Your 2025 Summer Gaming Adventure Guide
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I’m so excited that it’s finally time for this year’s Summer Gaming Adventure! Since I began our blog, I’ve dreamed about having a special program, much like the summer reading programs my kids participate in at our local libraries, all themed all around the play, connection, and fun that comes from games in all their forms.
There is so much to discover from exciting tabletop games, to fun outdoor games played in the backyard, to crafty experiences that all stem from the world of gaming and we want to encourage you to experience as much of it as you can!
The summer is also a great time to recenter yourself and use this season as a way to create family habits centered around coming together for the kind of fun that builds lasting memories.
To help you, we’ve created this guide of resources you can use to not only complete your badges, but find new games and activities your family will love.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to play and connect with your loved ones and have your best summer yet!
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Tried and True Family Games
Great games to start with — these are collection essentials we recommend to everyone!
Familiar with the above? Try these Board Games like Ticket to Ride and more!
See more of our favorite board games for new players here.
Cooperative Games
Tried and True Cooperative Board Games we recommend if you’re not sure where to begin!
Cooperative games for Kids
Cooperative games for Families
Try something new — Our top starter games in new genres
Worker placement – A must try for the strategists!
Deck Building – Strategize your way to a powerful deck!
Trick Taking – Classic card lovers, this one’s for you!
Drafting – often strategic and cozy
Battle + Area Control – Go head to head in these tactical, war-like games
Real-Time – Race against the clock in these heart pumping games!
Solo Games
Outdoor Games for the Lawn or Pool
Lawn Games
Pool Games
More games for the pool and beach!
For Hosting Game Night
Party Games for any group!
More Party Games for large groups.
Tips for Hosting a Board Game Night
Travel Favorites
Paper and Pen Games
Dice Games You Can Play Right Now
Road Trip Favorites
Games Based on Books
Find a game based on your favorite book!
Harry Potter games we love
Interactive Storybook games
Virtual Board Games – Play Online
We love to play board games online! We’ll frequently meet up with friends and family to play on Board Game Arena. You can play a huge variety of popular, modern board games with built-in rules enforcement and tutorials to make learning easier.
You can play many games for free and can access the full catalog of games plus many more features with a premium membership.
Sign up and create your account and maybe we’ll see you around the tables!
Paper and Pen Games
Play these free, easy to learn games where all you need is a piece of paper, a pen, and a friend!
Free Dice Games
Learn easy and addictive dice games where the only thing you need is a handful of dice!
Paint and Customize Your Games
Give painting miniatures a try this summer! A great activity for all ages and skill levels and a fun way to customize your board games!
