What does your family typically do after dinner? Watch television, get lost in cyberspace, ask for the Pepto-Bismol? Why not keep everyone happy, entertained, and together by organizing a family game night? We know, you can already hear the groans. But instead of hauling out dusty ol’ Yahtzee or Scrabble, serve up one of these new board games. They’re cheaper than a trip to the movies and—get this—unlike video games, you actually interact with real people!
Cranium Family Edition: The Cranium games have been around for years, but this edition takes the four stock categories (Creative Cat, Data Head, Star Performer, Word Worm) and broadens their age appeal. Since players build, sketch, sculpt, act, and create in teams, everyone can participate. Watch out for flying frogs! Ages 8+
Connect 4x4: You may remember this game from when you were younger, but it’s been updated with a clear, double-sided grid that allows for up to four to play multidimensionally. Objective: Get four of your rings in a row. Reality: Not so simple. Ages 8+
Curious George Discovery Beach Game: Every kid loves hunting for treasures at the beach. Now they can do it in a box in the living room sans sand. The game challenges players to find a variety of sea stuff. But watch out for waves and don’t forget to put sunscreen on the monkey. Ages 3 to 8
Small World: Compete to control a fantasy world filled with wizards, giants, and—wait, doesn’t that dwarf look just like Uncle Frank? Use your special powers, expand your empire, but be careful because it’s totally immersive. Ages 8+
Lost Cities: A card game in which you lead a team of explorers into uncharted territory in search of forgotten civilizations. Watch for tikis and other artifacts. To make it totally realistic, wear bush pants and don’t forget the mosquito repellent. Ages 10+
Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It! If your preschoolers love Scarry’s books, they’ll love this game, which uses the same delightful you-find-it principle. Only now you place magnifying tokens over each board item you find and advance ever closer to Picnic Island. No one wins, no one loses, but everybody has fun. Ages 3+
Fits: This is a competitive puzzle game similar to Tetris. Each player gets an inclined board and a set of unique puzzle pieces. As different cards are drawn, everyone tries to complete their puzzle. Good confidence builder for kids because they usually beat us adults. Ages 8+
Super Mario Chess Collector’s Edition: Your kids might take more interest in learning the game of games if the characters are Nintendo favorites Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and their entire gang. But get ready to explain why Luigi is the queen. Ages 7+
Pandemic: Despite the scary name, this is an exciting and educational family game in which players race to find cures for infectious diseases. Make sure to use hand sanitizer before and afterward. Ages 10+
Game on!
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Decadent (yet smart!) desserts
