I was not a big gamer until I married my husband. I didnt even know the difference between clovers and shovels (or more popularly known as clubs and spades). At almost any given moment, there is a game going on at some spot of the house when it comes to my husbands side of the family. So obviously, at some point in my life, I HAD to learn to love this kind of friendly competition. And I have!
We like to grab a game or two when people come over and I like to have all kinds on hand. Not everyone is in to dice games or card games. This holiday season I decided I wanted to expand our game collection to more than just the classic awesomness of Ticket-to-ride and Settlers of Catan (which are both amazing and everyone needs them) but I didn’t want to spend a ton of money either. I decided to ask YOU what YOUR family likes and these were the answers (in no particular order) of favorites I received:
- Blokus: this says for ages 7 and up but with a little guidance, my 5 year old could catch on. This game of strategies is easy to learn and fun for everyone!
- Telestrations: This was a big winner! It includes over 1,700 words, 8 sketch boards, markers and erasers. No drawing skills required. Only stick figures pictures and sense of humors needed.
- Pie Face: (young child friendly) This is just plain fun! You never know if YOU will be the next one hit in the face with the pie!
- Carcassonne: replayable for the whole family and expansions available!
- Farkle: “the classic dice-rolling, risk-taking game!” Roll and try for higher score combinations but dont FARKLE or you lose all your points!
- Wits and Wagers: The game of guts and “guesstimates”! Basically, you can win by making educated guesses or by having the guts to bet on the high-payout answers of their friends. The Delux Version is the one all the adults play at our family reunions however the Family Edition is good for ALL ages as young as 5 or 6.
- Bang! The Dice Game: a ruthless dice game between the Laws and the Outlaws. A 15 minute dice game that will have everyone wanting to play a round 2!
- The Game Of Things: a fabulous ice-breaker! Read the hilarious topics and write down your answers, then try and guess who said what.
- Qwirkle: a game for the young and old, this game is basic and easy to learn. Simply build lines matching tiles based on either color or shape, and score points for doing so. However, the ability to build complex combinations will keep children interested and engaged, and challenge them mentally.
- Dominion: an awesome tactical card game that is easy to learn and quick to win! A big hit with every family member!
- HEDBANZ: (younger child friendly) We love this game! Its the classic “what am I?” game but with fun twists! Check out the Marvel edition, Hedbanz for adults (harder to guess and no pictures) and the Disney Version!
- 7 Wonders: raise a complete civilization and build the 7 wonders of the world! A 30 minute game that is simple and addictive for the whole family!
Additionally, here are some more child friendly games that are hits in our house!
- Sneaky Snacky Squirrel – Have fun while teaching basic colors, counting, and fine motor skills. A HIT in our house.
- Spot It Games – These come in a wide variety of “themes” from holidays to Frozen to ABC’s. There our several ways to play but basically, you pull two cards and find the match. I carry this in my diaper bag for whenever we have waiting time and need some emergency entertainment ;).
3. Zingo – It’s BINGO with a few twists. Easy enough for young players, exciting enough for moms. Love this one.
4. FRieda’s Fruit Fiesta – When I was teaching my preschooler’s letters, this was our GO TO. I love that it teaches letters in a totally non intimidating way. This is one you want to add to your collection – especially if you have younger children.
5. Scrambled States of America – My elementary age son loves geography and this game is his favorite. It’s based on a popular book. It teaches all kinds of facts about our country and states, as well as things like directions and capitals. They can even adapt this to play alone or with a bigger group.
What are YOUR favorite family games?
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