Board games are a great way to keep busy and connect with friends and family. Don't have any board games on hand? You can make your own!
The following nine DIY board games could save you from boredom and inspire hours of camaraderie and healthy competition during your next gathering. Plus, they're a fun reason to break out the crafting supplies and make something!
- 01 of 09
Paint a Colorful Backgammon Board
Backgammon Game Buying a backgammon board might be faster and more convenient than making one, but where's the fun and creativity in an ordinary purchase? By painting a game board, you can match the style and colors of your home. That way when you're not playing, the game can stay out in the open and look good among your furnishings and decor.
- 02 of 09
Convert a Dry Erase Board Into a Scrabble Board
Giant Word Game Oversized game boards are fun when playing with a large group. If you're thinking of making your own board game, consider making a larger one so it's memorable. A larger-than-life Scrabble game board takes shape with a large dry-erase board as its base and magnetic squares as the letters.
- 03 of 09
Use a Mat for Classic Games on the Beach
Beach Game Mat If you want to partake in board games at the beach, chances are a typical game board will get too sandy and pieces will get lost. Instead, paint a roll-out mat version and collect seashells for game pieces. That way, if you lose a game piece, there are no worries—you can easily replace it with another.
- 04 of 09
Craft a New Version of an Old Classic
Harry Potter Monopoly Monopoly sells a ton of expanded versions of the original classic. However, attention to detail is often lacking in these alternatives, For instance, a Monopoly game dedicated to your city might miss key information because the creators weren't experts at where you live. If you're an expert on something and love Monopoly, challenge yourself to make a custom version like this handmade Harry Potter Monopoly game.
Continue to 5 of 9 below - 05 of 09
Craft a Chess Board Using Legos
Teaching your children how to play chess at a young age has many benefits, from an added focus to increased problem-solving skills. However, if a chess board is too intimidating for your child to play on, consider making one out of Legos instead. We guarantee any Lego-loving child would get on board with this idea.
- 06 of 09
Print Photos of Friends for This Version of Guess Who
Guess Who Guess Who is a game geared toward young children, with its silly faces and bright colors. Create a version for adults using pictures of all your friends and family. Using people you know makes the game much funnier and more conversational.
- 07 of 09
Bring Your Passion for a Game to the Next Level
Settlers of Catan Some board games have a large group of dedicated and diehard fans. These people throw parties solely to play and celebrate the game. Settlers of Catan is one such game that enjoys a huge following. One blogger took his love for the game to the next level by sculpting a completely original version. Now that's dedication!
- 08 of 09
Repurpose Printables Into a Memory Game
Donut Printables "Memory" Game Printable donuts are incredibly versatile. You can use them to fashion a garland for a party and create an inexpensive and fun memory game for kids. To turn this DIY game officially into a board game, fashion a board to place the donut pieces on.
Continue to 9 of 9 below - 09 of 09
Print Off Board Games for Your Kids
Kids like variety, so sometimes you can have dozens of board games and, in time, they'll tire of them. How do you keep children entertained for long stretches? Print different board games that bloggers and teachers have created to keep a party or crafty afternoon interesting (and inexpensive).