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FAMILY DAYHappy Simplicity is winning formula of these family-friendly games By Jane Muller There are few activities that can bring families together like playing games. A friendly competition can become a Family Day tradition and there are some classic games geared to a broad age range. UNO is one of the first card games our kids learned to play. As soon as a child can identify colours and numbers they have the skills needed to master the card matching competition. The object of the game is for players to get rid of all of their cards right down to the last one, a.k.a. "uno". The game-changing action cards add to the fun with the power to change direction of play, force another player to skip a turn or pick up cards. When an UNO Showdown game arrived at our home for us to try we were sceptical. Why add a battery operated plastic "showdown" unit to what is already a fun game? It actually did make playing UNO even more fun. The game is basically the same but the deck includes showdown cards that prompt the use of the unit for a "smackdown" between two players. The first to hit the paddle when the timer light turns green wins and flings the pick- up cards at their opponent. The showdown unit emits a sound reminiscent of the Beastie Boys song "Intergalactic". Another UNO twist is DOS, a similar card game but there are two piles of cards to play on and if a player has two cards that add up to the number on the card in one of the centre piles, the player can discard both cards. It's all about getting rid of those cards and remembering to call "dos" when down to your last two cards. Pictionary is another family favourite game and who knew that drawing in the air instead of on paper would be a thing? The process of drawing with Pictionary Air's pen is seen on your smart phone or tablet, along with the player doing the drawing. Cast to your television for a larger view. Simply download the Pictionary Air app, point and play. It's possible to record the drawing session to watch it again. There are 112 double-sided clue cards that feature everything from simple items like a belt that the player can actually draw across their waist, to suggestions like Professor Dumbledore that stumped all of the adults involved in our game. We stuck to the easy clues and kept it fun. Fun is really the name of the game no matter what your family decides to play. in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 11 ,2 02 1 | 22 Welcome Hayleigh Cudmore Stoner & Company is thrilled to announce the addition of Hayleigh Cudmore to our team of experienced family law lawyers. 238 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | 289 837 1220 scfamilylaw.ca