Liven up family time with games from Northeast PA and beyond

There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition.

In times like these, board games and other multi-player activities are one of the best ways to banish boredom without any devices, smartphones or Wi-Fi.

We rounded up a few favorite games suitable for the whole family, some only for grown-ups and ones with a Northeast Pennsylvania twist to keep you busy. Play on.

Family classics

‘Connect 4 ‘

In this twist on Tic-Tac-Toe, face off against an opponent to see who can rule the grid. Drop your discs and try to snag four in a row in this simple yet fun game.
For two players; ages 6 and older

‘Sorry!’

This game of strategy and chance has players chasing, racing, bumping and sliding around the game board. Sometimes, you might even have to set your opponents back to get ahead. The first player to get all four pawns to home base wins.
For two to four players; ages 6 and older

‘Battleship’

Wage war on the high seas and command your own fleet in this game of strategy. To defeat the “enemy,” position your ships strategically to sink your opponent and survive their strikes.
For two players; ages 7 and older

‘Monopoly’

In this classic game, take your chance at becoming a real estate mogul. Build houses, upgrade to hotels, charge rent and trade properties, cash and more to become the wealthiest player in the game. Just try to avoid being sent to jail.
For two to eight players; ages 8 and older

‘The Game of Life’

Choose a life path and move your way around the game board. There are sweet perks, such as dream vacations and starting a family, but also unexpected expenses and setbacks. Spend cash wisely and make the best decisions you can, as the wealthiest player at the end wins the game.
For two to four players; ages 8 and older

Grown-up games

‘Pandemic’

When four diseases break out into the world, a team of specialists must find a cure before mankind is wiped out. Players must work together, rely on each character’s strengths and strategically plan eradication before the diseases overtake the globe. Get real with this cooperative game, where either everyone wins or everyone loses.
For two to four players; ages 13 and older

‘Cards Against Humanity’

Known as the “party game for horrible people,” the game is simple. The black cards feature questions, and the white cards hold answers that range from offensive to risque to politically incorrect. Each round, one person draws a black card with a question and asks the group. The other players must answer with the funniest white card from their pile. The person with the most biting sense of humor wins.
For four or more players; ages 17 and older

‘That’s What She Said’

Each card (some red, some white) holds phrases that are mundane and suggestive. Players must match a red card’s phrase to the funniest white card’s phrase in this game of twisted innuendos. The player with the dirtiest mind wins.
For four or more players; ages 17 and older

Scranton-based fun

‘Scranton-opoly’

There ain’t no party like a Scranton party. It’s the classic property-trading game with a NEPA twist. The board features notable landmarks, such as Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel, University of Scranton and more for an electric night of fun.
For two to eight players; ages 8 and older

‘“The Office” Downsizing Board Game’

In this game of workplace survival, role play as your favorite character from the Scranton-based NBC comedy while you try to survive the branch’s “downsizing.” This game is episode-specific but still just as suitable for “Office” newbies as it is for die-hard Dundies.
For five to 10 players; ages 16 and older

‘Clue: “The Office” Edition Board Game’

Reveal secrets and deceptions of Dunder Mifflin in this “Office”-inspired version of the classic game. During a “mandatory team meeting,” disaster strikes, and each player must work independently to figure out the who, what and where of the murder of Toby Flenderson. The game includes everything from Michael Scott meddling to a week’s paid vacation for the winner.
For three to six players; ages 9 and older