I know school is almost over for most of you, and although I intended this activity to be for homeschool, I can see us playing it all year long. It’s nothing fancy, just BINGO…awesome BINGO. I’ve always got my eye out for really great educational products for kids, and while browsing the daily Zulily deals, I saw these really neat BINGO sets for half off. They’re from Lucy Hammett Games and each set is based around a certain theme, like: birds, weather, wildflowers, oceans, body, butterfly, art, and soooo many more! You play it like you would any other BINGO game, but the kids are actually learning with these. Yay! Not only can they learn from the pictures alone, but on the back of each card is a little description/facts about what is on front.
The first time we played, we used jelly beans as the markers. Mistake. Nobody could keep them on the board and out of their mouths! Plus, there was nothing too exciting about winning. SOOOOO, we used the boring little chips that came in the box as markers, and whoever won the game got to choose 20 jelly beans. Everyone that lost got 10. Way more fun!
Here’s Shane. Clearly, he had eaten too much sugar. He won like 3 times in a row!
These cards are from the Ocean game. I should have snagged a picture of the back-side, so you could see the educational info on the back. Darn. So, every time I call out a card, I also read the back to the kids. If they are the winner, they have to take a minute to tell me everything they can remember learning about the items in the squares that was their BINGO. Several of the other games have real pictures, rather than drawings, which is definitely more ideal, but not really a problem, by any means. We have loved every one of these!
Caden takes ten years to choose his jelly beans. Makes everyone nuts. He has to find he exact right flavors and compare them to the chart on the back of the bin. He scavenges for Dr. Pepper, toasted marshmallow, and pear. We hate when he wins.
Belles is impatiently awaiting her jelly bean turn. Come on, Caden!!
Joey doesn’t give a rat about BINGO. He’s happy playing Angry Bird and stealing jelly beans. See that ouchy-mama on his nose and forehead?? Sad.
Anyway, love these games. Love educational stuff. Love playing with my kids. The end.
Oh, for more educational picks and ideas, check out my Educational Page. For top book picks for kids, check out the Books for Kids page!
Lastly, for all you Utah readers. Anyone taking their kiddos to a Day Out With Thomas this Memorial Day weekend?? My little Joey is an absolute Thomas NUT. I’m sooo there and excited to see his reaction when he sees the real Thomas! If you’re interested in going, here’s the scoop: It’s May 24 – 27 at the Heber Valley Railroad (250 South 600 West). The kids can take a 25 minute ride on the Thomas train, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a bunch of fun activities.
Tickets are $18, but I also have a 4 pack to give away. If you want to enter, just leave a comment on this post, saying something about entering the Thomas giveaway (and how my blog rocks your world). I’ll randomly pick a winner on Thursday morning. Remember only enter if you actually can go this coming holiday weekend.
Veronica says
Fun idea!!! Plus, how can you go wrong with jelly beans? I pick out the pear ones as well. I can’t help it. 🙂 Thanks for the fun idea!
Rebecca says
Fabulous idea! I wish I’d bought those games when they were on sale. I’ll keep my eyes open though! My kids would love this!
Mariel says
I know, I wish I would have bought more! Although, they’re still pretty reasonable not on sale. I love that there is so many to choose from.
Emily says
Where did you find that huge jar of Jelly bellies? Yum! This game would be good for my older ones! Great ideas!
My kids would love the Tomas the train in Heber, especially my 3 year old! have been on the train as a kid, but it has been a while (okay a looooong while), but never on Thomas, so enter us in please!
Mariel says
Costco! I love it. However, when we’re not playing BINGO, I have to hide it in my lingerie drawer…the one place my kids will stay out of. 🙂 Just kidding, they would happily go in there if they knew that’s where the candy was. But, I’ve exhausted all my other hiding places!
Lindsey says
My sons LOVE Thomas the Train, especially my two year-old!! I hope I win the giveaway!
And have I mentioned that your blog rocks my world? 😉
James Nielsen says
Your blog rocks my world but seeing Thomas would rock my son’s world!
Kylie says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! Your blog really does rock my socks. 🙂 Love it.
I would love to be entered in the Thomas the Train giveaway! My little boy would have the time of his life!
Julie Robertson says
So excited for the Thomas the Train Giveaway!! My five year old LOVES Thomas the Train and he has hooked my nearly 3 year old! My son would be jumping for joy all weekend if we won these! Thank you so much for the chance to win them! And your blog does rock my world! 😉 I have found many new books thanks to you and love your ideas! Thanks again!
sue says
just found your blog and I love it! and we would love to go to Thomas this weekend. We’ve been trying to figure out what to do and this would be perfect! Thanks for a cool give away!
Bylly says
My 4 yr old would love to see Thomas! Thanks for the giveaway.
Mandy says
You rock my blogging world!! I would love to take my kids to Thomas!!
Taralyn @ Keep Moving Forward With Me says
My little boy would be over the moon excited to go to this! Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Katie says
My son’s would love Thomas! One year I took him but he could only look at it from the parking lot because I was to much money 🙁 I really enjoyed your bingo post. I know my older son would love playing.
Kinsey says
I play loads of Bingo with my 2 year old. He’s obsessed! He’s also become obsessed with trains, and we have nothing going on this weekend and I had wanted to get tickets to this for him (and my other 2 boys & their dad who loves trains) so I HOPE I win!!! Thanks for your cool blog!
Marcie says
My kids would love going for a train ride this weekend! I’m crossing my fingers!
Mandy says
I found your blog through a link on Pinterest and am loving it! I can’t wait to explore it more. 🙂 My 2 sons would be beyond excited to go see Thomas
brittany says
I love your blog and my 3 yr old son looooves Thomas and trains in general! I would love to win!!!!!
Jeneil Fields says
My 2-year-old son LOVES Thomas and trains in general. I LOVE your blog!
Gina Brooks says
My kids would love to go see Thomas!!
Shirelle says
Love the jelly bean bingo, it looks like your kids are having a blast. Entering the Thomas train giveaway, my two year old boy loves Thomas the train.
cathy says
Great idea, Mariel! I am looking for ideas to keep the kiddos busy this summer….and this is one they’d love. Your kids are so cute!!
Mariel says
You’re sweet. Thanks, Cathy!