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.

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.

The stunningly colorful game design was inspired by azulejos, a type of decorated ceramic tile introduced to Spain by the Moors and made popular in Portugal by King Manuel I.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission. We purchased the game.

About Azul

Azul is an abstract strategy game for 2-4 players. Players transform into tile laying artists, tasked with embellishing the walls of the Royal Palace of Évora in Portugal. The game is played over multiple rounds, divided into the following three phases:

• choosing tiles ("factory offer")
• placing tiles ("wall-tiling")
• prep for the next round.

The object of the game is to collect the most points by creating lines of 5 consecutive tiles. Each line of tiles must contain only one of each type of tile. The game ends when one player has completed a row, but that player is not necessarily the winner. Strategic thinking is required because players can lose points in the wall-tiling phase for any remaining, unused tiles.

Why You Should Play Azul

Aside from the fact that the game is a visual delight and the materials lovely to handle, Azul helps with strategic thinking, pattern recognition and visual discernment skills. It is a sophisticated game and kids will really feel like they are playing a "grown-up game."

Plan B Games recommends Azul for ages 8 and up, and I agree with this recommendation. It is definitely a game that adults will enjoy playing just as much as children. In addition, the instructions include game variations so things never get boring.

Azul has won a ton of awards, including the coveted Spiel des Jahres award.

Find Azul: Amazon

More great games of the month that are a feast for the eyes:

• Tsuro, two board games featuring a dragon and a phoenix.
• Moon Spinner, a puzzle game for single players
• Forbidden Island, a cooperative game for families

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

When it was clear last spring that the kids were going to be spending school and camp days at home for the foreseeable future, I panicked and bought a trove of card games and board games. I chose Abandon All Artichokes on a whim because we have had pretty good luck with Gamewright games, it looked unusual and frankly, I thought the veggie theme was cute. (Sadly, I knew it wouldn't convince my kids to eat actual veggies.)

Note: we purchased this game ourselves; this post contains affiliate links.

About Abandon All Artichokes

Abandon All Artichokes is a unique "deck-wrecking" game. The card deck consists of artichoke cards and action cards, each featuring a different vegetable.

Players begin with a personal deck of 10 cards–all artichokes. 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.

Game play is fast paced; it takes about 20 minutes and is for 2-4 players. Go ahead and watch the how-to video at the bottom of this post for more detail.

Tips for Playing with Younger Kids At the Table

Gamewright recommends Abandon All Artichokes for ages 10 and up. As yes, 10+ is a good starting age if you want to make sure all players are able to play a really good strategic game.

However, kids ages 8 and up can learn to play independently, and even younger kids could play on a team with an adult.

We did play the game for several days before we were able to make really well-informed strategic decisions, but that was part of the fun.

Why You Should Play Abandon All Artichokes

Abandon All Artichokes encourages strategic thinking. Some action cards may seem more enticing than others, but are they really? And players must decide whether is is better to compost artichokes as fast as possible, or try to collect a variety of vegetables.

As I said, our strategic approaches evolved as we continue to play the game. Learning to adjust one's thinking is essential for a lifetime of success at many endeavors!

Other unusual card games we love:

• Trash Pandas
• Zeus on the Loose
• Frog Juice
• Swish

Watch how to play:

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

Tsuro: The Game of the Path is quite genius in its simplicity and its newest sibling, Tsuro: Rise of the Phoenix, takes that brilliancy to the next level by adding new complications that make the gears in your brain really move!

Note: Calliope Games graciously sent us the games to try out. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own, as always.

About Tsuro

Calliope Games has several iterations of Tsuro, and Tsuro: The Game of the Path is the original. Players use tiles to create paths along which they move their tokens (colored stones marked with a dragon). The objective is to create paths in such a way that keep you moving but force your opponents off the board.

In Tsuro: Phoenix Rising, players still aim to create strategic paths, but the game introduces new elements. Tiles are double sided, and are rotated as players move across the board. In addition, small lanterns are scattered across the board, which players can convert into stars and collect. The tokens are in the shape of a phoenix and in a wonderful twist, players have a chance to rise from the ashes using their life token.

Note: a third game, Tsuro: Game of the Seas is also available.

Why Play Tsuro?

Calliope Games recommends both games for 2-8 players ages 8 and up. Possibly, Tsuro: The Game of the Path can be played with younger siblings, but the age recommendation is accurate for Tsuro: Phoenix Rising. Both games are easy to learn and take about 20 minutes to play with 2 people.

While Tsuro is a strategy game, it is "strategy light." My youngest son, who doesn't really like super-strategic multi-player games (e.g. chess!) really enjoyed Tsuro, not least because of the theme of dragons and phoenixes, which brings me to my next point.

Tsuro's fantasy element is very appealing! You will recall from my review of Mystic Market that my kids love, love, love fantastical elements. Dragons and phoenixes are just about my youngest son's favorite things in the entire world. Calliope Games has created a fun backstory for each game that allowed his imagination to soar.

Still not convinced? Watch the two videos below to see the games in action!

Watch Tsuro: Game of the Path played:

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Am I right?

That's why today I'm sharing with you my son's new favorite game. Ravensburger's Impact: Battle of Elements. First, you should know that in this house certain individuals (okay, my kid) are obsessed (obsessed, I tell you) with anything to do with the elements: earth, air, water and fire.

Note: the original Impact has been discontinued and rebranded as "Strike." We still recommend it.

He is especially intrigued when elements are combined with magical creatures, which is why last month's Mystic Market was such a hit.

Impact: Battle of Elements doesn't involve magical ingredients or creatures, but it sure packs an impact. (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)

Note: Ravensburger sent us a game to try out. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own, of course.

About Impact: Battle of Elements

Impact: Battle of Elements is a fast-paced, quick-to-play dice game for 2-5 players. The game consists of a "cauldron" and 6-sided dice featuring fire, lightning, water, wind, earth and a blank side.

Taking turns, players roll their dice in the cauldron, attempting to roll matching dice. If you roll a match, you get to keep your dice. Blank dice are removed from game play and non-matching elements are left in the cauldron. The player who lasts longest without losing all their dice is the winner.

What makes the game extra exciting is that each of the elements offers a twist to the game. At the start of the game, a player "activates" one of the elements so that when a match of that element is rolled, an action or game function is triggered.

For example, if a fire match is rolled, players race to stack their dice in order to be the one to collect the match and add it to their stash.

Another key element is that when throwing dice into the cauldron, players can attempt to transform the existing dice by knocking them over and revealing a different side. But you must do so without knocking the dice clear out of the cauldron!

Why You Should Play Impact

Impact: Battle of Elements is EXTREMELY easy to learn. This can be a bit of a relief after playing games in which you have to read the instructions several times before you get the hang of a game. You know what I am talking about!

It is also quick to play. A round of game play can take as little as five minutes. We have been fitting multiple rounds into tight spaces of time when my son needs a quick distraction. Since there is no set up to speak of, we can start playing right away and put away the game quickly when we are finished.

It is primarily a game of luck but there is a little strategy involved. Is it better to keep rolling or stay your hand? Do you try to make an impact or steer clear of the other dice? Small strategy choices can make a big impact. (There I go again! Stop me now.)

I am surprised at how enjoyable this game is for all its simplicity! Ravensburger recommends the game for ages 8 and up, but I certainly think children as young as 5 will catch on and so it makes a great family game.

Find it on Amazon: Impact: Battle of Elements

The post Game of the Month: Impact: Battle of Elements! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Intrigued?

Note: this post contains affiliate links. ThinkFun sent us a game to try out. All opinions are my own.

What is Mystic Market?

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 like pixie dust and mermaid tears. The goal is to be savvy enough to collect the largest fortune despite the constantly shifting value of goods.

Kids will love the Mystic Market equipment! There are 6 ingredient vials filled with different colored glitter, representing the potion ingredients for sale at the market. They rest on the "value track," their placement on which determines their price. The card deck includes ingredient cards and supply shift cards. A treasure trove of 75 coins in different values rounds out the equipment.

Mystic Market is designed for 2-4 players and while ThinkFun recommends it for ages 10 and up, I believe experienced game players ages 8 and up could easily play. Watch the video at the end of this post to see the exact rules of game play.

Why Play Mystic Market?

Mystic Market is a fun addition to the game closet for families who like games with a bit more complexity than the usual fare, but don't want to go full-Catan-style game play.

Playing Mystic Market has brain benefits, too! Players are required to engage their problem solving and logic skills. In addition, good sportsmanship is a plus when dealing with the disappointment of a sudden shift in the value of ingredients or containing one's glee over a competitor when your own goods become more valuable!

All in all this game is an excellent choice for children (like mine) who have a penchant for things like dragons and other mythical creatures or who like to pretend to travel to magical places.

Find it on Amazon: Mystic Market

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Moon Spinner!

Moon Spinner from ThinkFun is an ingenious puzzle that consists of rotating circles. The mission, should your kids choose to accept it, is to unscramble the colored sections into their original, rainbow-colored organization.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission. ThinkFun sent us Moon Spinner to try out.

How to Play Moon Spinner

When your child first opens Moon Spinner they will notice how the bright colors and differently shaped puzzle pieces fit together to create interlocking rainbow crescents in an aesthetically pleasing construction.

The next thing they will do is destroy the gorgeous patterns! But don't worry! That is what they are supposed to do! Your child does this by rotating the yellow crescent moon this way and that until the colored sections are scrambled up and it looks something like this:

Next, your child will attempt to unscramble the Moon Spinner, rotating the crescent and moving the color back to their original positions.

Thusly:

photo source: ThinkFun

Just like the Rubik's Cube, it is HARD. Nope, I should say "challenging". Nope. It is HARD. But totally compelling, and you can't stop trying to solve it.

That is a good thing because it means your kids will be occupied for hours. In fact, they will return again and again to the puzzle, thinking, "I've got it figured out this time!"

Then, you–as the parent–will think your superior adult brain with its logic and brain-puzzling skills are going to make solving the puzzle a snap.

YOU WILL BE WRONG.

BUT YOU WILL KEEP TRYING. BECAUSE (as I said) IT CALLS TO YOU!

You probably have a pretty good idea what's been happening in our house lately. Yep, we are all crowding around the Moon Spinner.

Why Try to Solve the Moonspinner?

Puzzles like the Moon Spinner are excellent tools for kids to learn patience, visual problem solving and reasoning skills. When you see your child pick up the Moon Spinner for the 80th time in an attempt to finally solve it, be sure to point out how impressed you are with their determination and perseverance.

Moon Spinner is recommended for ages 8 and up.

After all, I never solved the Rubik's Cube but was it childhood time well spent? Absolutely. And the same is true for the Moon Spinner.

And in case your kids want to reassemble the puzzle in order to start over? Well, thankfully, ThinkFun has some instructions for how to do just that.

The video below shows you how the Moon Spinner works.

More brain puzzle games of the month to enjoy:

• My First Rush Hour (great for preschoolers)
• Invasion of the Cow Snatchers (One of my son's favorites!)
• Cat Crimes (a single person whodunnit game)
• AnimaLogic (no plastic pieces!)

The post Moon Spinner: Brain Game of the Month appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

You may know that the original Rush Hour and Rush Hour, Jr. are my top recommendations when parents are looking for a gift to take to birthday parties and so My First Rush Hour is the obvious choice for my latest game of the month pick!

Note: ThinkFun sent us an advance copy of the game to try out and make sure it was something I could whole-heartedly recommend; this post contains affiliate links.

This logic and strategy game brings back so many memories! My oldest played the original game independently for hours. When my youngest was too little to understand his big brother's Rush Hour game, he loved to play with the little vehicles on their grid.

About My First Rush Hour

As you would imagine, although the basic premise of guiding a vehicle through a maze of traffic is the same, this Rush Hour for preschoolers game is heavily modified from the original. My First Rush Hour consists of a large, clear grid, a set of challenge cards ranging from easy to hard, and a collection of colorful vehicles with a safety officer.

The challenge cards display colored shapes corresponding to the vehicles. Preschoolers slide the large challenge cards into the clear grid, and use the shapes as a clues to determine where to place the vehicles on the grid.

So, without even starting the maze, kids are already practicing one-to-one skills, pattern matching, and shape identification– important foundational skills for math!

After placing the vehicles, preschoolers attempt to guide the red "hero" car through the maze and off the grid.

Why Your Kids Need My First Rush Hour

First, let's acknowledge that kids love anything with toy vehicles.

Second, like the original, My First Rush Hour is superb for engaging children's logic, visual perception, problem solving and critical thinking abilities. These growth mindset skills are crucial building blocks for future success.

Unlike the original Rush Hour, which I loved as a way to keep my kids independently busy, parents will most likely need to sit side by side with their preschooler. In this case, that is a bonus! 3-5 year olds will practice learn good communication skills and parents can model patience during the learning process.

It's hard to overstate how much I love this game. Are you convinced?

Buy it (you know you want to): Amazon

Also, please watch these ADORABLE kids playing My First Rush Hour and see the game in action:

More of our favorite games for preschoolers:

• Hoot Owl Hoot, a cooperative board game
• ChickyBoom, a game for steady hands!
• Pengoloo, a memory matching game

The post Game of the Month: My First Rush Hour appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Although this Minecraft Puzzle is billed as a "travel" game, there is no need to confine it to road trips. Your kids will love playing it at home just as much as they will when they are stuck in the car for hours on end.

(Note: ThinkFun provided us with a complementary game; this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission. All opinions are my own, of course.)

My 11 year old, who hasn't spent much time with the on-line Minecraft video game but was familiar with its concept and world was immediately drawn to the Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle because of the familiar graphics. He knows his friends play Minecraft and now he could play it at home, too.

About the Minecraft Magnetic Puzzle

Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle consists of several elements. There is a very sturdy spiral bound book containing 40 puzzle challenges in beginner, intermediate and expert levels. The board game, or "crafting table" is attached to the book so the challenge and board can sit side by side, perfect for traveling. Nine magnetic Minecraft objects make up the puzzle pieces. The instruction book is written with ThinkFun's trademark thoroughness.

Minecraft enthusiasts will appreciate that the puzzle challenges follow a fun narrative.

The ender dragon is trying to prevent you from traveling through the worlds of Minecraft by placing 40 increasingly difficult challenges in your path.

–ThinkFun

Each challenge puzzle asks the player to place the nine Minecraft objects on the game board in a specific order according to type and color of object. The challenge gives clues to help the player solve the puzzle and arrange the objects in the correct positions.

Buy it on Amazon: Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle

Benefits of the Minecraft Travel Magnetic Puzzle Game

Like all of ThinkFun's single player games, the Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle requires kids to engage their critical thinking and logic skills. One of my favorite aspects of this type of game is that kids gain confidence and self-esteem as they make their way through harder and harder challenge levels.

Need a little more help understanding the puzzle? Watch this helpful video.

More great ThinkFun Games:

• Cat Crimes
• Invasion of the Cow Snatchers
• Laser Chess

The post Game of the Month: Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.