It's another day of rain here in South East Texas. The month of April is usually a doozie, but we're making do by having fun inside! This Momma's on a mission: To make every rainy day, a fun day indoors with my children.

Do you ever lie in the grass with your children and find cloud shaped animals? We used to have a trampoline and we'd all lay there pointing out Elephants, Tigers, and Monkeys. Then we'd end up talking about the different trees, flying birds, and airplanes as they catch our eye. It's our own little game of I Spy. During rainy days, there is a great way to bring THAT game inside with Briarpatch's I Spy Memory Game.


About the Game:

Since its introduction, I Spy Memory Game has been one of the most popular, best-selling games for kids. In this classic memory-matching game, beginners search for matching pairs while advanced players solve the riddles. There are eight ways to play the game, so your child can adjust to his or her skill level. Includes 60 memory cards and 15 challenging riddle cards. For 1-6 players.

Momma Findings Family Thoughts:

We were lucky enough to receive this game, JUST for our Rainy Day Idea research and it definitely delivered! I'm not exaggerating, but my children have played at least one round EVERY day for the last 2 weeks or so. It's such a great way to come together as a family in friendly competition. Here's a few things we loved:

• Different Levels: I have three children ranging from ages 3 to 7. There is no doubt about it that my oldest is going to win over my 3 year old, but there are different ways to play. We play a classic memory game with my youngest and when he's napping we switch it up and solve riddles with my older children. 
• Conversation and Discovery: I love that each card gives my children a different idea or question. They see a frog so we talk about amphibians, then the conversation leads to the movie The Princess and the Frog, then we talk about playing in the water, and in comes the card with the Rubber Ducky. Family time has no limits with this game. Love it!
• Heavy Duty Cards: We've played memory games before and get frustrated with flimsy cards. I have THREE children, one who happens to be THREE. He's kinda rough on his toys so we need sturdy cards to withstand the one we call "The Toddler". 
• Independence: Although we enjoy this game as a family, it's easy enough for the kids to play by themselves. I mean, we all gotta eat and Momma needs to time to cook, so I hand them the board game and they can set it up and play all independently. Sweet sounds of kids getting along.  

Momma Findings Improvements and Suggestions:

• Initial Set-Up: This is more of an improvement for the parents who are setting this game up. My children are usually so excited and they want to start RIGHT AWAY. I mean, don't you usually get excited when you first receive a new gadget or toy? I opened the box, then heard the grunts from the kids as they saw we had to "pop out" the cards from the perforated cardboard sheets. It took a whole 8 minutes or so, however, I kinda wish the cards were already cut out and ready to play with. It'll save time and aggravation when you, first, start the game. 

All in all, we've found a Rainy Day activity that has endless play possibilities and has earned it's place in our game closet as a favorite.

Buy It:

I Spy Matching Game can be found at the Scholastic Online Store or Amazon.com for the suggested retail price of $21.95. BUDGET ALERT: Amazon has a great deal right now, selling it for $9.99!

Stay tuned all month long for more Rainy Day Ideas and the scoop on what we thought of our next Rainy Day book My Brother Charlie, a book that brings us right into the heart of a sister and her brother with Autism.

This post made possible by Scholastic and representing PR agency who provided me with a complimentary game for review purposes. Opinions here are solely my own and have not been wavered by products received or compensated in any other way.