We’re nearing the end. In a few more days the Punks will head back to school, the decorations will be returned to the attic and the deluge of gifts will be put in newly created places. I can’t wait for all of these new things to have their own places. The light at the end of the aftermath tunnel is in sight.
These are the days when we see what gifts worked and what didn’t. What’s to love and what’s a bust? I had a Facebook exchange with a friend from long ago about games that make my head want to explode. There are definitely a few (cough, Candyland, cough, Chutes and Ladders, cough, Cootie). Today, I thought it would be fun to talk about some of the great games we’ve played. Some great non-video games. My list focuses on games that can be played by the under 10 crowd. Wanna play?
Top 10 Games That Don’t Make My Head Explode
- Blink (I’m shocked that this was discontinued. I’m heading to Target to buy some up for gifts. Best 5 minute game ever. It’s by the makers of Apples to Apples.)
- There’s a Moose in the House (8+ but my 4 1/2 year old regularly whoops us!)
- Zingo (4+)
- Chess (my 7 year old is teaching me how to play using this great travel kit.)
- Apples to Apples Kids (7+, I think I’d try anything from this company!)
- Monopoly (the 4 1/2 year old joins a team or is the banker.)
- Othello (8+ but my 7 year old loves it, and the 4 1/2 year old loves to help.)
- UNO
- Triple Triumph (6+ but my 4 1/2 year old played with a little guidance)
- Connect 4
Do share, what’s on your top 10 list?
by Megin Hatch
Photo graciously provided by Patrick Q, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
14 responses so far ↓
Slouching Mom // Jan 1, 2009 at 11:16 am
Without a doubt, Labyrinth tops my list. Best game EVER. Also Yahtzee. And, like you, Othello and Apples to Apples.
Rat-a-Tat Cat.
Milles Bornes.
Meg // Jan 1, 2009 at 11:29 am
Can’t wait to check those out- is Labyrinth a Ravensberger game? I’ve heard of/seen Rat a Tat, but never Milles Bornes. I’m having suuch fun with some of the new games in the house!
STL Mom // Jan 1, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Thanks for the tips! I gave my five-year-old a checkers game for Christmas, at his request, and he loves it. I’d like to get some more games, especially ones that he and I can play when his sister has playdates.
I’m so happy to finally be past the stage of Candyland and Hi Ho Cherry-O.
Does anyone have suggestions for educational games? I’m sure all these games teach some skills, but I’d love to find fun games that help teach reading and math skills.
Aurora // Jan 1, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I got my 5-year-old a Bingo game with the little numbered balls in a round plastic “cage” that you turn, plus the cards & chips. He (and I) have played with this more than any of his other gifts so far. Not exactly an “educational” game, but he does get a kick out of being the caller, which means he has to read aloud the letter and number on each ball. Found it at a local discount store for $4.99, but have seen exact same set at bigger stores for around $12.
Cecily T // Jan 1, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I have Apples to Apples, and frankly I must be the only person on earth who doesn’t find it funny. (Actually, the whole group I played it with didn’t get it either.) Could someone explain the allure?
We had a blast at the beach this summer with old favorites like Clue, UNO (Muppet edition), and Acquire, which is my husband’s all-time favorite.
rob // Jan 2, 2009 at 5:01 am
Oooh…Milles Bornes! Meg…we have to get that. I used to love that.
I am loving that family game night is finally emerging thanks to the Punks hitting their individual strides. We had fun with Clue too. I think I’d put that on my top 10 and knock out Uno or Connect 4.
Joyce // Jan 2, 2009 at 5:53 am
Great Topic!
Zingo is made by Think Fun. I have given it at more 4 year old b-day parties than I can count. Every game we have from Think Fun is wonderful and educational.
Others that I love, but have not been mentioned are:
Sequence Jr (4-6 year olds)
Blockus– I like the travel version for 2 players better. The big board when playing with two is just tooo many options.
And my friends with a bit older kids highly recommend Payday.
inthefastlane // Jan 2, 2009 at 6:17 am
I grew up on Yahtzee. LOVE it! An I have to 2nd the Zingo. Even my 3 yo can play and love that game.
Megin Hatch // Jan 2, 2009 at 6:32 am
STL- I am so with you about Candyland and Hi-Ho and all of those games! Here’s what I think- I think there are so many games that are educational games- take Monopoly- the kids are doing math and reading while playing. There are a lot of games that call for strategy and reasoning which is hugely educational. I try and play games that are engaging and play them in a way that makes them educational. Does that make sense?
Aurora- I haven’t played Bingo in ages- although when I volunteer at school they often play different variations- with letter sounds and such.
Megin Hatch // Jan 2, 2009 at 6:37 am
Cecily T- Re Apples to Apples- I love when the arguments are far fetched and well argued. Usually leads to a lot of laughs when people get into it.
I haven’t heard of Acquire, I’ll have to check that out.
Joyce- we do the same with Zingo and other Think Fun stuff. They also have some great solo games like Rush Hour. I keep looking at Blockus- nice to read your opinion on the travel version.
ITFL- Yahtzee just isnt one we keep going back to- should try again though because it’s been awhile.
Erica // Jan 2, 2009 at 6:40 am
Anyone ever played Game of Life? I tried to buy it in Toys R Us but they didn’t have it.
STL Mom // Jan 3, 2009 at 6:09 am
Erica -
My kids (8 and 5) love the Game of Life! There’s something about that spinner and the little cars that it so appealing. They don’t play it on their own – I’m the banker and help with instructions – but I think they will get independent with more practice.
As older kids, my brother and I loved Railroad Baron. I’ll have to see if that one’s still around.
Megin -
I agree that most games do teach good skills, which is one reason I’m so glad to be past the Candyland stage (we learned our colors MANY years ago) but sometimes I see games that are supposed to teach kids their times tables, or something like that. I always wonder whether they really teach the skill, and if so, are the games any fun.
Nan // Jan 3, 2009 at 8:39 am
My boys seem to play Othello, Chess and Scrabble the most. A deck of regular playing cards is great, there are so many card games. Uno is popular here, as well as Connect 4.
This year we got “Pentago”, a fiendish five-in-a-row strategy game with rotating tiles. Very simple rules, but VERY good. Will make your brain hurt.
I agree that specific “Educational” games are usually boring and probably useless. We don’t have any that I can think of.
Megin Hatch // Jan 4, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Erica- I remember Life from when I was little- Im not sure what the age grp is though- I think I played it in the 3rd or 4th or 5th grade
Nan- never heard pf Pentago- will keep eyes peeled
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