Although parents may not want to play Go Fish on repeat the way kids do, it's a good idea to indulge their request for the card game as often as possible because there are actually a lot of hidden benefits to playing Go Fish!

But first, let's get a handle on what the game is, because Go Fish is one of the 10 card games kids should know!

How to Play Go Fish

For the 6 people left in the world who don't know how to play Go Fish, the instructions are very easy. Although many companies like to sell fancy Go Fish specific card decks, all you need is a standard deck of 52 cards.

Number of players

2-5 players

Objective

To collect as many sets of 4 of a kind as you can. In some variations, players only collect pairs.

Set-Up and Deal

Decide who goes first and who will deal. You can draw cards, play rock, paper, scissors, choose the youngest player, or shout "Not It!." The choice is yours.

The dealer deals 7 cards to each player. If playing with 4 or 5 players, deal out 5 cards to each player.

Place the remaining cards in a pile, face down. This is the "Go Fish" pile.

Play

Players examine their hands and decide what cards they might want to "fish" for. The first player, "the fisher," asks any other player if they have a particular number or face card. For example, "Do you have any 5s?" The fisher must already have at least one 5 in their hand.

If the "fishee" has a 5 they must hand over the card or cards to the fisher. If not, they gleefully say, "Go fish!" and the fisher draws one card from the Go Fish pile.

If the fisher gets one or more cards they asked for, whether from the fishee or the draw pile, they get another go and can ask the same player or another player for a card. They get to keep fishing as long as they continue to be given or draw the correct card. If they do not get the correct card, their turn is over and play continues clockwise.

Once a player as a set of four cards, they lay them down face up.

Play continues in this manner until all thirteen face value cards have been collected by players in sets of four.

The winner is the player with the most sets.

Benefits of Go Fish!

Perhaps one of the reasons kids love Go Fish! so much is because deep down they know that it's teaching them valuable skills and prepping their brains for the long schooling years in front of them!

Okay, maybe not, but it's still great for for early math learning and social skills.

Go Fish! teaches:

• recognition of numerals and quantities
• matching pairs and sorting
• listening and memory skills (Last time Mommy had a 5, but I didn't. Now I do have a 5. "Mommy, do you have a 5?"),
• learning how to take turns

... and, of course, Go Fish is a good starter game for parents who are helping kids who hate to lose learn how to be a good sport (we have more helpful sportsmanship tips here).

So what are you waiting for? Go Fish!

For slightly older kids who are practicing early addition skills, don't forget about TENS GO FISH!

The post The Hidden Benefits of Go Fish! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Logic Game Stocking Stuffers

Coggy consists of a deck of challenge cards and a movable gear puzzle.  Players will work logic, critical thinking and visual perception skills as they manipulate the colored gears in an attempt to solve the conundrums on each card. The 40 challenges range from easy to difficulty so the game can grow with your child and/or be played with by different age groups.

Fifteen Puzzle. You may remember this classic puzzle game from your childhood. As a kid I loved this puzzle and it has been a favorite logic game far longer than any of the newer ideas on the market. But I still can't resist giving it a go, even though I'm all grown up! Not only is it perfect size to be a stocking stuffer, but it travels very easily so you can take it on long road trips to keep the kids off screens!

Kanoodle. My kids have played this pocket-sized game off an on now for several years and it has been such a mainstay of quiet time in our home that I've recommended it several times on this blog! The newest version has 200 puzzles ranging from easy to very difficult. I love that it comes in a little carrying case which, when open acts as the board for the 2D puzzles and when closed is the board for the 3D puzzles.

Card Game Stocking Stuffers

Phase 10. This is one of my older son's favorite card games! One year he and my mother played the game about 25 times over the course of a week! It's been around since the 1980s and I always know I can count on games that have stood the test of time. It is based on Rummy but with a clever twist. This is definitely a favorite in our house.

Rook is a classic game that I remember playing at my grandparents when I was young. You can play with 2 players but it is excellent for playing as teams. This fast-paced game involves bidding, tricks and trumps!

Dice Game Stocking Stuffers

LCR Wild Dice Game. We love the original LCR game and this "wild version" with some alternative game play options looks fun. LCR is a game for at least 3 players and consists of dice and chips. The rules are simple and the instructions are easy! Players pass chips to either their left, right or pop them in the center of pot depending on what they roll. This is a version of a traditional dice game, Aces in the Pot.

Pig Dice Game. This is a cute version of the traditional dice game PIG in a handy-dandy, stocking-stuffer sized container! The company makes several themed dice games that come in these little cylinders. I also love the sound of this Train Dice Game. Any kid would be delighted to find one of these cute dice games in their Christmas stockings this year.

Twisted Farkle. Farkle is an incredibly popular dice game (which I still have yet to play!) and there are some fun variations like this "twisted" version. It is fun, fast paced and not just for kids! In a twist on the original Farkle, any points you earn may not be yours to keep. A "determinator die" will decide your fate!

With all these fun choices, who wouldn't want to fill up on these stocking stuffer games! Happy playing!

The post Stocking Stuffer Games Will Be Everyone's Favorite Gift appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Why These Games?

The games have been selected according to the following criteria:

• Easy to learn
• Readily adaptable to different skill levels and abilities
• Rules are easily modified if necessary
• Game play can continue if one player quits
• They do not require reading
• Only light strategy skills, if any, are necessary

Each game description below notes important skill requirements such as visual perception or counting. For example, if a player has trouble with number recognition, then a game will either need to be modified or that player given extra help.

If your family needs to modify game rules consider the following:

• Can you eliminate scoring?
• Can you eliminate a speed or strategy factor?
• Can you reduce the game play time?
• Can you make the game more cooperative?
• Can you play as partners or teams?

MORE: Tips for helping kids learn good sportsmanship

In addition, I've noted what I think is the minimum age for each game. This may be different from the manufacturer's recommendation because I am taking into account the fact that you can modify rules to accommodate skill levels.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

Board Games

LABYRINTH

Find it: Amazon

Players make their way through an ever-shifting maze in pursuit of treasure. Each player begins with a set number of treasure cards and the player who collects all their treasure first, wins. The board consists of moving panels and on their turn, a player shifts the panels in an effort to further their own progress or hinder that of others.

Considerations: light strategy, visual perception, 2-4 players

Minimum age: 5

MORE: Our favorite tile-based games

PARCHEESI

Find it: Amazon

I loved Parcheesi when I was a kid! This classic family game for all ages originated in India and is a chase-type game. Players aim to be the first to move all their tokens from the starting position to home base. There is light strategy involved but because it uses dice, the majority of the game is based on luck. It is easy to modify the rules by removing the ability to blockade, "bump" opponents, or simplifying how to leave the starting position.

Considerations: counting to 20, light strategy, 2-4 players

Minimum age: 6

SEQUENCE

Find it: Amazon

Sequence is an all-around winner and appeals to different age groups. The concept of getting 5-in-a-row is easy for children to grasp and yet still a fun challenge for adults. You can easily modify the rules by eliminating the special ability of one-eyed Jacks or decreasing the number of completed sequences required to win. There is also a kids version that uses pictures instead of playing cards.

Considerations: light strategy, number recognition, 2 - 12 players

Minimum age: 5 (3 for kids version)

CAULDRON QUEST

Find it: Amazon

Some families love cooperative games, others hate them. We love them (perhaps because I am not very competitive and my kids love to tell me what to do, ha ha ha). I have often recommended Hoot Owl Hoot and Forbidden Island, but Cauldron Quest is another good choice. Cooperative games are also useful when you want to strengthen your children's strategy and problem solving skills, but they have difficulty with typical, competitive strategy games.

Considerations: 2-4 players, strategy, cooperative, number recognition (uses dice)

Minimum age: 4

Card Games

HI LO FLIP

Find it: Amazon

This is the most colorful card game you will ever see! It's like holding a Pantone deck in your hand. Players try to shed their hand by playing cards in either a high or a low sequence, depending on the flip of the Hi-Lo coin. It is extremely easy to learn, and it's likely that no modifications would be necessary, provided players have the necessary number recognition skills.

Considerations: number recognition, understanding of greater/lesser than, 2-6 players

Minimum age: 5

SPOT IT

Find it: Amazon

This very popular game of visual perception is great to have on hand when you are on the go. There are several Spot It variations so you can choose one based on your family's interest. Players race to be the first person to spot which object is on both cards. It sounds simple, but it's not as easy as it looks! Some families may need to modify the speed requirement. Spot It comes with instructions for several versions of game play. If you only have children under 6, you may prefer the Spot It Jr. version.

Considerations: visual perception, quick thinking, short play time, 2 or more players

Minimum age: 3

SKIP-BO

Find it: Amazon

Skip-bo is a classic card game that is a good choice for everyone's game closet. We have played it more times that I can count. This is sequencing card game in which players work to be the first player to empty their card stockpiles. You can easily shorten the game by reducing the number of cards in stockpile. This is one of the few games where I think it's best to stick to the manufacturer's recommended age, not because it's hard, but because it's harder to play successfully if your attention wanders.

Considerations: number recognition, strategy, 2-6 players

Minimum age: 7

GO NUTS FOR DONUTS

Find it: Amazon

Go Nuts for Donuts is a bidding card game. At the start of the game, an array of donut cards with varying point values and rewards are displayed. Players bid on which donuts they want in an effort to collect as many advantageous cards as possible. The player with the most points (not necessarily the player with the most donuts) at the end of the game wins. If any player cannot read, the other players can read the cards out loud, if necessary.

Considerations: decision-making, number recognition, very basic math (but not an absolute requirement), will make you hungry, 2-6 players

Minimum age: 5

RIVERS, ROADS, AND RAILS

Find it: Amazon

Players match cards together and create pathways of an ever changing network of rivers, roads and rails. This is an excellent choice for families who also like puzzles. Rivers, Roads and Rails can be played competitively in which players aim to be the first to use of their cards, or cooperatively in which families work together to use as many cards as possible. Bonus: kids LOVE to play with this game by themselves.

Considerations: cooperative or competitive, visual perception, requires a large playing area, 1-8 players

Minimum age: 5; 3 as a cooperative or team game

Dice Games

Dice games can be excellent family games for all ages because many of them rely solely on luck. If you already have a handful of dice, check out the instructions for all of our favorite dice games.

STRIKE (aka) IMPACT: BATTLE OF THE ELEMENTS

Find it: Amazon

Note: Impact has been discontinued and rebranded as "Harry Potter Strike." We have the Impact version, which I featured as a game of the month here. Impact Strike is a game that takes zero time to learn, is quick to play, but engaging enough that playing it over and over at the request of your child does not send your brain into a boredom spiral. Taking turns, players toss their dice in the "cauldron," attempting to roll matching dice according to the controlling factor of the round, which is either earth, lighting, water, wind or fire (in the Impact version). The instructions include several versions of game play, including modifications. Impact Strike is also a game that younger kids can play with older siblings sans parents.

Considerations: Very light strategy, short game play time, small playing space, 2-5 players

Minimum age: 4

LCR

Find it: Amazon

LCR, or "Left, Right, Center" is a one hundred per cent luck game, which can be a nice thing if you just don't want to spend family game night doing too much thinking. (You know, because of parenting after a long day, ha ha ha.) Each player starts with an equal number of chips. Rolling the specialty dice will determine if you pass chips to the left, right, or place them in the center pot. The last player left with chips is the winner. There is also an LCR Wild version which does require some strategy.

Considerations: Requires at least 3 players, zero strategy

Minimum age: 4

Miscellaneous

PENGOLOO

Find it: Amazon

Pengoloo is a memory matching game using adorable wooden penguins. Unlike the other games on this list, Pengoloo is designed for families with preschoolers. However, I think it is a good game to include because it's actually not that boring for adults who like memory-type games. In fact, kids often out-perform adults, which makes them feel successful. Each penguin sits atop and hides a colored egg. Similar to classic Memory, players try to recall which color is under each penguin in order to find two eggs of the same. The first player to find the requisite number of matching pairs wins.

Considerations: memory, color recognition, 2-4 players

Minimum age: 3

Not enough game for you? Try these!

• The best award winning games for kids by age
• Best games for preschoolers, ages 3-6
• Best games for 10-15 year olds

The post Top 12 Family Games for All Ages and Abilities appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

As with all our Game of the Month features, read on for information on how to play, tips for playing with kids and thoughts on recommended ages.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

About Hi Lo-Flip

Hi Lo Flip consists of a stack of 100 cards, numbered 1-100 and 1 black plastic flipping token with "HI" on one side and "LO" on the other.

The cards are gorgeous, each one is a different color–yes, all 100! It's like holding a Pantone deck in your hand.

This is a lightly strategic card game, but also relies on the luck of the draw.

How to Play

The object of Hi Lo Flip is to obtain the highest score. You do this by collecting cards with set point values and winning bonus points for being the first player to get rid of their cards in a round. A game consists of as many rounds as it takes for a player to reach a score of at least 75 points.

During a round, players try to shed their hand by playing cards in either a high or a low sequence depending on the flip of the Hi-Lo coin. Certain cards have special abilities, which keep things interesting.

For detailed instructions, watch the video from Gamewright at the bottom of this post.

Find Hi Lo Flip at Amazon here.

Tips for Playing with Kids

Gamewright recommends their game for players ages 8 and up. I recommended it in my list of the best games for 10-15 year olds, but it has a much greater age range.

With young kids, or those who struggle with good sportsmanship, playing to the highest score is not necessary. You can modify the game so that the first player to go out wins the round. That way, kids have more opportunities to win, and thus feel successful.

If you need to simplify the game even further, you can decide not to observe the special ability cards.

Although kids younger than 8-years-old can certainly understand the rules, as with most strategy games, the older the player, the better game play choices they will be able to make.

Hi Lo Flip is now one of our favorite family games!

Find Hi Lo Flip at Amazon here.

More games we love:

• 10 card games every kid should know
• Games for active kids
• Award wining games for every age

The post Hi Lo Flip: Game of the Month appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

This post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

The best part? Just like our dice games in which all you need is a handful of standard dice, all you need to play any of these easy card games is a single deck of cards. No need to buy anything!

Crazy Eights

Anyone who knows how to play Uno will pick up Crazy Eights with no problem. It is best played with 2-6 players, but can be played with more.

Deal 5 cards to each player, unless playing with only two players, then deal 7 cards each. Place one card face up for the "starter pile." (If it is an 8, return it to the deck and turn over a new card.) The rest of the cards make the draw pile.

The first player lays down a card on the starter pile. He may only play a card that matches either the denomination or the suit. For example, if the starter card is an ace of hearts, the player may lay down an ace of any suit, or a heart of any denomination. If the player cannot play (or does not want to), he must draw from the stock pile until he either draws a playable card, or the stock pile is emptied. Play continues clockwise.

The first player to get rid of all the cards in his hand wins.

What about the 8s? 8s are wild. An 8 of any suit may be played at anytime. The player who lays down an 8 announces what suit is now in play. For example, a player can play an 8 of hearts and announce that the new suit is spades. The next player then must play a spade in any denomination, or an 8.

Go Boom

Go Boom is an excellent choice for kids and families who want to try something different that the better known card games. It is best played by 2-6 players and is a "trick taking" card game. We have really enjoyed having this card game in our regular rotation.

Read the full instructions here: Go Boom card game instructions.

This game is even more fun if you play with a dragon deck of playing cards.

Golf

Golf is a very easy card game for kids to learn. Anyone who has played "Rat a Tat Cat" will recognize the premise of attempting to get the lowest score possible by replacing mystery cards you already have in your hand with cards from the draw pile.

Golf can be played with 2 or more players. If there are 2-3 players play 9-Hole Golf; if you have 4 or more players, start out with 6-Hole Golf.

Read the full instructions here: How to Play the Golf Card Game

Solitaire

Most people are familiar with traditional solitaire; if not, watch Bicycle's how to play Solitaire video. However, get your kids to switch things up a little bit and teach them how to play Clock Solitaire, which is played in a 12 point formation.

Get the full instructions here: How to Play Clock Solitaire

Egyptian Rat Screw

I detest the name of this game but every kid I know loves playing it. For 2 or more players, it's similar to War. But there is a twist. Players can slap played cards if they meet certain conditions. The first player to slap the cards gets to keep them. The objective is to be the last one left with any cards left.

To get the full instructions watch the video here.

Garbage

Another card game with a crazy name! Garbage is a good one for families with children starting to learn how to count, but, amazingly, it is also enjoyable for adults! The objective is to be the first player to turn their initial 10 card hand of random cards into a hand of cards from ace to 10. But watch out, because if you draw a card you don't need, it's "garbage!"

Get the full rules here: How to Play Garbage

Kings in the Corner

We play Kings in the Corner a lot. It's best with 2-4 players, but we primarily play a quick game with just two of us.

Start by dealing seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards in the center of the table, face down in a stack. Turn four cards face up and place them on the table, surrounding the stack in a north-south-east-west orientation. If one of the cards is a king, slip it back into the stack and choose another card.

The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards, by placing them on the starting stacks on the table. Cards are played as they are in solitaire, counting upwards, alternating red-black.

On their turn, the first player draws a card from the middle stack, they then play as many cards in their hands as possible. Play passes counterclockwise to the next player, who draws a card and plays any cards they can.

Kings: When a player draws a king, they place the king in one of the four corners, thus creating an additional starter stack on which to play cards.

The interesting thing about this game is that it almost always lasts until the very last card of the deck is played. Occasionally, a player will go out early in the game, but that is rare.

If you need a demonstration, watch this how-to video.

Rummy

One reason it's a great idea to teach your kids how to play Rummy, is that there are quite a lot of rummy-related games. The basic game is quite simple and involves collecting matched sets of 3 or 4 cards (e.g. 3 queens, 4 9s, etc.) and sequences of 3 or more cards of the same suit (e.g. 3, 4, 5 of spades). Here's a great how to play Rummy video.

Hearts

Like Go Boom, Hearts is a trick-taking game. However, the rules are more complex and therefore a better choice for tweens and teens. Once you've mastered all the other games on this list of card games every kid should know, tackle learning how to play Hearts.

Once you get the hang of it, it's not difficult. Watch this video to learn how to play.

The post 10 Card Games Every Kid Should Know appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

All of these games be played with up to four players, but are just as good with 2 players. Below you will find a variety of games, such as cooperative games, dice, card and even a tile laying game, so no matter how competitive your family is, there is something for everyone.

Note on age recommendations: These are my personal suggestions and may differ from the manufacturer's recommendations or what's best for your family's situation.

Cooperative Games Suitable for Small Families

Roller Coaster Challenge Logic & Building Game

Find it: Amazon

This game is primarily designed as a single player game. However, we enjoyed playing it as a family, taking turns and helping each other solve the challenges. Younger children will definitely need assistance and playing it together nurtures cooperation skills. Using challenge cards, players engage their logic skills to finish a roller coaster. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for a game that builds on S.T.E.M. skills, especially engineering and design. Ages 6 and up.

Hoot Owl Hoot

Buy it: Amazon

Hoot Owl Hoot is one of our absolute favorite cooperative games and a terrific game for 4 year olds. Cooperative games teach kids the benefits of working together. Kids learn problem solving, simple strategy, taking turns and all around good sportsmanship. Unlike Candyland, which depends solely on the luck of the draw, Hoot Owl Hoot requires strategic thinking and basic logic, making it much more fun for the grown-ups who play with their kids! Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Best STEM games for kids

Dice Games for 2-4 Players

Drop Dead Dice

Read the instructions: Drop Dead Dice Game Instructions

Despite its questionable name, Drop Dead is one of our absolute favorite dice games. You need 5 dice, but no special skills or strategy, although there is some light math. Bonus: dice games are excellent for on-the-go entertainment, so be sure to check out the instructions for all of our favorite dice games for kids. Ages 4 and up.

Strike

Find it: Amazon

Strike is a game that takes zero time to learn, is quick to play, but engaging enough that playing it over and over at the request of your child does not send your brain into a boredom spiral. Taking turns, players roll their dice in the "cauldron," attempting to roll matching dice according to the controlling factor of the round, which is either earth, lighting, water, wind or fire. Strike is also a game that younger kids can join in to play with their older siblings. Ages 5 and up.

Learn more about Strike (formerly known as Impact) in our game of the month feature.

Card Games for Small Family Game Night

Skip-bo

Find it: Amazon

Skip-bo is a classic card game that belongs in everyone's game closet. This sequencing card game where players race to empty their card stockpiles works especially well with only 2-3 players and we have played it more times that I can count. Ages ago, it was one of our first game of the month choices. (The photos in that post are embarrassingly bad.) Ages 7 and up.

MORE: 12 Top Family Games for All Ages and Abilities

Abandon All Artichokes

Find it: Amazon

Abandon All Artichokes is a unique "deck-wrecking" game. The whimsical deck consists of artichoke cards and vegetable action cards. Players begin with a personal deck of 10 artichoke cards. The remaining vegetable cards make up the garden. On their turn, each player performs actions according to the hand they currently hold, attempting to "compost" their artichokes and stack their deck with non-artichokes. Ages 8 and up.

Go Boom!

Read the instructions: How to play Go Boom

All you need for Go Boom! is a standard deck of cards. This easy to learn card game may remind you a little bit of Uno or Crazy Eights in that players aim to get rid of cards by matching suit or color. However, instead of continuous play, Go Boom relies on winning "tricks," rounds of play in which each player contributes one card. This game can be played with 2-4 players, but it's probably most enjoyable with 3-4. Ages 5 and up.

Tile & Board Games Good for Small Families

Rummikub

Find it: Amazon

As in the classic Rummy card game, the object of Rummikub is to use up your "hand" (in this case numbered tiles instead of playing cards) by creating numbered runs and sets. Players put together new runs and sets as well as strategically reorganize the tiles already out on the table. The first player to use up their tiles wins the round, amassing points based on the tiles left in the other players' hands.

You can read my tips for making the game more enjoyable when kids are at the table in my Rummikub game of the month feature. Ages 8 and up.

Ticket to Ride

Find it: Amazon

Ticket to Ride is a strategy game and a great choice for families who want a game that lasts at least 20 minutes and involves more complex instructions that most of the games on this list. However, it's still an easy game to learn. The benefits of Ticket to Ride are many. Kids will work on spatial planning, long term strategy, and patience, which is why it is one of my favorite games for helping kids build executive function skills. Ages 8 and up.

More great games for small families:

• Games with 5 dice
• Golf card game
• Garbage card game (excellent even for preschoolers)

The post Best Games for Small Families (2-4 Players) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Garbage, despite its name, is a game you'll want to play again and again. It is also, not surprisingly, known as Trash. Garbage is an excellent game for a wide range of players and even preschoolers who are working on number recognition will benefit from playing.

How to Play Garbage Card Game

Objective:

Be the first player to line up your cards in sequence order: ace to 10

What you need:

• One deck of 52 cards for 2-3 players, an additional deck for 4 or more players.
• 2 or more enthusiastic players

1. Deal

Deal each player 10 cards. Place the remaining cards in the middle of the table. This is the "draw pile."

Each player arranges their cards in two lines of 5 cards each, face down. These lines of cards will correspond to the sequence of numbers with ace in the top left and 10 in the bottom right.

2. Game Play

Player 1 takes the top card from the draw pile. If it is a number card he places it in the corresponding place in his number line, flipping and removing the card that occupied that position. He then takes the flipped card and places it in its corresponding spot, if applicable.

For example, if player 1 draws a 5, he flips over the card from the corresponding spot in the cards in front of him and places the 5 in that spot. If the flipped card is a number, he moves it to the corresponding position, and so on.

If he turns over a jack or a queen he discards it. Jacks and queens are "garbage!"

A king is a wildcard and may be placed in any position. Wildcards can also be moved on subsequent turns

3. Play Continues

Play continues according to the game play rules above, with the exception that players can now choose a card from the draw pile or pick up the top card from the discard pile.

4. Winning

After one player has completed the ace-ten sequence, the other player(s) get one final turn in an attempt to tie the game.

4. Alternate (long) version

Play additional rounds. Everyone who was able to complete the 10 card sequence is now dealt 9 cards, while players who did not complete the 10 card sequence are dealt 10 cards again.

Play continues as above but this time, the first player to complete a sequence wins the round and in the subsequence round everyone who completed the sequence advances to the next lower-number sequence. For example, if a player completed 9 cards he now gets 8 cards.

And so on.

Until the final round when one player completes a round with only one card to flip.

More easy card games to love:

• Clock solitaire
• 9 card golf
• Go Boom!

The post How to Play Garbage Card Game appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

The games on this list all somehow fit into one or more of those categories. While tweens and teens will enjoy playing these board games and card games over and over with their friends, they are also very great choices for family game night!

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

Games for Tweens and Teens

Bears vs. Babies

Find it: Amazon

This totally irreverent card game is a total riot! Players build chimerical beasts out of hilariously grotesque body parts in order to be prepared for a surprise war against the baby armies! Sounds totally crazy, right? Well, it is. However, it's also a great opportunity to laugh yourself silly with your tweens and teens.

Throw Throw Burrito

Find it: Amazon

Unless you enjoy being pummeled by vinyl burritos, this is a game, after you've played it a few times with your kids, you will encourage them to play with their friends instead. It's also not a good game for small spaces. BUT, it is really, really good for kids and they will love it. The instructions are super easy and involve the frenetic drawing of cards, stopping briefly to have a burrito wars and duels. Intrigued? You should be.

Hi Lo Flip

Find it: Amazon

This is the most colorful card game you will ever see! It's like holding a Pantone deck in your hand. Players try to shed their hand by playing cards in either a high or low sequence, depending on the flip of the Hi-Lo coin. It is very easy to learn, which is always a welcome introduction to a new game.

Settlers of Catan

Find it: Amazon

This European style board game requires a different type of strategic thinking from the other games on this list. Players act as settlers in an attempt to acquire land and buildings by hoarding resources and trading with others. Game play lasts longer than typical family games but 10-15 year olds will love this type of game that mixes strategy with role play and will love playing it with their friends.

Exploding Kittens

Find it: Amazon

Older tweens and teens love games that make them laugh hysterically and maybe have a little bit of–gross-out humor–shall we say? Exploding Kittens fits the bill exactly. Honestly it is so fun. There's also a wonderful randomness to the game that keeps players on their toes, and keeps the laughs coming!

Mystic Market

Find it: Amazon

Mystic Market is a card game that encourages players to uses their logic and problem solving skills. Game play begins with the premise that players are traders at a market, buying and selling magical items such as pixie dust and mermaid tears. The goal is to be savvy enough to collect the largest fortune despite the constantly shifting value of goods.

Learn more about Mystic Market in our game of the month feature.

Forbidden Sky

Find it: Amazon

This is the latest in Gamewright's collection of "Forbidden" cooperative adventure board games. It is a bit more complex than the previous two versions, which makes it perfect for the late tween-early teen age group. Players race to connect a circuit of cables to launch a rocket before they are struck by lightning!

Azul

Find it: Amazon

In this stunningly beautiful and colorful game design, players become tile laying artists, tasked with embellishing the walls of the Royal Palace of Évora in Portugal. They do so by racing to be the first to create consecutive lines of tiles over several phases of game play. This game is just complex enough to keep you thinking but not so hard you have to keep looking at the instructions to figure out how to play.

Learn more about Azul in our game of the month feature.

Strike Dice

Find it: Amazon

Strike Dice is a game that takes zero time to learn, is quick to play, but engaging enough that playing it over and over at the request of your child does not send your brain into a boredom spiral. Taking turns, players roll their dice in the "cauldron," attempting to roll matching dice and avoid rolling an X. Strike Dice is also a game that younger kids can play with their older siblings.

Note: originally I reviewed this as "Impact" in our game of the month feature. However, that version is no longer available.

Don't see exactly what you want here? Check out our list of the best award-winning games for every age.

The post Best Games for Kids Ages 10-15 appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

We were able to learn how to play Go Boom in no time flat. Go Boom is a card game that may remind you a little bit of Uno or Crazy Eights in that players aim to shed cards by matching suit or color. However, instead of continuous play, Go Boom relies on winning "tricks."

A trick is a round of play in which each player contributes one card. As I mentioned in my recommendation of the card game, Marshmallow Test, a lot of trick-taking games like Bridge can be complicated, but Go Boom is super, super easy.

But is it too easy?

Nope!

How to Play Go Boom

Go Boom is a card game for 2 or more players. I recommend it for ages 6 and up, or ages 4 and up for experienced card game players.

Objective:

Be the first player to get rid of your hand.

What you need:

• 2 or more enthusiastic players
• 1 52-card deck
• Pen and paper for scoring (optional)

More card games we love:

• Clock solitaire
• 9 Card Golf
• Farkle Flip

The post Go Boom, A Family "Trick-Taking" Card Game appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

About Marshmallow Test

Marshmallow Test is what is known as a "trick-taking" card game. Other examples of trick-taking card games are Bridge, Spades and Rook. The gist of play is that the game lasts for several rounds, and during each round, players compete to capture "tricks," or hands.

Marshmallow Test consists of a deck of colorful, numbered cards and squishy marshmallow tokens in two sizes.

Many trick-taking card games can get complicated really fast, but not Marshmallow Test, which makes it great for families. The objective is to be the first player to collect 20 points. You do this by winning rounds and collecting tricks. But the secret is that you need to delay gratification and sometimes let your opponent collect tricks in order for you to collect the most marshmallows (aka points).

Gamewright recommends the card game for ages 10 and up. I think kids 8 and up can play, but it will take them longer to learn how to implement the strategy needed to win.

Why Play Marshmallow Test?

Although the Stanford marshmallow experiment didn't measure willpower as much as it measured affluence, Gamewright's Marshmallow Test does indeed require players to delay gratification in order to win.

That requirement means players are putting their patience to the test! Effective game play requires strategic thinking and is an exercise in learning about probability.

When our family first started playing the game, we were taking tricks as soon as possible, but as we continued, it was fascinating to watch as my son learned how to hone his strategy to increase his chances of winning. I'm certain you'll see the same growth mindset happening in your kids as they play, too.

Bottom line! Give in to instant gratification because Marshmallow Test, is a sweet, calorie-free treat that you should play without delay.

Find it: Amazon

More great card games we love:

• Swish
• Zangle
• Abandon All Artichokes
• Trash Pandas

The post Game of the Month: Marshmallow Test appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.