Technology often gets a bad rep for sucking kids and adults alike in for hours at a time, removing them from their peers and families and engulfing them into a fantasy world.
But throw in a good game into the mix and smartphones can quickly be turned into the tool that can help people connect and family members bond with each other.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best family-friendly games for Android to keep family and friends entertained for hours — regardless of age.
Tic Tac Toe Glow
What it is:
The mobile version of one of the most popular games in the world. You can play against a human opponent or the computer.
Why we like it:
- Tic Tac Tow Glow features a new cool glow design which gives this classic game a modern look and feel.
- The game has 3 difficulty levels.
- The app includes four other games you can play including Block Tower and Bubble Shooter. But they don’t have a multi-player option.
Install Tic Tac Glow
Where’s My Water
What it is:
A fun app for parents and children alike developed by Disney. Features cute graphics and many challenging levels.
Why we like it:
- Fun storyline: help Swampy the crocodile to take a bath by cutting through dirt and guide fresh water to his bathtub through increasingly challenging scenarios.
- Three more characters (Allie, Cranky and Mystery Duck) to play with.
- Develops creativity and problem solving throughout a series of 500 puzzles.
- New levels are added each week. Just make sure you play them before they expire.
Install Where’s My Water
Sleepwalker’s Journey
What it is:
A beautiful journey into dreams developed by 11-bit studios. The app is perfect for imaginative kids of all ages who love fantasy.
Why we like it:
- Beautiful graphics create an immersive visual story, players of all ages will love to immerse themselves in.
- Invites you to solve environment puzzles where you move obstacles, use elevators to create a safe path for Moonboy, so he can go to his bed.
- Over 45 dreams to explore. More are added with updates.
Install Sleepwalker’s Journey
Party Games
What it is:
A family party app which includes a series of 12 games which you can play with up to 4 players. Developed by MalyaWka.
Why we like it:
- Let’s you play fun games with family and friends. Available options include Squares, Collapse, Highway, Races and more.
- Some games let you set the difficulty level.
- Colorful and friendly graphics will ensure you and your family have a great time.
Install Party Games
Pettson’s Inventions Deluxe
What it is:
A fun, pedagogic app that helps kids of all ages boost their logic and creative skills.
Why we like it:
- Players are tasked to help old man Pettson and his kitty Findus to build their wacky inventions.
- Simply drag and drop the parts to the right spot. The game boasts a multi-touch layout.
- You can compete against a friend or a clock in VS mode.
Sidenote: This is a paid app. It costs $3.99 to download.
Install Pettson’s Inventions Delux
Heads Up!
What it is:
An addictive charades-style party game that became popular thanks to appearances on the Ellene DeGeneres show. What you need to do is guess as many words as possible from themed decks of cards based on your friends’ clues.
Why we like it:
- The app includes 18 themed decks to choose from including movies, animals, characters and lots more.
- Drawing a card is super easy. Just tilt your phone.
- Records your friends giving clues. You can easily share the best moments afterwards.
Install Heads Up!
Draw Something
What it is:
The game which has been described as “Pictionary” on a phone has players draw an image, while the others have to guess the word that inspired the masterpiece.
Why we like it:
- You don’t have to be an artist to play. Simply draw as well as you can on the phone. Don’t forget to add a bit of humor to your images for extra fun.
- Extensive library of new and updated words to draw. From Science to Pop Culture and more.
- Unlock color packs to make your drawings even more compelling.
Install Draw Something