Disconnect to Reconnect: Celebrating National No Phones at Home Day with Board Games

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, our phones often take center stage in our lives—sometimes at the expense of quality time with our loved ones. National No Phones at Home Day, which takes place each year on January 18, is a refreshing reminder to put our screens aside and rediscover the joy of being fully present with family and friends. And what better way to celebrate this day than by gathering around the table for a game night?

Board games offer an engaging, interactive, and screen-free way to connect, laugh, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re strategizing, solving puzzles, or simply rolling the dice, there’s something magical about the tactile and communal experience of gaming.

Here’s how to make the most of this special day:

1. Set the Scene
   Create a cozy and welcoming environment for your board game night. Dim the lights, light some candles, or even set up a theme based on the game you’ll be playing. A touch of nostalgia, like playing music or setting out comfort foods, can add to the charm.
2. Create a Phone-Free Zone
   Make it fun to stick to the theme! Designate a basket for everyone to drop their phones into as they arrive and offer a playful incentive for staying offline. For example, the first person to reach for their phone might have to do the dishes or bring snacks next time.
3. Snacks and Refreshments
   No game night is complete without a spread of snacks. Finger foods like popcorn, chips and dips, sliders, or even a DIY taco bar will keep everyone fueled for hours of fun. For an added touch, whip up a special “mocktail” or themed drink inspired by your favorite board game.
4. Pick the Perfect Game
   The choice of games can make or break the night. Here are a few suggestions based on your group:

For Families – the Classics

Ticket to Ride
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes

Build your tracks across the United States in Ticket to Ride, a fast-paced strategic board game. In every game, players must compete for train cards, which in turn allow them to run their trains between iconic American cities. Earn points for every completed route, but don’t forget to plan for the future: ticket cards can award more points if the two cities shown on the ticket are connected.

CATAN
Age: 10+ / Players: 3-4 / Duration: 60-120 minutes

Set upon an untamed island and immediately begin the race against one another to be the most successful settler. Embark on a quest to settle the isle of Catan. Guide your settlers to victory by clever trading and cunning development. Use resource combinations to buy handy development cards and build roads, settlements, and cities. Acquire your resources through trades, cards, or lucky dice. But beware! Someone might cut off your road and you never know when the robber might steal some of your precious gains!

Carcassonne
Age: 7+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: 45-60 minutes

Set in the city by the same name, Carcassonne is a tile-placement game in which the players draw and place a tile with a piece of southern French landscape on it.

With its easy-to-learn rules, beautifully illustrated tiles, and iconic components (meeples), this modern classic is sure you please the whole family, without tiring anyone out.

For Friends Who Love Strategy

Azul
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: 30-45 minutes

Azul challenges you to decorate the Royal Palace of Evora with beautiful ornamental tiles. You can score extra points by creating specific patterns or completing sets. But you can also lose them by wasting tiles. Fittingly, the player with the most points wins!

7 Wonders – Architects
Age: 8+ / Players: 2-7 / Duration: 15-30 minutes

Build a Wonder of the Ancient World in a fast and accessible game for the entire family!

In 7 Wonders – Architects, a fast & dynamic strategy game, you are building one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world to leave your mark in history. With the high quality and practical components included, will you be the one to create the most memorable and beautiful wonder that will leave the world in awe for centuries to come?

Splendor
Age: 10+ / Players: 2-4 / Duration: 30-45 minutes

Splendor is a fast, elegant, and intuitive game in which players compete to build Renaissance Europe’s most lucrative and prestigious jewelry business. Collect jewels and vie for control of gem mines, trade routes and storefronts to attract the attention of Nobles. Accumulate victory points as you race towards prestige and glory.

For a Quick Laugh

Exploding Kittens
Age: 7+ / Players: 2-5 / Duration: <15 minutes

Exploding Kittens is a kitty powered version of Russian Roulette. Players draw cards until somebody draws an Exploding Kitten, at which point they explode and are out of the game. To avoid exploding, they can defuse the kitten with a laser pointer or catnip sandwich OR use powerful action cards to move or avoid the Exploding Kitten. Betray your friends. Try not to explode. The last player left alive wins.

Spot It! Classic
Age: 6+ / Players: 2-8 / Duration: <15 minutes

Test your observational skills and hone your reflexes with the award-winning gameplay of Spot it! Classic, a game of lightning-fast choices.

Just One
Age: 8+ / Players: 3-7 / Duration: 15-30 minutes

Just One is a cooperative party game in which you play together to discover as many mystery words as possible. Find the best clue to help your teammate. Be unique, as all identical clues will be cancelled!

National No Phones at Home Day is about more than just unplugging—it’s about reconnecting with the people who matter most. Board games provide the perfect platform for storytelling, teamwork, and good-natured competition. By stepping away from our screens, we open the door to meaningful conversations and memories that will outlast any viral video or trending hashtag.

So, this year, celebrate the power of connection and fun on National No Phones at Home Day. Dust off your favorite board games, rally your crew, and let the good times roll—literally!

Liked these games? Find out where you can find them, here.