Your toddler wants to ride the pink Dumbo. And only the pink Dumbo. Your 8-year-old wants to skip the Lightning Lane reservation to sling webs instead. You’re finally overcoming your childhood fear of the Incredicoaster at the exact same time as every other adult who just had a few drinks at the Lamplight Lounge. We’ve all been there.
But why should the fun stop while you wait? Try these analog games to keep your group engaged, interacting, and off their phones while you wait in lines!
- Going on a Trip
In this competitive memory game, one player starts by saying: “I’m going on a trip, and I’m taking a…” before naming an object that starts with the letter A. The next player continues by saying: “I’m going on a trip, and I’m taking a [object that the first player named] and a [new object that starts with the letter B]. Play continues through the alphabet with each player naming all previous objects and then adding one object for the next letter. If a player forgets an item, they are “out” (or they get a strike, if you’re feeling merciful). Bonus: Try the game moving backwards through the alphabet.
- Alphabet “I Spy”
In this cooperative visual game, players work as a team to find words beginning with letters of the alphabet. Players begin by pointing to a printed word (e.g., on a sign, on clothing, or on a piece of paper) that begins with the letter A. After that, the team works to find a printed word that starts with the letter B. Words must be found in alphabetical order and must be within a current visual line of sight to count. Play continues until the team makes it through the alphabet.
- What’s Changed?
This detective game of observation can be difficult to play while waiting in line, but it’s perfect for waiting at a restaurant or before a parade. The gamemaster arranges random items on the table or ground from a diaper bag, backpacks, or trash from the group. Players close their eyes and turn around. The gamemaster changes the setup by either removing, moving, or adding one item. The first player to figure out the change wins the round.
So, what are you waiting for? (See what I did there?) Create some core memories with every moment. And if you want to maximize your time even more by staying within walking distance of the parks, reserve your room at one of our Best Western Plus Stovall’s hotels today!
