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Tonight we would have hosted our monthly Family Board Game program at the library. Since we can’t have you in the library, one of our amazing librarians, Elizabeth, shares many ways you can play games at home (and she included a super cute photo of her cat).

Some may say Board Games should be spelled B-O-R-E-D, but not me! I love a family or friend game night! Depending on how many people are in your household during this Stay at Home order, board games can be a great option to pass the time. I’m going to chat about some of my favorite games and hopefully it will inspire you to play with your family and friends safely while social distancing.

Virtual Games
My sister-in-law has Jackbox TV which is the perfect way to hang out with friends and family without actually being in the same space. Depending on what package you buy, there are numerous hilarious game options. These online games are interactive using your smartphone, computer, or tablet. Jackbox TV recently added a whole instructional page about how to play remotely. We used Google Hangout, so that way we were all connected while we played. You could use Zoom as well.   Getting it figured out was a little bit tricky at first, but we got it to work and it was entertaining for sure!

There are two free drawing games I came across that are really easy to use! Drawasaurus and Skribbl.io. These drawing games are able to be played with strangers online or you can create a private room in which you can send the link to your family and friends. Everyone takes turns drawing the word they choose and the others must guess.

Another popular game I have heard people playing is the Exploding Kittens App. This is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It is currently $1.99 to play. If you love the regular board game, consider this option to play with others!

Using Zoom, Google Hangout, FaceTime, or any type of video chat service, you could play Charades! There’s a free Charades app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Another option would be to use a timer and find a random word generator online.


Board Games
Some of my favorite board games are Telestrations, Exploding Kittens, Catan, Monikers, and The Game of Things. Most of these games require more than 2 people (or are more fun with more than 2 people!).


Card Games
One of the card games I play the most (when there are four people) is Euchre. Euchre is a fun game to know! Here is a video to help you learn the rules. Don’t forget there are numerous free apps you can download on your smartphone. It is the best way to practice!

Another fun card game is Golf. If you have never tried playing Golf before, I recommend watching the YouTube video here. This game can be played with 2-4 players, or if you have more players you can add in another deck of cards.

If you have enjoyed playing games at home with your family and friends, once the library opens up again, you should consider attending our Gamers: Family Edition, which typically occurs the second Wednesday of each month.


Enjoy a game, and check off another square on our community engagement “bingo” board.

 

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