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SmartGames-A Great Challenge for the Family

12 September, 2016 by KatBp 82 Comments

Disclosure: I received these products in exchange for a review. The opinions are all 100% my own and may differ from yours. 

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My family loves to play games, especially my daughters and I. My girls are always asking me to play board games with them. It’s one thing that we always love to do together. It gets us together as a family, and we have fun playing games as well. Being able to try out new games is always a fun experience. Every time I get a new game, my girls are always excited and wanting to play them right away.

I was recently given the chance to review some games from SmartGames. I chose five games to review. Those are: Dinosaurs Mystic Islands, Penguins Pool Party, Jungle Hide & Seek, IQ XOXO and Deducktion. What’s great about these games, is that they all seem to follow the same concept. My daughters were able to figure these out quickly, which is great!

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With Dinosaurs Mystic Island, you can use all the pieces to create an island that is shown. In the booklet, they’ll have multiple ways to show you how you can make this island. What they want, is to separate the plant-eating dinosaurs from the carnivores.

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There are 80 different challenges in this booklet. They’ll keep you busy for hours! It may seem like a simple game, but some of these are really challenging. I’ve helped my daughters with this game, and they loved it. It certainly can get tricky to get them all matched up.

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I thought that Deducktion was a great game to bring along while you’re traveling. It snaps shut like a book, and all the pieces stay inside because it’s magnetic. This is a perfect game for my girls while we’re on the go.

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There are 3 duck families, each with a mother duck and a few ducklings. The yellow duck family has 5 members, the red 4 and the green 3. In this game, you’ll want the ducklings to follow their mothers. You’ll have to follow the color-based and numerical clues to find the right spot for each duck.
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Out of all these games, IQ XOXO is my favorite. This game is a great challenge for my husband and I. I love a great challenge, which is probably why this game was my favorite one.
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This game is all about places the pieces in the right spot. There are a total of 120 challenges. They have easier ones, which I like for my daughters, and then they have the harder ones, which I love to do myself. I love the ones that start you off with just one or two pieces. In the booklet it will show those, and you have to take the rest of the pieces and try to fit them all together. My husband was working on one of these for over a half hour, and he still never did get it together.
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Jungle Hide & Seek is a double-sided game board. It’s like two games in one: the “day” side features a 4-grid game and the “night” side features more difficult challenges in one big grid. This would be my youngest daughters favorite game. She loves to play it. If you look above at the green game, we did number one on the booklet. You’ll see four elephants there. That means that at least four elephants must be showing when you complete this. It comes with four pieces you can use to complete this game. You’ll have to move them around to get the right pieces in the right spots to make sure only four elephants are showing in the end. I love that it challenges my girls and it’s great to see them have fun with it too.
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My daughters also loved the Penguins Pool Party game. I thought this was the perfect game for them too. It was a more simple game for kids, and it has penguins! My girls love penguins.
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In the booklet you’ll see some of the penguins on the challenges. You’ll place those penguins in the same spot on the board. Then you’ll take the pieces of ice and try to put them around the penguins. You have to get these in the right places, or it’s not going to fit. This is why I thought it was a great game for my girls! It seems simple enough, but it can still be a little bit of a challenge for them.
I love doing a great challenge, and I love to challenge my daughters. I think it can help them with a lot of skills. It’s certainly great for problem solving. These games are great for those of you that also love a great challenge. It can really challenge your children as well, which is a great thing. Make sure to check out SmartGames if you’d love to have these, or check out the other games they have as well.
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Would you like to win one of these games? The winner of this giveaway will get to chose one of these games based on availability. The giveaway is open to the U.S. only. It will run from 9/15-9/29. You can enter below for your chance to win. Good luck to everyone.
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Disclosure: I received these products in exchange for a review. The opinions are all 100% my own and may differ from yours. Life With Kathy and all other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. The giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media. The winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. I received this product in exchange for a review. The opinions are all 100% my own and may differ from yours. 
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan says

    12 September, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    seems like such a fun set of games. I would love to get these for the kids.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      They are great! We love them!

      Reply
  2. jmanandmillerbug says

    12 September, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    I have never heard of any of these games, but I am all for the educational games. It’ll be fun to check into these with my son I bet you he would love a couple of them.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 4:14 pm

      They’re so challenging and fun! They’re certainly great for all.

      Reply
  3. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    12 September, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    This is the best! Games like this are perfect for tricking kids into accidental learning. Love it!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      Right! I just love them all!

      Reply
  4. Chrishelle Ebner says

    12 September, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    I love games that encourage kids to use their brains and foster higher level thinking skills. I need to pick up this set for my grand son.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      I’m glad you’d like to get some too. They’re so much fun and a great challenge.

      Reply
  5. Reesa Lewandowski says

    12 September, 2016 at 4:21 pm

    These games look like so much fun! My kids and I would have a blast trying to figure them out.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 4:24 pm

      They sure are! Lots of great challenges.

      Reply
  6. Stacie says

    12 September, 2016 at 6:35 pm

    I like games that present challenges that you need to figure out. These seem like great games for the family.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      They sure are! I’m sure you’d love these since you love challenging games too!

      Reply
  7. Nancy Polanco says

    12 September, 2016 at 7:13 pm

    This looks so awesome! I love games that encourage kids to put their thinking caps on!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Same here! They’re great for kids.

      Reply
  8. alalisainfo says

    12 September, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    I used to love puzzle games like this when I was younger. Glad to know that they’re still around.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      12 September, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Me too! I still love them now days too.

      Reply
  9. Liz Mays says

    12 September, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    I love that these games keep the kids using their problem solving skills. It’s important to develop them!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:19 am

      It sure is!

      Reply
  10. Tammi Roy says

    12 September, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    These look like games my kids will love. I am always looking for educational games for them.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Great! Sounds like they’d love these then.

      Reply
  11. Elizabeth Lampman says

    12 September, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    I love games that my kids can play and learn. I will have to get a few of these for them to try.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:24 am

      I’m glad to hear it! I hope they enjoy them too.

      Reply
  12. gingermommyrants says

    12 September, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    These games are great gift ideas. We have a little ones birthday party to go to and I have been trying to find the right gift.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:24 am

      This would be great! I hope you’re able to get some of these.

      Reply
  13. Colleen says

    12 September, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    How cool, these look like a lot of fun! We are all about family game night so these are perfect.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:26 am

      Great! Family game night is always fun.

      Reply
  14. Gabriel says

    12 September, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    Definitely more challenging than another game of Monopoly for sure. Will have to look into these for our kids.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:26 am

      They sure are! I love a good challenge.

      Reply
  15. Melissa Chapman says

    12 September, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    I love games that disguise education as fun and encourage play and learning! These games look so interesting and would be a perfect addition to our family game night. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:28 am

      You’re welcome. I hope you are able to pick some up too!

      Reply
  16. Vera Sweeney says

    12 September, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    I have not seen games like this before!! This looks like a game that my kids would love to play!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:26 am

      They’re great! We love them all.

      Reply
  17. uprunforlife says

    12 September, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    We love game night in our house. I bet my son would enjoy this game. I will have to check it out.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:28 am

      Great! Game night is always fun.

      Reply
  18. Amanda Simkin says

    12 September, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    We absolutely love having family game nights and are always on the prowl for new games. We will definitely have to look into this now that my boys are getting better at following directions.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:28 am

      That’s good! Family game night is always so much fun.

      Reply
  19. j4hg says

    12 September, 2016 at 11:07 pm

    My littles and I love to play games together and I like the look of these puzzle games.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Games are always so much fun with kids.

      Reply
  20. Karissa @WithOurBest (@withourbest) says

    13 September, 2016 at 12:59 am

    Look at those games! I love how unique they are from other standard games!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Right! They’re so great.

      Reply
  21. Aimee says

    13 September, 2016 at 2:43 am

    Oh we are huge board game fans too, I have never seen these! I love puzzles games!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:32 am

      Me too! These are so much fun too.

      Reply
  22. Jenn @ SimpleAtHome.com says

    13 September, 2016 at 4:32 am

    This looks so cute. I bet my two youngest would like this. And maybe even my son.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:32 am

      Great! They’re certainly a lot of fun.

      Reply
  23. The Cubicle Chick says

    13 September, 2016 at 7:52 am

    Thanks for sharing. I’ve been looking for some fun games for the nephew for Christmas. It looks like he’d love these. – Yolonda

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 9:32 am

      I’m glad! I hope you all enjoy!

      Reply
  24. Rebecca Swenor says

    13 September, 2016 at 9:45 am

    SmartGames I have never heard of but I know my niece’s kids would love these board games. The IQ XOXO does look interesting and I would love to play this one with them. I think it is important to still have board game family nights. Thanks for sharing these games.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 10:11 am

      You’re welcome. That IQ XOXO game is so fun!

      Reply
  25. Claudia Krusch says

    13 September, 2016 at 10:24 am

    I love games that my son can play and learn. Game night is big at our home! I will have to get a few of these for them to try.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 10:52 am

      I’m glad you love game night too! We all love playing games!

      Reply
  26. Melissa Dixon says

    13 September, 2016 at 11:05 am

    I love learning games for the kids. This looks like the perfect rainy day activity.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      It sure is!

      Reply
  27. Kendall says

    13 September, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    These look like games that my boys would love! And would be perfect for our family game night!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      I’m glad! They are great for family game night.

      Reply
  28. Nicole Etolen says

    13 September, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Wow, looks like something that I, my boyfriend and my son will enjoy. I am looking forward to this.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      Great! I’m so glad to hear it.

      Reply
  29. Janis says

    13 September, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    Our family loves playing board games. These look particularly fun for today’s connected families.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      These are great! We love playing them all as a family. We can each pick one out to play by ourselves too!

      Reply
  30. Amy Desrosiers says

    13 September, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    I love how games are evolving these days. I think my kids would enjoy the Jungle themed game the best.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      I agree! These games are so great.

      Reply
  31. Jacqui Odell says

    13 September, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    My son would love the dinosaur game! I think they all sound fun.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 5:39 pm

      They’re all a lot of fun.

      Reply
  32. Jasmine Eclipse says

    13 September, 2016 at 6:24 pm

    How fun! I remember having family game nights when I was growing up, those were always the best memories.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      13 September, 2016 at 7:16 pm

      They sure are! I always love family game nights.

      Reply
  33. Amber Killmon says

    14 September, 2016 at 1:15 am

    These look like great games. I’d love to put together a game night with them.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      14 September, 2016 at 10:50 am

      Great! Game nights are always fun.

      Reply
  34. Lynndee says

    14 September, 2016 at 8:03 am

    I love a great challenge too. I will get that IQ XOXO for the hubs and I to play with. He can be competitive too so it’s going to be fun! 🙂

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      14 September, 2016 at 10:56 am

      Awesome! I’m sure you guys are going to love it too!

      Reply
  35. Jesica h says

    14 September, 2016 at 9:47 am

    I will have to check these out! I am always looking for ways to challenge my kids and have a little fun too!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      14 September, 2016 at 10:58 am

      Glad to hear it! I love a great challenge too!

      Reply
  36. Chubskulit Rose says

    15 September, 2016 at 8:06 am

    I love games that stimulates the brain. It really make you work for it while having fun!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      15 September, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Exactly! They’re great.

      Reply
  37. Ricci says

    15 September, 2016 at 9:00 am

    I know a few little cuties that would love these games! I love that they are educational, so this is a win/win for families!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      15 September, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      Exactly! They’re such great games.

      Reply
  38. Renee Walters says

    15 September, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    I have never heard of any of these games. They do look like fun though. I’m sure my son would enjoy playing them. Thanks!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 September, 2016 at 11:35 am

      You’re welcome! Good luck in the giveaway.

      Reply
  39. Autumn Reo says

    16 September, 2016 at 12:17 am

    You had me at dinosaurs! Wow – my kids would love that one for our family fun Fridays!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      16 September, 2016 at 11:37 am

      That one was great! My girls loved it!

      Reply
  40. Dana Matthews says

    17 September, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    Game time is very important in families, I think. It gives us a chance to express ourselves….and it is always a fun time for us!

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 September, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      I completely agree. Game time is a must! 🙂

      Reply
  41. April Mims says

    17 September, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    My girls have always loved playing board games. Even as adults, they still enjoy family time and board games.

    Reply
    • KatBp says

      17 September, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      That’s great! I still love playing them as well.

      Reply

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About Me

Hello! I’m Kathy. I’m a full time mother of two daughters. I also have a husband who I’ve been married to for 16 years. I’m passionate about food, DIY, photography & animals. I enjoy cooking, traveling, taking photos, writing and spending time with my family.

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