12 Best 3 Player Board Games 2023 – Review & Buying Guide

Kill your boredom and spend quality time with friends and family with one of these 12 best 3 player board games.

Board games offer quick amusement and family time if you need a break from the monotony of life. Board games are thrilling, activate happy hormones, and kill boredom. Besides, these games bring families together and allow you to play as a team. Not only that, you can invite your friends over a long session of the game to feel refreshed.

Amazon's Choice
Ticket to Ride Board Game | Family Board Game | Board Game for Adults and Family | Train Game | Ages 8+ | For 2 to 5 players | Average Playtime 30-60 minutes | Made by Days of Wonder
Editor's Pick
BLUE ORANGE GAMES Photosynthesis Board Game - Award Winning Family or Adult Strategy Board Game for 2 to 4 Players. Recommended for Ages 8 & Up.
Good Choice
Catan (Base Game) Adventure Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 10+ | for 3 to 4 Players | Average Playtime 60 Minutes | Made by Catan Studio
Also Consider
Agricola (Revised Edition) | Strategy Game | Farming Game for Adults and Teens | Advanced Board Game | Ages 12+ | 1-4 Players | Average Playtime 90 Minutes | Made by Lookout Games
Ticket to Ride Board Game | Family Board Game | Board Game for Adults and Family | Train Game | Ages 8+ | For 2 to 5 players | Average Playtime 30-60 minutes | Made by Days of Wonder
BLUE ORANGE GAMES Photosynthesis Board Game - Award Winning Family or Adult Strategy Board Game for 2 to 4 Players. Recommended for Ages 8 & Up.
Catan (Base Game) Adventure Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 10+ | for 3 to 4 Players | Average Playtime 60 Minutes | Made by Catan Studio
Agricola (Revised Edition) | Strategy Game | Farming Game for Adults and Teens | Advanced Board Game | Ages 12+ | 1-4 Players | Average Playtime 90 Minutes | Made by Lookout Games
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Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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Amazon's Choice
Ticket to Ride Board Game | Family Board Game | Board Game for Adults and Family | Train Game | Ages 8+ | For 2 to 5 players | Average Playtime 30-60 minutes | Made by Days of Wonder
Ticket to Ride Board Game | Family Board Game | Board Game for Adults and Family | Train Game | Ages 8+ | For 2 to 5 players | Average Playtime 30-60 minutes | Made by Days of Wonder
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Amazon Prime
Editor's Pick
BLUE ORANGE GAMES Photosynthesis Board Game - Award Winning Family or Adult Strategy Board Game for 2 to 4 Players. Recommended for Ages 8 & Up.
BLUE ORANGE GAMES Photosynthesis Board Game - Award Winning Family or Adult Strategy Board Game for 2 to 4 Players. Recommended for Ages 8 & Up.
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Amazon Prime
Good Choice
Catan (Base Game) Adventure Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 10+ | for 3 to 4 Players | Average Playtime 60 Minutes | Made by Catan Studio
Catan (Base Game) Adventure Board Game for Adults and Family | Ages 10+ | for 3 to 4 Players | Average Playtime 60 Minutes | Made by Catan Studio
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Amazon Prime
Also Consider
Agricola (Revised Edition) | Strategy Game | Farming Game for Adults and Teens | Advanced Board Game | Ages 12+ | 1-4 Players | Average Playtime 90 Minutes | Made by Lookout Games
Agricola (Revised Edition) | Strategy Game | Farming Game for Adults and Teens | Advanced Board Game | Ages 12+ | 1-4 Players | Average Playtime 90 Minutes | Made by Lookout Games
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Board games are also effective in boosting your intellectual level due to the different strategies required to play the games. These games come for all age groups, from kids to teens to adults; you will find games appropriate for different age groups. Let us look at the 12 best 3 player board games and how you can play them.

 3 Player Board Games Top Picks

1. Original SEQUENCE Game – Game For Three Players

Original SEQUENCE Game

 

To have a fun and captivating time with your family, get this amazing board game to bring all the friends and family members closer. This is basically a strategic game where you have to make a sequence of chips. It is affordable and consists of two folding boards, cards, and chips. It also comes with a game playing guide which makes it easy to understand for first-time players.

This game is a mixture of board and card games which you can play as teams or individual players. You have to play cards and make a sequence of 5 cards for which you have to place one chip in its specific place. You win the game by completing a sequence of 5 diagonals, rows, or columns until you reach the score that is set for you.

The sequence game also comes with eight jacks that serve as wild cards and anti-wild cards. To win this game, you need to wisely choose the gaming strategy which will allow you to reach the sequence as early as possible. You can play this game with your friends, families and many more to have an amusing time out of boredom.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Board and card games combine
  • It comes with a manual
  • Good for your brain functioning
  • It can be played by kids
Cons
  • Not as durable as it should be
  • You may lose some parts of the game quickly

 

Overall, this is an incredible board game that you can play as a team or individually. It allows for a nice escape from the daily grind of life. This board game is a mixture of card and board games. You require strategies to apply to your game to win it. Lastly, it comes with an easy-to-understand guide allowing you to understand the working of the game conveniently.

2. Catan Board Game – 3 Person Board Games

Catan Board Game

 

If you are into building empires and civilizations and are drawn towards discoveries and history, then this board game will be your best friend. This board game will take you to the old times where civilizations, discoveries, and many other inventions were taking foot. It is a three-player game in which all the players are battling for power, making societies, and much more.

This game is called Catan because it makes a Catan island by placing hexagonal tiles on a large hexagonal board. These tiles consist of forests, deserts, islands, houses, mountains, and much more. The game’s strategy is that you start by placing the small hexagonal tiles in the empty spaces on the large board to start the civilization. It’s like you are starting your own settlement as people did in golden times.

Now, the small hexagons consist of numbers; now, each settler is meant to roll the dice; the number of the dice stands for resources. The number of the dice determines which hexagon number takes the resources. The resources include roads, bricks, grain fields, pastures, and much more. The more resources you get, the better you as a settler flourishes in the game.

For instance, if you get roads, pastures, and fields, that means your property is expanding, which helps you build a civilization. This board game also includes trading with your opponents, which helps you make wise decisions in real life. It’s a perfect 3 player board game that helps your train for good decision making. This game is designed for ages 10 and older, and it takes a total of 1 hour to complete the game. The winner of the game is the one with more points.

Pros
  • Instill good decision-making capabilities in individual
  • 3 player board game
  • It doesn’t take a very long time to end
  • Durable board and tiles will last long
Cons
  • Difficult to master
  • some people reported damaged components

 

Overall, this is one of the best 3 player board games as it is extremely satisfying and thrilling to play. 3 or more players can play this game and bring all the family members to close together. Additionally, this board game is for ages 10 and onwards, so you can say it is pretty inclusive. Lastly, this board game increases your decision-making capabilities which is incredible.

3. Scrabble Game – 3 Player Tabletop Games

Scrabble Game

 

We are sure everyone is well aware of this game since we all have played it in our childhood and even now as it is extremely satisfying. We love this game because it increases your intellectual capacity and vocabulary, as all it includes is making new words. This game is decades old and still never goes out of trend because many psychologists encourage parents to purchase this game for their kids.

It comes with one board and 100 letter tiles with which you make the words. Besides that, you also get four tile racks, a bag for the tiles, and a guide that tells you the rules and instructions about the game. This game can be played by 2, 3, or more players. You can even play the game as a team. Rest assured that all the parts of this game are made with high-quality material and are safe to use.

Now, all the players must take out letter tiles from the bag, whosoever gets the alphabet A or any alphabet close to A gets to make the first word. After that, all the players will make a new word from the alphabet of the first word. Every letter has points, so you will need to note down all the points on paper. Who has the most points is the winner of the game. You can apply different strategies in the game.

Pros
  • Durable board and tiles
  • Simple and straightforward
  • All age groups can play it
  • Increases your vocabulary
Cons
  • This isn’t designed for special needs people
  • Some people complained some alphabets were missing.

 

Overall, this decades-old game is all you need to kill the boredom and have a fun and quality time with your friends and family. This board is made with high-quality wood; therefore, it will last longer. Besides, this game is perfect for increasing your vocabulary and also releases your anxieties in several ways. All in all, this is one of the best 3 player board games you will find online.

4. Blue Orange Games Photosynthesis Board Game

Blue Orange Games Photosynthesis Board Game

 

For people who fancy plants and nature, this game is specifically made for them. This is a 2 to 4 player board game and allows for great family and friends time. So basically, it is a strategy board game that includes the life cycle of plants and trees. It helps the young ones to grow to become environmentalists as it is a clever way to compel people to love plants and trees.

In this game, you have to plant a seed and complete the life cycle of your plant to get points. This board game requires patience and clever strategies to get to the desired place. It has two phases: the photosynthesis phase and the life cycle of the plant. As photosynthesis is crucial to plants, you need to get light points to provide light to your seedlings and plants.

You have to put a seed in the correct place and ensure that no tree blocks the sunlight coming to your seedling. In the second phase, you will have many points to buy plants. You can also buy more trees and create a full forest. With the expansion of trees, you get points. The player with more points becomes the winner of the game.

Pros
  • Beautiful graphics
  • Soothing game
  • Easy to play
  • Suitable for kids
Cons
  • Requires patience
  • Expensive

 

Overall, this board game might be your next favorite due to its convenient strategies and beautiful scenery. It is suitable for kids as well as adults and is too soothing to play with. This game is perfect for someone who loves gardening and has a knack for planting and gardening. It can be played by 2 to 4 players and de-stresses you in so many ways.

5. Agricola

Agricola

 

This is another board game built specifically for people who adore planting trees, agriculture, farming, and much more. It is a two-player game but can be played by three to four players as well. This board game instills knowledge and interest in agriculture, crop growth, gardening, etc. this game is a fun way to spare some time from the daily grind and have some merry time with your family.

It takes a total of 120 minutes to end this game, and we love this game because you act as a family in it. For instance, one member takes the role of head of the family, also known as a farmer, in the game. The farmer and his family live in a wooden shelter and are meant to support his family. They do so by planting trees, harvesting crops, etc.

You can also build fences and, in return, get things to support your family. This board game comes with 360 cards, 9 boards, more than 5o tiles tokens, a scouring pad, etc. there are multiple harvest phases that help you feed your family. Remember, it takes a lot of critical thinking as you need to feed the livestock as well. This board game is recommended for ages 12 and above.

Pros
  • Instill critical thinking
  • Makes you patient
  • The board game is very well designed
  • Durable board and other parts
Cons
  • Time-consuming
  • Expensive

 

If you fancy farming and agriculture, then this game is best for you. This board game comes with a lot of components that are made with durable and safe material. Besides, this game is a product of great mental processes. It takes critical thinking to carry out the game. Lastly, this game helps you tap on multiple parts of your brain, for which it is called one of the best 3 player board games.

6. Lords of Waterdeep

Lords of Waterdeep

 

Next up, we have an amazing and thrilling board game for all the adventurers out there. So basically, this game requires political thinking, adventure, bravery, battles, and much more. It is set in deep waters, in the great city, and a kingdom known as the jewel of the forgotten realms. Think of this game as kingdoms thriving for wealth, popularity, fame, and much more.

This board game is our favorite because it is captivating and keeps you hooked for the longest. Besides, it also examines how you think and makes you a strategic person and a critical thinker. What you have to do is win as many points as possible by earning resources and assets. The person who has the most points is the winner of the game.

Each player goes on a quest, earns resources, and expands their cities by making buildings and much more. The package comes with 130 wooden cubes, 121 intrigue, role cards, and quest cards. Moreover, you also get pawns, score pieces, and much more for the game. 2 to five players can play this game for extreme fun.

Pros
  • Thrilling game
  • It brings out your critical thinking abilities
  • Easy to comprehend
  • It does have a lot of rules
Cons
  • This game is a bit pricey
  • The time span is short

 

It is safe to say that this is one of the best 3 player board games you will find online as it is extremely refreshing. This game instills patience and deep thinking in an individual due to multiple strategies applied to it. Besides, it is a miniature portrayal of the facts about how things worked in kingdoms. Lastly, this game is straightforward to understand and play.

7. Ticket to Ride Board Game

Ticket to Ride Board Game

 

The last one from our best 3 player board games review list is Ticket to Ride Board Game, made for the people who love adventures. This 3 player board game takes from 30 to 60 minutes to end and includes many game components. For instance, it comes with American train routes maps, 30 tickets, 110 train car cards, and 240 train cars. Besides that, it also comes with a guide that helps you comprehend the game.

To win the game, you need to gather a matching colored train card that will allow you to go on a train route. The train routes are set in North America, and the routes connect the North American cities. All these train routes you get lend you points, the person with more points wins the game. You can also complete missions with which you can earn points.

This board game also requires 2 to 5 players, each player in the game is given three tickets and four cards. The train cards stand for cities, and the goal is to connect the cities through the train routes. The person who has covered the longest route earns the most points and stands as a game-winner.

Pros
  • Convenient to play
  • Durable board game
  • It can be played by more players
  • Serves as a learning medium
Cons
  • A bit hard to understand
  • Missing parts reported

 

If you want your children to learn about different cities and train routes in North America, then this game is best for them. It can not only be played by kids but also by adults as it is extremely educational. Besides, this game is also strategic and thrilling. This board game is very well built and uses high-quality material, making it last longer.

How to Pick the Right Board Games for Yourself

As simple as it might look, board games need a lot of homework before making the actual purchase for yourself. You should always look for age-appropriate board games, as one game might not be for all. Besides, there are some other factors that you need to consider before buying one for yourself. Some of those factors are listed below.

Age Appropriation

The first and foremost thing you need to consider is age appropriation. Not all board games are specific for all age groups. Some of them are meant to be played by kids, some for teens while others for adults. Therefore you need to make sure you are getting the right board game for yourself or your kids. For instance, some games are so complex that young children can’t play them. Whereas others are exclusively for adults; therefore, they are not meant for adults.

How Many Players Will Be Playing

The next thing you need to consider is the number of players who can play the game. There are two-player games and more that allows for extreme fun and amusement. For instance, you have 3 to 4 kids, and you want a board game for them, so make sure you get a 4 player game. The more players it can accommodate, the better the board game is. In this article, we are specifically talking about 3 player board games; therefore, look for the game that 4 people can play.

Time Span

By time span, we mean the amount of time a board game takes to end. Some board games take as long as 2 hours to end, while others may end before an hour. This decision completely relies on the person purchasing it. If you want a game to end quickly before you start another, you can choose the one that takes shorter. Whereas you also have a lot of options in board games that take longer to end.

Gaming Strategy

This factor is a bit related to age appropriation. Board games are divided into very complicated strategic and less complicated games. The less complicated games can be played by young teens and kids. Whereas strategic games are meant to be played by adults as they contain many rules and other stuff that only adults can understand. At the end of the day, you have to decide which board game you want to buy.

FAQs

img source: technavio.com

Are board games good for your brain?

Board games have been proven to be good for brain functioning as they stimulate the parts of your brain. They indulge your brain in thinking and carrying out complex thought processes. It also engages your brain in decision-making and strategic thinking, which is essentially good for all.

Are board games good for your mental health?

While board games can sometimes be overwhelming, they play a great role in releasing your anxieties and stress. Board games engage your brain to make decisions. Also, board games allow your friend and family to come closer and spend time together, which positively affects your brain and body.

What are the disadvantages of board games?

Just because something is beneficial doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its setbacks. Board games also come with some disadvantages. Board games are extremely addictive for one. You might feel laid-off after the game is over. They are also very distracting and might deflect you from doing your important tasks. Lastly, some board games last longer, which might waste your precious time.

Final Note

Board games are a fun way of bringing family and friends together and having a mirthful time together. Board games are durable, thrilling, and strategic, allowing you to tap on different parts of your brain and instill critical thinking in individuals. We have listed the 7 best 3 player board games in the article, out of which these three are our top picks.

Original SEQUENCE Game because it is a board game and card game combined, also it is easy to understand and affordable.

Catan Board Game because it instills good decision-making in individuals and educates people about civilizations.

Scrabble Game because it is very popular and educative and helps increase your vocabulary.

All in all, board games will kill your boredom and bring your family together to spend quality time together. The board games mentioned above are manufactured by some of the most reliable companies and are very well built. They are very informative and increases your brain capacity by improving your critical thinking and much more.

Take a look at these board games for 3 players from Amazon also:

Hasbro Gaming The Game of Life Game, Family Board Game for 2-4 Players, Indoor Game for Kids Ages 8 and Up, Pegs Come in 6 Colors
  • MAKE CHOICES: Players get to make some big life decisions They can choose whether or not to go to college, to get married, grow their family, or retire early
  • WILL IT PAY TO INVEST: Players can take a chance to grow their money by investing in numbers on the board Get paid every time someone spins that number
  • Will it pay to invest: players can take a chance to grow their money by investing in numbers on the board get paid every time someone spins that number
  • Kids can pick their own path: buckle up and take a spin in this fun family board game, every crossroad brings exciting twists, turns, and adventures
Age of Civilization Strategy Card Game, Board Games, Pocket, Travel and Family Friendly 1-4 Players Board Game Adventure and Brain Teaser
  • QUICKLY COLLECT RESOURCES, RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES, BUILD WONDERS, AND PREPARE FOR WAR! Age of Civilization is a streamlined pocket card game version of the well-known civilization game for 1-4 players. Unlike other card games each player can play as 3 civilizations in 30 minutes!
  • UNIQUE GAMING MECHANISM ALLOWS FOR AMAZING REPLAYABILITY - The set-up for every game is greatly different, providing a high replay-ability to players. Players will have to analyse the characteristics of every era you are facing and make the best choice for your kingdom development.
  • DEVELOPS YOUR CRITICAL SKILLS - During the game, players will have use the cards to reveal different challenges to overcome. Each kingdom has different strengths and weaknesses and you will need your wit and determination to develop a culture for your people, build your empire and conquer for glory!
  • WHO IS THIS GAME FOR? Age of Civilization is the perfect board game for adults teens and kids who are into turn based strategy games, especially those who want a quick game in 30 minutes or less!
  • TRUSTED BY FANS WORLDWIDE - Over 10,000 backers backed us in Kickstarter. AOC ranks 895 in the Strategy Game Rank and the average rating is 7.3 on Boardgamegeek website.
Bamboozled - A Hilariously Fun Bluffing Dice & Card Game. Family-Friendly Party Game for Kids, Teens & Adults. Fast and Easy to Learn
  • The ultimate bluffing party game that is perfect for family game nights, parties, and quick fun with all ages
  • Fun for kids to adults - laugh and strategize as you try to spot who is bluffing about their dice rolls
  • Compact, portable design with easy 15 second setup makes it ideal for travel and spur-of-the-moment fun
  • Great gift for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions - provides hours of entertainment and laughter
  • Quality materials like durable cards, rounded dice, and eye-catching artwork in a convenient storage tin
Sale
Stonemaier Games: Wingspan (Base Game) | A Relaxing, Award-Winning Strategy Board Game About Birds for Adults and Family | 1-5 Players, 40-70 Minutes, Ages 14+
  • BIRD COLLECTING: You are bird enthusiasts - researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors - seeking to discover and attract a beautiful and diverse network of birds to your wildlife preserve.
  • BUILD YOUR ENGINE: Gain food tokens via custom dice in a birdfeeder dice tower, lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors, draw from hundreds of unique bird cards and play them.
  • CHAIN ACTIONS: Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats.
  • AWARD WINNER: 2019 winner of the prestigious Kennerspiel des Jahres award, along with many others!
  • COMPETITIVE: Medium-weight, card-driven board game from designer Elizabeth Hargrave. Includes swift-start pack for first time player guidance.
Sale
Gutter Games Beat That! - The Bonkers Battle of Wacky Challenges [Family Party Game for Kids & Adults]
  • WORLD'S WACKIEST PARTY GAMES - Limber up and prepare to bounce, flip, stack, hop, roll, blow, balance, and catapult your way to victory! Win points by betting on your ability to successfully complete a series of ridiculous dexterity-based family games for game night.
  • FAST & FRANTIC FUN WITH 160 HILARIOUS CHALLENGES - Family games for kids and adults allow all players to attempt the same challenges, so get ready for the ultimate showdown. Beat That Game makes for fantastic fun as dinner party games, family game night games, birthday party games, summer parties, Christmas day games, garden games, and rainy day fun family games.
  • FAMILY BOARD GAMES FOR KIDS AND ADULTS - Beat the parents with a huge variety of funny, tricky, and outrageous challenges to test your skills. These bonkers party games for adults and family will have you hooked in seconds, no matter your age! Fun for friends and families! Great gifts for university students, teenagers, children, adults, and couples!
  • EASY TO LEARN, HOURS OF FUN - These games for family night take 2 mins to learn, guarantees hours of belly-busting laughter! Suitable for ages 9+. Recommended for 2-8 players. Premium quality game that makes a great gift for birthdays, graduation, and other milestones for students and adults!
  • WHAT'S IN THE BOX - The box contains 160 challenge cards, 10 reusable & recyclable custom plastic cups, 5 ping pong balls, 80 betting tokens, 4 dice, a sand timer, memo pads, a pair of chopsticks, a tape measure, a rule booklet. All you need is to gather some friends and family to have the best family games!
Sonora Board Game - A Vibrant Flick & Write Game Set in the Enchanting Sonoran Desert! Fun Family Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 10+, 1-4 Players, 30-45 Minute Playtime, Made by Pandasaurus Games
  • FLICK & WRITE EXPLORATION: Experience the thrill of Sonora, the first flick and write game that invites players of all ages to skillfully explore the captivating landscapes of the Sonoran desert.
  • INTERACTIVE GAME NIGHT: Gather your friends and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with high player interaction. Flick wooden disks into the right quadrants to score points on your dry erase sheet and create unforgettable memories.
  • VIBRANT SONORAN LANDSCAPES: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sonoran desert as you traverse its diverse regions. Each area offers a unique game experience, allowing you to unlock the secrets of this enchanting landscape.
  • SKILLFUL AIM AND STRATEGY: Test your skill and strategy as you flick wooden disks onto the game board, aiming for your chosen region while avoiding other players eager to score points for themselves.
  • PERFECT FOR ALL AGES: Sonora is an engaging and family-friendly game suitable for adults, teens, and kids alike. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to board games, you'll find endless enjoyment in the Sonoran sands.
Sale
Spontuneous - The Song Game - Sing It or Shout It - Talent NOT Required - Family Party Board Game…
  • HOW TO PLAY: If you've ever heard a word that's caused you to spontaneously break into song, then Spontuneous is for you! The rules are simple. Each player writes down several Trigger Words on their Hit List. When it's your turn, you announce a word from your list and flip the timer. The first player to sing at least 5 words from any song containing the Trigger Word gets to advance on the board. Stay alert for those extra musical challenge spaces scattered throughout the board!
  • WHOLE FAMILY FUN: Spontuneous is fun for the whole family! Because of the easy game play and 30-minute average play time, this game holds the attention of even the most skeptical game night party goer. Anyone who knows a few songs will excel at Spontuneous, whether a kid, teen, or adult. It's sure to become your next family game night classic!
  • FUN FOR ANY SEASON: Spontuneous fits perfectly into any party, trip, or family get-together. Going camping? Unplug for the evening and play around the campfire. At your child's next birthday party, pull Spontuneous out to entertain the kids until the pizza arrives. Bored on a rainy day? Spend your time laughing with your family and friends of any age as you try to think of your next song. Spontuneous can go with you anywhere, from home to your vacation.
  • TALENT NOT REQUIRED: Feel shy or awkward about singing? No worries! Spontuneous brings out the star in everyone. Sing it or shout it—there's no vocal talent required to play this game. Knowing some lyrics to the most basic songs, old tunes, or even nursery rhymes is the only thing you need to enjoy this game. You don't even have to name that tune! Just draw on your memory for some music containing the given Trigger Word, and you'll be a winner in no time!
  • UNPLUG & INTERACT: Spontuneous is a fantastic way for large or small groups of families, friends, and more to come together without electronics and spend quality time together. Nothing is better than unplugging and laughing with a group of your favorite people over a board game and making new memories. Choose Spontuneous for your next game night, gathering, or family home night.

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