Family Friendly Board Game Libraries and Venues

Family game night is popular among some Indianapolis families and we’ve been looking for the best places to play board games with kids. If you like a good board game but don’t have a great collection at home or need new games but don’t know what to choose, we know people who can help. If you just need to get out of the house and want to try something new, here are all of the board game hot spots in town (and some other types of gaming too).

Looking for a place to check out a family game night? There are several opportunities in the area — no games required, these locations will supply the game, the atmosphere and you supply the “players”.

Board Game Restaurants & Cafés

Books and Brews has several Indiana locations and they’re super family friendly! In fact, we decided that they’re one of the best family friendly breweries in Indiana. Their board game collection is only second to their beer and book collection. Brownsburg, North Indy, and Zionsville locations currently exist, with more locations popping up all the time. We like the Mass Ave location and the Mothership. Stop in for delicious food, play a round of Catan, try out a game system, or listen to the live music.

Everyone is a winner at Doughnuts and Dragons, the donut shop meets game library meets taproom. Plenty of spaces to play games no matter how many players, plus room rentals available for private events. $1 gets you access to a library of 100’s of games. And don’t forget to try to donuts — they pair well with the craft beer.

Kingmakers is an all ages board game bar and library on Mass Ave. Board Game Sommeliers are on hand to teach you any one of the 100’s of games available for use. A $5 fee gets you access to the library of games! Expect beer, wine, coffee, soda and light packaged snacks for purchase.

At Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlour there’s a collection of over 450 game titles available for purchase and many available to play in the cafe. You’re sure to find the perfect game for your family. Hitherto brews specialty coffees and teas and serves up delicious pastries. Grab a table, pull up some chairs and play your next favorite board game.

Game Stores and Game Libraries

The Game Preserve store has a huge selection of board games compliment card games, electronic games, puzzles, and more. With a location in Greenwood, one in Castleton and another in Bloomington, this retail store is a great spot to try before you buy.

Good Games is Indianapolis’ downtown game store. Drop in to play game, participate in a game event and purchase or try new games. Good Games has events and gaming activities daily.

Family Time Games specializes in role playing games like DND and teaching families how to play new games. It is their mission to get children and their parents interested and involved in playing games together. This north side spot offers D&D nights, Star Wars gaming nights, and Ladies’ Nights! Games are also available for purchase.

Game Time Indy in Castleton is a popular spot for Pokemon, MTG Magic: The Gathering, chess, and Dungeons and Dragons. Their activities and events calendar is full of fun and games. Buy, sell, or play games here.

Saltire Games is a family and kid focused gaming spot. Saltire Games offers summer camps for kids, a summer reading program and even themed birthday parties for kids. Try a tournament, game night, or game party at this hobby and game store.

Board Game Nights/Days

While they aren’t necessarily game stores or gaming-specific locations these area haunts do offer game nights!

Comic Book University

Game On! Every Tuesday from 6-9 pm

Hero’s Emporium

Check out the game nights, demos, and other cool events at this comic book shop.

Indy Reads Books

Check the calendar of this Mass Ave bookstore for a cause for Chess Club and other board game related events.

The Indianapolis Public Library system offers several game nights throughout the year. The games at the library will include or be limited to video games with an educational format.

Other Family Game Spots

While these spots aren’t board game related they are great places to get competitive with the family. All have some arcade game options but also offer additional family fun activities.

Time2Play

Play GIANT Connect Four, beat Dad at air hockey, relive the 80s with a game of Frogger, or try bumper pool…lots of fun gaming options here, and all covered with your admission fee.

Incrediplex

In addition to the arcade area this mammoth family fun center offers basketball and soccer courts, laser tag, a rock wall, and more!

Main Event

This new addition to the north side offers a huge assortment of arcade games, the cleanest bowling alley in town, air hockey, and lots of (my personal favorite) ski ball!

Zip City

The only place around where you can do an INDOOR ZIPLINE!!! I shouldn’t need to say more, but I will. Zip City also has a trampoline park, rock wall, soccer field, laser tag, Knocker Soccer, and a toddler area. Whew!

Gen Con Family Fun Day

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Best Local Board Game Stores

Places to Play DND

Kate Amos contributed to this article.