Entertaining games for family game night

With all the chaos that occurs around the holidays, families need to take a moment or two to reconnect over an amusing game. The hour, or two, around the gaming table can wipe away the to-do lists, worry and other anxieties that the holiday season can bring.

Here are a few family games that can bring the laughter and fun to your next family game night.

Name 5

Name 5 is a quick wit, vast knowledge party game with simple rules. Players are asked to name five items to a random question. For example, name five stringed instruments, five breakfast cereals or five purple foods. The key is to provide five answers in 30 seconds. If the person (or team) answers correctly, she continues to play. The goal is to correctly answer the questions and reach the end of the game board. Name 5 retails for approximately $18.99 at various retailers.

Oddly Obvious

Oddly Obvious by Endless Game is a fun party game for three or more players. The answers are placed right in front of the players on a single card. One player give clues to the other players. The first player to shout out the correct answer (which is listed on the card) gets the point. The player with the most points wins. Oddly Obvious is published by Endless Games. It retails for approximately $15 at various retailers.

Quiz-a-Magic

Quiz-a-Majig by Goliath Games is more than just a trivia game; it is the crazy quiz contraption. The “contraption” determines the category and first letter of the correct answers. With a fast reaction, players vie to throw their ball into the funnel. But, luck plays a factor in who wins.

Quiz-a-Majig is recommended for players ages 13 and older. It requires a minimum of two players. The game can be played individually or in teams. Quiz-a-Majig is distributed by Goliath Games. It retails for approximately $29.99 online or at most mass merchants.

Crazy Phrazes

Crazy Phrazes is an interactive, engaging party game that all about mixed up meanings. Teams try to guess a crazy phrase by acting, drawing, spelling or describing it. The game includes 1,200 expressions that people use in daily conversation. When taken literally these phrases are confusing, but the expressions have commonplace uses.

Crazy Phrazes by Goliath Games retails for approximately $19.99. It can be purchased online, toy stores or mass merchants.

Yeti in My Spaghetti, don’t let the snowman drop

What does a steady hand and a bowl of spaghetti have in common?  In the game, Yeti in My Spaghetti these two items combine for an entertaining competition. Produced by Patch Products, Yeti in My Spaghetti is an engaging game for children. 

For younger children, some games can be difficult to play. If kids cannot read or are early readers, some games are difficult to play. Still, kids want to independently play with siblings or friends. Games that involve interactive play, without reading, are a great option. 

Yeti in My Spaghetti is simple and easy for children ages 4 and older. The game requires at least 2 players. First, players add the noodle pieces to the bowl. After all pieces are in place, the Yeti is placed atop the pile of noodles. Each player, in turn, remove a piece of noodle. The game continues until the Yeti falls into the bowl. When the Yeti falls, the player with his turn loses. 

While the game is intended for enjoyment, the game does have some educationally application. Kids can understand how an item is supported. Which is the best strand of noodle to remove to prevent a fall? Could one noodle cause the whole structure to collapse? Can my choice make an opponent lose?  All these questions and many more help kids to think strategically and spatially. 

Yeti in My Spaghetti is distributed by Patch Products. The game retails for approximately $17.99 at many retailers and online. The game is recommended for children ages 4 and older. It is recommended to be played by two or more players. 

What is hiding in that bowl of spaghetti?  Don’t let it be a Yeti that fell in. 

Originally published in Naperville Children's Toys Examiner.