For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast,…

The trick to a family game night that does not fall apart is picking games that work across ages. Younger children lose interest when a game runs too long, and older players switch off when the rules are too thin. A mix of one quick game, one party game and one slightly longer game usually keeps everyone at the table without anyone getting bored or overwhelmed.

For a hand-picked selection of Christmas games and stocking-filler puzzles for every age, browse the seasonal range at brain games for adults.

For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast, browse the travel-friendly games chosen by brain teaser puzzles.

These games are a good pick if you want screen-free play that travels well and does not need a long rulebook. You can compare the full Genius line-up and read how each version plays shop at Happy Puzzle escape room puzzle games.

Fast games are the backbone of the evening. Card and tile games such as Flip 7 and Mobi play in a few minutes, so a child who loses a round is straight back in for the next one. Dexterity and throwing games like Tossit get everyone up and moving, which helps if the little ones have been sitting still for a while. These are all available from The Happy Puzzle Company alongside its own titles.

Playing time is worth checking before you start. Many escape games run for around an hour to ninety minutes, so it helps to set aside a clear evening rather than squeezing one in. Some are single-use, where you mark or fold the components as you go, while others can be reset and passed on to friends once you have finished, which is handy if you want to share the fun.