Growing up, we were a canasta family. Almost every evening I can remember, my parents were sitting down at the table and unwinding by playing a few rounds of their favorite card game. As my sister and I got older, we would join and argue with who would get Mom on their team (sorry Dad, I still love you!)

We weren't forced to play, and yes we had TV and video games to keep us occupied, but there was something about my parents having a ritual that my sister and I wanted to be a part of.

And sure, screen free time sounds simple until you try to make it happen on a random Tuesday, after soccer practice, and the best from Marie Calendar.

Everyone is tired. The day got away from you. You want something that feels fun and engages the entire family without doom scrolling separately on the couch. That’s why board games have become my go to screen free activity.

A good board game gives you a shared thing to do together, with a clear start and a clear finish. You sit down, you laugh, you socialize. It fits into real life.

Board games create something we all want more of, conversation. And the game does the heavy lifting. It invites reactions, tiny celebrations, playful groans, and that classic “one more round” we all know too well.

And for families, that matters. Kids get time with adults that feel focused and not forced. Adults get a break that still feels engaging. Everyone gets to be part of the same moment, even if you are all bringing different attention spans to the table.

Games can teach young children important life skills like spatial awareness, cooperation, planning, consequences, and risk/reward. They're also bonding with you as a parent without really knowing it, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And for us Adults, it's not much different. Whether you're a couple on a date night or a group of friends unwinding after a long day, boardgames give everyone an excuse to unwind and socialize. 

If you are trying to make screen free time stick, lead by example and make it a habit. Don’t force it on your significant other, friends or kids. Since board games are one of the few activities that can be repeated regularly without feeling stale, especially when you keep the rules light and the playtime short, give it a try.

If you're looking for a place to start, I'd suggest reading our 5 Go To Games We Keep Coming Back To.