BuckyBalls

BuckyBalls are an amazing new toy made of strongly magnetic balls. It sounds kinda strange, but they are immensely addictive, and really fun to play with. Get a few sets, and see what kind of design you can make!

Please note that you should use these with small children, not only are they super strong magnets, but they are also choking hazards. And swallowing magnets is a really, really bad idea. Yeah, definitely keep these away from kids! But for fun, intelligent, unique play with old kids it’s hard to beat BuckyBalls.

View at ThinkGeek

Croquet Set

croquet set

With Summer almost here, now’s the time to get outside in the evening and play some games! This croquet set from Overstock comes with everything you need, including six mallets, croquet balls, wickets, stakes, instructions and a nice carrying case. Play the classic American backyard game of croquet with your family this summer!

View at Overstock

Magnetic 7-in-1 Travel Game

Magnetic 7-in-1 Travel Game

This game set is fairly small, considering it contains 7 full games, plus all the magnetic playing pieces you need for each game. I had a similar game to this as a kid and we practically wore it out we played so much! This game is certainly good for travel, but when you have a lot of siblings or pets, anything to help keep the game pieces on the board is great!

View at Overstock.com

Three-in-one Game Table

Three-in-one Game Table

For those with older kids, the Three-in-one Game Table from Overstock would make a perfect addition to the game room, extra bedroom, or dining room (it’s nice and flat, you could eat off the table!) Made out of good, solid wood, the table features table tennis, billiards and air hockey on one table, with a rotating top to make changing from game to game easy.

View at Overstock.com

Melissa and Doug Froggy Ring Toss

Melissa and Doug Froggy Ring Toss

Most importantly, the Melissa and Doug Froggy Ring Toss is fun. It’s colorful, sports cute froggy faces and worm stakes, and is high quality. But it also teaches your todder hand-eye coordination, gets kids off the couch and into the outdoors, and gives them a little exercise. It’s a win all around!

View at Amazon

Toddler Croquet Set

Toddler Croquet Set

This colorful croquet set is perfect for getting your toddler involved in a classic backyard game. Each flag, hoop and ball is colorful and decorated with a bug motif, sure to keep your little ones interested and having fun!

View at Amazon

Jarts

jarts

I was hoping to find lawn darts (the old school ones with steel tips) but those don’t seem to be sold any more. Too bad. Lawn darts really put the fear of god into a little kid – I should know.

View at Amazon

Blongo Ball Game

Blongo Ball Game

Play a game of Blongo Ball with as few as two players or with two teams of as many players as you want, and even young kids can enjoy a game! Just throw the balls and attempt to hook them over the bars, scoring points based on which bar the balls land. It’s easy to learn, and fun to play!

Interestingly, there are currently 57 reviews for Blongo Ball at Amazon, and 55 of the reviews are 5 stars! That’s an amazing ratio that I haven’t seen from any toy or game.

View at Amazon

Boochie Ball Game

boochie ball game

I’ll admit that I’d never heard of this game before, but it’s has 100% 5-star reviews on Amazon, and that’s a big deal. It sounds like it’s similar to bocce, but easier for kids. I’m going to try it out!

View at Amazon

Jenga

jenga

Jenga is one of the classic family games that everyone loves. While it is based on a simple concept, Jenga games are always different, and a lot of fun. Jenga is a fun party game, too – there aren’t many rules, and if a person starts winning a bunch of games, make them take a drink every time they win!

View at Amazon