• The LAN connection is popular in many formats of entertainment.two computer game pads,contolers image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Fun family video games that support LAN-based play (Local Area Network) are easy to find. LAN allows computers or consoles to connect, mostly wirelessly, to each other in the same close-distance range--for example, in two different rooms of your home. This allows more than one person to play online games with each another.
  
  

TrackMania Nations Forever

• TrackMania Nations is a free, full racing game, which can be downloaded with the link provided via the website Gamers Hell. It involves tons of racing-action to keep you entertained for hours; it looks stunning, boasts some great sound effects and again, it's free. A nice variety of tracks and several cars await you to choose from. Customization options for players, like cars and avatars, are convenient; so you can show off to family members or people across the world. Add in some great LAN-based multiplayer fun, which includes online leader boards to track your progress, and it's pretty much essential, working as both a fun family game and a great single-player experience.
  
  

Settlers of Catan

• Settlers of Catan is a board-strategy game which can be downloaded with the link provided via the website Play Catan. It's based off the famous and highly received German board game created in 1995. The main goal of the game is to acquire victory points by building up your settlement. Some stylized, colorful visuals help Settlers of Catan appeal to a wide audience, with the game being presented in the traditional hexagonal tile shapes which are true to the original board game. With average games being around 60 to 90 minutes long, this one will keep you entertained for a long time to come. It's perfect for the family to play, linked via LAN connection.
  
  

The Battle for Wesnoth

• The Battle for Wesnoth is a free, turn-based strategy game which can be downloaded with the link provided via the website Wesnoth. Similar to Nintendo's Advance Wars series, the key is outdoing your opponent with superior moves. The cutesy fantasy style found here means that the game is still suitable for the family, despite being about battling. Many modes are available, with of course LAN mode being one of the most popular. A map editor is a bonus feature, which means that you can create maps with your family to then wage war on. Battle for Wesnoth will last you a long time, as a family LAN game and as a single-player version when they've gone to bed.