Taking the Screens Out of Sleepovers: How to Bring Board Games Back to Playdates

Board Game Review Team
October 14, 2025

🎮 The Sleepover Dilemma

You know how it goes. The sleeping bags hit the floor, the pizza’s delivered, and within minutes—controllers click, eyes glaze, and conversation fades into the glow of a shared screen.

Video games have become the default for sleepovers and playdates, but they don’t have to be. Board games can bring the laughter, cooperation, and real-world connection back into those late-night hangouts.

And no, you don’t have to ban video games completely—just give kids something better to do.

🧩 Step 1: Make the Transition Fun, Not Forced

Kids can sniff out “educational fun” a mile away. The trick is to sneak in the joy before they notice they’re off-screen.

Start with energy. Don’t open the night with the game. Let the kids burn off energy first—snacks, silly conversation, maybe a backyard challenge.
Pitch it as a challenge. “Can you beat me at this?” works better than “Let’s try a board game.”
Use fast games. The first round should be short (10–15 minutes). Momentum matters.

Pro Tip: Always choose the first game yourself, but let the kids pick the next one.

🧠 Step 2: Choose Games That Hook Instantly

Pick games with easy rules, lots of interaction, and quick payoffs.
Think fun first, structure later.

Age Group	Great Starter Games	Why They Work
6–9	UNO, Sushi Go!, Outfoxed!, Spot It!	Quick turns and instant laughs
9–12	Codenames: Pictures, Ticket to Ride: First Journey, Qwirkle	Feels “grown-up” but easy to teach
12+	Catan, Exploding Kittens, Just One, Wavelength	Competitive without being cutthroat

Bonus: Cooperative games like Forbidden Island or The Crew encourage teamwork over tantrums.

🪄 Step 3: Make It Feel Special

Kids love rituals. Give game night a sense of occasion:

Decorate the table. Add a small light or themed snacks. (Example: candy “train tickets” for Ticket to Ride.)
Use a scorecard or trophy. A simple “Champion of the Night” paper crown works wonders.
Play for silly stakes. The winner chooses the next breakfast cereal or sleepover movie.

Even older kids respond to a little bit of ceremony—it turns a simple game into an event.

🧒 Step 4: Teach the Classics Like a Pro

Many kids have never played games their parents grew up with. That’s an opportunity to teach—and connect.

Start with these timeless picks:

Clue — deduction and logic
Monopoly Deal — faster, modern twist on the classic
Scrabble — great for wordplay and creativity
Yahtzee — simple math, satisfying rolls
Guess Who? — perfect for younger kids learning deduction

Teaching Tips:

Show one round—don’t explain everything upfront.
Play open-handed for a few turns so new players can see strategy in action.
Celebrate smart moves out loud to encourage engagement.

🍿 Step 5: Snacks, Music, and Mood

No kid will remember the rulebook, but they’ll remember how it felt.

Keep snacks bite-size and dry (pretzels, popcorn, grapes, chocolate chips).
Use upbeat background music—nothing too loud.
Let them help “run” the night—assign one as scorekeeper or DJ.

Money-saving tip: Make it BYOS—“Bring Your Own Snack.” Kids love showing off their favorites, and you save $20.

💡 Step 6: Ease Off the Screen Time Without a Fight

Don’t make it “no video games allowed.” Instead:

Promise video games after one board game.
Choose hybrid games with apps (Chronicles of Crime, Stop Thief!) to bridge the gap.
Or go full “retro” night—introduce board games alongside old-school snacks and movies.

Once kids start laughing together across a table, screens fade into the background naturally.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Taking the video games out of playdates isn’t about control—it’s about connection.

When you swap controllers for conversation, you teach kids to share, compete fairly, and make memories that don’t vanish when the console shuts down.

So clear the table, deal the cards, and let the giggles begin.
That’s the kind of “level up” every family needs.