Fun things to have on standby for further lockdowns

[NeverTwerkNaked]

Just thinking ahead and anticipating that it is quite likely over the autumn/winter that we will face lockdowns either nationally, locally or at a household level if someone has symptoms. I just think it would be good have some fun stuff on standby that we can dig out when we want to have some fun. The children are 6-13 . I'm thinking things like board games etc . We have quite a few strategic type games (Carcassonne, Ticket to ride, Scotland yard etc) but would be good to add in some more fun games or other suggestions (screen free, they do enough of that!) things we could do together (individually, in small groups or as a family)

Sorry that's a bit waffly but am just thinking of ways to be a bit prepared!

@NeverTwerkNaked i think the Pandemic thing really does depend on how badly you've been affected by Covid .

It has caused a lot of trauma for our family so its just too close to home to be honest .

I need escapism ... hence our obsession with Mapominoes !
Its fab for all ages , highly recommend it .

@Kote we have got Europe , Asia/Australasia and South America ... i want Africa next !

@IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls yes I can totally understand that.

I have just ordered mapominoes, it looks really good

@NeverTwerkNaked im really pleased youve ordered it

I think its lovely that families still play games together, i think we are dying breed !

I agree, it's such a nice way to spend time together

Love so many of the games here!

We also got some colouring in tablecloths which took us AGES over various meals and chats - got some good felt tip pens to do it (well, for three of us, the 4yo had his own set to ruin.)

We've enjoyed 5 Second Rule so much that we've left the timer out to "play" randomly. The sound is hilarious. There are questions for younger children and older ones/adults on each card.

There are also non-pandemic versions of Pandemic: Pandemic: Rising tide, Pandemic: Fall of Rome en Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu. Where you cooperate to prevent the Netherlands from flooding/protect Rome against invaders or save the city from being overrun with monsters.

We love playing board games as a family and have recently bought Consulting Detective which is fab. You have to try to solve murder cases in less moves (visits to talk to people) than Sherlock. It has properly engaged our 12 and 15 years olds.

For those of you that like maponimoes - what the heck are the rules? We've tried it a few times and always give up as we just don't get it.

Oh and I recommend Gubs for smaller children. Made by the same people as exploding kittens (also fun)

@ravensoaponarope

What about fun things for an adult who lives alone?

You can solo a lot of cooperative games: pandemic, fire rescue, sub terra are all fun. Friday is also a good game - single player only. I also do jigsaws, cross stitch, lego and knitting. I like my kindle, if you have Amazon prime you get a free new release book a month and can access a library of other books to borrow.

Settlers of Catan is a favourite here. Also sewing, polymer clay, tennis balls, hamma beads were huge favourites for keeping my clan busy back in the day. The boys would shoot their BB guns into the garden, and the girls would get a Tupperware, agree the price for me, and spend a week outdoors picking up the pellets for about a fiver for a full tub, although perhaps not great for winter!

Karaoke machine
Face paints
Dressing up/photo booth props
Sticker books
Puzzle books
A baking box with all the essentials (maybe packet mixes in case getting eggs/butter becomes tricky) plus some funky edible decorations

My DD (15) reserected our ancient Wii and has been playing Harry Potter.

For adults, especially if on your own, I suggest researching your family tree, or why not take up scrapbooking?

Some great games ideas on here. I also found it helpful to have a bag with a few bits to pull out whenever boredom truly hits for the kids (or I need quiet for a conference call!). A bit like people recommend for flights with young DC, but tailored to age/tastes. EG a book, a magazine, stickers, a craft kit, pack of chalks, pound shop water pistols, or whatever.