There’s no better time than the present to start learning about finances, budgeting and property (and jail). So, we’ve introduced Cara to the wonderful world of Monolopy, with Monopoly Junior. As someone that’s interested in property, it’s a fantastic game!
Review:
If you’re expecting loads of cash, houses and hotels like the standard Monopoly, then you’ll be disappointed. Instead, Monopoly Junior is an easy to understand yet educational game for 4+ year old children. Teaching kids how to take turns, count cash and budget, all while having fun trying to buy a toy shop, cinema or zoo.
The game itself is quick to set up and comes with four avatar options, a cat, dog, car or boat, each one with its own back story. The board is small with 20 squares, 4 chances, and the usual Go, Jail/Just Visiting, Free Parking, and Cara’s favourite, Go to Jail square. Like the standard version, Monopoly Junior’s objective is to buy properties and collect money when opponents land on your square. If a person owns both colours, the amount of ‘rent’ is doubled. As each player only starts with less than M$20 (depending on number of players playing), then the games are actually quite quick. No re-mortgaging, as soon as you run out of money to pay another player, then the game ends and the person with the most cash wins.
On our first play, Cara demolished both me and her Mum. Not sure if it’s because youngest player goes first, she got first dibs on all the properties. Although, she did have a slight meltdown after landing on the Go to Jail square for the first time. Once we explained it was only a game and she wasn’t going to jail for real, she calmed down and continued collecting money off the both of us.
The Chance cards are slightly different in Monopoly Junior. There’s quite a few cards that lets the player skip to a certain colour, and if it’s unoccupied, you’re able to claim it for free. This helps speed up the game and keeps the kids engaged.
As it stands to date, Cara leads with 5 wins, me with 2 and Mum with none.
Educational as well as fun
It’s always exciting to see Cara immerse herself with the game. She ensure she counts her M$18 at the start of each game as we play as three players. She makes sure she counts the money coming in, and also the money that she has to pay to others. There’s colours to learn, counting the die and number of moves to make.
Ratings:
Burn Time: 4 out of 5 – Cara could play this all day if she wanted to. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day.
Value: 5 out of 5 – one-off purchase under £20, hours of fun.
Overall: 4 out of 5 – I love Monopoly, and this is a great way to get kids involved too
Have you played Monopoly Junior with the kids? Let me know if you were able to win in the comments section below.
Sounds awesome!! Loved playing Monopoly as a kid.
Definitely want a showdown with Cara when we’re next in town!