The summer holidays are fast approaching, and like many parents, I’ve already started thinking about how to keep the children entertained whilst they’re off school. Asmodee kindly sent us a couple of great games – Dobble Giant and PILES! – and I can already tell that both games are going to be a firm favourites this summer.
We’re big fans of the original Dobble, and the giant version brings a whole new level of fun to the game. Each oversized card features five symbols, and there’s always one (and only one!) matching symbol on any two cards. The aim is simple – spot the pair faster than anyone else!
The big difference with this version of Dobble is that it’s designed for outdoor play, with oversized cards placed on the ground for players to run between as they spot the matching symbols. So not only are they using their brains, they’re burning off plenty of energy too! It’s a brilliant way to make the most of sunny days, but if the weather turns, it works just as well indoors.
With four different games to play with the cards, it should keep them busy for a good while!
Relay Race
4–12 players (with a 2-player variant), this fast-paced game involves two rows of 10 cards laid on the ground. Players race down the row by naming the matching symbol between each card they step on. At the end, they high five a teammate who races back—the first team to finish wins!
The Cat
3–8 players. Played with a 4×5 grid of cards face up on the ground. One player is the Cat and starts on a corner; others choose their own starting card. Everyone moves simultaneously by finding a matching symbol on an adjacent card -avoid the Cat or you’re out, and the last player remaining wins.
The Circle
2–10 players. Place all 20 cards in a circle on the ground and space players out evenly. Everyone races clockwise, finding and calling out matching symbols on the next card before moving. If one player catches another, the slower one is out – last player left wins.
Face-Off
5–11 players. One player acts as referee while the rest split into two equal teams and assign secret numbers starting from 1. The referee flips two cards and calls a number, those players race to find the matching symbol. Whoever finds it first wins both cards for their team, and the team with the most at the end wins.
Each game takes just 10–15 minutes and we have found them to be just as much fun for children and adults. There’s also no need to simplify the game for younger children, in fact ours were often quicker than the grown-ups! The cards are colourful, durable, and a decent size although I wouldn’t recommend using them on wet grass if you want them to last. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, garden playdate, or just want to get the children outdoors for some fresh air, Dobble Giant is a great way to keep the children entertained this summer.
Age 6+
RRP £23.99
If your family loves fast, frantic games, then Piles! is one to pop straight on your summer games list. It’s a high-speed, all-play-at-once card game so there’s no waiting around for turns. Just be warned: when older children and competitive adults get stuck in, things can get very chaotic!
The aim of the game is to be the first to collect six matching piles of clothing. Sounds simple? Well, some of the items are cleverly designed to look similar and catch you out—so you need to stay sharp! Everyone sits in a circle with six piles of four cards laid out in front of them, and four cards face down in the centre. You’re only allowed to use one pile at a time, swapping one card at a time, and the piles you’re not holding must stay face down until it’s complete. It’s quick, clever, and incredibly frantic as everyone races to build their matching sets at once.
Games take about 10 minutes, so it’s perfect for quick bursts of fun or back-to-back rounds. Since launching last October, Piles! has already sold over 50,000 copies and it’s easy to see why. It’s gone viral online, and once you’ve played a round or two, you’ll be hooked.
Whether you’re indoors on a rainy afternoon or outdoors in the sunshine, Piles! guarantees plenty of fun but don’tt expect a quiet game because it will gets loud and chaotic and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun to play!
Age 8+
RRP £19.99
The Review Studio 