Sunday Family Activities: Why Not Bring Out a Board Game?

Why Sundays Are More Than Just a Day Off

For many families, Sunday can feel like the calm before the weekday storm. It’s the one day when the clock seems to slow down—no mad rushes to school, no homework deadlines looming (or at least fewer). But for parents of children who struggle with school-related stress or learning difficulties, even Sundays can carry a subtle undercurrent of tension. How do you make the most of this time without adding pressure or slipping into yet another screen-heavy afternoon?

The Gentle Power of a Board Game Afternoon

It’s in this quiet space that pulling out a board game can become more than just entertainment—it can be a powerful bonding tool and a subtle form of learning support. Children aged 6 to 12, especially those who find school overwhelming, benefit enormously from play that is both structured and forgiving. Board games naturally offer that balance. When you sit around the table, there’s no grading, no comparison, and no pressure beyond the next turn of the dice. It’s just your family, engaging together—sharing laughs, taking risks, learning patience.

What’s more, many modern family games are not only fun but also thoughtfully designed to enhance cognitive skills. From strengthening attention span to encouraging strategic thinking and empathy, these games offer gentle developmental nudges right where children need them most.

In fact, there are board games that work wonders for kids’ focus and attention, helping them develop the kind of mental endurance they struggle with during homework time. And because the learning happens through play, there’s no resistance—only engagement.

When Learning Happens Without Them Noticing

One of the hidden superpowers of board games is their ability to reinforce skills without feeling like “practice.” A reading-challenged child may not pick up a book willingly, but they'll happily read action cards or decipher clues if it helps them win. In that way, board games become excellent tools to build literacy in reluctant readers. (Curious which ones might work best? Here are our top 10 board games that nurture a love of reading.)

And if your child learns at a different pace—or simply needs room to pause and think—board games can also adapt beautifully. There are many games designed to respect a child’s rhythm, allowing them the time they need to process information and make decisions. We've put together a special guide on games that support every learner's pace, so you don’t have to worry about frustration creeping in.

Making It a Ritual, Not a One-Off

Creating a weekly board game habit doesn’t require a Pinterest-worthy setup or hours spent debating the perfect game. It just needs consistency and openness. Keep 2-3 favorite games in a basket in your living room or kitchen. Choose a time slot—maybe post-lunch—and commit to it together. You could even rotate who gets to choose the game each week, giving your child a sense of ownership and control.

And if your Sundays already involve screen-time traditions—like family movies or listening to favorite stories—you might consider shifting the flow. Starting your Sunday with active play can create the perfect transition to quieter moments. For wind-down time afterward, listen to something together, like calming audio stories. The iOS and Android versions of the LISN Kids app offer a rich selection of original audiobooks and audio series that are perfect for family listening or solo entertainment for your children while you prep dinner or catch your breath.

Let Joy Take the Lead

In a world where everything can feel like a task—homework, tutoring, accommodation meetings—it’s important to show your child that learning can still feel like joy. That their challenges at school don’t define them, and that the skills they’re developing matter just as much in the context of a friendly battle of cards or a dramatic game of charades.

If you’re unsure where to start, or which games match your child’s age and interests, this age-based board game guide might help narrow it down. And remember, the best game is the one your family enjoys and returns to—not the one that’s most advanced or educational.

More Than Just Play

By choosing board games as your Sunday family activity, you're doing more than filling time. You're helping your child heal from the stress of school in the most loving way possible: through connection, laughter, and shared effort. These small, recurring rituals build resilience, boost confidence, and, perhaps most importantly, remind both of you that learning can be beautiful, too.