When I was growing up, one of my most favorite things was family game night. We would all sit down around our kitchen table, fill up our ice cream float cups and play a mean game of Hearts.
Even back then, when life wasn't near as hectic as it is now, it seemed to draw us back together as a family. So of course, as we started raising our children, my husband and I decided we wanted to have this special family time too.
Good intentions however were only the beginning. We soon found that with a 7 yr age span in our clan, finding a game that all could play (and understand!) was quite a challenge.
A Few Ideas
You knew I had some answers, right? First off, a game we were introduced to this summer on our family vacation was a fun family game called Mexican Train Dominos. It was fun, several people could play at one time (which is good in a family of 7) and the dominos rules were easy to learn and follow. One note - the rules that came with our game were different than how we learned how to play. You can find our rules on the website below.
Another choice we too found is Apples to Apples. Unlike Mexican Train dominos, this game takes a bit of explanation of what the clues and the judge cards say and a bit of help with reading the definitions. But there is a Jr. version of this game.
And for Christmas last year, Grandma bought a tile game called Blokus. It does involve some critical thinking skills, but our 7 yr. old was able to pick it up right away. It is only a 4-player game.
Mexican Train dominoes, Apples to Apples and Blokus are all must haves for those fun family nights! What great Christmas gift ideas for your family! Look for more laughing and talking to be a result of these family games.
Even back then, when life wasn't near as hectic as it is now, it seemed to draw us back together as a family. So of course, as we started raising our children, my husband and I decided we wanted to have this special family time too.
Good intentions however were only the beginning. We soon found that with a 7 yr age span in our clan, finding a game that all could play (and understand!) was quite a challenge.
A Few Ideas
You knew I had some answers, right? First off, a game we were introduced to this summer on our family vacation was a fun family game called Mexican Train Dominos. It was fun, several people could play at one time (which is good in a family of 7) and the dominos rules were easy to learn and follow. One note - the rules that came with our game were different than how we learned how to play. You can find our rules on the website below.
Another choice we too found is Apples to Apples. Unlike Mexican Train dominos, this game takes a bit of explanation of what the clues and the judge cards say and a bit of help with reading the definitions. But there is a Jr. version of this game.
And for Christmas last year, Grandma bought a tile game called Blokus. It does involve some critical thinking skills, but our 7 yr. old was able to pick it up right away. It is only a 4-player game.
Mexican Train dominoes, Apples to Apples and Blokus are all must haves for those fun family nights! What great Christmas gift ideas for your family! Look for more laughing and talking to be a result of these family games.
About the Author:
Don't miss our good Christmas gifts website for presents specifically picked out for familes. Plus, read our Mexican Train Domino rules. Are you a parent? If so, visit our effective parenting skills site for parenting strategies from a couple of pros - parents of 5 adopted kiddos!
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