It's all fun and games with playPLAY Games a Schoolhouse Crew Review -

When we had the opportunity to review some new games, I jumped at the chance. We love games! We love games that involve all or most of the children–it’s always more fun when everyone can play. The three games we received were enjoyed by all of us — even the 2 1/2 year old was able to fully play one of them, while being (mostly) an observer for the other two.

playPlay has three games available individually or as a bundle. They are available through places such as Toys’R’Us, Barnes & Noble and your local specialty store. One of my favorite things about the games? They are made in the USA! Awesome! Prices will vary, of course, but will be well worth it — really! Games are such a fun way to sneak in learning, cooperation, family time and, of course, fun.

The game that is played the most and enjoyed by everyone (yes, even the oh-so-mature 9 and 11 year olds) is ColorPlay. Other than the game board, the pieces are all sturdy (I am glad the youngest is finally out of the stage of putting everything into his mouth!). The puzzle-shaped pieces are solid on one side and patterned color on the other. There are four patterns as represented on the spinner. For the main game played, you spin to determine the next piece you add to your color wedge. Play continues until all have completed their color (or all the pieces are filled in). For my youngest children it was nice to focus on the playing and encouraging each other and not on competition and being “the” winner. You can easily add competition and end the game with the first person to complete their color wedge the winner.

Their are two other variations to play. One uses the black and white disks to match the colorful pieces to their disk. The third option is to build towers using the puzzle pieces. This one makes me a bit nervous with the toddler; he can be a bit forceful to try to make something fit how he wants it to. The recommended age for ColorPlay is ages 5+ As we have found, even younger siblings are able and enjoy playing along.

The second game in the series is PaintPlay. This one was most enjoyed by our 8 & 9 year old daughters. The game part was just a bit beyond their 6 year old brother, though the younger siblings enjoyed their turn to paint. Because their mama is weanie when it comes to possible messes and it has been too hot to spend much time outdoors, we have not played this near as much as the other two. The paints are washable so why should I worry? You can easily use your own paper and paints when the included supplies run out. The recommended age for PaintPlay is 6+. My oldest son (the 6 year old) loves the card that says to “make a shape that looks like it’s going to explode”, while cards like “think about how a mushy banana feels in your mouth. Add that feeling to your painting.” confuse him.

The third game in the series, StoryPlay is the one most played by the three oldest girls (8, 9, and 11). The recommended age is 7+ The girls and I enjoy choosing the tiles and playing the variation called Name It & Draw It. There are three variations for this game as well. The word/picture tiles also have points on them to add a competitve component to the games. The game comes with a double sided dry erase board (one side lined, the other side plain) and a dry erase marker. You can easily add your own markers (color!) or use paper and pencils (colored ?) or markers, etc. StoryPlay is another winner!

Any or all three games from playPlay would make great additions to your game closet. Their tagline “Play * Create * Collaborate” is something I love to see my children do every day. These games are full of fun and enough educational value to be included in your school day, not only saved for the weekend. To learn more about these games, see the website for playPLAY.

Other Crew members reviewed this bundle or Noteable Novelists. Don’t miss those reviews. Head over to the Crew blog to check them out.

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received this game bundle at no charge for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions expressed are my own.