The subtitle of this game is “Bingo With A Zing!” It really is a simple version of bingo that kids ages 4 to 8 can play by themselves (always a plus in my opinion).
Last year someone gave us a real bingo set. It turns out that my kids LOVE BINGO! Bingo is a great learning game, but the real thing takes a long time and requires considerable parental involvement at this age. That is why I thought we could try this for those days when no parent has the time/energy to bring out the “real” bingo. The kids love the Zingo version too.
Kids match plastic picture tiles (also have words on them for learning purposes) with pictures/words on their card until they get a “Zingo.” Cards have two sides allowing for more or less competition among players. There are options for varying the game depending upon the skill-level and attention-span of the players. Since pictures as well as words are on the tiles, non-readers and early-readers can play too.
I should also mention that one of the most fun aspects for kids is “The Zinger.” The tiles are stacked in a sort-of sliding box (“The Zinger”) and the dealer slides it forward to reveal the tiles underneath. Everyone wants a turn as dealer!
I sent my husband (aka. Mr.-These-Children-Have-Too-Many-Toys) to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car, and he came home with this puzzle. What a cool find it was!
This is a 100-piece United States map puzzle by National Geographic. It is made of rubber and is in relief, like some globes. Each state is labeled, as are the state capitols. Elevations are color coded (and bumpy), with a key to the elevations and their colors on the edge of the puzzle.
Although it is 100 pieces, the puzzle is quite small (I measure 12″ x 8.25″). After assembly, it slips right back into its box for easy storage (always a plus with puzzles, they can be hard to store and make a big mess). The rubber pieces fit together easily.
The box says that it is for ages 6 and up. My 6 year-old could probably do this by herself given a lot of time and patience, but so far we have done it together twice as a family. My 5 year-old enjoys helping and is excited when he figures out a fit.
Both my children are in awe of the fact that there are 100 PIECES!!! Wow! The topographical aspect also sparked an interesting discussion, begun by my 5 year-old, of mountains and valleys. Plus, by buying the puzzle, you are supporting National Geographic.
This is a wonderful find that the we all enjoy - adults included!
Now, what I really want to know, is how many times can a grown-up play Candyland without going completely crazy?
educational, family games, puzzle, Toy Recommendations
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educational toys, geography, geography toys, homeschool, maps, puzzles, relief map, Toy Recommendations, United States, US map
The object of this classic game is to get four in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. This tiny version comes in a little 4″ x 5.5″ tin that is ideal for travel or a stocking stuffer.
I generally prefer travel toys with very few small pieces, so all these little balls could be a car or airplane disaster. I only recommend this as a travel toy for children old enough to manage the balls without spills (also not good around babies). But for older kids, or even adults, this is a great game!
brands, classic toy, family games, games, Haba, stocking stuffer, tin game (Haba), Toy Recommendations, travel activity, wood
| European toys, family games, Four in a Row, games, German toys, Haba, stocking stuffer, tin game (Haba), Toy Recommendations, Toy Recommendations, travel toys, wooden toys
What I like about this game is that children have as much chance as grownups (sometimes even a better chance).
The idea is to remove the pawns without causing the spring bar to move. The larger the pawn, the more points you get, but the riskier it is to take out! If you are too greedy, then…SNAP! This game calls for some strategy and a delicate touch.
Definitely a family game night favorite in our household!
Available here.
This is a board game version of charades that we all love (ours is an older version, but I think it is the same).
I think the best thing about this game is that picture cards are included so that even little players who can’t read can join in the fun. Also, you can use the picture cards to play without the board if you like.
This is a great family game night choice for all ages. We grownups have as much fun with this as the kids. For the adults, it beats Chutes and Ladders any day!
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