How We Built Our Family Arcade (And How You Can, Too)

My kids are always drawn to games, so I thought, why not make it easier to swap screen time for quality family fun? That’s when I started thrifting simple, easy-to-play games for us to enjoy together. Over time, I’ve built up a stash of tabletop games perfect for cozy nights in and our DIY arcade nights.

I wanted to share that same fun with you, so I started curating a collection for GWJ customers. What began as a few random finds has turned into the ultimate game night starter kit—and now, you can snag these gems at a fraction of what they’d cost new.

The boxes may show some love, but the games inside are practically new. Honestly, who’s judging a game by its box anyway? It’s the fun that counts.

Why I’m Obsessed—and You Might Be Too:

It’s wallet-friendly. These are thrifted, which means you’re getting fun games without the price tag. Plus, I’m extra picky about checking for missing pieces.
Great for families (and couples). From cousin hangouts to game night with the kids to a chill date night with your partner, these games fit every vibe.
It’s not going to clutter your home. No oversized, space-hogging board games here—just compact, easy-to-store, fun tabletop games.

So if you’re looking to bring a little more joy and connection into your home without the extra hassle or the perfect Pinterest setup, start here. One game is all it takes to kick off your family arcade.