She Plays: Winter Cabin Game Guide
With the onslaught of winter weather pummeling the Midwest recently, we’re in danger of a little cabin fever setting in. While staying safe is priority one, staying sane is a close second. To cope with the cold, we’re digging into one of our favorite cabin pastimes: game night.
Many of my favorite childhood memories revolve around games. From learning to play Rummy from my grandparents to an “enthusiastic” game of Spoons that resulted in a few bruises, game night has been a cabin staple for as long as I can remember. We’ve been known to rally our guests for an epic bags tournaments, some intense board games, or a never ending rotation of card games and, in recent years, game night is a staple that has infiltrated many weekends, even those away from the cabin.
A few of my current favorite games include:
Code Names. If you haven’t played this yet, grab a few friends and dive in immediately. I only recently learned about this game when an innocent dinner and game night lasted into the wee hours of the morning because we could NOT stop playing. This game lets you channel your inner spy and use a little creativity while you’re at it.
Smart Ass. I like to think of this as a trivia game for the average person. You don’t need to be a smarty pants to excel at this trivia. Instead, you have to think a little outside the box to figure out what the clues are telling you.
Five Crowns. I learned this game on a recent trip to Europe. This spin off of Rummy (played with a specialty deck) will consume you. It’s easy to learn, great for a big group, and perfect for when you are trying to kill time on trains traveling from city to city.
Sequence. Sequence is a classic that has been a go-to for my family for years. When in doubt, grab an original.
Heads Up. You’re likely familiar with this game already, but I’d be remiss to leave it of this list. Probably the most convenient of all of these games because it is a free app you can download on your phone. I can honestly say I’ve never played this game without the whole room breaking out into laughter. I highly recommend playing the Act Out version of this game.
Whether you’re spending a summer evening at the lake or hunkering down in the cold, there’s always room for game night. Between the laughs, the fun and the friendly competition, it’s the perfect tradition to implement with your crew. Let the games begin!
Yours in adventure,
Mara
