5 Kid's Games Parents Will Want to Play Too!

When I was growing up I loved to play games with my younger sister.  I remember lazy afternoons filled with games of Sorry!, The Game of Life, and Uno.  Some days we would even make up our own version of a game and try to teach it to our parents.  Thinking back, we were definitely lucky to have each other because we always had someone to play with.

Besides playing with each other, we also enjoyed watching our parents played games of Trivial Pursuit, Rummy or Monopoly at our holiday gatherings.  Sometimes they would even let us join in as the special dice roller or question asker.  All of these past experiences have helped shaped my love for gaming, which I fully plan to pass down to my children.

Logan's first game night.

Wait!  Who am I kidding, it's in my kids' blood!  Since day 1, my oldest son has been fascinated with our game nights.  Whenever we pulled out a game, he'd sit and watch every move.  Now at age 4, he is a force to be reckoned with at the game table.  In fact, as soon as he gets up most mornings the first thing he'll ask to do is play a game.

Over the last year, his board game collection has grown tremendously.  It has gotten so big, that his collection now rivals ours!  Now let's face it, his (or any kid's) passion to play can sometimes get a little tiring.  Children's games tend to be lacking in the strategy department and rely heavily on a spinner or have a roll and move mechanic.  Not the most exciting games to play over, and over, and OVER again.  Luckily, board games, both adult and kids, have changed a lot since I was young and I wanted to share 5 great games for kids that you'll want to play too!

Hey, That's My Fish!
  This adorable little game features cute little penguin figures and lots of nice sturdy hexagonal tiles. You play as a determined penguin who is hungry for his next meal.  players compete for their next meal atop a shrinking Antarctic ice flow.  You see, each time a penguin moves, the tile they were on is collected.  Will you be the one to collect the most fish before the ice flow has you trapped?  Quick learning time, an ever changing game board, and simple mechanics make this a great game for any age, but the ability to make the game as casual or strategic as you need makes it the perfect game for a family of growing gamers.

Catan Junior
  If you are a true gamer, you have probably played Settler's of Catan.  Catan Junior is a new spin on the classic game with simplified building rules, child-oriented trading, and a more forgiving robber equivalent know as the "Ghost Captain."  Now I know that sounds like it might be too simplified, but trust me it's not.  There are still plenty of strategic moves to be made throughout the game and without the ability for the game to be bogged down by trade negotiations, I find it much more enjoyable.  Plus its themed out with pirates.  You just can't go wrong!

Castle Panic
   This one is great for a family that wants to play as a team.  While there is an option to have an ultimate winner, the game itself is completely cooperative.  Monsters are invading from the nearby forest and you must work together to protect your castle.  Through trading cards, rebuilding walls and working together to hit and slay monsters, you can keep your tower intact.  There is some reading needed for this game, but due to it's cooperative nature, other players can easily help younger ones who may not yet be able to read.

Enchanted Forest
  Who doesn't love story tales?  Enchanted forest is a game of hidden treasures.  During the game each player must search the forest for the treasures needed at the king's castle.  You might need to find the glass slipper, or maybe its a dwarves hat.  Each turn you search the forest by rolling 2 dice and moving that number of spaces.  There are many roads throughout the forest and a quick-thinking player will know the best paths to take to reach the trees.  Once you've discovered the treasure requested by the king you must make your way to the castle and announce it's secret location.  The first player to find three treasures for the kings is the victor!  I love to play this game with my son.  It has been wonderful to watch him learn different strategies and see how concentrated and focused he gets.  Memory is key in this game and the variable board keeps the game fresh play after play.

Whoowasit?
  This is another great cooperative game.  By taking turns and gathering clues found in various rooms in a castle players work as a group to solve the mystery of who stole the magical ring from the king. The ring protects the kingdom from the evil wizard. The castle animals witnessed the act of thievery in the night and can give the children clues (cause only children can understand animals). If all players together can solve the mystery before time runs out, everyone wins. If the players can't, everyone loses.  The game comes with an electronic treasure chest that gives you clues throughout the game.  The game also has a time limit which prevents it from dragging on and offers some suspense each time the fairy announces the time.  Several game level options add more variety to the game as well.  Of all the games listed here, this probably has the most difficult rules.  The first game may be a bit slow, but after your initial play the kids should be able to play on their own.

All of these games have had a dedicated spot on our game shelf and I can see them lasting there for several years to come.  What games do you not mind playing over and over with the kids?  I'd love to hear the games you find fun and challenging with your kids.

Catan Junior i.e., Pirate Catan!

My Tabletop Toddler's 2014 Cool Geek Toy Picks

  I don't know about your kids, but mine has begun making his wishlist and I wanted to share what my little geek is most excited about this holiday season.

  Many of you have probably seen (or at least heard about) the newest Disney movie, Big Hero 6. Well, it wouldn't be a holiday movie release if it didn't also have awesome toys to go along with it. Bandai has released a collection of action figures and you can choose your favorite heroes, use their special powers, and save the world from evil villains.

  Bandai has also released the Baymax Rocket Fist and Mask Set.  My son is begging for this one. He loves to dress up and play the part.  I can see the fist flying through my house now. The flying fist is made of a soft material keeping it safe for kids to play with.

  My son is a HUGE fan of all things Superhero (Marvel in particular) and the Mr. Potato Head Mixable Mashable Heroes have made this year's list.  He has always liked creating his own silly faces with the original Mr Potato Head, and we have even added some of the the Star Wars Taters to the collection, but these little guys mix the fun of Mr. Potato Head with Marvel parts to create Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron, Man and more.  They are sure to be a hit in any home with a Superhero fan.

Not a superhero fan, you can always try these awesome Dr Who themed Taters too!

  The last "Toy" to make the list so far this year is also video game based.  My son loves Mario and he LOVES the Mario Micro sets.  He would like more for Christmas :O)





   These are all fun toys, but what has my son the most excited this year is the release of Skylanders: Trap Team.  He spent a good portion of last year collecting, sorting, and playing Swap Force and now he's gearing up for the newest set.  He even took the initiative to write his own list to Santa and I was very proud of his 4 year old Handwriting.  Bonus Handwriting practice!!
 
   I have to admit, I was not sure about him playing this game.  I knew it had a heavy monetary investment.  The first game was given to him as a birthday gift and he had so much fun with it from the start that I just couldn't say no.  It has also become a special father/son bonding time that I think is well worth the money in the end.

   Now, In order to reduce some of the need for him to own everything all at once, we did institute a sticker chore chart.  He can exchange his stickers like cash for things he would like to own and it's been great.  Over time he has begun to understand that things cost money and it has taught him the value of saving.  And the two things he saves and uses those stickers for more than anything else, Skylanders and Board Games!

  My son was born into a house that loves board games.  In fact, his father owns three retail stores and publishes his own games.  Logan is only 4 and has already been to Gen Con and Pax East.  He is no stranger to the world of Games.  That being said. This is his list of board games for 2014.

King of New York: 
  King of Tokyo was such a hit, that it is no wonder that it is first on the list.  Oh, and he beats me every time!

Ravensburger Labyrinth:
  Yes this is an older game, but he has just learned to play Enchanted Forest and this is a great companion game.

Zelda Monopoly: 
  Daddy plays Zelda, son watches daddy play Zelda, Daddy collects cool editions of Monopoly.  Enough Said!

Firefly Yahtzee:
  OK, so this is not on his list, but it is on MINE! and what kid wouldn't want to own a replica of the Serenity that is also a dice cup?

NH Holiday Happenings

Well, it's official.  Snow has begun to fall in New Hampshire.  It's time to starting thinking cozy thoughts of comfy blankets, hot cocoa, warm fires, and lots of fun outside activities.  New England is a great place to get outdoors and once the temperatures drop, many people start to think Christmasy thoughts.

I have gathered a list of great NH events to help you and your family get into the holiday spirit this month.

Christmas at The Fells: Deck The Halls

November 15-16, 10am-3pm

456 Route 103A
Newbury, NH 03255 

Event Fee: $22.50 at the door; $5 children.

Description:
Looking for great holiday decorating ideas or just an enjoyable way to get into the holiday spirit then be sure to come see Christmas at The Fells: Deck the Halls. Experience the historic Fells Main House, transformed to the theme of Deck the Halls! Get inspired by fireside stockings and the twinkling of lights.

Santa Has Arrived!

Make a Date with Santa at the Mall of New Hampshire!
November 5th - December 24th

Visit a Festival of Trees 

Check out beautifully decorated trees at New Hampshire's various Festival of Trees events. Trees are often donated and decorated by local businesses in an effort to help fundraise for local events and activities. You can bid on trees, enter raffles, indulge in cookies and cocoa and more.

Southern New Hampshire Festival of Trees 

November 28th - December 6th

Sherburne Hall in the Municipal Building 
6 Village Green
Pelham, NH 

Event Fee: 12 & Over: $5; Under 12: Free.  Multiple day passes are available.

14th Annual "Fez"tival of Trees

November 22 - December 30
Bektash Shrine Center
189 Pembroke Rd.
Concord, NH

Event Fee: Adults are $5; senior are $4 and children 12 and under are free

Nashua's Festival of Trees

November 29 - November 30,  December 6 and December 7: Gala is on Friday, December 12
Hunt Memorial Building
6 Main St.
Nashua, NH

Event Fee: Free

Zoolights at the Stone Zoo

November 27 - January 4, 5 pm - 9pm

Event Fee: Members and member guests: $6 Tuesday - Sunday; $4 on Member Mondays
Non-Members $7 

Description: This annual festival of lights will dazzle visitors of all ages this holiday season. Meet Reindeer, visit with Santa, and enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. 

Take a Ride with Santa on the Ho Ho Hobo Express

Exit 32 on I-93 in Lincoln, NH on Rt 112, directly opposite McDonald's.

Description: This 1 hour and 20 minute holiday excursion follows along the winding Pemigewassett River from Hobo Junction in Lincoln to Woodstock and then returns to Lincoln. You will travel in restored vintage train cars decorated for the season. 

We took my son on this trip last year and it was a complete hit. Everything from the festively decorated train cars, to the cookies and hot chocolate made the experience magical for my son.  We even wrote a list to Santa, which my son personally gave to him on the train.  If you have a child who loves trains or the Polar Express, this is definitely a trip not o miss.  

Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

Bring some of the beauty and fragrance of New Hampshire into your home this holiday season. Christmas trees are available at farms where you can select and cut down your own or bring home a fresh pre-cut tree. Special activities like sleigh rides plus treats and hot cocoa add to the seasonal festivities and make lasting family memories!  

Hands On Impressions: Goblin's Drool, Fairies Rule!

I recently had the pleasure of playing this fantastic new children's game from Game-o-gami.  Goblin's Drool, Fairies Rule! is a quick little rhyming card game that takes between 15 and 20 minutes to play.  The suggested ages are 7 and up, but any child who is fluent with rhymes and can read (or has a sibling or parent to help) will pick it up rather quickly.  The game is comprised of 20 super-sized cards with double side illustrations.  One side features a cute little fairy and the other a mischievous goblin!  Each character has their own unique name which rhymes with seven other fairies and goblins.  On your turn, you play a card to the Fairy Circle and flip any cards that rhyme.  You then retrieve any cards that match the symbol of the card you played and place them in front of yourself.  There are 4 different symbols in the game: Suns, moons, frogs, and mushrooms.  The suns and moons are opposite each other and, like wise, the frogs and mushrooms.  Some Fairies and Goblins are extra special and are surrounded by stars.  These cards will flip all cards in the center when played.  You win the game if you get rid of all your goblins or obtain at least 6 fairies.

One of my favorite aspects of this game is the beautiful artwork which appeals to both boys and girls.  The fanciful names add even more to the fun.  Just listen to one of the rhyming sets.  Gooble T. Goop, Dastardly Droop, Salamander Snoop, Goblin Soup, Lemon Loop, Rainbow Swoop, Hula Hoop, and Vanilla Scoop.  Each illustration magnificently depicts the name in fairy or goblin form.  Just take a look!

So if you are looking for that next great family or kids game, or are a teacher looking for something new and educational for rainy classroom days, look no further.  Goblins Drool, Fairies Rule! has just launched on Kickstarter and you can pledge your support today.  Not only do you have the opportunity to get this great game, but depending on your pledge, you also can receive a book of the beautiful artwork and a double sided puzzle featuring a fairy and a goblin.  I personally have secured my pledge at the educator level (aka Dusty Dour) and can't wait to use it in the classroom.  Go Check it out!

Playing with the Goblins Drool, Fairies Rule! prototype at our weekly game night!

Gamers Raise Over 1 Million Dollars for Children's Miracle Network!

Today I am so proud to be a gamer.  Around 3 AM this morning, gamers all over the world reached an amazing milestone.  In only its fourth year, the Extra-Life 24 Hour Game Marathon climbed to an amazing total of over 1 MILLION Dollars raised for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 




Doc (of Sarcastic Gamer) had this to say about the momentous occasion:



"This is one of the most memorable moments of my life, and if you’re an Extra Lifer, it ought to be yours.  Because I sure as hell didn’t raise a million dollars.  We all did.
For the history buffs here were the Extra Life totals in the past:
2008 – $121,000 – 1165 gamers
2009 – $170,000 – 1654 gamers
2010 – $465,000 – 3299 gamers
2011 – $1,000,000 AND CLIMBING – 13,596 gamers
More than 13,000 gamers from 97 countries, and every continent except Antarctica (penguin scientists suck) came together to make this happen..."

If you are one of those gamers, Thank You!  If you are one of those donors, Thank You!  If you had to skip yesterday and are making it up this weekend, Thank You!  Children around the world thank you for giving them a chance at extra life.  A million dollars is a lot of dough, and a lot of hope for families. 

 

Now get some sleep.  You deserve it!

Calliope Games: Not Your Average Game Company

Like my motto states, I'm a Mommy by Day...Gamer by Night! (Well, at least when my son goes to bed on time.  We have been struggling with bedtime lately, but that's a subject for another post.)

So, what does that mean for my game closet?  What it means is that I have a new view of the games we buy.  When I look over a new game, I am not only looking for a fun game that's innovative and elegant, but a game that is also easy to set up, quick to play (around 30 minutes), and plays well with 2 players.  As my son grows, I am also beginning to look for games that he can play along with us.

As all parents know, there is a precious amount of time for families to spend together and even less for mommy and daddy to be alone and relax.  Usually it is that tiny little window between the kids' bedtime and mom and dad collapsing on the couch.  I have found that this is anywhere between 2-3 hours, and it still includes tidying up after the kids are asleep.  That is not a very large window to pull out a game and play. But hope is not lost!

A new company has surfaced with parents and families in mind.  At Gen Con this year I had the opportunity to talk with Ray Wehrs, president of Calliope Games.  Their mission is to provide games that get kids and parents together for face-to-face entertainment.  To do this, their games play in under 60 minutes, support 2 or more players, are easy to learn, and work well with a wide range of ages.  And here's the best part.  They make games that are fun for both adults and kids to play together!  It's not a case of parents needing to dumb down the rules or for kids to feel frustrated that they can't play and win.  These games are designed for both kids and adult to feel challenged and motivated to improve their strategies.

A great example of this philosophy can be seen in their first game, Tsuro: The Game of the Path.  Some of you may be familiar with this fun tile laying game.  The rules are simple: Place a tile and follow the path.  The last person left on the board wins!  The challenge is to keep your stone away from danger and to send the other stones on a path to the edge.  It sounds easier than it is, and for those who like puzzles and mazes, this is a great game.

Ray showed me three other games that are hitting your local game store shelves with the same great mission: Fun for Everyone!

Double Double Dominoes is a new approach to traditional dominoes.  More like a combination of dominoes and scrabble.  Players score points by matching their dominoes to spaces on the board.  Probably the most challenging of Calliope's games, this is a great one for older kids and for mom and dad to play together over dessert.  A 5-6 player expansion is in the works as well and can be expected to hit stores in 2012. 

Got 'Em! turned out to be an addictively fun game for me.  Again the rules are simple.  You try to wall in your opponent while keeping your own pawn out of harms way.  There are two modes to the game offering slightly different levels of luck vs. strategy.







In Brainy Got 'Em, players are forced to use what? Their brains of course! And corner their opponents by outsmarting them.  On your turn you place a wall and move your pawn 1 plus the number of walls that surround you.  Simple, right!

 

Your other option is to play Bright Got 'Em.  In this version, cards are used to determine your movement and wall placement.  Each card tells you what color square you may place a wall on and the number of spaces you may move.  There are even some cards that allow you to remove walls and improve your escape.  This version is slightly more luck based since you will be relying on the cards to determine where you may place walls and move.  Both modes are great fun and don't be surprised if you get beat by your kids!

The final game that Ray showed me was the most animated of them all.  For those of you who love Munchkin and the art of John Kovalic, this game will make you giggle with delight.  Ugh! is a push your luck card game set in the Stone Age.  You each play as a cavemen collecting cards that represent your jobs, pets, and homes, but be careful for the dreaded Ugh! cards (which is exactly what you will say when you draw one!)  Everyone takes turns drawing up to 3 cards and scoring sets.  The player with the most points when the deck runs out wins!

To here our interview with Ray from Gen Con

Click Here!

So as you begin thinking about family gatherings this fall, consider picking up some of these great titles from Calliope Games at your Friendly Professional Games Store.  Give them a try!  You won't be disappointed.

American Geek Mom's Great Summer Games List

Summer is the season for firefly-catching, trips to the zoo and picnics, but what do you do on those inevitably rainy days?  

Take this scenario: It has been raining for days.  The kids are chasing each other through the house and you are feeling hopeless. You have tried everything in your rainy day arsenal but the kids are still antsy and bored.  They want to play a game, but you don't want to sit through another game of Uno, Monopoly, or Candy Land.  Hope is not lost.  I present to you American Geek Mom's Great Summer Games List!  These games are guaranteed to be fun and engaging for both adults and kids alike.  

Secrets of the Sea features the innovative Mystery Light Technology that reveals hidden clues as you play.  Kids are sure to get excited as they explore the deep blue sea for treasures, but watch out!  There are monsters hidden down below.  This is one of my personal favorites.

Another favorite of mine is Abandon Ship.  It has easy rules, colorful components, and strategic gameplay. You are all rats on the ship, Nvrsnks, and the ship is sinking!  Race to get your group of rats to safety.     

Eleminis is a fast and fun card game where players race to collect all 5 mini elements - Fire, Plant, Air, Water, and Rock.  The whole family will enjoy the cute artwork and friendly competition provided by this quick and easy party game. Best of all, it has minimal text making it a great game for kids as young as six! 

Word on the Street is a fantastic little word game the whole family can enjoy.  Pull the letters to your side of the street by spelling words associated with category cards.  A great game to keep minds sharp during those hot Summer months.  Word on the Street Jr. is also available for younger families.

Shake-n-Take is a new game from Out of the Box.  It's great for days when you have a rowdy bunch.  Your mission is to capture as many aliens as you can before the next player snatches the capture marker from your hand.   

Carcassonne may not look thrilling from the outside, but inside is a clever tile-laying game sure to please.  Both kids and adults will enjoy the strategy in this simple game of connecting castles, roads, and cloisters.  And for very young children, try Kids of Carcassone, an even simpler version of the award winning classic edition.  

Castle Panic is the perfect opportunity to work together.  You are knights in a castle, defending it from a horde of monsters intent on knocking it down.  This game is packed with fantasy and is easily adjusted to meet the need of your family.

Meet the Dweebies! These uniquely colorful characters are out to capture your heart, but you must capture them first!  Match your dweebies and collect the most cards to win!

Dixit is a beautifully illustrated game of storytelling.  Fill your home with fantastic tales as you try to give the best descriptions. 

Say Anything Family and Wits and Wagers Family are two excellent titles from North Star Games.  These great editions provide everyone with family-friendly questions that combine laughter and learning in a way that all ages can enjoy together! Due to the amount of writing involved, these are best for children ages 8+.

And finally, Forbidden Island. This 2011 Spiel des Jahres (German Board Game of the Year) nominee will give you hours of fun as you try to find the treasures and escape the island before it sinks!  Another great cooperative board game with multiple difficulty levels that make it fun for everyone! 

 

This is only a small sampling of the great family games you can find these days, but it is a good start.  Add some of them to your collection, and those rainy days might just become a little more sunny!

 

The return of a childhood favorite.

While sifting through my Facebook posts I discovered this little gem.  The Flintstones Animated TV Series is returning!  This beloved cartoon is set to air on FOX in 2013, and will be produced by Seth MacFarlane.  I definitely enjoy Family Guy, and have to wonder what the new Flintstones will become.  I immediately began to think "My son will be just the right age to enjoy the antics of Fred and Barney when this airs.  I can't wait to share this classic with him."  But I have my reservations.  Movies like The Parent Trap and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory were revamped, but I found I still preferred the originals.  Hopefully the revamp of this 1960's cartoon will live up to my expectations.  Only time will tell.