We’re coming off a very fun March Break; a little getaway, a little staycation, wonderful weather and lots of friends. Two thumbs up for all breakers, and it’s a little extra hard getting back to our routine of morning wakeups and evening homework. Sigh.
One of the highlights of our break was the discovery of a couple of new games; one for the road and one for home.
I tucked a new card game into my bag at the last minute as we took packed for our ski trip, and Spot It quickly became a family favourite.
It’s a pattern recognition game with 55 round cards, each with 8 recognizable symbols. Somehow you can find a matching pair of symbols on any pair of cards in the deck (I dropped Math after grade nine, so please don’t ask me to explain how that can be…I figure it’s some sort of magic). There are five different games you can play with the deck, but they all involve speed and recognition of the matched pair.
Everyone from aged six to (ahem) my age played, and we were able to play with two players, or up to six players. It’s one of those games that everyone has a chance to do well on, the games were quick, and it tidied up nicely. A new favourite in my traveling entertainment arsenal.
We got ours from Indigo for $13.95 and I’m really impressed with the variety of games available. I think this would be an excellent birthday gift idea, too.
While at home, the kids and I discovered XBox Kinect’s Dance Central 2, and oooh….the hilarity! We’ve had our Kinect for over a year and the boys love all the sports they can play, but this was our first venture into the dance world. The no-controller game system quickly and easily turns your family room into a dance club.
From Usher to Lady Gaga, the game was a hit with the junior set. Boys and girls alike, aged six to twelve enjoyed trying to follow the moves to dance favourites. Their parents enjoyed watching those moves and giggling like fools.
The games retails for under $50 in stores across the country, and once you’ve had the chance to practice a few times I’ll challenge you to a dance off to “I Whip My Hair ” by Willow Smith.
It’s always great to find new ways to entertain the kids; what a treat to find two ways that entertain me, too!