Planning family game nights can be a challenge; especially if your family involves different age groups. A game which is fun for a five year old may not be exciting for his older sibling of ten. And it can be frustrating for younger children to try and play an older aged game that requires more skill than they are used to.
So how can a family which is made up of different ages plan to have a fun family game night?
One of the best ways is to play a game that involves cooperative play. Within the last few years, some really great games of this genre have been produced. Cooperative games allow all players to plan and work together in order to win the game. A family all wins, or loses, together.
One of my current favorite cooperative family games, besides Forbidden Island or Forbidden Desert, is Castle Panic!
In Castle Panic, all players strive to protect the castle from different types of monsters that are approaching out of the forest. The exciting theme appeals to all ages; save the castle from the evil monsters!
Even though each player has their own turn, players strategize together on how best to attack the approaching monsters and defend the Castle during that turn. This is one of the reasons I consider it an awesome game. Younger players can learn strategy skills from older players without feeling left out or feeling as if they are not being helpful in the game. Families work together. All members, young and old, are vital to the game because each of a player’s moves are vital to conquer the monsters!
When planning any family game night, serving snacks which show off a game theme helps set the stage for an even more exciting time. A favorite (and easy to do) for us is to make a Checkerboard of foods. This can include any favorite munchies of a family, and be a nice treat during the night.
To make, simply apply a plastic covering over an inexpensive Checkerboard and place the desired snacks onto the ‘Checkboard Platter’ as if they were Checkers. FUN!
Getting the family together, and playing a game or two, enjoying and learning about each other, is always wonderful. These times will be remembered and cherished. Have fun!
Play a game today!
“Castle Panic” would be a good name for my house.
Another fun game. Thanks, Jenny!
I do have that problem in my house with the 11 year old and 5 year old not wanting to play the same games. I need to give this one a try.
“A family all wins, or loses, together.” Huh?
I thought it was…”A family that plays together stays together”.
I guess that’s a different expression…all together. 🙂
A family that strategizes together…wins…or loses…together. 🙂