Celebrating Labor Day 2011 with Kids: 5 Budget-Friendly Games to Play

Can you believe it's already September and Labor Day has rolled around again?  Whether you are BBQing or camping, a fun game can make all the difference in your Labor Day experience.

During these holidays, especially the ones that are commonly associated with BBQs, my kids tend to get bored if there isn't a swimming pool to swim in or a pet to chase around.  So in order to keep them happily occupied, I usually have a game on hand (whether it's small or big).

When I was young, I use to play everything from Chinese Checkers to Monopoly.  But as I got older I stopped playing games because I was busy doing everything else.

I didn't know how much I missed playing games until a year ago when I played Infunitum at a BBQ (I actually know the brains behind this game).  Not only did it help break ice with some of the newer folks at the gathering, but it really got everyone together to participate in the same thing (you could definitely feel the adrenaline rush in the room).

If you find yourself feeling like you're missing something at your party or your kids are constantly asking you when you're going to go home, check out these budget-friendly games that are not only fun, but they are all under $20 and will keep everyone busy.  Although the games are geared towards kids, all ages can enjoy!

1. Hedbanz Game - This is a great board game to play at any family or non-family gatherings.  You can have as little as two players to a maximum of six players.  Every player wears a headband and when it's their turn they have one minute to guess their identity by asking the other players some simple questions such as, "Am I an animal?" or "Did you eat me for lunch?"  With each correct answer the player gets to discard a chip.  The player who gets rid of all their chips first is the winner.  Price: $14.60 on Amazon.


2. Hot Potato - When my daughter and I went on a play date, we ended up playing this game.  At first I thought it would be boring because it was simply tossing a hot potato from person to person, but it ended up being really fun.
   
   You pass the Hot Potato around until the music stops and the person who has it, ends up collecting a chip.  When you collect 3 chips, you are out of the game.  The last person standing is the winner.  Price: $9.99 at Toys R Us.


3. Pretty Pretty Princess - Do you have girls who are really into princesses like mine?  If so, this is the perfect game for them.  Both my daughters love dressing up, wearing crowns, putting heels on, wearing jewelry and more.  One of my daughter's summer camp teachers said that she loved playing this game when she was younger and recommended it to me.
   
   Basically, you go around the board and pick up the corresponding jewelry that you land on (including a ring, necklace, earrings, bracelet and a crown).  If you are the first player to collect your entire set, you are the winner.  According the summer school teacher, she played this game with her father's PhD buddies who were all men in their forties (so anyone can play).  Price: $9.00 at Mills Fleet Farm.


4. Original Memory Game - If you want to encourage your child's memory skills and let them have fun doing it, this game is a must.  While it's geared towards kids ages 3 to 6, I definitely have fun playing it with my kids.  You can play the game by yourself or with other people.  You match the card with its identical pair and the person with the most pairs is the winner.  Price: $9.99 at Diapers.com.


5. Thinkfun Rush Hour Jr. - This is the junior version to the original game.  It's a game that will keep your kids engaged for hours.  Comes with four levels and 40 challenge cards with solutions.  With each challenge you're trying to free your car from the traffic jam.  You definitely have to put your thinking cap on to move the different pieces to get your car out from the blockage.  The recommended age is from 6 to 8, but my 5 year old didn't have a problem playing it.  Price: $11.48 at NewEgg.com.

Currently, these are my five go-to games for any occasion.  My kids and I will probably play at least 3 out of the 5 games from this list today.  Are there any other games that you would suggest for gatherings, holidays or simply any day?