Rainy Day Ready: Best Games for Airbnb Guests

Best Board Games for Airbnb Hosts (Family & Group Friendly)

Great Airbnb hosts don’t just provide a clean place to sleep, they create memorable stays. And one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to do that? Stocking your short-term rental with the right games.

Whether it’s a rainy afternoon, a family night in, or a group winding down after exploring the area, games help guests relax, connect, and enjoy your space. More importantly, they create positive memories that turn into 5-star reviews.

Below are 17 of the best games for Airbnbs, covering families, couples, groups, and everything in between.

Why Games Matter in a Short-Term Rental

Providing games at your Airbnb:

• Encourages guest bonding and quality time

• Keeps guests entertained during downtime

• Makes your listing feel thoughtful and guest-focused

• Helps your property stand out from similar listings

Small touches like this often get mentioned in reviews, and reviews drive bookings.

17 Best Games for Airbnb Guests

1. Deck of Cards

A must-have for every rental. Endless game options, minimal space, zero learning curve.

Players: Varies | Ages: All

2. Candy Land

Perfect for family-friendly Airbnbs. Simple, colorful, and ideal for young children.

2–4 Players | Ages 3+

3. Checkers

A classic two-player game that works well in smaller rentals.

2 Players | Ages 5+

4. UNO

Fast-paced, competitive, and great for mixed-age groups.

2–10 Players | Ages 7+

5. Battleship

Fun, strategic, and perfect for kids or couples.

2 Players | Ages 7+

6. Ticket to Ride

A guest favorite for families and friend groups. Strategic but approachable.

2–5 Players | Ages 8+

7. Pictionary

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that sparks laughs and creativity.

2 Teams | Ages 8+

8. Apples to Apples

Family-friendly humor with easy rules — great alternative to edgier games.

4+ Players | Ages 8+

9. Scrabble

Timeless and educational, great for quieter evenings.

2–4 Players | Ages 8+

10. Chess

Classic, elegant, and doubles as decor if you choose a nice set.

2 Players | Ages 8+

11. Yahtzee

Low-stress, dice-based fun that works for nearly everyone.

2+ Players | Ages 8+

12. Settlers of Catan

Perfect for longer stays and game-loving groups.

3–4 Players | Ages 10+

13. Codenames

Strategic wordplay that works well for adult groups and families with teens.

2–8+ Players | Ages 10+

14. Catch Phrase

Fast, loud, and hilarious — great for large groups.

4+ Players | Ages 12+

15. Exploding Kittens

Quirky, quick, and surprisingly popular with younger guests.

2–10 Players | Ages 13+

16. Taboo

High-energy guessing game that never fails to entertain.

4+ Players | Ages 13+

17. Cards Against Humanity

Best reserved for adult-only or group-focused rentals.

4+ Players | Ages 16+

Which Games Are Right for Your Airbnb?

Choose games based on your target guest, not personal preference:

• Family-friendly rentals: Candy Land, UNO, Pictionary, Apples to Apples

• Couples / small units: Chess, Checkers, Cards, Yahtzee

• Group stays: Catch Phrase, Taboo, Codenames, Cards Against Humanity

Pro tip: Store games neatly in a labeled basket or shelf — presentation matters.

Automate the Guest Experience (So You Can Focus on the Details)

When your operations are streamlined, it’s easier to focus on thoughtful touches like games.

With Guesty, hosts can:

• Automate guest messaging

• Sync calendars across platforms

• Coordinate cleaning schedules

• Reduce day-to-day manual work

That means more time improving the guest experience, and fewer operational headaches.

Final Thoughts

Games are a small investment with an outsized impact. By offering a curated selection of games that match your guest type, you create a warmer, more memorable stay, and guests notice.

More comfort.

More fun.

More 5-star reviews.

👉 Need help with your Short-Term Rental?

 Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a call with the BNB Guardians team for hands-on coaching.