Family Game Night – Summer Edition

There is something about summertime that makes everything feel a little bit easier. Having the sun set later always makes me feel like we can do that much more before getting ready for bed. One of my favorite things to do with this “extra” time is to have Summer Game Night fun. And yes, I also like Autumn Game Night, Winter Game Night, and Spring Game Night times. There is something so special about sitting around with family and spending time playing games.

Game play is great for many educational reasons that I share on this site often but even more importantly game nights are great for building bonds. They allow opportunities for communication to happen organically. They create memories that can become foundational for littles. They give us insight into how our children look at the world. And they allow our children to see us as more than their adults, chauffeurs, and chefs.

As you plan many summer adventures this year, don’t forget the ones that happen at home. Here are seven games to add to your game shelf that will keep everyone entertained. These all can be used for gameschooling purposes as well because we don’t believe in the summer slide around these here parts. Most of these games are great for travel too. Take them with you to the beach, the park, and other places as you go, go, go enjoy your summer.

Hover Shell Strike – This was a big win in our home. JustaBXgirl actually got an air hockey table for Christmas because she loves the game so much but we don’t have a lot of room so it stays hidden away and we have to remember to take it out. The Hover Shell Strike allows her to have the same type of fun just about anywhere! We can throw this in our bag and play on the go. We can clear off our kitchen table or play on the floor. If your little loves air hockey then you have to add this to your collection.

Super Mario Rally Tennis – Tennis has become a big deal in our home this year. JustaBXgirl recently started taking lessons so this game was fitting to add to our collection. And who doesn’t want to play tennis with Mario and Luigi. Just like when you play tennis on a court, it takes trial and error to figure out the right amount of force to rally the ball back and forth.

What’s Next? – This game comes with a giant die. What else do you really need? Seriously, HOPS just wants to roll the die all day. I love that this is another game that can come with us because we like to be on the go in the summer. It comes with a bag to hold the die and cards. Playing it feels like you’re in a board game. Where will your roll land you? Will you have to drive a race car? Do push-ups? Or switch places with another player? This game will lead to lots of laughs as you make your way to the end.

Sneak-A-Treat – First of all, this little guy is so cute. He honestly makes a great fidget friend. I was tempted to let him sit on my desk and keep me company. This is a fun and silly game that even the littler littles can enjoy. Don’t get scared when our little buddy leaps.

Wild Kratts Habitat Memory Game – I couldn’t let the entire post go by without throwing in a bit of gameschooling. You should know me better than that by now! Our home has been WIld Kratts obsessed since JustaBXgirl was tiny. This game is so much fun and the perfect way to introduce animals and their habitats to younger littles. It can be a useful resource when studying geography and animals. And since it is a memory game it will never get old.

Froot Loops Frenzy Game – JustaBXgirl asked me how I knew Toucan Sam’s name. My childhood cereal knowledge came into play and we had a quick lesson on all of the sugary cereal’s mascot names. This game is so simple to play that you. You start the game with all of the foot loops on Sam’s spoon and hope to be the first to fill your “bowl.” Let’s just say that mission is easier said than done. There will be tons of laughs as Toucan Sam keeps the frenzy alive.

Smack N Snack – JustaBXgirl tried to trick me the first time we played this. She has set it up while I was doing something else so I hadn’t seen the monsters that jump out. We start playing and I’m asking her if she is sure she explained the directions to me correctly. She says yes and giggles. Then the monsters jump out and surprise me. Suffice to say, she loves this one. It is another fun and simple game that teaches quietly. There’s counting and colors and lots of laughs.