Make time for fun. No matter how old you are, play has important benefits like enhancing creativity and reducing stress. Toys and games are important tools that engage your senses, increase attention and build skills like cooperation and empathy. Take a look at five entertaining options found locally.
1. Twinkling Teamwork. Play hide and seek with sky blue and soft green light-up fireflies as they flash in the dark. Form two teams and collect your chosen color in the Mason jars. After you’re done playing, visit Nature All Around Us at the Reading Public Museum and Berks Nature (through May 12).
Chasing Fireflies Game | $39.99 | Reading Public Museum | 500 Museum Rd., Reading 610.371.5850 | readingpublicmuseum.org
2. Take Aim. Level up your hand-eye coordination with a game of darts. Crafted from carbon fiber reinforced sisal, this tournamentready board features a laser-cut number ring that will look amazing in a game room or man cave. Combine with a set of steel-tipped, brass-weighted darts with colorful feathers and let the fun begin.
Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core Steel Tip Dartboard | $129.99 | American ProDart Tournament Darts (12 pack) | $49.99 | RR Games | 531 W. Ben Franklin Hwy., Birdsboro | 610.582.1503 | rrgames.com
3. Cool Treat. Get a head start on summer fun. Hook up any garden hose, and kids will squeal in delight as three jets shoot out the sides and top of this three-foot-tall inflatable fire hydrant. Duck in and out of the spray and play tag or chase each other around the sprinkler.
Little Tikes Giant Fire Hydrant Sprinkler | $29.99, sale: $14.99 | Boscov’s | Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing | 610.779.2000 | boscovs.com
4. Acrobatic Construction. Let your imagination soar with stacking figures. Layer these whimsical people on each other’s shoulders for an awesome pyramid, stack sideways for a tall tower, or position them in all different directions for a free-form creation. These durable wooden figures showcase a variety of expressions to add to the fun.
Stacking Dudes | 20 count: $40, 45 count: $78 Evelyn & Harriette’s | 1232 Oysterdale Rd., Oley 610.987.6055 | Facebook: EvelynHarriettesGifts
5. Gem Empire. Develop a sparkling strategy with this Renaissance-themed game. Collect gem tokens like sapphires, emeralds and diamonds to obtain gem cards. Acquire all the different types or specialize in a few varieties. Outwit your opponents as you work to gain prestige points to purchase more difficult cards and attract noble patrons.
Splendor Board Game | $31.99 | Target | Locations in Exeter, Muhlenberg, Wyomissing | target.com
WIN IT!
Enter here this month for your chance to win a surprise game on us! Good luck!
