Games with the Grandparents

By Katie Schubert

A visit from grandma and grandpa is a wonderful opportunity for
bonding and quality time together. It also means adding in a
third generation of family; which can make finding games to play
together a challenge. Child’s Play has a well curated selection of
games for all ages and abilities – including ones that span across
multi generations. When considering games for families, think about
what your goals are going to be. Are you looking for cooperative or
competitive games? One on one, multi players or teams?

One terrific generational game is Blokus by Mattel. Designed for
gamers from ages seven and up, Blokus is a multi-player strategy
game for two to four people. It takes just minutes to learn, but with
ever shifting patterns and strategies; no two game sessions are ever
the same. The goal is to put down your blocks in such a way that each
piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color. But there
is a catch! The pieces can only touch at the corners. Whomever has
the fewest pieces left when no more pieces can be played is the
winner.

Another game that is great for many different ages is Jenga by
Hasbro. Recommended for ages six and up, Jenga is a classic for a
reason. The objective is simple – stack the wooden blocks in a sturdy
tower and then take turns pulling out the blocks and placing them on
the increasingly unsteady structure. Make your decisions wisely; you
don’t want to be the one to topple the tower!

Labyrinth and Labyrinth Junior by Ravensburger are terrific family
games that can easily span three (or more) generations. Starting at
age four for the junior version and seven for the traditional version,
Labyrinth is a think on your toes kind of game! Use your problem-
solving skills to navigate the shifting board and gather the hidden
treasures before your opponents do! With moving pieces and differing
objectives, you’ll never play the same game of Labyrinth twice!

Tired of competitive play? Try Peaceable Kingdom’s Gnomes at
Night. Best for ages six and up, Gnomes at Night is a cooperative
game for two or four players. Use the magnetic game pieces and work
together to recover the Queen’s 12 stolen artifacts! The two-sided
board is different on each side, so each player or team can move in
different ways.