Games to Make Your Cottage Evenings More Fun
A cottage getaway is the perfect time to disconnect and put technology aside. Board games are one of the simple pleasures of a cottage stay, bringing people together, sparking conversations, and creating plenty of laughter. For a while, everyone forgets about their smartphone and simply enjoys quality time with family and friends.
By Myreille Simard
Pandemic
A very fitting game, wouldn’t you say? Four deadly viruses are threatening the planet, and you must join forces with 2 to 4 players to stop the pandemic. Every game is different depending on the characters you draw, which makes each round even more entertaining.
What we love: the cooperative nature of the game, which is a refreshing change from traditional competitive games. It can also be played in a small group, making it perfect for a relaxed cottage evening.
Speak Out
Do you love to laugh? This anything-but-serious game is made for you. It is almost guaranteed to create plenty of hilarious moments as each player puts a plastic mouthpiece in their mouth, making it difficult to correctly pronounce the phrases written on the cards. There is not much more to say—you really have to try it to understand!
What we love: everyone has to step outside their comfort zone, and no one can take themselves too seriously.
Be sure to properly clean and disinfect the plastic mouthpieces between games and avoid mixing them between players.
Improvise-moi ça!
This game, created by Quebec comedian and television host Alex Perron, is guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs. Form teams, draw a card, and discover the funny situation that will serve as the starting point for your improvisation.
What we love: the “Alex’s Handicap” cards, which make the challenge even more difficult.
Switch
500 popular expressions and well-known titles from songs, movies, television shows, and more have been broken apart. Each word in the original expression has been replaced with a synonym, antonym, or related word.
Your mission: figure out the original phrases as quickly as possible.
What we love: you can even play in the car on the way to the cottage to help pass the time. You only need two players.
Just One
The goal of the game is to discover as many mystery words as possible. You need to come up with the best clue to help your teammate—but be original, because identical clues are cancelled!
What we love: everyone plays together rather than against one another.
The Paper Ball Game
Divide the players into two teams. Each person writes 5 to 10 names on small pieces of paper and crumples them into little balls. These can be celebrities, public figures, people you know, children’s characters, or anything else you choose according to your own rules.
The goal is to help your teammates guess the name written on the paper ball you draw. Within a set amount of time, your team must guess as many names as possible.
During the first round, you can describe the name using other related words. During the second round, you must act it out. During the third round, you are only allowed to say one word to help your teammates guess what is written on the paper.
Each correctly guessed name is worth one point.
What we love: this game can be organized at the last minute with nothing more than a few pieces of paper and some pencils.
The Overwrapped Gift Game
You probably already know this simple but incredibly effective game. Start by wrapping a few small gifts inside several boxes, using multiple layers of wrapping paper.
Have a pair of oven mitts ready for each person to wear while attempting to unwrap the package. Sit everyone in a circle and pass the gift from one person to the next, giving each player a maximum of 15 seconds to unwrap it.
The person who finally manages to completely unwrap the gift wins it.
What we love: this game always creates excitement, regardless of the age of the players. As a bonus, it can also be a fun way to open Christmas gifts.
FAQ – Games and Cottage Evenings
What are the best board games to bring to a cottage?
The best games for a cottage getaway are easy to explain, quick to set up, and suitable for the number of people in your group. Party games, card games, cooperative games, and guessing games are especially popular because they create a relaxed and social atmosphere for families and friends.
What games can you play at the cottage without buying a board game?
Many games can be improvised with very little equipment. The paper ball game, charades, acting games, quizzes, guessing games, and traditional card games are all great ways to enjoy a cottage evening without bringing a large collection of games.
What games are best for an adults-only cottage evening?
For adults, party games, improvisation games, light strategy games, and trivia games tend to work especially well. The main goal is to choose games that encourage conversation, laughter, and participation from the entire group.
What games are suitable for a family cottage evening?
For families, choose games with simple rules that allow both children and adults to participate. Cooperative games, memory games, guessing games, and team-based games are usually excellent choices.
How can you organize a successful game night at the cottage?
Bring a few different types of games so you can adapt the evening to the mood of the group. A large table, snacks, background music, and a few quick games to get started can help create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Why are board games perfect for a cottage getaway?
Games encourage people to slow down, spend time together, and put their screens aside for a few hours. They are especially enjoyable on rainy days, during winter evenings, or simply after a full day spent outdoors.
What can you do at the cottage when it rains?
A rainy day is a great opportunity to organize a board game tournament, cook together, watch a movie, work on a puzzle, or relax by the fireplace. Having a few games available can easily turn a grey day into a memorable one.
What type of cottage is best for game nights?
A cottage with a large dining table, a spacious living room, and comfortable common areas is ideal for groups planning game nights. An indoor fireplace or hot tub can also add an extra touch of comfort and fun to the evening.