Growing up, my family and I used to play games almost every night after dinner. There were countless Monopoly marathons, Uno matches that would rival competitive sports, and more than a few domino games that included ‘friendly wagers.’ And while admittedly, I needed a long break before I could eagerly jump back into the game night frenzy, as an adult, I’m happy to keep the tradition going. To help you do the same, I’ve rounded up my favorite game night games that are guaranteed to keep you laughing well into the night. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

The Best Game Night Games

Before you scroll through, here are a few tips to take game night from an obligatory commitment to something everyone will look forward to. I love making a special but stress-free meal (or putting together a varied spread of appetizers), popping open a bottle of wine, and setting the scene with a curated playlist that has something for everyone. 

Not one for competition? No worries. While you can certainly catch me *aggressively* engaging in all of the games below, when you get down to it, I’m simply happy to be surrounded by my favorite people without any screens among us. And, of course, we certainly don’t need excuses to make that happen. If we’ve learned anything from the past two years (and my goodness, we’ve certainly learned a lot), it’s this: Coming together, connecting, and offering up your presence alone is always enough.

But with that being said, after the greetings and hugs are given, it’s always good to have an activity or two that’ll help you further facilitate the fun. Whether you’re a player who’s all about strategy or someone who loves leaning into their luck, you’ll have your pick of all the best game night games below.

We’re Not Really Strangers

More and more games are coming out that are dedicated to inspiring thoughtful conversations. They allow you to go deep with other players, even if you’ve only just met. We’re Not Really Strangers is all of this and more (there’s a reason the game took social media by storm!).

Patchwork

In this game, crafting a full-blown, beautiful patchwork blanket is the goal. It’s great for players who moonlight as puzzle fanatics (so… everyone) and even lets you indulge in a little strategic thinking.

Werewolf: A Party Game for Devious People

You need at least seven people to play Werewolf, making it a great option for game night. Every player gets a character card (1 Moderator, 1 Seer, 1 Doctor, and 2 Werewolves) and the Werewolves work together to select a victim. Accusations and lies ensue—but don’t worry, it’s just a game.

Just One

While I love getting competitive, sometimes a cooperative game is more my speed. Just One is the perfect blend of Catch Phrase and Monikers (keep scrolling for those recs below). Players work together to give their teammates clues that help them guess the mystery words.

Cards Against Humanity

It’s not game night without the mother of all game night games. Cards Against Humanity is a ridiculous, adult-themed take on the card game Apples to Apples, and it’s quickly worked its way to the No. 1 best-selling spot in the toys and games department.

Monikers

When The New York Times calls something “The perfect party game,” you believe it. It’s simple to play. In three rounds, players give clues and try to get their team to guess as many of the names as possible from the deck. Round one: Say whatever you need to get your team to guess the name on each card (without, of course, using the name itself). Round two is a little more challenging. Using the same cards from the first round, you can only offer up one word as your hint. Round three? Charades, my friends.

Rat-A-Tat-Cat

If memory serves me correctly, I believe this easy, but strategic (and wildly fun) card game came into my life on my sixth birthday—and I’ve played at least a monthly round of Rat-A-Tat-Cat ever since. While it’s simple enough for young children to enjoy, there’s plenty of skill and intuition packed in. Each player is dealt four cards kept face-down. Cards are numbered one through nine, and with every turn, players draw a card from the deck trying to end up with the lowest score.

Mille Bornes

Whether it’s a reunion, holiday, or really any time my family finds ourselves together, you can bet we’ll be playing Mille Bornes. French for a thousand milestones, Mille Bornes is the classic, mid-century card game that has players racing head-to-head.

Hot Seat

Want to get to know your friends better? Then you have to play the Hot Seat card game, which will help you find out who your friends really are—you may even discover a few things you didn’t want to know!

Exploding Kittens

Admittedly, because of my proud cat lady status, I was initially turned off by the name. But because of Exploding Kittens’ popularity, the Russian Roulette-style game piqued my curiosity and found its way into my game night rotation. Contrary to what you might think, it’s a family-friendly option that’s fun for kids and adults alike. And while I love welcoming almost any game into my life, my patience wanes when I have to leaf through ten pages of instructions.

5 Second Rule

5 Second Rule is a simple, yet incredibly fun game where you are challenged to name three of whatever topic is on the card—sometimes you’ll be able to name them in three seconds and other times your mind will go completely blank!

Codenames

Only serious game players are allowed! There are two spymasters and each spymaster is trying to get their team to guess which word or picture cards are theirs by only saying one very strategic word.

Sorry!

I recently played this game on vacation and it was way more fun than I remembered (it helps that I kept winning!). Sorry! is proof that sometimes, the best games are the ones we loved but haven’t played since childhood. All the more reason to break out your favorite, classic game night games.

Catch Phrase

Catch Phrase is definitely an oldie, but a goodie. If you haven’t played, you try to get your teammates to guess the word or phrase that appears, but you can’t say any of the words on the screen.

Ticket to Ride

In this cross-country train adventure game, you and your friends will collect cards and grow your railway across America. If you can connect two cities and have the longest railway, you’re the winner. If you want your array of game night games to keep the party going all night long, this is a great pick to include.

Sleeping Queens

Some might write it off as being only for kids, but not a family holiday goes by without my sisters and I breaking out the Sleeping Queens box. The game is fast-moving and requires some quick thinking on every player’s part. The game ends when the player who wakes the most queens wins.

Bananagrams

Bananagrams is simple: build your own crossword with the tiles you’re dealt with, and the first player to complete their grid is the winner. Honestly, though, this is one of the few games where I forget all about the competition, rewrite the rules, (hey, it’s my game night), and throw the timer away. Instead, I love focusing on trying to use up the whole bag of letters and seeing all the creative combos people can come up with.

Scattergories

I. Love. Scattergories. End of story. It’s one of my favorite game night games for a reason. While Scattergories has been around for years, it never gets old. The classic, category-based game puts your creativity to the test. Each round only takes about three minutes to complete, so you can fill your game night full of Scattergories.

The Hygge Game

While this is less about competition and more a game meant to inspire meaningful conversations, it nonetheless gets to the heart of game night: connecting and coming together with family and friends.

Twister

Okay, everyone is familiar with this game since it’s been around since the ’60s, but we think it has been unjustly forgotten over time. The great thing about Twister is that it is just as appropriate at an eight-year-old birthday party as at a grown-up party. Because after all, the greatest game night games can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

What Do You Meme?

If memes crack you up, you’ll seriously love this game. Think Cards Against Humanity, but with meme captions as the playing cards to make the best photo/text combo.

Smart Ass

Was trivia night at your local bar the highlight of your week? Bring the fun home with Smart Ass, a game where you have to shout out the answer to each who, what, or where question first to win the round.

Cranium

This all-rounder game is played in teams and forces players to use different kinds of creative intelligence, hence the name. Teams try to complete tasks by doing all kinds of things—getting your teammates to guess what you’re making out of clay, solving a puzzle, acting out a scene, or spelling words backward, for example.

Carcassonne

Like Catan, but different (and IMO—better). With 2-5 players and a bit of strategy in your back pocket, your goal is to place tiles to construct the landscape around the medieval French city of Carcassonne. Build, create, and claim roads, fields, and monasteries with your followers to win the game. When it comes to the best game night games, you’ll want to be sure you have this one on hand.

This April 22nd, people all around the world will celebrate Earth Day. It’s a time to celebrate our precious planet, and consider how we can care for her better. Rooted in a legacy of environmental activism, this special day invites us to unite in honoring Mother Earth. Growing up in California, Earth Day was more than just a date on the calendar for me—it was woven into the fabric of my childhood and shaped by my mom’s deep reverence for nature. Now, as a parent, passing on these values to my own children feels like a sacred duty. If you’re wondering how to celebrate Earth Day with your little ones, join me on a journey filled with wonder, learning, and love for our planet.

Featured image from our interview with Roti Brown.

How to Celebrate Earth Day: 5 Ideas to Inspire a Meaningful Celebration

Historically, Earth Day has come and gone for many of us without an acknowledgment of its importance. Until climate change became a growing concern for society on a global level—much of this awareness due to shifting weather patterns and warmer temps—we were met with messages to use less, recycle more, and maybe volunteer to plant a tree. But thankfully, things are shifting, and we understand how closely planetary health and community wellness are tied. Many people feel this responsibility and want to pass down a respect for the Earth to their children.

That said, it can be hard to know how to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful, resonant way. For parents and caregivers looking for answers, I hope the following ideas spark inspiration and action.

Growing Gardens and Cultivating Connections

Planting a garden is more than just digging in the dirt. It’s a labor of love that yields countless rewards. My family has nurtured seeds into sprouts, tended to the soil with care, and celebrated in the bountiful mini harvests. Through this hands-on experience, my children have learned invaluable lessons about patience, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Whether it’s a backyard plot or a shared community garden, cultivating green spaces fosters not only a love for nature but also a sense of belonging and community spirit. Harlem Grown is a great book that speaks to the shared love of gardening.

Chasing Sunsets and Cherishing Moments

Few things rival the enchantment of a sunset. It’s a natural phenomenon and fleeting masterpiece that paints itself across the sky. Whether we’re nestled in a blanket at the park or strolling along the pier, witnessing the sun’s descent always fills us with wonder. Watching the golden hues dance across the horizon can be an opportunity to express gratitude. For the warmth on our bodies, the light it extends, and its fascinating movements. I remind my children of our planet’s beauty and fragility, nurturing a sense of love and awe for the natural world that surrounds us.

Coastal Clean-up and Bonding by the Water

There’s something magical about being near water. It’s soothing for the soul and brings families closer together. Recently, a parent organized a beach clean-up with my daughter’s school friends. We armed ourselves with grabbers, gloves, and trash bags. As we combed the shoreline, picking up litter and sharing stories, I witnessed firsthand the power of collective action and environmental education. Remember, you don’t need an ocean to make a difference. A local park or trail can serve as a canvas for teaching your children about the importance of conservation and community care.

Stargazing Adventures and Eco-Lessons

Picture this: a warm evening, a telescope poised for exploration, and eager little faces reflecting the awe of the cosmos. My children’s fascination with the planets and solar system, ignited by a recent eclipse, has opened the door to meaningful conversations about pollution and light pollution. Together, we’ve peered into the night sky, marveling at distant stars while discussing the importance of preserving our skies for future generations.

This Earth Day, grab a telescope, and let the wonders of the universe spark curiosity and environmental consciousness in your own little astronomers.

Reducing, Reusing, and Sparking Creativity

In a world dominated by consumption, teaching our children the importance of reducing waste and reusing resources is paramount. One of our favorite activities is reading This Is Not a Box. It’s a delightful book that ignites their imaginations and prompts them to see an everyday item in a new way. By encouraging creativity and resourcefulness, we not only minimize our environmental footprint but also cultivate a mindset of mindful consumption. It’s a gift I know will serve my children well throughout their lives.

The Takeaway

As Earth Day approaches, let’s seize the opportunity to celebrate our planet with our children. It’s a day where we can weave together moments of wonder, learning, and connection. Through stargazing adventures, coastal clean-ups, sunset chases, creative reuse projects, and gardening endeavors, we can instill in them a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to protecting it for generations to come. Let’s embark on a journey of love and stewardship, nurturing a brighter, greener future for all.

As someone who regularly tests recipes and also happens to live alone, I often find myself with the dilemma of having lots of extras. This isn’t a bad thing, of course. I’ve made friends with neighbors and always have treats to bring to the office. But sometimes, I just want to make something that’s not left hanging around my house for weeks. (When I developed this recipe a few months ago, I ate it every night for seven days straight.) I know I’m not alone in the struggle, so I’ve devised the ultimate small-batch banana nut muffins recipe. That’s right—these make a total of six muffins. You’re welcome.

The Case for Putting Nuts in Your Muffins

I’ve gone on record saying that I loathe nuts in my desserts. I don’t want walnuts in my brownies or chocolate chip cookies, butter pecan ice cream is a pass, and—hot take—I can’t handle a Snickers bar. The texture feels more like a nuisance than a way to enhance a treat. Maybe you’ll say I’m being extreme, but nuts are like land mines getting in the way of a fudgy brownie or fluffy cake.

The exception to this rule is putting the nuts on top of the dessert. Garnishing a cake with slivered almonds or a nutty crumble is my preferred method of utilizing nuts in baked goods. And that’s exactly what we’ve done here with this banana nut muffins recipe. We’re taking all the best parts of the banana nut muffin and adding a few tweaks to keep the texture and flavor top-notch.

Key Ingredients for these Banana Nut Muffins

• Pecans. Substitute with whatever you have on hand. Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives.
• Oats. Optional, but I like playing on the slightly nutty flavor of oats for the topping.
• Egg. Just one! Remember: small-batch.
• Greek yogurt. Yogurt adds moisture while also helping with the leavening. If you don’t usually have yogurt on hand, freeze yogurt in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a freezer-safe bag. Simply thaw and use as needed.
• Olive oil. Prioritize the good stuff in this recipe—you’ll taste it in these muffins.
• Tahini. A little untraditional, but I love the savory and slightly nutty flavor that complements this recipe’s sweeter ingredients.
• Maple syrup. I’m not a fan of super sweet treats, but maple syrup adds dimension.
• Miso. If you’ve caught on, I love using savory ingredients in my baking. A little miso lifts all the flavors.
• Banana. One banana is all you need. That random banana sitting on your counter? It’s the perfect contestant.
• Flour. All-purpose for these muffins.
• Baking Soda and Powder. Both keep these muffins light and fluffy.
• Salt. If you’re not salting your sweets, start yesterday.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg. These warming spices enhance the muffins’ flavor without overpowering the banana.
• Vanilla. Lately, I’ve considered vanilla optional in my recipes. (It can be so expensive!) Use it if you have it, but don’t fret if you don’t!

Tips for Making Banana Nut Muffins

A few tips and tricks to ensure success.

1. Let ingredients come to room temperature. This will drastically impact the final result.
2. Mash the banana on its own, then add to the wet ingredients. Not only does this ensure an even distribution in the batter, but it also brings out the banana’s moisture.
3. For bakery-style and domed muffins, fill your muffin tin to the top. I also recommend using parchment squares instead of regular liners as this will help create the rounded domed shape. This recipe works with regular muffin liners, but you might notice a bit more spreading on top of the muffin tin. Using large parchment squares also keeps the crumble in place.
4. Gently press the crumble into the top of the batter. This ensures that the crumble will stick to the muffin instead of falling off during baking.

How to Store and Freeze Leftovers

These banana nut muffins are incredibly easy to store. (That is, if you end up with leftovers at all!) After letting the muffins cool completely, wrap muffins individually in beeswax or plastic wrap, then place them into a larger freezer bag. To reheat, remove individual muffins from the freezer and keep them in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, unwrap and toss muffins in the oven to thaw at 350 F for a few minutes.

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