“I love all the Waldorf toys you share but your family must do other things other than play with gnomes all day, LOL. Can you suggest some games or toys that your children play with aren’t ‘Waldorfian'”
It got me to thinking it might be fun over time to share some of our favorite games and toys. Obviously, each family is different, and I respect everyone’s unique perspective on what is appropriate for each family and child, so if we make a suggestion, take it for what it is… simply a glimpse into OUR family, and activities we find suitable for us 🙂
So, as a first go at this, I’m going to share a game we are all obsessed with right now… Ticket to Ride. I first played Ticket to Ride at Drew and Meghan’s several years ago. Some of the grandbabies are now old enough to play the game.
Here is the description from the Manufacture:
October 2, 1900 – it’s 28 years to the day that noted London eccentric, Phileas Fogg accepted and then won a bet that he could travel “Around the World in 80 Days.” Now, at the dawn of the century, some old friends have gathered to celebrate Fogg’s impetuous and lucrative gamble – and to propose a new wager of their own. The stakes: $1 million in a winner-takes-all competition. The objective: to see the most cities in North America – in just 7 days. Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure game. Players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who can fulfill their Destination Tickets by connecting two distant cities, and to the player who builds the longest continuous railway. For 2 to 5 players ages 8 and older. Playing time: 30-60 minutes. Comes with: 1 Board map of North American train routes, 240 Colored Train Cars, 110 Train Car cards, 30 Destination Tickets, 5 Wooden Scoring Markers, 1 Days of Wonder Online access number, and a Rules booklet.
This has become a favorite in the house, and everyone that plays it gives it a two thumbs up. The game changes every time it is played, so you can play it over and over again. It retails for $49.00 and sells for $37.50 on Amazon. Although it isn’t an inexpensive game, it is well made and should last the life of the family. They even give you 3 extra trains for each color for the inevitable lose 🙂
Although it might be pushing it a bit to call it an “educational” game, it does feature some of the larger cities in USA and Canada, and requires logical thinking.
So there you have it. Our first game review. Thank you, Camille, for asking the question 🙂 We will be sharing more over time!
My children received some hand-me-down games from a family that was going overseas for several years. This was our favorite game. I didn’t know there were any other additions. Definitely going to check them out. One note, however. My son was 8 when we got the game. He had a hard time with it, and just got frustrated. We started playing teams and all was well! By the time he was 9, he was ready to play alone. Thought maybe people should know that.
Love, Evie
Of course the recommended ages are just that, suggestions. I think your way of dealing with it was wonderful. A lot of times, even with books, the content is of interest to a child, but might be beyond their actual abilities. Teaming with your son was a great way to allow your son to enjoy they game, and giving his skills a chance to catch up to his interests! Thanks for sharing 🙂
My husband and I love these games. We have the Europe and Nordic games as well as the Asian expansion. It’s one of the few games that we enjoy playing over and over again. I know that we have learned more of world geography just by playing them.
The first time I played the game was with the Europe Board. I really want to get the Nordic game next.
Oh how fun! We love this game at my house too. The European version is my favorite.
Other than the geography, I can't remember if the games play different or not. Although I want a couple more of the Ticket to Ride, I'll probably wait until I get a few more "different" games. I did learn on Ticket to Ride – Europe, but it was some time ago so I don't remember the details 🙂
We play this game on the computer and as an iphone app. It means you can play the game when there is nobody around to play with.
I didn't know you could play it online. I will most certainly check it out. I don't have an iphone… I have an android. I'll have to see if there is an app for it. Thanks for the heads up 🙂