When your family is as big as ours, family game night isn’t just a casual thing. It’s an event! Between our seven kids and their spouses, along with the thirteen grands, game night means every table in the house is taken over by laughter, snacks, and the occasional burst of competitive chaos. What we love most are games that bring everyone together. Especially games that get us thinking, laughing, and learning.
We’ve been having a blast exploring Laurence King Publishing’s family game night games lately. Each one is beautifully made, filled with imagination, and — most importantly — brings out a sense of screen-free fun for every age group. Whether it’s matching scenes, racing against animals, or puzzling our way through enchanted forests, Laurence King’s games give us that rare mix of creativity, quality, and connection that makes family time unforgettable.
About Laurence King Publishing
Laurence King Publishing has been creating innovative, artfully designed books and games since 1991. Based in London, they’re known for collaborating with top artists, illustrators, and designers to produce imaginative products that inspire creativity and spark curiosity. Their mission shines through in every title. Whether it’s a quick-thinking card game or a beautifully illustrated puzzle, each piece encourages hands-on discovery and shared experiences.
That’s what makes them such a perfect fit for family game night. Their creations bring people together. No screens, no noise, just creativity and laughter at the heart of every round.
Some of our Family Game Night Games
Little Adventures Above & Below
This is a charming up-and-down matching game. It’s all about discovering what’s happening high above or deep below. Players match two cards to reveal scenes from space, the ocean, the clouds, or underground. And, sometimes, they find a surprise twist when things aren’t quite as they seem.
The game includes 25 scenes to match. Each revealing hidden heights and depths. Players can mix things up by creating fun mismatched scenarios. It’s easy to learn, so younger children can enjoy simple matching, while older kids can play a memory-style version for an extra challenge.
I personally love that it’s also a learning opportunity. The booklet shares fun facts about animals, nature, and science. In our family, this one often comes out early in the night, especially when the younger grands want something hands-on. It’s quick, clever, and perfect for screen-free fun on the move.
Fast-Thinking Family Fun with Alphabuzzle
Alphabuzzle calls itself “the quick-thinking word game to bamboozle your brain” — and that’s exactly what it does! Players have 45 seconds to write down as many words as they can based on the rule and letter tiles they draw. But there’s a twist: the rules change every round, keeping everyone on their toes.
It’s endlessly replayable, with new rule cards and letter combinations every time, and it’s quick to learn, so even the littlest ones can jump in. The rules can be adjusted to make play easier or harder depending on age and ability, and it’s designed for 2+ players, which makes it perfect for our big crew.
In my opinion, Alphabuzzle is a family favorite because it gets everyone laughing — especially when the timer runs out and someone proudly reads off a “creative” word that may or may not be real. It’s smart, silly, and perfect for kicking off our game night energy.
Adventure Awaits with Jamie Smart’s Hero Slam
If your family loves a bit of storytelling with their competition, Jamie Smart’s Hero Slam is a gem. It’s a fast-paced, competitive card-collecting game set in the Enchanted Forest, where players collect heroes, defeat villains, and race to save the day.
Designed for 1–4 players aged 8–11 (and up!), each round moves quickly — about 20 minutes — making it ideal for families with different attention spans. The box includes 90 cards, a gameboard, and a mini-comic that sets up the adventure’s backstory. The game was created by award-winning illustrator Jamie Smart, known for Bunny vs Monkey and Looshkin.
Our grandkids love the characters and the humor. In my opinion, the storytelling aspect makes this one extra special — it’s not just about collecting cards, it’s about getting swept into a funny, imaginative quest where everyone can play a hero.
Jamie Smart’s Hero Slam Jigsaw Puzzle: The Calm After the Chaos
After the high energy of the card game, Jamie Smart’s Hero Slam Jigsaw Puzzle is a wonderful wind-down. This 200-piece jigsaw invites players to piece together an epic adventure through the Enchanted Forest. The puzzle includes all the hilarious heroes and villains from the card game, plus mischievous Imps and tempting side quests.
When completed, the puzzle forms a maze, challenging players to find their way through to the final battle with the Great Evil. The set also comes with a fold-out poster that tells each hero’s backstory. Designed for children aged 6+, the pieces are larger and easy to handle.
I think this one is perfect for quieter moments between rounds. It’s colorful, imaginative, and gives everyone time to regroup. Plus, spotting familiar characters from the card game makes it feel like an ongoing adventure — a great example of Laurence King’s creative storytelling approach.
Mystery & Mazes with Pierre the Maze Detective
Our puzzle-lovers were instantly hooked on Pierre the Maze Detective: The Hunt for the Maze Pyramid. This vibrant and stylish activity book is filled with 15 intricate mazes and search-and-find challenges, designed for kids aged 7+.
In this story, the phantom thief Mr. X has escaped Lockmaze Prison and plans to steal the precious Maze Pyramid. Players travel with Pierre and Carmen through the Kingdom of Caramelia — journeying across deserts, Christmas markets, and even an Ice Palace — solving clues and tracing their way through each maze.
The Pierre the Maze Detective series has sold over 1 million copies worldwide and been translated into 30 languages, which tells you how loved it is. In our house, it’s one of those activities that brings everyone to search for hidden treasures while older kids help navigate the tricky paths. In my opinion, it’s a perfect blend of storytelling, art, and challenge.
The Wild Chaos of Beat the Cheetah!
When we really want to end the night with laughter, Beat the Cheetah! is our go-to. This card game challenges players to compete against 50 weird and wonderful animals, from camouflaging like a chameleon to looking grumpier than a black rain frog!
Each round mixes fun, fast challenges with fascinating facts about every animal. Because it’s designed for any number of players and adaptable for different abilities, we can easily include everyone — from the youngest grandkids to the adults. The compact size also makes it great for on-the-go play, whether we’re camping or traveling.
Personally, I love how much energy this game brings to the table. It’s chaotic, funny, and the perfect reminder that family game night isn’t about perfection. It’s about laughter, learning, and moving together. By the end, someone’s always shouting, “We beat the cheetah!” And that never gets old.
Why Laurence King Games Make Our Nights Special
When I look around during game night — snacks half-eaten, cards scattered, kids giggling — I’m reminded that these family game night games are about more than just play. They’re about connection.
Laurence King Publishing’s collection gives us so many ways to spend real time together — to think, laugh, and compete without ever needing a screen. Whether it’s word games, puzzles, or wild animal challenges, these games remind us how good screen-free fun can feel.
So if your family loves to play, laugh, and make a bit of noise, I can’t recommend these games enough. They’ve become a part of our family rhythm. And, I think they’ll bring joy to yours too.
I’d love to know which game your family would grab first. Let me know in the comments!
Connect with Laurence King Publishing on social media
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
You can find Laurence King Publishing Games in our 2025 Magical Merry Christmas Gift Guide
