For me it wasn't anything strange or unusual just monopoly, cluedo, scrabble, trivial pursuit, risk, and others like draughts, back gammon, boggle, rummikub. We have always played lots of cards too but the big family game and one of the greatest games on earth is Racing Demon. Trouble is no - one will play it with me as I always win it.
Next year at UK games expo - racing demon tournament? ☺
Edit: I forgot a very important one we still play regularly - Sorry! If you don't know it, it is like Ludo but actually fun and it is great for families with different aged children from as young as 3 or 4.