16 Top Party Board Games for Large & Small Groups

Pull out these must-have party board games that offer loads of fun competition and entertainment for large and small groups.

Parties can be a great time to break the ice and what better way to do this than with these top party board games for large and small gatherings.

From Charades to Apples to Apples, you can test the wits of your guests as never before. But better still, why not throw in some challenging questions, a lot of humor and plenty of laughs while you’re at it.

That’s why party games got started in the first place: to add to an already amazing celebration.

Even so, on the flip side, one has to admit that there are times when parties go flat because of a lack of entertainment. But not with these board games.

That’s why when you’re hosting a party it’s imperative to offer something for everyone. Besides, no one likes to be excluded from having fun. Right?

So go for the tried and true games tested by hosts of folks who really know how to have fun.

Still wondering which board games to have on hand?

Here are my top recommendations for the 16 must-have party board games for large (and small) crowds:

1. Apples to Apples

4-8 Players

Apples to Apples has won numerous award and is the perfect party game that creates lots of laughs. Engage your guests with this tempting game for crowds.

2. Wits and Wagers

4 or more Players

You can bet that this game will draw lots of giggles. With over 40 awards, Wits and Wagers will challenge even the most serious of bidders.

3. Codenames

2-8+ Players

In this raucous spy game, Codenames, players pit their wits against two rival spymasters who know the secret identities of 25 agents. Who will make contact with their agents first before the assassin gets them?

RELATED: 15 All-Time Top Family Game Night Board Games

4. Catch Phrase

4 or more Players

Can you guess the Catch Phrase! before the timer dings? This fast paced party board game moves quickly as players try to guess the word or phrase.

5. Family Charades

2 or more Players

Unbelievable there’s six games in one with Family Charades. Pick and choose the one best suited for your party guests and guess away! Also, the perfect generational game for ages 4+.

6. Jungle Speed

2-15 Players

If you’ve got great a steady hand and are observant, then you just might win in Jungle Speed. Using a wooden Totem, players try to snatch it lightening speed.

7. Farkle

2 or more Players

Farkle is a dice game that is also educational at the same time. But young and old be warned, winning could be as simple as the luck of the draw.

8. Teletrations

8 Players (Regular Game)/12 Players (Party Pack)

This modern day “telephone” party game, Telestrations, offers plenty of laughter and guessing, as party-goers try to figure out the meaning of an original drawing.

9. Spot It Party

2 to 8 Players

Spot It! is a lightning-fast game of skill and tenacity, challenging all players to use their observational skills before snatching the hand.

How to Play Spot It! (Video)

10. Exploding Kittens

2-9 Players

Exploding Kittens isn’t for the faint-hearted. Much like Russian roulette, players take one chance, one card, at a time to outwit their opponents and diffuse the kitten before it explodes.

11. Sagrada

1-4 Players

Antoni Gaudi would be pleased with this artistic game Sagrada, that offers budding artists-to-be the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind stained glass masterpieces with the roll of the dice.

12. Game for Fame

4-16 Players

Game For Fame pits team players against each other as they vie for fame and fortune with a pick of a Money Maker card. This family-inspired game will have players giggling with laughter!

13. Watch Ya Mouth – Family Edition

3-10 Players

This totally unique party game, Watch Ya Mouth, requires players wear cheek retractors while trying to spit out the phrases before the other team guesses it.

14. Spontuneous

4-10 Players

Spontuneous is a race against time for teams to blurt out the name of a given song. This multi-generational, award-winning game will have you singing a happy tune.

15. Reverse Charades

3+ Players

This game, Reverse Charades, is the classic game, but with a twist. Teams try to act out a clue for one person to guess. Soon to be a new family tradition!

16. 5 Second Rule

3 or more Players

Timing is of essence with this super-duper party game, 5 Second Rule. With only five seconds, players must name three things that relate to the topic picked. A favorite, fast-paced, family game.

As you can see, parties can become the event of the season with these fun and family-centered party board games for large groups.

For more amazing ideas for parties, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker’s Entertaining Section.