Game Like a Mother

Quick Take: Ah, is there anything more classic than Candy Land for small children? I can be critical of some of the elements of many of the classic games, but this one holds up on a lot of levels. I didn’t realize until I tried to have my children count squares in other early board games that the color system for Candyland is genius and makes life so much easier. And honestly, if you’ve never cheated in favor of your child winning this game are you even a parent?

How to Play: Whoever gets their gingerbread token to the Candy Castle first, wins. You draw cards and do what they say. There is no skill, no strategy, but that is half the point. You’re just learning how games work when you play Candy Land. The two green spots with licorice on them are the only truly “bad” spots on the board, if you land on them you have one turn skipped before you get to draw another card.

Variations: For ages 4 and up: play with Hoot Owl Hoot style rules and draw three cards and then choose one you want to play each turn. Draw one card to replace the one you have played each turn. The game will not become cooperative like Hoot Owl Hoot but kids can now use some strategy for when they play a particular card and best of all, it makes the game play a lot faster. Otherwise, if you're playing with a 3 year old who is still trying to figure out how the game works and isn't ready for strategy you can just take all the specialty cards (cupcake, lollipop, etc) and insert them into the top half of the deck. It makes for a quicker game. Also, for younger kids you can play until everyone gets to the Candy Castle and that seems to make the loss not so bad sometimes.  

Similar Games To Check Out: Happy Bunny, Chutes and Ladders, Dinosaur Escape, Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party, Princess Magic Pop-Up Castle Game, Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game!