About Family Board Games

Bringing families together through the magic of board games since 2019

Our Story

Family Board Games was born from a simple yet powerful realization: in our increasingly digital world, families were losing precious moments of genuine connection. Founded in 2019 by passionate board game enthusiasts Marcus Whitmore and Elena Rodriguez, our journey began when they noticed their own families struggling to find engaging activities that could bring everyone together.

What started as weekend game nights in Marcus's living room quickly evolved into something much bigger. Friends and neighbors began asking for recommendations, sharing stories of how board games transformed their family dynamics. Children who were once glued to screens were now eagerly anticipating game nights, grandparents were rediscovering the joy of play, and parents found themselves laughing and strategizing alongside their kids.

By 2021, we had helped over 10,000 families discover the perfect games for their unique dynamics. Today, we're proud to be Madison's most trusted resource for family board game recommendations, having curated collections for families across Wisconsin and beyond. Our expertise spans from classic strategy games to modern cooperative adventures, educational games for young learners, and party games that create lasting memories.

What makes us different is our personal approach. We don't just sell games – we build relationships. Every recommendation comes from real experience, tested in actual family settings. We understand that every family is unique, and finding the right game can make all the difference between a frustrating evening and a magical memory that lasts a lifetime.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories by helping families discover board games that match their interests, ages, and dynamics. We believe that the simple act of gathering around a table can transform relationships, develop critical thinking skills, and provide screen-free entertainment that brings joy to every generation.

Our Values

  • Family First: Every recommendation prioritizes family bonding and inclusive fun
  • Quality Over Quantity: We curate only the best games that deliver exceptional experiences
  • Education Through Play: Games should entertain while developing valuable life skills
  • Accessibility: Great games should be available to families of all backgrounds and abilities
  • Community: Building a supportive network of gaming families who share experiences and recommendations

Meet Our Team

Passionate board game experts dedicated to your family's entertainment

Marcus Whitmore, Co-Founder

Marcus Whitmore

Co-Founder & Board Game Curator

With over 15 years of experience in game design and family entertainment, Marcus brings deep expertise in strategy games and educational gaming. He holds a Master's in Child Psychology and has three children who serve as his toughest game critics. Marcus specializes in finding games that challenge young minds while keeping everyone engaged.

Elena Rodriguez, Co-Founder

Elena Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Family Gaming Specialist

Elena's background in early childhood education and her passion for cooperative gaming make her our go-to expert for family dynamics. She has personally tested over 500 board games with families of all sizes and compositions. Elena's bilingual expertise also helps us serve diverse communities with culturally appropriate game recommendations.

Benjamin Chen, Game Research Analyst

Benjamin Chen

Game Research Analyst

Benjamin keeps us at the forefront of the board gaming world by researching new releases, analyzing game mechanics, and staying connected with publishers worldwide. His analytical approach helps us identify trends and ensure our recommendations remain fresh and exciting. He's particularly skilled at finding hidden gems from independent game designers.

Sarah Mitchell, Community Outreach Manager

Sarah Mitchell

Community Outreach Manager

Sarah manages our growing community of gaming families and organizes our monthly game nights and educational workshops. With a background in event planning and social work, she ensures every family feels welcome and supported in their board gaming journey. She's also the architect behind our successful family game nights that bring together dozens of local families each month.

Our Achievements

Milestones that showcase our impact on family entertainment

15,000+

Families Helped

Successfully matched families with their perfect board games, creating countless memorable evenings and strengthening family bonds across Wisconsin and beyond.

500+

Games Tested

Personally tested and reviewed by our team with real families to ensure every recommendation meets our high standards for fun, education, and family engagement.

200+

Monthly Workshops

Educational sessions and game nights hosted to teach families new games, share strategies, and build a supportive community of board gaming enthusiasts.

Recognition & Awards

  • 📏 Madison Family Choice Award 2023 - Best Family Entertainment Resource
  • 🎯 Wisconsin Small Business Excellence 2022 - Community Impact Category
  • 🏆 Board Game Industry Recognition 2021 - Outstanding Family Gaming Advocacy
  • Parent's Magazine Feature 2021 - "Top 10 Resources for Family Fun"

Community Impact

  • 🎓 School Partnerships: Collaborating with 15+ local schools to integrate educational gaming
  • 🏥 Therapy Programs: Supporting family therapy sessions with carefully selected cooperative games
  • 📚 Library Programs: Monthly game demonstrations at 8 Madison-area libraries
  • 👥 Special Needs Support: Specialized recommendations for families with diverse abilities

What Families Say About Us

Real stories from families who transformed their game nights

Jennifer Thompson testimonial
"Marcus and Elena completely transformed our family time! Before finding Family Board Games, our evenings were filled with individual screen time and little interaction. Now our kids actually ask to put away their devices for game night. The personalized recommendations were spot-on for our ages and interests."
Jennifer Thompson
Mother of three, Middleton, WI
David Park testimonial
"As a single dad trying to connect with my teenage daughter, I was running out of ideas. Benjamin recommended some amazing strategy games that challenged us both intellectually while giving us quality time together. Our relationship has never been stronger, and she's even teaching her friends some of the games!"
David Park
Single father, Madison, WI
Maria Santos testimonial
"When our grandchildren visit, we used to struggle to find activities that worked for everyone from age 5 to 15. Sarah's workshop on multi-generational gaming was a game-changer! Now we have a whole cabinet of games that bring out the best in each generation. The laughter and memories we've created are priceless."
Maria Santos
Grandmother of five, Verona, WI

Our Community in Action

Glimpses of families discovering the joy of board gaming

Ready to Transform Your Family Game Nights?

Let our experts help you discover the perfect board games for your family's unique dynamics and interests. Get personalized recommendations that will create lasting memories and strengthen your family bonds.