Ten Games for a Family Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has always been a time for family. Whether you spend your holiday traveling or at home, there’s something wonderful about the reunion of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends each November. Once the meal had been served though, and the initial conversation exhausted, things can sometime run the risk of getting a little dull. When that happens there’s only one thing to do, break out the party games! Here are ten fun games for a family Thanksgiving.          

Just Dance
Platforms: Wii, Xbox 360, PS3
Number of Players: 4

Be sure to put several hours between this game and your last helping of stuffing. With dozens of songs to choose from, you and three other dancers can duel it out while rocking to your favorite playlists. The game’s colorful avatars will help guide players through the proper dance moves as you progress, making Just Dance an easy game for the experienced ballerina or those with two left feet. This game is a sure way to shed those holiday pounds and maybe get a few fun pictures of the family as well.             

Risk
Platforms: Board Game
Number of Players: 7+

If you have a large family and time to burn then Risk is the game for you. The game can seat up to seven players, and with an entire world to conquer, you’ll still be rolling the dice long after the pumpkin pie has been served. Risk is a good game for a family that just wants to relax. Its rules are pretty simple, and aside from the tactical elements it’s a fairly easy game to follow, a perfect choice for a family of casual gamers looking to fill the evening.          

Mario Party
Platforms: Wii
Number of Players: 4+

No one can throw a party quite like Nintendo’s portly plumber. Make your way around one of the game’s many levels, form alliances with other players or try to win solo, and whatever you do don’t land on the “Bowser” space. With a multitude of mini-games and the entire cast of the Mushroom Kingdom at your fingertips, your family should have no trouble filling your holiday evening with this classic party game.

Ticket to Ride
 Platforms: Board Game
Number of Players: 2-5

It’s a race to the finish, and no one has to take a step. In Ticket to Ride, five players attempt to traverse the United States using an intricate system of railroads. Players will get points for every city they visit, but stretch yourself too thin and you may end up losing points instead. With a nice mix of simple strategy and teamwork, Ticket to Ride is a great game for adults with older children.

Scene it?
Platforms: Xbox 360
Number of Players: 4

Does your family like movies? Do they quote their favorite films? If the answer is “yes”, then Scene It? for the Xbox 360 will have you hooked in no time. Once you and three other players have signed in, you’ll be treated to a series of puzzles, video clips, and trivia questions designed to test your blockbuster prowess. Be sure to stay on your toes though, the game features almost 250 of the most recent blockbusters, family favorites, and Hollywood classics.

Clue
Platforms: Board Game
Number of Players: 7

This Parker Brothers classic has recently been given a modern-day makeover for the contemporary sleuth. With new rooms, new weapons, and new background stories for the game’s dubious cast, players will start rumors and hunt for clues with in the infamous mansion to uncover who killed Mr. Body. If deduction is your sport of choice, then Clue will have your family on the case for hours. 

Mario Kart
Platforms: Wii, N64, SNES
Number of Players: 4+

Ever since its debut on the Super Nintendo, Mario Kart has solidified its place as one of the best racing games in history. A fun, friendly way to race your family, Mario Kart for the Wii offers a huge cast of playable race tracks, characters, and even the ability to race as your Mii avatar. If you’re feeling up to a real challenge you can even link up with racers around the globe for a more challenging game. Over all, Mario Kart is the perfect way for kids and adults to finish off a holiday evening.

Dixit
Platforms: Board Game
Number of Players: 3-6

For those who enjoy games a little more flavor, we recommend Dixit. In this colorful art game, creativity is just as important as strategy. You’ll be spending most of your time trying to find a picture to fit a specific description and then persuading your friends to vote for it. The twist, of course, is that no one knows which picture belongs which player. Points all depend on which painting you choose and how persuasive your argument, so choose wisely.      

Trivial Pursuit
Platforms: Wii, PS3, Xbox 360
Number of Players: 4+

Trivial Pursuithas always been the game of choice for individuals looking for a mental workout, but the counsel versions add a little flare that will make the competition all the more dynamic. Play the original version or, if your family is feeling adventurous, select one of the games special modes and compete for bragging rights. This Thanksgiving, if parents are looking for an educational game to enjoy with the family, Trivial Pursuit will fit the bill.                  

The Settlers of Catan
Platforms: Boardgame
Number of Players: 5+

The Settlers of Catan is an award-winning game where you and your opponents try to gain control over the rugged island of Catan. But how will you do it? Will you raise an army to challenge the other players, or will you focus your efforts on building new roadways? Perhaps you’ll build settlements and try to control the lands economy, the possibilities are endless. If you come from a more competitive family, it won’t take long for The Settlers of Catan to become a familiar sight.

*This Article First Published 11/14/2012

Photo Credit: © Getty Images/SeventyFour