When it comes to gaming and technology, parents often leave their kids to it. However, we've got to accept that these are the kinds of things our kids are into these days (and let's face it, it could be worse). So if we want to spend some quality time together, it may be that we've got to get involved to find ways to enjoy time together as a family.

It might be that you find unique ways to make the activity appealing to all. For example, you could make your own game website, tailoring it to each of your family member's interests so that it appeals to everyone. Alternatively, you could browse through the hundreds of smartphone games that are available to install and then get gaming as a family in the few clicks of a button!

So what are some ready-made smartphone games that are great for families? Let's take a look at some of the best.

1. Heads Up

Heads Up is excellent if you are in the party mood. It's very much akin to the old classic of writing the name of a famous person on a post-it, sticking it to your, and having to guess who you are by asking questions. You only need one phone to play, and the difference is that your friends will give you clues to help you work out who you are, but beware, you are on a timer, so have to figure it out pretty quickly!

2. Words with friends

Words with friends is a title that pretty much gives everything you need to know away about the game. It's basically like Scrabble for the digital ages, and one that both older and younger generations can enjoy together. Meanwhile, unscramblex is a great tool that can be used to find the highest scoring words for games such as Scrabble and words with friends.

Parents will like it because it's educational and children can have lots of fun trying to beat them. In the game, you get several tiles with letters on them with which you have to create words. There are bonus squares that you can use to make your score even higher. You don't have to be in the same room as the people you are playing with, or the same house, or even city so you can enjoy playing with family even when you are miles apart.

3. Dunkers

If you love sports but know that there is no way you'll convince the entire family to crowd around your console for a game of FIFA, you might want to give Dunkers a try. This game makes it easier for novice sportspeople to be in with a chance, because, frankly, it's challenging to control. The game aims to dunk the basketball in your net. You play one on one with another family member, and as your arms whirl around in a circular motion and you jump, you can steal the ball from your opponent. It's fun, silly, slightly ridiculous, and a game the whole family can get on board with.

4. Spaceteam

Another excellent game for energetic families is Spaceteam. You're in a spaceship, you're hurtling through space, an exploding star is after you, and oh yes, your ship is also falling to pieces. There's a lot of yelling, and a lot of frantic button pushing, as you try to find the relevant controls to get safely away in one piece. In short, if you're the kind of family that would enjoy seeing your grandmother yelling maniacally 'turn on the nano buzzers, NOW!' This is the game for you.

5. Catan

If your family loves the board game, The Settlers of Catan, then you might well be able to persuade them that this online version is worth checking out. In this game, you've got to try and build settlements and can do so by earning and then trading your resources. It's easy to play, and you don't have to faff around setting up the board like you would if you were playing the more traditional version (and no one can flip it over in a rage when they lose either).

6. Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go had to cut this list because it's one of the few that persuades the gaming generation to head out and about into the great outdoors. As long as you've got the game installed on your smartphone and a GPS signal, the Pokémon world is your oyster, and you can find them scattered about your neighborhood and beyond. There are battles to be had, Pokémon to catch and eggs to hatch. It's weird and beautiful and a fantastic option for families who want to burn some calories while bonding over a fun gaming experience.

7. The Blockheads

If you want to play more of a proper gamers type game, then this is a fun one that the whole family can get into. It's a little Minecraft-esque, and you essentially roam the world, making sure that your character remains happy, healthy, and prosperous. If you don't manage to keep it up, they'll get pretty mad at you. It gets weirdly addictive, and because you can turn it into a multiplayer adventure, the whole family can get hooked and spend hours living a harmonious family life in a world outside of their own.

8. King of Opera

Last but not least, the King of Opera is good, clean family fun that all generations are sure to love. The aim of the game is to keep the tenor spotlight on you; everyone else's is to get into the spotlight themselves. It's entertaining, easy to understand, and everyone can have a go - what's not to love about that?

With these eight smartphone games, you are sure to find something your whole family can enjoy. So why not give them a go and enjoy some quality family time together today?!