Getting the family together for a round of gaming can be highly rewarding, so it’s no wonder more parents than ever are exploring the possibility. 

But if you’re looking into this as a mum, which should you play? What will you and the kids enjoy?

That’s where this post can help. We look at some of the best online games for families that are cooperative, competitive, and ultimately bring the family together. 

Gartic Phone

Top of the list is Gartic Phone, which combines the principles of Telephone and Pictionary (if you’ve ever played those games). The basic idea is to write down prompts, then draw them and guess what’s meant over the phone. 

These days, there are plenty of free websites and private links you can use to start a game, whether you’re all at home or flung far across the world. What’s nice about this game is the sheer absurdity involved. It’s not about being serious or educational; it’s just having a laugh. 

Kahoot!

Kahoot is another game for families who love trivia. What makes it special is how you can create custom quizzes, allowing you to do them on a subject of your choosing or even using pre-made questions if you don’t want to cook up anything. 

Kahoot! is often free to play using apps or websites. You host a shared screen, and then everyone else hops onto their devices and uses their front-facing cameras. Just remember to ensure that your room is secure and that people can’t look in and spy on you while you’re playing. 

Kahoot is quite a different experience for most families, so it’s best for those who prefer to be experimental. The more you want to share knowledge and learn new things together as a family, the better. 

Online Monopoly

Playing Monopoly online is another option if you don’t have the physical board on your property. These days, there are all sorts of services that offer the game, often for free or a small premium.

These games mimic everything you’d find on the board. There are all the properties, a choice of pieces to move around, and even fancy graphics for houses and hotels. When someone lands on a rental spot, their cash is automatically deducted from the bank. 

Families love this game because of the strategy and rivalry involved. You have to think on your feet and make deals, but also accept when luck and fate just won’t go your way (like when you keep landing on Mayfair round after round). 

Online Pool

You could also try playing a pool game with your kids. These mimic conventional pool tables while allowing you to apply spin and power to your shots. The physics is often highly accurate, meaning breaks on these digital tables are similar to those on real ones. 

What’s nice about an online pool is that it doesn’t require you to spend a long time explaining all the rules. You simply smash the shot and get on with it. 

Many options are two-player, or you can set your child up against the computer–it’s your choice. After a round of scores, the app totals the scores. 

Minecraft

Another option is Minecraft, a game that exploded in popularity around 10 years ago. While it requires a steep learning curve, the ultimate results are always worth it because you can have so much fun. 

Think of this game as being the ultimate sandbox. Once you’re inside, you can do almost anything you want. The idea is to build, explore and survive in an ultra-blocky universe that you can bend to your will and do whatever you want inside. 

If you’re not sure about this game, start by watching professionals playing it online. This should give you a feeling of what’s involved and how it works. Be warned, though, once you go down the Minecraft rabbit hole with your kids, you may never get out. 

Skribbl.io

If you want a free version of the classic Pictionary, Skribbl.io is an option. The idea is to write down a word, draw it, and then let the other side try to guess it. 

What’s nice about Skribbl.io is the intelligence of the word suggestions. Often, the game asks players to draw things that are hard to say in pictorial form, which makes it all the more interesting. 

This game is ideal for creative families who like exercising their brains. While the art side of it can be chaotic, it’s also fun playing it on the computer, and it doesn’t require any physical paper or pens.