As you all know, we attend the Chicago Toy & Game Fair every year. My kids love to go, and we do too! Where else can you spend a Saturday playing games? Here's what you'll find this year at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair:
Inventor Meet and Greets
Ever wanted to meet the inventor of BopIt? Operation? Jenga? Meccano Meccanoid? Shopkins? You can say “hello” and get inside knowledge from all – they’ll be in booths at the Fair. Also meet upcoming inventors and try their products out. You’ll be able to say you knew them before they were hot!
See Characters
Meet Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol and see the Paw Patroller
Star Wars Characters
?Big Stuff
-Lifesize Tonka Truck
-Sprout by HP trailer of creativity
-GameTruck
-Laser Tag
-Bubble Soccer
-Giant Jenga
Adventure Sandwich LIVE!
The imaginative folks behind the online series “Adventure Sandwich” welcome you to their “cardboard world.” And, yes, it’s as interesting as it sounds! Settle in for an hour of imaginative, live-action cartoon-style storytelling, interactive gameplay and original music on Sunday, November 22, at 3 p.m.
Ben’s Bubble Show
Ben, a frequent Navy Pier entertainer, uses a few simple tools and his bare hands to make ginormous soap-bubble sculptures. He peppers his performance with humor and audience interaction, and is a big hit with kids. The show takes place throughout the duration of the Fair.
New Games & Activities
Of all the new diversions on view, we have a few favorites.
-Visit the Berg Toys area and hop in no-motor pedal cars to zoom around a huge inflatable track with bumpers.
-Star Wars Lunch – more prizes and sponsors this year!
-Settlers of Catan Qualifier
-Young Inventor Challenge – see what kids from around the country have invented and vote on your favorite!
– ChronoBomb – win prizes
-Pop Art with Game Theme – Keifer Art from CA
-Dave and Busters Games and Giveaways
-Robotics
-Ride-ons
-PuzzleHunt
I know, I know! So much to see and do! Since we love it so, I have arranged for one of lucky readers to win a family pass! Here's what you need to do:
I think our son would love to see the life size Tonka truck and I’m excited for giant Jenga.
Chase, Marshall and the Paw Patroller. My son is on a Paw Patrol kick so this would be a treat!
I’m always excited for the characters, but I think we would also like the Laser Tag, Ride-On vehicles and Robotics.
I’d love to see what Star Wars toys are coming out.
So many things to choose from at the Toy Fair, it’s difficult to choose one thing. What I like best though are all the mom and pop toy stores bringing out their toys. While seeing the latest and greatest from the big toy stores are fun, having the individual mom and pop stores who are working on building a living by sharing their dreams are so important. Innovation at the small business level is they cornerstone of this country and having them at the fair to share their wares is awesome.