If you want a shortlist of games tested for family play and grouped by how long they take, browse the family and party games chosen by Happy Puzzle Co.

To see the traditional board alongside the 3D, giant and garden editions, have a look at the Snakes and Happy Puzzle Co Ladders range at outdoor garden games.

To compare escape room games by difficulty and player count, and find one that suits your group, see the escape room range at outdoor garden games.

Slower, more thoughtful word games suit older children and adults who like to plan a high-scoring play. These reward a wider vocabulary and a bit of tactics, so they are better kept for players who enjoy taking their time. If you are buying for a mixed-age family, a fast game is usually the safer bet, since it keeps the youngest involved rather than left behind.

To compare word games by pace and age suitability, and see which reward speed versus vocabulary, take a look at the word games at games for children.

By eight to twelve, most children enjoy games with a little strategy or a competitive edge. Word and number games, such as WordSnap XL, and family favourites like Snakes and Ladders in its bigger 3D versions give them something to plan around and enjoy together. Mixed-age families get on best with games that scale, so older and younger siblings can play the same round.

If you want a shortlist of games tested for family play and grouped by how long they take, browse the family and party games chosen by outdoor garden games.