Product Review: Cranium's Hullabaloo

I've recently found a fantastic game for that high energy set - small children. This game is Hullabaloo from Cranium. I can testify that this is a hit with pre-school aged children. Don't forget moms! With the amount of energy you and your child will burn, this game is sure to be a hit at your house too!

Hullabaloo is an interesting, fun game that reminds me of the retro game Twister. Hullabaloo is an updated, upbeat energy-burning version.

There are sixteen different play pads, varying in shape, size and color. Each pad has a different picture on it. Some include popcorn, tiger, piano and elephant. The symbols on the pad are designed to be easily recognizable by small children.

You play the game by spacing the pads a couple of feet apart - a perfect distance for little ones. The audio console gives the directions - let the energy burning begin!! There are thousands of combinations of movements to get to and from each color, animal, food, instrument and shape. The action is quick; it's perfect for all of that energy pre-school aged children have.

The winner is determined by the player who is standing on the "lucky" pad when the audio console shouts "Freeze!".

I have two small boys who have tons of energy. They have more than enough to go around! Not only is this game perfect for rainy days when they can't burn off their energy outside, it's also great for anytime we need a change of pace. We have played this game several times, and even my 2 year old loves it. He's not great at following directions from the audio console, but he loves the dancing, spinning, hopping, slithering and jumping that are often parts of the directions. Also, since he knows his body parts, he is able to point out whichever body part the audio console is speaking about. As all mothers know, 2 year olds have so much energy. This game is a great way to burn off some of his!

Hullabaloo is a fun, entertaining game and a learning experience at the same time. It promotes color and shape recognition and listening skills.

Give this great game a try with your family!