Smart Games: Thought Provoking Challenges {Review + Giveaway}

I received Smart Games to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own.

Has the weather started changing by you yet?  Our Minnesota Fall has been pretty nice but they are now starting to talk 30 for overnight.   So with the slight cool down and added rain, the kids have been cooped up in the house a bit more.  When that happens, it’s so easy for the “I’m Bored” syndrome to set in.  To help prevent that, I’ve partnered with Smart Games to add some games to our day.  Not only that, they are also giving one away to one of our lucky readers too!

Smart Games Make Learning Fun

It’s been proven that people learn best through play.  So including games in our homeschooling journey was a given.  Even as a kid growing up, my sister and I would spend hours playing games.  Did you know that some neurologists believe puzzle solving is akin to a good cardio workout for your brain?  So Smart Toys has combined the love of games with the benefits of problem solving, cognitive skill-building, and puzzles.

Temple Connection

Brain teasers geared for ages 7 to adult, Temple Connection offers over 80 challenges.  Players set out to solve ancient mysteries by creating paths through roads and bridges to connect beautiful temples.

The Temple Connection became quickly popular.  Even though it’s technically a one player game, our kids had no problem putting their heads together and using teamwork to share.  While they started with easy challenges, they quickly advanced and had a blast trying to solve harder ones.  To see them get excited whenever they solved one of the puzzles was really great too!  Overall, definitely a fun game.  It’s been getting lots of play around here.

Snow White Preschool Puzzle Game

This Snow White Deluxe Game is geared for ages 4-7 and is set to be a one player game.  The bold colored house adds some three dimensional fun while the 7 Dwarfs, Snow White, and the Evil Queen really bring the game to life.  Plus, there’s even a picture book with a modern twist to this classic story.

Okay!  This Snow White Game had me confused for a little while.  (I’m going to blame that one on lack of sleep.)  However, once it clicked, I really liked the game!  There are four different levels: starter, junior, expert, and master.  The starter pages are really simple and have one empty spot where the child should discern Snow White would be.  As the challenges get harder, there are more characters not shown and hints given in the clues.  I LOVE that the solution for each puzzle is on the back of each page, making it easy for kids to check if they are right.

Even more, when the younger kids get tired of the puzzles, they just enjoy playing with the characters and house alone!  So it’s both a game and toy in one.

IQ Focus

While the goal is simple, IQ Focus puts your brains to the test.  Simply put, place all the puzzle pieces on the board so the nine central squares match the challenge shown  Created as a one player game, the skill level is geared for ages 8 through adult.  Plus, the compact size and case makes it perfect for traveling!

The 120 cognitive-skill building challenges that utilize the 10 colorful pieces make up IQ Focus.  Even when my husband plays, he sometimes thinks he has solved the challenge only to close the cover and find out it’s not quite right!  Challenging but oh so fun.  IQ Focus is our 10 year old son’s favorite.

JumpIN

Available at the end of October, JumpIN offers brain teasing fun for the whole family!  The player’s goal is to help the rabbits find the safety of their homes by jumping over mushrooms and sliding foxes.  With 60 different challenges that range from easy to expert, JumpIN accommodates players from ages 7 to adult.  It’s a great game that builds on a variety of skills including planning, logic, and problem solving.  This game is also designed for easy portability and travel as the lid contains all the pieces.  I can’t wait to check it out in person as JumpIN looks like a lot of fun!

So what do you think?  Do you have a favorite?

Buy It: Head over to Smart Games to see for yourself the great selection of games they offer.

Connect: Don’t forget to like Smart Games on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest news and promotions.

Win It: Smart Games is generously offering one of our lucky readers their choice of one of the four games listed above!  This giveaway is open to US only.  For your chance to win, enter the Giveaway Tools below. Good luck!