We as a family love to play board games together. There are some easy and not so mind numbing ones out there that the whole family can play. Family game night is a great way to spend quality time.

Board games help teach many social skills. I have noticed that my kids have learned how to wait their turn. I like the fact that it helps my kids learn to be gracious winners, and losers. Games teach some reading and counting skills, especially how to read and follow directions. Some require hand eye coordination. Others make you try to use strategy to stay in the game.

Most of the games (except Xbox 360) that I have listed are very affordable,  and offer hours of enjoyment.

This game is labeled for 8 and up, but my 5 year old can play it. It is small and portable. It is several strategy games in one. It uses magnets that look like rocks. Adults like to play this game too.

A twist on the traditional UNO card game. This edition has more action.   Recommended age is 7 and up.  My 5 year old can play this.  UNO is fun for any age.

This game gets played a lot at our house.  My husband loved to play the regular edition when he was a kid.  I unfortunately never learned to play.  The Monopoly Junior comes in several editions like Disney and Dinosaurs.  Recommended age is 5 to 8 years.  Adults like to play too.

There is the classic version.  There are several editions.  We have the Dora the Explorer Edition.  Age is 5 to 9 years.  I like to play it with the kids.  It's easy but not too boring.  It can get a little monotonous if you play with only two players.

My husband and son play with this most.  My daughter and I like to play the game Sing.  I am not a big fan of video games and I have to watch to make sure my kids don't play too long or too often.  

It's a classic.  Fun game for everyone.  There are several different editions such as Sponge Bob (we have the Sponge Bob edition).  For ages 8 to 15 my daughter is 5 and has no problem if she is playing with someone who is a good reader.

I like this game as it tests reading skills and memory. It is a really fun interactive game for the whole family. There are many different editions out there such as Disney and Twilight to name a few.  The game is a combination of board game and video game.  It is played by using the DVD player and remote while moving pieces around on a board.