One thing that never gets old with board games and puzzles is their ability to help you unwind and reconnect with loved ones. And now that we're all quarantined indoors, it's the best time to brush up on your gaming skills and have some good old-fashioned family fun. We love this list because you won't find the traditional games like Monopoly, Candyland or Scattergories—instead, new(ish) games that force you to put on your thinking cap and puzzles that are downright gorgeous.
Here are the best family games + puzzles to try at home while you're quarantine indoors:
Highlights that's silly zoo animals puzzle
Toddlers will enjoy exploring the world of animals with nine jumbo, interchangeable puzzle pieces. Let them have fun while promoting problem solving skills and building vocabulary.
Ages: 2+
Magna-Tiles eric carle brown bear, brown bear
World of Eric Carle and Magna-Tiles have come together for the ultimate STEAM learning experience. Watch kids learn names of animals and colors on mirrored tiles with specific learning outcomes.
Ages: 3+
BIC color your own puzzle
Does designing with bright gel pens, or penning letters with smooth mechanical pencils appeal to you or your little one? Children of all ages (including you, mama) can express their creativity while creating their own puzzle in geometric designs.
Ages: 3+
Plus-Plus picture puzzles
With 60 pieces and seven challenge cards, little tykes will learn to solve each puzzle using the "challenge" side of the card and then discover the solution on the reverse side. It's great for developing problem-solving skills.
Ages: 3-7
HABA floppy ears game
Ready for tons of laughs? Watch your children learn the importance of memorization as they compete to remember which floppy cards are on which ear.
Ages: 5+
HABA rhino hero game
Kids will enjoy helping rhino grab slime balls and balance them on their superhero capes, transporting them back to their hero headquarters.
Ages: 5+
Can't Catch Harry card game
Fans of the popular YouTube channel The Odd 1s Out will be eager to catch Harry before he and his friends are pulled into the lull of the lamp (bug zapper). Play it smart and try to collect certain combinations of cards to get an edge in the game.
Ages: 6+
Nathan + Co. puzzle
Celebrate that all men and women are created equal and deserve to be heard by putting together this puzzle that showcases the strong women who raised their voices during the suffrage movement.
Ages: 10+
Game of phones card game
All you need for a night of fun is your phone. Respond to challenges by finding things like messages or photos on your smartphone, or taking selfies with the camera. It's also the perfect ice breaker for large crowds.
Ages: 13+
Jiggy puzzle
When Kaylin discovered putting puzzles together was an outlet to de-stress, she noticed most of the designs were "outdated and well, lame," she says. Shortly after she began crafting puzzles from the artwork of female artists and JIGGY was born. We love this puzzle that highlights the work of Diana Ejaita, an illustrator inspired by central African culture.
Ages: 13+
The Office: Downsizing board game
Missing your real life office? Try this game that allows players to role play their favorite office characters. There's even a dundie award—may the best player win!
Ages: 16+
Hypothetically Fun card game
Players will have much fun imagining a possibility rather than reality with this open ended card game that covers five different topics including: silly, you, history, ponder and imagination.
Ages: 17+