What do you do when you’re stuck inside for a week due to heavy storms and flooded streets? Bust out the board games! With all of the severe weather we’ve experienced this fall, having something fun to keep the kids busy has been a lifesaver. We’ve had the perfect opportunity to gives these board games a go from University Games.
Family Game Night with University Games
University Games was founded in 1985 by two guys who not only loved playing games, but also recognized their role in social development. The company strives to make games that encourage social interaction and imagination. They have won multiple awards including those from Parent’s Choice, Parenting Magazine, and Dr. Toy.
Each one of these board games is based off of a popular children’s show or book. They include Shimmer and Shine Genies Forever Game, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Welcome to Main Street Game, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin and Seek ABC Game, and Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game. While these games all vary in theme, we noticed right away that they all have the same key components. This made it pretty easy for the kids to set them up and get going when we wanted to play a few rounds. They include:
- 1 foldable game board
- 1 game spinner
- character pieces and stands
- individual player game piece collection boards
Each game also has some additional pieces that are unique to the game’s goal and theme. For example, Shimmer and Shine includes sparkly gems for players to collect while Pete the Cat comes with Pete’s brightly colored buttons. We all know it can be hard keeping games and puzzles in decent shape, but each game piece appears to be sturdy and well made, limiting any wear or tear. They all easily pack back into their boxes as well.
The recommended age for these board games is ages 4 and up. I really like that they all have an underlying educational benefit that children in this age will gain through play. We found that the Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game is perfect for Violet who is learning the basics of counting in kindergarten right now. She and her brother love Pete the Cat, so this game has easily become their favorite.
Along with math and counting, these games help the kids work on letter identification, taking turns, and cooperation all while having a good time. No need for electronics, these games are a great way for families to just slow down a little and enjoy time together the old fashioned way.
The Shimmer and Shine Genies Forever Game, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Welcome to Main Street Game, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Spin and Seek ABC Game, and Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game can all be purchased for under $20 each. For more info on University Games and their selection of games for kids and adults, check them out at www.universitygames.com. You can also visit them on Facebook and Twitter!
Game night is the best because it gets families connecting and UNPLUGGED! Nicole, I wanted to tell you about my new game, STORY CRAZE…The crazy story game! It is a hilarious creative story writing game that sparks imagination, creativity and conversation. Created with kids and #kidapproved! Check it out at http://www.storycraze.com. For ages 6-12. 🙂
The Pete the Cat game would be a huge hit in my household. My grandsons love those books.
I think we’d like welcome to Main Street. Happy to find out about this company.
We used to have game night when I was a kid, but the games weren’t this fun. We usually played Sorry, which was not one of my favorite. I love the tradition. It’s a great way to bring family together without the tv or technology.
I need to buy the Daniel Tiger one for my 3 year old. It’s cute how she plays games but she’s learning from them as we play.
Board games are fun…so so much fun, and better than digital games. I grown up playing such games. I think we all have great memories of certain board games from our childhood
This looks like it would be so much fun to play together. Family night is so important!
All these games look so fun! We always do a game night in our house. Usually on Tuesdays!
Wow! It looks fun and I’m into board games and I’m so happy that there’s this kind of a game you can enjoy with your kidss! <3
I love board games and so do the kids! I think it’s awesome to organize a game night for them. It’s a great way to help develop their comprehension and spend time with them as well.
Wow takes me back to them days when my little ones were younger and we played lots of Board games. We still do but more adult ones and very competitive 🙂
Some fun indoor games have always been a good idea when we have bad weather conditions outside to make sure the kids are involved in to some activities to keep them busy. These board games from University Games sounds amazing & creative with lots of fun that kids would love so much right away!