How to host a fun, cozy game night at home this fall

Enjoy a night in with fun games, snacks and more.

September 8, 2025, 11:42 AM

Game night at home is a time-honored tradition, and with many people watching their budgets right now, it's also one of the most economical ways to ensure you and your family and friends can still be social without breaking the bank.

Below, we offer plenty of options for stepping up your next cozy game night, especially as we head into fall. If you're entertaining the family at home, try a board game that's great for kids and parents alike. Or if you're hosting a gathering for grown-ups, take things up a notch with a thrilling murder mystery game or funny "misheard song titles" competition.

Are you hanging out alone or with your partner? Cuddle up with a great puzzle -- especially one that's fall or Halloween-themed -- and ward off the chill while you enjoy some screen-free time to yourselves.

Of course, you'll need snacks and drinks, so we've offered some tips and ideas to make it feel like a special occasion.

Shop everything below, and start planning your next game night now!

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Fun games for the whole family

If you're trying to keep screen time down and enjoy quality bonding with your kids, choose a game that's appropriate for all ages. Select something fresh and new, like Goliath's Don't Wake Daddy board game for a laugh, or enjoy the nostalgic feeling of a game from your childhood like Connect 4 or Candyland while teaching your kids how to play.

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Amazon

Late for the Sky Boooo-opoly

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  • $24.99
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Walmart

UNO Stacko Game for Family Night

  • $12.99
  • Walmart
-30% off
Amazon

Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito

  • $24.99
  • $19.23
  • Amazon
Amazon

Goliath Don't Wake Daddy Board Game

  • $14.99
  • Amazon
Urban Outfitter

Peanuts Great Pumpkin Board Game

  • $20
  • Urban Oufitters
20% off
Amazon

Chronicle Books Pendleton Playing Cards: 2-Deck Set

  • $15.87
  • $19.95
  • Amazon
Amazon

Hasbro Gaming Connect 4 Classic Grid

  • $9.84
  • Amazon
24% off
Amazon

Goliath Greedy Granny - Take The Treats Don't Wake Granny Game

  • $14.99
  • $19.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures Board Game

  • $12.99
  • Amazon

Games for the grown-up crowd

Halloween is for adults too, so curate a seasonal vibe with Chronicle Books' Horror Trivia or Vampyre Hearts trickster game to up the creepy ante, or select something slightly challenging to flex your brainpower.

Amazon

Chronicle Books Horror Trivia

  • $12
  • Amazon
Uncommon Goods

Misunderstood Songs Game

  • $18
  • Uncommon Goods
Amazon

Goliath Endless Games Bunco Dice Party Game

  • $15.19
  • Amazon
42% off
Amazon

Murder Most Puzzling: Twenty Mysterious Cases to Solve

  • $10.95
  • $18.95
  • Amazon
Amazon

Chronicle Books Vampyre Hearts: A Trick-Taking Game

  • $16.95
  • Amazon
Amazon

Big Potato The Chameleon

  • $24.99
  • Amazon

Relaxing puzzles for fall and Halloween

Turn off your notifications and spend a couple of hours piecing together one of these beautiful, autumnal scenes including pumpkin patches, haunted houses and more.

Amazon

Galison Autumn in The Neighborhood 1000 Piece Puzzle

  • $17.99
  • Amazon
Uncommon Goods

Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle

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  • Uncommon Goods
Amazon

Galison Heirloom Pumpkins Puzzle, 1000 Pieces, 27” x 20”

  • $17.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Galison Pumpkin Patch – 1000 Piece Michael Storrings Jigsaw Puzzle

  • $17.95
  • Amazon
Amazon

Galison Haunted House – 500 Piece Glow in The Dark Jigsaw Puzzle

  • $17.99
  • Amazon
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Pottery Barn

Scary Squad Puzzle

  • $33.99
  • $69.50
  • Pottery Barn
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Amazon

Vermont Christmas Company Halloween Town Jigsaw Puzzle 550 Piece

  • $16.49
  • $19.95
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Create a fun food and beverage spread

How you serve your food and drinks can really elevate the game night experience: Select coordinated -- but not matching -- glasses from Mikasa so guests can tell their drinks apart, and spring for the matching carafe to avoid game interruption. Build a "snacklebox" filled with sweet and savory treats everyone can enjoy. Prepare popcorn in a nostalgic countertop popper and serve it from old school boxes with a variety of sprinkle-on toppers. The possibilities are endless!

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Divided Serving Tray with Lid and Handle

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Words with Family Serving Tray

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Mikasa Chroma Set of 4 Stemless Wine Glasses, 13 Ounce

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Mikasa Chroma Carafe Decanter, 47 Ounce

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Nostalgia Old Fashioned Hot Air Tabletop Popcorn Machine

  • $44.99
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Zahaat 25 Mini Popcorn Boxes

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Walmart

Kernel Season's Savory Mini Popcorn Seasoning, Variety Pack, 8 Count

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