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Best Family Games Under $20

December 8, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

Check out these budget friendly family game night ideas.

Wondering what the best family games are???  Keep reading!

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE to play family board games.  I love the competition, I love the laughs, and I love spending an evening with my favorite people……but I also do not like to spend a lot of money.

Our little family has Family Game Night every Sunday evening.  I brought this tradition with me from my childhood and have loved sharing it with my children.  Family game night usually consists of some popcorn, fruit and snacks while playing a pile of games together.  The focus is having fun, laughing and enjoying time together.

I also love to get together with friends and family members for game nights.  The great things about games is that there is always something for everyone.  With hundreds and hundreds of games to choose from, every personality and preference can find a favorite game to play.

Games are easy to share with others, making it so cheap for everyone involved.  Think about it!  If everyone bought just one game, and then gets together to share the games, you get to enjoy multiple games for the price of one!  Frugal win!!

2023 family games - frugal board games for families

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Where to buy family games?

There are many different places to buy board games for families.  You can buy them on Amazon or at any store that sell toys.

My favorite place to buy games though are at thrift stores.  The game section is my first stop every time I go to my local thrift store.  Most times I don’t buy anything, but some times I find some great games for only a few dollars!

I have also seen used family games sold on Facebook Marketplace, so make sure to check there!

The Best Family Games Under $20

Here are a few of my recommendations of the best family games under $20.  You do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a fun game night with your family!

Strategy Games

Strategy games are my very favorite games to play!  I love being able to use my mind while playing!

Skull King

I honestly love every game made by Grandpa Beck and Skull King is at the top of that list!  It requires strategy, bidding, with a little mix of pirates and mermaids mixing things up.  This game is a fun to play over and over again!

 

CodeNames

Codenames is a very popular game, and for good reason.  To play this game you form two teams and use word association to try to get your teammates to guess which words you are thinking of.  It feels a little complicated when you first open the box, but it is actually really easy to learn.

The Chameleon

Another fun family game is The Chameleon.  It requires a small amount of strategy to track down the chameleon and win the game.  But it is very easy to learn and play!

 

Forbidden Island

We play Forbidden Island very regularly in our house.  Forbidden Island is a different than other games because you do not compete against each other, instead you work together on the same team to beat the game.  Together, as a team you try to “save” the island before it sinks.  It can get a little stressful, but I love when our little family is forced (encouraged???) to work together.

Forbidden Island Card Game

Kingdomino

Kingdomino is a fun strategy game for families.  This game is similar to dominos, where you are trying to connect certain tiles, but it has a fun twist and strategy to it as you try to build your kingdom.

 

  • Related:  Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

Party Games

If you are looking for some laugh out loud games for groups to play together, here are a few that we love.

Watch Ya Mouth

Watch Ya Mouth is such a fun party game.  It is impossible to play this game without laughing the entire time.  Promise.  It is probably one of the funniest games I have ever played.

Mad Gab

It’s easy for all ages to play Mad Gab.  The game play involves scrambled words that you sound out to try to guess the correct phrase.  It’s so funny to listen to your teammates trying to guess the phrase while they sound the words out over and over.

 

  • Related:  25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

 

Pit

Pit is fast paced, interactive, and loud.  The game works by trying to convince others to trade cards, or “crops” with you while they are trying to convince others to trade with them.  It is a race to be the first to collect all of your crops.  My kids love playing this game and it’s a great way to bring others out of their shell.  It is currently on sell for less than $15!

Telestrations

Telestrations is a mix between Pictionary and Telephone.  Everyone draws a word, then passes their drawing to the next person who guesses what you drew, this continues through everyone.  It’s so funny to see what the end product is and how the pictures change.

 

Easy to Play Games

If you are looking for some easy, quick games to learn and play here are a few of my favorites below!

Cover Your Assets

The game Cover your Assets is fast, easy to learn and seriously addicting.  It’s honestly one of my faves ever!  I’ve always loved money games and the ability to feel like a “quick millionaire.”  This is a great game for families!

Exploding Kittens

Kids love Exploding Kittens!  It’s simple to learn and so much fun to play.  The idea behind the game is so unique and original.  There is a little bit of strategy involved, but not necessary to enjoy the game.

Hedbandz

Our family loves to play Hedbandz!  It’s really easy for everyone to play and keeps you laughing!  To play this game everyone wears a headband with a clue card inserted.  You take turns asking each other yes or no questions to try to correctly guess the clue on your headband.

 

Anomia

Anomia is a fun group game and works well for all personalities, even those normally quiet will start shouting and laughing while playing.  You do need to be able to read, so it is geared towards older kids.  Anomia is small and compact which makes it easy to carry around on trips or over to someone’s home.

Everest Toys Anomia Card Game

Bananagrams

I absolutely love Bananagrams, or as my family likes to call it, Speed Scrabble.  It has the same strategy as scrabble, use your letter tiles to connect words together in a grid.  But, it is fast paced and has an extra element of stress (in a very good way).  If you are a fan of word games, you will love bananagrams!

Bananagrams Party Edition

Farkle

Farkle, or The Dice Game as I grew up calling it, is a game of luck and risk. The more you risk, the more lucky you might get.  It’s very easy to play, just simple rolling the dice and keeping score.  Farkle can turn into a lengthy game or played as a quick time filler.  Plus, it’s a great deal at less than $10!

Spot It

There is really no game like Spot It!  It is easy for all ages to play, has many different game play options, and each round goes quickly.  My kids can seriously play Spot It for hours!  We absolutely love it and I recommend it to everyone!

  • Related:  20 FREE or FRUGAL Family Christmas Traditions

Spot It!

Classic Games

Clue

Clue is a classic, and for good reason!  It’s a good old fashioned mystery game as you make guesses trying to guess who committed the crime.  My kids love getting to go from room to room and write their suspicious in their “clue notebook.”

Sequence

I grew up playing Sequence and it’s been fun to introduce it to my kids again.  It’s a very simple strategy games, easy enough for young kids to follow and enjoy playing.  The goal is to get your tiles all in a row on the game board.

Sequence Game

Qwirkle

Qwirkle is a game for all ages!  The game is played by matching tiles together based on shapes and colors.  It’s a fun game to play while visiting with your friends and passing time.

Taboo

You just can’t go wrong with Taboo!  It’s such a fun game where you try to get your teammates to guess the word on your card, but if you say one of the “no-no” words then you will get buzzed by the buzzer!  This has been a popular game for years for good reason!  You can get it for less than $20 on Amazon!

 

Enjoy your next family game night!

It is possible to buy games, enjoy a game night as a family without spending a lot of money!  I hope your family will enjoy a few of our game recommendations!

Pin For Future Reference:

Cheap family games - best games for families

best family games to play - family game night ideas

I hope you loved these family game night ideas of the best family games!

Get Out Pass: An Honest Review

February 4, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Here is my honest review of Get Out Pass; the app that makes family fun, budget friendly!

Well, it’s official!  I’ve been using the Get Out Pass app for over 6 months now, and do not have enough good things to say about it!  To be honest, I was a little hesitant when I first signed up for this subscription based activities app, but our entire family has been loving getting to enjoy activities we normally wouldn’t be able to afford, without having to pay for them each time we go!  I can’t wait to share this honest review of the Get Out Pass with you!

Sweet Frugal Life is an affiliate with Get Out Pass and this article contains affiliate codes.  I will be compensated from purchases made using the links/codes in this article.

get out pass review - Idaho Get Out Pass

What Is The Get Out Pass App?

The Get Out Pass is an app that gives you free access to multiple local venues after a one time low yearly fee.  This is the perfect way to explore activities around your community, without having to pay a lot of money.

How Does The Get Out Pass Work?

Using the Get Out Pass is so easy!  First, sign up for your pass online here.  Make sure to use my discount code:  SWEETFRUGALLIFE (code currently only available for Idaho, Utah, North California, North Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Washington and Colorado passes) to get a percentage off of your yearly pass.  Here’s an insiders hint:  my code will ALWAYS be cheaper then the websites sale price…..you’re welcome! 

You will sign up for your Get Out Pass based on your location.  For example, I live in Idaho, so I have the Idaho Get Out Pass.

After you are all signed up and paid your one time yearly fee, download the Get Out Pass app onto your phone and sign into your newly created account.  

Now, all you have left to do is browse the participating attractions available in your area and choose which one you want to visit!

Once you select a venue to visit, drive to that attraction and show the Get Out Pass app to the ticket attendant!

And that’s it!  The staff member will let you inside, free of charge!

*Make sure to read the fine print of each venue before attempting to redeem your pass.  Some attractions have specific days that they can be used and others can only be used a certain number of times throughout the year.

Who Is The Get Out Pass For?

The Get Out Pass is for everyone!  It’s perfect for:

  • Families on a budget
  • Couples needing new date night ideas
  • Someone who likes trying new things

I also highly recommend giving the pass as a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or just for fun!  How fun to give the gift of experiences!  They will love it!

What Locations Are Available?

Not all locations are available for the Get Out Pass.  Currently you can get a Get Out Pass in these areas:

  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Houston
  • Idaho
  • Indianapolis
  • Louisville
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Sacramento
  • San Antonio/Austin
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.

How Much Does The Get Out Pass Cost?

The yearly cost of Get Out Pass will vary based on your specific location, however most prices are between $50-$150 per person/per year.  Which, when you consider the amount of attractions available to you with the pass, this is a good deal!

When buying your pass be sure to use my coupon code: SWEETFRUGALLIFE (code currently only available for Idaho, Utah, North California, North Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Washington and Colorado passes) for 30% off your order.

What Attractions Are Included?

There are so many fun venues available to you with the Get Out Pass.  Our family has loved getting to try some new places that I normally wouldn’t spend money on.

Every location will have different venues, but here are a few that we get with the Idaho Get Out Pass:

  • Lagoon (YES!  Lagoon, an amusement park in Utah is on the Idaho Get Out Pass!)
  • Idaho Falls Chukars Baseball Game
  • Aquarium
  • Art Museum
  • Archery Range
  • Aquatic Center Swimming Pool
  • Zoo
  • Ice Skating Rink
  • Roller Skating
  • Axe Throwing
  • Escape Room
  • Round of Golf
  • Gravity Factory Trampoline Park
  • Rock Climbing Gym
  • Glow Golf
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Bowling
  • Hot Springs
  • Indoor Shooting Range

There really is something for EVERYONE!

Get Out Pass Pros:

There are so many things I love about my Get Out Pass, but here are a few of my favorites:

  • The app is SO user friendly and easy to use.
  • Getting to experience new places.
  • More quality time spent together with my family.
  • It’s budget friendly!  If I would pay for each of the activities separately it would cost so much more money then buying the subscription pass.

Get Out Pass Cons:

I promised an honest review, and I’m going to deliver.  Here are a couple of things that I don’t like about the Get Out Pass:

  • Not all attractions are available daily.  Many of the venues aren’t available for weekend use, which can make it difficult for my busy family at times, as we prefer weekends.
  • Some of the venues only allow you to use it for a short time.  Most of the attractions available let you in for the full experience.  But, I was disappointed to see that my local trampoline park only offered a free 15 minute jump session, when an hour long is the norm.  15 minutes is just not long enough to fully enjoy the experience.

In Summary

All in all the pros of the Get Out Pass highly outweigh the cons.  Our family has had the best time using our passes this year, and I can’t wait to renew them for next year!

Related Articles:

Free Things To Do In Salt Lake City

Best Family Games Under $20

25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

Don’t Forget To Pin This Article For Future Reference:

family activities for cheap - get out pass review

Review of the Idaho Get Out Pass.

 

Hello! I’m Melanie!

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