With all of the increased time at home, there has been a lot more family game nights and board games into the mix. While we love the tried and true staples, there have been a few more additions that our family has been playing that have been great for tech-free fun. Check out a few of our current favorites:
1. We have been loving Starlux Games where you can leverage classic games, such as Capture the Flag Redux. Through this, kids can learn elements of strategy and teamwork as they running around and burning up pent up energy. This includes 12 different game modes included to allow at least four players in on the glow-action! It’s a throwback to the game many parents played in their youth, with the added bonus of glowing orbs!
2. Another favorite from Starlux is Glow Battle that can help you to incorporate interests that your kids have with a fun and active option. Through this game, families can battle each other using harmless glowing swords. Designed for kids 8 and up, they can play Knights of Old, Gladiators, a Star Wars-themed Glow Battle game, or you can make up your own glowing battle of skill.
3. For some science and art activities, we have been loving the Griddly Games Just Add series whose mission is to inspire creativity, imagination, out-of-the-box learning, healthy living and lively interaction through the fun of games and activities. While everything has been all about technology and distance learning on the computer, these games allow for a much-needed break where kids can incorporate STEM kits into the mix. The Just Add branded line of products features science and activity kits that includes several arts and crafts activities in addition to the learning lessons of the experiments. We tested out the Just Add Egg ($24.95 for ages 5 and up), Just Add Milk ($15.95 for ages 5 and up) and Just Add Sugar ($24.95 for ages 8 and up). While some of the kits can be messy and requires some everyday ingredients, we loved how the kits were packed with different activities and new ideas to mix up our “school” day. From the Just Add Sugar kit, this included making sugar necklaces and rock candy and from the Just Add Milk kit, we loved making milk paintings that we turned into cards. Super fun and easy to use, the kits really helped enhance my kids’ learning as they enjoyed something different, fun and experimental.
4. The Game Plan Board Game: We love game night and recently added The Game Plan Board Game into the mix. Created by moms, business partners and entrepreneurs Ellie Kanner and Lisa Solomon, The Game Plan Game, designed for ages ages 4-10, focuses on everyday teachable moments to discuss topics such as safety, good choices, health, flexible thinking, social skills, and good manners. Personally, I loved how the game opened up these conversations, which was super engaging and particularly great in fostering social skills and facilitating conversation.
We were provided with some samples for this review.
