Kid Games: A Review

I love games. Like, looooove them — enough to marry them. And I always have, and maybe more than most. I think it must be part of the Youngest Child Syndrome, where you always feel shortchanged because everyone was always too old or too busy to play with you all of your life and you never got to play as much as the other kids.

With that said, my family has always liked games (we take all-play-all-the-time Pictionary to new heights), but I could always handle more. I wanted to continue this tradition with Anna, so I started giving her a book and a game for her birthday and for Christmas so that we could build our collections of both. (I love books too.)  And then I buy several more throughout the year because I can't help myself. Luckily, Anna LOVES games and anyone who will play with her, so we are of like mind in this.

But all games are not created equal. Especially kid games. I have to be in a really good mood to sit down to Candyland, for instance, but Anna loves it because 1) it's set in a land made of candy and 2) Princess Frostine. But there are a few games we've found that are as fun for adults as they are for kids. So I thought I would post a few of my favorites here to spread the joy.

KID GAMES: A REVIEW

1. Cadoo

This is the kid version of Cranium. I like Cranium, and this is the perfect, pared-down version for kids. It has drawing and sculpting challenges, charades (which are nearly impossible a hoot when you're watching a six-year-old), word puzzles, and trivia. And secret word decoder glasses, which are a highlight. There are also fun challenges where you have one minute to get up and find objects in certain categories, like something sticky and something furry. It's good times. Since Anna's still a youngin', we just play without the timer.

2. Quelf Jr. 

This is another kid version of an adult game, but I've never played the adult version. Have any of you? This one's fun because it's totally random and silly. You draw cards that make you do silly things, like pretend your foot is a baby and cuddle with it until your next turn. It's definitely one to let your inhibitions out.

3. The Ugly Doll Card Game 

This is sort of a speed matching game with a very simple premise and one most everyone likes. Plus, if you grab a card at the same time as another player, the first person to say "ugly" three time gets it. Who doesn't like that?

4. Memory 

We have several versions of Memory, but I love this one because of its amazing design. I like the little green discs, but I love the different patterns that you can switch out: animal prints, colors, numbers, letters, etc. I feel like it's giving your brain an extra workout, which is a good feeling. This one is fun and cool.

5. The Scrambled States of America Game

This is a speed game centered around the 50 states, their nicknames, and capitals. Perhaps because of my insistance that she learn how to play every game with me, Anna is a little ahead of her time with this one, which I think is intended for kids 8 and up. But she seriously loves it. She even recently taught my dad how to play. And now she's basically ready for 9th-grade geography.

6. Wig Out 

And the game that probably gets the most playing time at our house is Wig Out. It's easy, it's fast, and everyone likes it, no matter their age or disposition. (Everyone I've made play it, anyway.) I got it on a whim when I went into this magical toy store last year, and it has been a HUGE hit.



A couple of these games came from gamewright.com, which, if I could be their spokesperson, I totally would. I can't think of one game we've gotten from there that we didn't like. Way to be, Gamewright.


Do you have any favorites we might need to try? Current favorites? Favorites from your childhood?