For the past month, this memory-based game has replaced Busytown as our favorite go-to family game. My 7 year old is the one that likes it the best, but I enjoy it and my 4 year old can definitely play too. Even the 2 year old can sort of pretend to play, though he's messed up the board a couple ...
Early Elementary Games
Scrambled States of America Game
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Somehow, growing up in California in the 80's and 90's, I was never required to take a geography class. Since I never took a personal interest in the subject, my geographical knowledge is downright embarrassing. I'm determined that my kids will not grow up with the same shortcoming. I'm always ...
Color Code
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Color code is a fun, challenging, single player game that uses a different skill set than many logic puzzles aimed at similar age kids. It requires kids to use spatial reasoning, but rather than using 3 dimensional shapes, it requires kids to layer a series of flat (2 dimensional) images to make a ...
Zoologic
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Oh my goodness. I love this game. Prior to purchasing Zoologic, Rush Hour Jr. was my favorite single-player puzzle game for my 5 year old. However, now they are at least tied. If anything, I like this game slightly more. I think Zoologic will last several years and requires more critical thinking ...
Catan Junior
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This is an entertaining game for families with kids 5 years and up. It's one of the few games I really like to play with my kids. Catan Junior teaches many useful concepts such as abstract math through the acquiring and trading of resources to purchase pirate ships and lairs. It's also a good first ...
Camelot Jr.
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This is a fun single-player game great for 5 and 6 year olds that helps kids learn how to manage their frustration and persevere in the face of difficulty. Product: Camelot Jr. Company: SmartGames Website: www.smartgames.eu Recommended Age Range: 4.5 to 7 years Price Range: ~$25 Amazon Product Page ...
Rush Hour Jr.
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My 5 year old and I are completely in love with this one-player game. What a great way to get kids to exercise their brains and learn to face a challenge. Product: Rush Hour Jr. Company: Think Fun Website: www.thinkfun.com/rushhourjr Recommended Age Range: 5 to 7 years Price Range: $20 Amazon ...
Robot Turtles
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Product: Robot Turtles Company: Think Fun Website: http://www.robotturtles.com/ Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8 years Price Range: ~$20 Amazon Product Page (Affiliate Link) Comments: My 4.5 year old and I are seriously loving this game. When I started college 15 years ago, I knew I wanted to do ...
Travel Connect 4
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Product: Travel Connect 4 Company: Hasbro Website: www.hasbro.com Recommended Age Range: 3 years and up Price Range: ~$10 Amazon Product Page (Affiliate Link) Comments: We have an older version of travel Connect Four than the one presently being sold, but I imagine the current version is still a ...
Richard Scarry’s Busytown
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Product: Richard Scarry's Busytown: Eye Found It! Game Company: Wonder Forge Website: www.wonderforge.com Recommended Age Range: 3 to adult Price Range: $18-$25 Amazon Product Page (Affiliate Link) Comments: I LOVE this game. I know these recommendations are supposed to be based on what kids like, ...
Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 