Looking for something fun and creative to do this summer? Are you, like me, trying to reduce you screen time? What if you try making your own board game?! Seriously its' so fun!! Whether you're spending time with kids, friends, or just want a chill solo project, designing a board game is a super fantastic way to get your imagination going and enjoy hours or weeks of entertainment. ‼️
Pictured above are some board games my family has created. The Harry Potter one started off as a spin-off of Candy Land and then it just took of!! As we played we tweaked it more and more and added some slightly complex features! It was so satisfying to create and oh so fun to play. who knows what robes they'll get when they play each game will it be Professor Umbridge's robes, Hagrid's or even Dobby;s raggs. HAHA The other game my Dad made. It is a hex tile map building game with intricate rules and gameplay. It was a super fun family project to make and so fun and complex to play. 🍓
Why Make a Board Game?
- Time away from screens
- Creative outlet (my fellow creatives, you're going to love this project!!)
- Fun time spent with friends and family (seroiusly a goof old board game is great fun but just imagine the fun had when its a custom game you made together!)
- Project to get your brain moving (seriously if you love puzzles this is gonna be for you!)
- Build your own world (does it need a monster, a fairy, or a teddy bear? You can control that!)
Board games bring people together—and making one is really just as fun as playing it! It’s a real life no screens activity that combines art, storytelling, problem-solving, and a bit of wholesome competition. 😜 Plus, you get to make up all the rules and build the world yourself!!
What You’ll Need:
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Paper or cardboard for the board
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Markers, crayons, or colored pencils (or paint in my case)
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Dice (or make your own spinner!) (you can even make your own dice if you need it to be that custom!💕 )
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Game pieces (you can use buttons, small toys, coins, or make some from clay, that's what I did.)
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Index cards or scraps of paper for instructions or challenge cards. (I cut card stock into fourths when i ran out of index cards)
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Tape, scissors, and glue (and a corner rounder for the cards if you're extra like me)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Choose a Theme
Is your game about cute animals, space adventures, magical quests, or silly family challenges? Pick a theme to inspire your board design and your rules. -
Design the Board
Create a path with spaces that players move along. You can draw it like a trail, a map, or a spiral. Add special spots: “go back 2 spaces,” “bonus turn,” or “pick a card!” (One time as a kid we patterned a game off of one we owned that had the board game open up to reveal a new board underneath! Everyone had to race to the hole in the board before it was too late!) -
Make the Rules
How do players move? What’s the goal? Is it a race to the end, or a mission to collect treasures? Keep it simple, and don’t worry if you change things as you playtest. Seriously, to start out keep it simple. Even if the game is for adults as you start out just go for basic little kids rules and add more complexity as you go and as your creativity strikes. -
Add Cards or Challenges
Make some fun “action” or “question” cards. These can be new items, silly dares, trivia questions, or magical effects depending on your theme. -
Playtest and Tweak
Play with friends or family, and keep it open to adjust the rules. That’s part of the creative process! The more you play the game the more you'll start to see any needs for adjustments. You'll be able to fill a dead space or clear out a chaotic phase as needed, but these are often only recognized as you play and play again. Honestly it is really fun part of the process.
Bonus Ideas:
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Invite friends to create their own games and host a board game night.
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Turn your game into a summer-long challenge—track wins and add new twists each week!
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Make mini versions, or a simple card game, for travel or picnics.
Final Thoughts
Making a board game is more than a fun craft—it’s a memory-maker. It encourages creativity, collaboration, and lots of laughs. So gather your supplies, bring your wild ideas, and let the games begin! Let me know if you guys try this fun project in the comments I'd love to see what you make.
