The summer season is one of freedom for children.  No school, no worries and plenty of time to do anything and everything they want to.  Unfortunately for parents, it doesn't seem to take them long to run out of things to do, which then ushers in the never-ending  proclamations of "Mom, I'm BORED!"  :bored:

Board games are a terrific source of entertainment that keep kids engaged both socially and mentally.  I've been a huge fan of board games ever since I was a little kid and still enjoy playing them with my family whenever I get the chance.  After playing the same old family favorites for over 25 years though, I must admit that those games have become rather stale to me.

That's why I was thrilled to learn of five new games that guarantee to keep the good times rollin' as well as keep your children away from the all-too-alluring video games, computers and tech gadgets.  Keep reading to learn more about five games which will banish your child's cries of boredom for good!

First up, is Reverse Charades Junior Edition from Retroplay.  This game is a hilarious twist on the classic charades game and is designed for 6+ players ages 6 years old and up.  Instead of one person acting out for the team to guess, the ENTIRE team feverishly acts out as many words as ONE person can guess.  This side-splitting group game actively involves everyone and creates inside jokes that will last for years!

Reverse Charades Junior Edition is fast-paced and fiercely-fun.  It's the perfect game to play during a child's birthday party, sleepover or any time when a large gathering of kids is present.  It includes 720 original word cards including a sand timer.

Make memories this summer during family nights or even family reunions.  I promise this game won't disappoint and if it sounds like the type of game you'd enjoy, they also make the original adult version, Reverse Charades!  :thumbs up:

If your children enjoy that game, they might also enjoy a game from Indie Boards & Cards called Flash Point Fire Rescue.  This board game is geared for slightly older children of 10 years old and up and can accommodate 2-6 players.  The great thing about Flash Point Fire Rescue is that this game is completely cooperative (all players work as a team together and win or lose together) which means you won't have to worry about settling the bickering that can sometimes happen during more competitive games.  Everyone works together to try and save the victims in this burning building.

Since kids are typically quite impatient about learning the rules of a new game, it's helpful that Flash Point Fire Rescue actually comes with two sets of rules...the Beginner's Rules and the more Advanced Rules.  These rules are very kid-friendly which means the entire family can play together quickly and easily.  There are multiple levels of difficulty to this game so that it will continue to capture a child's attention and imagination longer and can be played in just 30 to 45 minutes.

I especially liked the Flash Point Fire Rescue game because it can even be played with just ONE PLAYER.  Growing up as an only child, I didn't always have a playmate available to play board games with, which is why I think that Flash Point Fire Rescue is the perfect summer solution for an only child.  :star:

Now picture this everyday summertime activity: you and your friends are on a relaxing camping trip.  As you hammer in the last stake to your tent, you hear rustling...  Oh no!  Bears are romping through your campsite!  Will you survive the rampage or be eaten by the bears?  :nervous:

That's the premise behind Bears! a frantically risky dice-pairing game designed for 2-4 players ages 7 years old and up.  The object of this competitive game is to score points by pairing dice.  Shoot bears and run from tents for a few points or take a risk and score big by sleeping through the attack.  But, if any bears happen to be left at the end of the round, every sleeping camper is done for!

What's great about Bears! is that this game plays very fast (20 minutes) and keeps every single player involved the entire time.  There's also no reading required to play so kids can learn this game quickly.  I personally love the theme of this game too...how fun would it be to play while ACTUALLY camping in the woods or on vacation?

Next up, is a fun chip flippin' game called Flippin' Out!.  This selection from Endless Games is designed for 2 or more players ages 10 years old and up.  Inspired by the classic parlor game, Flippin' Out! is a wild, fast-thinking party game where a letter or a player is eliminated with each Flip of a Chip.

Chips representing the letters A-Z are spread out amongst all players.  A category is read, like "Produce", and on your turn you have 10 seconds to say something within the category and flip over the first letter of that word.  For instance, L=Lettuce, A=Apples, etc.  If you say a word and Flip a Chip within the 10-second time limit, you stay in the round, but each letter may only be used once, and you never know what the next person will say.  This game is one hilarious, high-speed brain racker that will definitely have you Flippin' Out!  :crazy:

Finally, Endless Games has come up with another brainstorming board game which promises to make your noggin' smoke as you try and Name 5.  Name 5 is designed for children ages 12 years old and up and contains over 1400 challenges.  For instance, can you name 5 things that could make a person sneeze?  How about 5 TV dads?  5 video games?  5 fruits or vegetables beginning with "a"?

This outrageous party game asks the questions we all know the answers to, but naming 5 of them proves to be much harder than you might think, especially when you have just 30 seconds to do so!  Name 5 was my family's personal favorite game and a wonderful way to drive each other batty.  I've never slapped my forehead and said "Duh!" so many times before!  :doh:

This summer when the heat is on and the list of ideas to entertain your children may be running short, be sure to institute a rousing family game day with any or all of the board games mentioned above.  These games are guaranteed to bring family fun, social interaction and connection, nostalgia and memories for years to come!