add some excitement to a family Zoom session. Maybe the big kids can play a long game of Monopoly with pals while you enjoy some uninterrupted moments to get work done around the house.
Online Board Games to Play with Friends
— Together
Players: 2
App Price: Free trial, subscription options required after 3 free calls
Together is a video calling app specifically designed for younger kids to play games and read stories with family members and friends while they chat and see each other’s faces on the screen. With Together, a grandmother can read a bedtime story to her granddaughter or kids can play a selection of simple games like memory, bingo, checkers, chess, connect four, or even draw pictures together.
— Battleship
Players: 2
App Price: $3.99
Ah, the classic! We love this one because you can play it TWO WAYS! First, if you have the board game and know a friend who has it at their house, you can each play with a physical set-up while chatting over Zoom or Google Hangouts, etc. Second, if you don’t have the boxed game, no problem. You can download the app and play an online version.
— UNO
Players: 2-4
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Of course UNO is a favorite family-friendly card game, and the app version offers new challenges tournaments and adventures in addition to “classic mode”. The game also comes with text and talk functions so you can speak to each other through the app while you’re playing.
— Monopoly
Players: 2-4
App Price: $3.99
You finally have time to finish a Monopoly game! For just $3.99 and a quick app download, this version lets you recreate the game online with friends located in other places.
— Clue
Players: 1-6
App Price: $3.99
The classic mystery game still asks players to guess: “Was it Miss Scarlet in the library with the candlestick? or Professor Plum in the ballroom with a rope?” Create a private multiplayer game with your family or friends.
— The Game of Life
Players: 2-4
App Price: $2.99
Watch as board piece characters come to life and make their way through the various stages of life — attending college, getting a job, buying a house — on this interactive game that’s fun for the whole family.
— Scrabble GO
Players: 2-4
App Price: Free with in-app purchases
The board game Scrabble has been around for more than 80 years, you can now play this new version remotely with friends.
— Ticket to Ride – Train Game
Players: 2-5
App Price: $6.99
Our kids are big fans of this railway game where you have to link up your cities to reach your destinations. In this strategy game for all ages, you can try out different tactics, block your competitors’ lines and take over routes before the others do.
— Risk: Global Domination
Players: 2-6
App Price: Free for Classic game, in-app purchases for upgrades
Everybody wants to rule the world! Now you can play the classic Hasbro game on mobile and PC.
— Catan Classic
Players: 3-4
App Price: $4.99
Build roads and cities, trade skillfully, and become ruler over Catan! This app-version of the legendary strategy game provides gaming fun anytime, anywhere.
More Fun Games to Check Out:
To purchase boxed board games, check out the curbside pickup options at these local retailers:
