Tag Archives: family games

Chocolate and Chocolatier Fun

The kids and I have a new obsession, Chocolatier. No, not chocolate. Although that is part of the fun, too. Chocolatier is actually a new computer game. The object is to travel around the world, and build a chocolate empire all the while collecting recipes for the confections and reuniting a divided family. If that sounds complicated, it’s because the game is complicated. Don’t worry though, the game starts easy enough and the players can learn as they go along. The player has to travel to different ports around the world for supplies. The boys actually learned a little geography … Continue reading →

Set: The Family Game of Visual Perception

Set: The Family Game of Visual Perception is a unique card game. Set has won awards from MENSA, Dr. Toy, Parent’s Choice, and Games Magazine. It retails for under ten dollars. The rules say that the game is for ages six to adult, but younger children are able to play. They may get frustrated, though, at the lack of turns. That’s right. No turns. Everyone goes at once. If that’s the case, they may enjoy playing a solitaire version of the game. The object of the game is to match a set of three cards. The cards have squiggles, ovals, … Continue reading →

Zooreka – Game Review

Zooreka from Cranium games won the Toy Industry Association’s 2007 Game of the Year. I can see why it won. It’s unique and imaginative, a good simple math equivalency lesson and a good first lesson or at least an awareness of probability. It’s also a good game for different ages to play together. My children love animals and were excited to get the chance to build their own zoo. Zooreka can be purchased for under $20. The game is for kids eight years old and up and for two to four players. It takes around half an hour to forty … Continue reading →

Rivers, Roads, and Rails – Game Review

We’ve been doing a lot of cleaning out of old toys and games. Some toys I can give away without hesitation. Others make me sad for the days when the toy was a favorite. And some, I’m keeping. Rivers, Roads, and Rails by Ravensburger is one I can’t bring myself to toss. Although our boys have moved on to much more complicated games, something about this one still charms me. And I’m sure we continue to break it out on sick or snow days. Rivers, Roads, and Rails sells for under twenty dollars and is recommended for ages five and … Continue reading →

Book Review: The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Family Games

I love the Idiot and Dummy series of guides. I admit when both series first hit the publishing world, I tried to stay as far away from them as possible. After all I didn’t want anyone to think I was a dummy or an idiot. Then one day I picked up one of the guides and found that they are some of the best written, easy to understand guides around. The funny title was a great marketing ploy and both series have gone on to publish guides that cover just about any topic you can imagine and some you wouldn’t … Continue reading →

Whoonu – Game Review

We hope that our holiday time with families will be filled with laughter and a sense of love and belonging. Sometimes though, there are too many age gaps between cousins for them to get along. Sometimes the grandparent and grandchild who only see each once a year feel shy with one another. If you need a perfect game for family get-togethers, Whoonu is it! Whoonu is a play on the phrase ‘Who Knew’. This game is from the inventive Cranium company. They recommend the game for ages eight and up. But anyone who can read can play this unique game. … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Games

Keep kids entertained or have a little fun while you take a break by playing these games. Find the Feast The first one is a twist on the old favorite Hide and Seek. Instead of hiding and waiting for someone to find you, you’ll hide cards that you make and decorate. Start with some index cards and decorate them with all the foods your family usually enjoys on Thanksgiving, like turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, and pie. Add as many items as you like to the list and draw each one on … Continue reading →

Holidays: Family Games

Do you and your family members play games together often? Do you like card games or board games better? Maybe you don’t have a preference you just like playing together no matter what it is. Many families try to have a family fun night or family game night regularly so they end up accumulating plenty of options. If so, the holidays are the perfect time to get them out. If not, it’s never too late to start collecting games, from great classics to new and innovative ideas. Check Your Games It’s a good idea to get games out ahead of … Continue reading →

Would You Like the Chance to Own Disney World?

While this is not a Disney specific title – it is actually quite exciting and being a huge fan of the game, I wanted to share with you the latest updates that will be released in the new Monopoly: Here & Now Edition. More than 3 million people voted on the game highlights that included replacing the Boardwalk with New York’s Time Square and Park Place with Boston’s Fenway Park. There are multiple Monopoly games out there including versions for Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings, but this version takes into account what the game would be like … Continue reading →

Family Pursuits of the Trivial Kind

Are you getting together with a large contingent of the family this holiday weekend? A bit worried about how to pass some of the time with Aunt Marge who likes to tell embarrassing stories about all the kids or with Granddad who can remind you of every transgression? Good – they’re perfect for the home made, home grown family trivial pursuit. Play a Game that Teaches What makes this game so great? Well, first and foremost – it’s based on you and your family. It’s a great way to let the older members of the family share their stories and … Continue reading →