WIN Must Have Kids Game – Baby Beluga

Disclosure: The below was provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and “Terms of Use” tabs for more information   
I love to spend time playing games, but love it even more when my kids get to play the games along with us. I must say that The Baby Beluga Game was a perfect addition to our family game nights.

About Cooperative Games:

Cooperative Games is a little shop in Nevada City, California. Their mission is to provide products that foster cooperative play. It is also their goal to promote understanding and circulate information about why and how parents, educators, and everyone else can benefit by engaging in playful collaboration.

Every product in their store has been carefully handselected as an item that works to bring out the cooperative spirit. They work with manufacturers who practice environmental sustainability and fair trade practices through the use of recycled and sustainably produced materials. As much as possible, the items in their store are made in the U.S.

 

About The Baby Beluga Game:

The Baby Beluga Game is a brand new cooperative board game for children ages 3-10. It was created by Suzanne Lyons at Cooperative Games in cooperation with Raffi. There are three levels of play for children of all ages, – both readers and non-readers.

The illustrations and details are sure to engage your children.

This great game is made in the USA.

Included – Guidebook with simple game instructions, Ocean Science Pages, directions for more active cooperative games and a free download of Raffi singing “Baby Beluga”.

My Thoughts:

My girls and I really enjoyed playing this game. They are 6 and 8, and we had a great time. I think that it will be a great addition to any family or classroom.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing this game or any of the other great games that are offered from Cooperative Games, head on over to their website. Also our lucky readers will get an extra 10% off now through November 30th as long as you use code Blog10.

Giveaway:

Feel free to enter using RC form below. Ends Nov 26, 2018. One winner chosen by RC random generator. Must complete entires to win, will be verified. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LEGO Dimensions Packs – Dr. Who, Simpsons, and Adventure Time

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In what other game can you have Homer driving down the yellow brick road in the bat-mobile?

The answer is LEGO Dimensions.  The Lego brick themed multiverse spanning game is constantly expanding and with the most recent additions you can now explore the worlds of the children’s favorite Adventure Time, the generational favorite Dr Who,and the TV classic The Simpsons Springfield to name a few.

Sets are broken down into a few different categories, the predominant one being levels. With the download of an update to your game and the usage of figures from that particular universe, the level is unlocked.  Simpsons brings your characters into Springfield to solve various quests and requests by locals as well as the collection of various items to complete the level to 100%.  There are playable levels as well as free play modes where you can just go exploring to find all the nooks and crannies put in the game.  I guarantee as a fan you will find something that will put a huge smile on your face no matter which level pack you play.

Adventure Time has tons of characters and interactions with authentic voices.  When combining the level pack with the character pack, you can play as the duo Finn and Jake and cause mischief and save princesses with the help of BMO and Lumpy Space Princess.  To be honest, my son was least interested in Lumpy Space Princess to start off with, but her animations and interactions with characters are so spot on and genuinely funny, she is now one of his favorites in the entire game across every universe.

In addition to the sets mentioned, there are also fun packs like the Ninjago Cragger pack, which includes the evil Croc-tribe warrior Gragger and his Swamp Skimmer (which can be rebuilt into Cragger’s Fireship and Croc Command Sub).  This is one of the interesting parts of Lego Dimensions- vehicles aren’t only one vehicle but can be upgraded and rebuilt into other forms making them stronger or adding a new mode of transportation to the game, like a submarine going underwater or a jet which can fly around.

Each pack is jammed full of fun with levels, characters, and of course the LEGOs themselves, which come with digital instructions on how to build some characters in game.  Once put together, the characters can also be played with in real life just as other LEGO sets are, and fit in with the rest you have at home. Don’t lose the parts, though!

Runbow and Yoshi Wooly World

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Runbow is a new game by 13AM Games that brings a fun interesting platforming party game to the WiiU.  In Runbow each player is a different colored character, 9 in total, who each represent a color of the rainbow.  Then the players have to mad dash for the finish line to see who can get there first.  But this is no simple foot race, there are obstacles like moving platforms and lava to get in the way.  This game is made for classic game players who love a challenge and are always trying to make that next jump and time it just right.  As such it may not appeal to very young players who just can get the timing right as easily as those who have been playing platforming, 2D games for years.  The best pat of this game is getting a few players together at once, with 2 it is fun, with more then that it gets frenetic and lots of fun.  I can only imagine how fun this game would be with 9 players at once.

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And on the opposite end of the spectrum is a classic platforming game with a softer more woolly quality.  It is Yoshi’s Woolly World for the WiiU.  This game starts one of the Mushroom Kingdom’s most well loved characters,Yoshi.  This is his first Woolly adventure following in the footsteps of Kirby’s Epic Yarn.  This game is the next step in the evolution of the yard medium.  Each character and environment has a handmade touch that is a joy to see.  From fraying yarn to the illusion of hand cut corners its great fun to play a game with this new setting.  In the game Yoshi must reach the end each level while gathering as many collectibles as possible.  For the beginners just finishing the level will be enough but for the more experienced players collectibles are key.  Each level has its own charm bringing to live a new platforming experience.  Also available are Amiibo extras where you can add a second Yoshi to the fun in the form of Samus, Woolly Yoshi or even Mario. to name a few.

Both these games are great platforming fun Runbow is available at the eShop for 14.99 while Yoshi’s Wooly World is available at retail locations now as well as the eShop for 49.99 for the game alone or win a special pack which includes a Wooly Yoshi for 59.99.

Great Games for Kids from Wonder Forge

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  Please see “I disclose” for more information.
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We are all big game players in my family. As we have had children it has been tricky for us to find games that can include our young children, but are still fun for the adults. I must say that I have not ever found a game that I was not 100% satisfied with from the Wonder Forge game family. They have such great games for all the kids in your family, that adults enjoy playing as well.

About Wonder Forge:

In 2007, Jacobe Chrisman (Founder & CEO) and a small group of creative types with a passion for children’s entertainment came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

Since it was originally launched, Wonder Forge has always offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool games help to celebrate the “can do”  attitude in all kids – engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.

Wonder Forge additionally always works to create strong, long-lasting partnerships with licensors. This is wonderful when your children love certain characters.

Today, Wonder Forge makes over 85 games that have won more than 160 top awards for product excellence. They are sold nationwide and in over 11 countries.

About Eye Found It Journey Through Time:

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In this wonderful game, you work together as a team of historians, scientists, and adventurers solving the world’s greatest mysteries with the Eye Found It Journey Through Time Hidden Picture Game from Wonder Forge. You can venture and find hidden objects throughout time from the Prehistoric Era to the Present Day. You want to Race to the end of the giant 6-foot game board before your Timecraft runs out of fuel. This game is recommended for ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts: This game was a great deal of fun. I had a lot of fun playing this game with my daughters. I also have to admit that this is one of my husband’s favorite games that we have played with the girls as well. My daughters are ages 3 and 5 and so they definitely were both able to understand and play the game really well.

About Peanuts Snoopy Flying Ace Game:

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I’ll get you Red Baron! The world’s most beloved beagle is back!  A legend in his own mind, Snoopy takes off as the Flying Ace in constant pursuit of his nemesis, the Red Baron. Flip cards and race to make matches before Snoopy spins to a stop. It’s high-flying family fun! This is a great game for children age 3-10 years old.

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My Thoughts:

I think that this game is absolutely adorable. As you can see, my daughters loved playing this game. It was a very cute game, and loads of fun. It was easy for my 3 and 5 year olds to both play together. I even started supper and they were able to continue playing while I was out of the room. Great Game for kids.

About The Good Dinosaur Roarin’ River Game:

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You can now race the rapids to get home! You work together as a team to help Arlo and his friends outrun the flooding river! Travel through the dangerous canyons, mountain forests, and sweeping plains! This game is great for kids ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts: This game too is absolutely adorable. My kids were so interested in this game and truly enjoyed playing it. I absolutely loved playing the game with them, and don’t mind when they ask to play it because it is a game that is not like others that I have played before.

About Disney Imagicademy Items:

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Disney Imagicademy Storymation Studio: You make the movies the Imagacademy from Disney. You can now get creative with the characters, backgrounds, clay, and costume molds. Download the free and easy-to-use Storymation Studio animation app and make your own animated masterpiece inspired by your favorite Disney films. This is recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Disney Imagicademy Mickey Mouse Animals Activity Book:You can now roam through the wild and wondrous realm of the animal kingdom with Mickey Mouse and your favorite Disney pals! Explore the fascinating lives of insects, how animals adapt to their surroundings, the reason behind animal conservation, and more –all through a collection of creative activities. This is great for children ages 4 and up.

Disney Imagicademy Frozen Science Activity Book:Join Elsa, Olaf, and all your favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen as they lead you through creative activities, fun puzzles, and surprising experiments! Discover why we have four seasons, the natural beauty of snowflakes, how we see rainbows and so much more. Great for children ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts: My daughters have really enjoyed playing with each of these items. They are a great way for your children to do more than just play games or stare at a device all the time. I was incredibly impressed by how much fun each of these were. The Storymation Studio was awesome. Stay tuned and I will have more pictures of what my girls come up with in the future.

About Apple Pop Game:

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Move the apples around the tree, or try to pop the apples out on the first try! Land it in a basket and get extra points! It’s a game of strategy and fun–pop the apples out of the tree win by collecting the correct three!

My Thoughts:My daughters are incredibly excited when you get this game out. They had a ton of fun popping the apples out of the tree and racing to see who could get them all out the fastest.

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My Thoughts:

I was absolutely in love with each and everyone of these games that we received. I know that we will get many great game nights out of the games and they will be fun for the whole family. I have a few that I have added to my Christmas list for the other little kids in my life, because I know that they are going to be a great game.

 

 

Swingy- Ping Pong with your Feet

Disclosure- I received the below in order to compensate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “I Disclose” for more information.”
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We all know that learning to Balance is very important for people at all ages. I must say that I am incredibly impressed with this awesome new game called Swingy.

About Swingy:

SWINGY is the world’s first wireless balance board for playing games on tablets and smartphones. It is redefining screen time by turning digital gaming into a beneficial physical activity. Swingy is handmade of wood and was developed for children aged 4 and up. There are also special Kickstarter designs for the young-at-heart adults who seem to enjoy playing just as much. 🙂

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My Thoughts:

This product is absolutely amazing. My girls are both enrolled in dance class, and have really been working on their balance. I feel that they are pretty good for their ages: 3 and 5. I also would say that I feel that I am pretty balanced as well as my husband so it was fun to test out our abilities together as a family. As of now my best score is only 50…I haven’t played a lot because the girls have wanted to play it so much. My oldest has a score of 32 already and the 3 year old is at 26, so they are doing exceptionally well if you ask me 🙂

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I think that this is a great product to work on balance for your kids, as well as the fact that it is lots of fun. I can’t wait to see the other games that they come out with as well. I teach and am planning on taking it to school to help a few of the kiddos in my class be encouraged to balance better!

KickStarter:

This great game is on KickstartER right now. I can’t wait for it to launch and go on sale because I know of several people that are going to love it. Head on over to KickstartER and help get the ball rolling for swingy. I promise that your family will be addicted.

There also is a special Super Early Bird price. Let me know if you are interested!  I promise that you won’t be disappointed.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse Video Game

Disclosure- we received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

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My son and his friend, trying the game out in the Nintendo store.

Nintendo has a quite a few classic characters but few are as fun as their pink fluffy one, Kirby. Kirby is the pink, round guy with a vacuum mouth, for those who don’t know. There is a new Kirby game by Nintendo, which is available now. The game is called Kirby and the Rainbow Curse and brings Kirby into a new style of game play, clay. The clay style is really neat, and must be seen in action. The animation smooth and seamless. It is like playing a cartoon of years ago like Gumby in game version. However, this cartoon stars our favorite little pink guy- Kirby.
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Must Have Christmas Kids Games from Wonder Forge

Disclosure: The games from Wonder Forge mentioned below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

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I am sure that many of you remember that my family loves to play games. My husband and I have always enjoyed playing games and that love has definitely passed on to our daughters. We aren’t quite to the point that we have a designated game night a week, but I know that time is coming :).  Wonder Forge is and will always be one of our favorite game companies. The games that we have of theirs are wonderful in every aspect. I have not received a game from them that left me disappointed.

About Wonder Forge

In 2007, Jacobe Chrisman (Founder & CEO) and a small group of creative types with a passion for children’s entertainment came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

Since it was originally launched, Wonder Forge has always offered top-quality experiences, raising the bar for preschool and family games everywhere. The preschool games help to celebrate the “can do”  attitude in all kids – engaging them physically, socially, and creatively. The family games bridge generation gaps and create wholesome family moments and lasting memories.

Wonder Forge additionally always works to create strong, long-lasting partnerships with licensors. This is wonderful when your children love certain characters.

Today, Wonder Forge makes over 85 games that have won more than 160 top awards for product excellence. They are sold nationwide and in over 11 countries.

About the games :

Frozen Surprise Slides: (Pictured Above)

In this wonderful Frozen game, you get to take a Journey high up into the mountains above Arendelle with all your favorite Frozen friends. You can take shortcut slides and zoom ahead, or push you backward. It’s a game that will always be different every time that you play this game.

This game promotes:

  • color recognition
  • turn-taking and playing together
  • Ideal first game for preschoolers

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About Dr.Seuss Charades

In this fun charades game, your child can draw a card to act out for their friends. It is developed specially for young players, this game uses familiar and whimsical images from the world of Dr.Seuss for silly, laugh out loud fun for everyone.
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LeapTV – Learning With Video Games

Disclosure- I revived the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

LeapTV is the newest gaming console by LeapFrog. This console differs greatly from its bigger counter parts, Playstation 4 and Xbox One, in quite a few areas but most of all the LeapTv is geared toward little ones and learning. With fun characters and fun new ways to interact with them, learning is much less of a chore and much more a fun game time.

kids gaming systemLeapFrog have been making educational based games for years now and their most recent gaming console the LeapTV brings them a step further into the future. The console features three forms of input body motion, so that the kids can see themselves on TV moving around.  This is best for sports games where the user can block the soccer ball or kick a ball for examples. The second is turn, move, and twist the controller- this is much like other motion controllers, but it also includes twist capabilities which is perfect for puzzle solving or moving a character on the screen. The last way to input with the system is a classic controller, perfect for those who enjoy old school input, great for platforming games which have been classically played with a d0pad and buttons. An interesting fact about the controller is that the motion sensing and classic controller are the same controller, just in a different configuration.  Once your child is accustomed to using on controller they are used to both of them.
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