Thrift Treasure: Flipping Fishes
While we’re all about board games, we know that getting outside and soaking up the summer sun is still very important. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take our competitiveness out with us! This week we found a game imported from Great Britain by Perisphere and Trylon – Flipping Fishes.
At first look I didn’t think too much of the game – the components are limited to a ping-pong-like paddle, some paper fish and color-matched cardboard plates. Certainly our girls would not find much entertainment in this simple game when they’ve become accustomed to harder strategy titles like Village, Trench and Student Bodies. But I forgot to consider the social aspect of running around the yard with their neighbor friends. This made Flipping Fishes well worth the buck or two we paid at Goodwill.
Like many outdoor party games, Flipping Fishes is a race to perform a task. In this case you are trying to get your fish onto your plate without using your hands. Your only tool is the previously-mentioned paddle, which you carefully insert underneath your fish and flip it into the air towards your plate 20 to 30 feet away at the finish line.
Thanks to a slightly-more-than-gentle breeze in the air, the paper fish did not make a straight line to the finish. Flip too high and they easily veered off to the side. Too low and they wouldn’t proceed very far.
Although the included rules didn’t specify, we found that we could enjoy the game in two different ways. First to play it as intended, with it being a mad flipping race until all players get their fish on the plates. The other was to play golf-style, with each person taking turns and keeping track of the number of flips needed. This made for a longer game, but actually more enjoyable because everyone could watch (and make fun of) an errant flip or a gust of wind.
With each round lasting under a minute, Flipping Fish would be a great picnic party game for all ages. Think of it along the lines of an egg toss, potato sack race or bat spin race – a fun activity where everyone has an equal chance of winning along with an equal chance of getting made fun of!
You can still find new copies on Amazon for well under $10, or keep an eye out for one at your local thrift store. It wouldn’t be too difficult for you to make your own using construction paper, real paper plates and some type of paddle or spatula from the kitchen. If you do, send us photos so we can share!
This looks like fun! Very unique – I’ve never seen anyone play this around our area!
Oh what a fun game. The game doesn’t look exciting at all, but you are right. Running around the yard with friends is what made it so fun. I’m sure my girls will enjoy this game.
This looks like so much fun and a great way to get the kids up and moving around!
Looks fun! Gets the kiddo’s outside and running around! Snow will be here before long…
This does sound like it would be great fun to play! I could see myself (at almost 65) playing this along with the kids!!
Any game that takes you outside is a great time to me! I love all outdoor activities!
This seems like a fun game and a way to entertain children at the same time. Even if you don’t play it again, it will always be a fun memory!
My kids would have a blast with this game. It’s simple things like this that keep my kids entertained.
I love that this game can be enjoyed outdoors. All the girls look like they had such a fun time playing this game.
I love all your vintage finds! This one looks fun. Any games that encourage kids to play outside are a great idea!
I’ve never heard of this game before, but it looks really fun!
I like this because not only does it promote the children from being active, it also promotes them to use their full bodies! Running, bending, gross motor skills. I love it!
This looks like such a fun game and one that my kids would really enjoy! I’ve been looking for outdoor games and I would love to give this one a try.
What a fun game! I think my older nieces and nephews would love to play this!
I always go to my town thrift store for two reasons: 1 it supports the town as all money made goes back into the town and 2 there is always something there. I go every other weekend when my kids are gone. It has become my me Time routine.
Simple games that require my kids to get active are always a win! I can not wait until the weather cools down so we can enjoy some outdoor time again.
I’ve never heard of this game. It looks like so much fun.
I haven’t heard of this game before! It looks like it could definitely provide some fun entertainment for the kiddos AND adults!
I haven’t heard of this game before! It looks like it could definitely provide some fun entertainment for the kiddos AND adults!
I have not heard of this game before! What a fun game to play with the family!
Any game that gets the kids moving is great. Looks really fun!
I have never seen a game like this before! It would certainly be a fun way to spend an afternoon!
Oh I love that this one gets kids moving and active. Cute game!
Again! love the games on your blog. This game is amazing, especially for kids party or family gatherings. Thanks for sharing will keep this game in mind.
This looks like a great game for the young. Just seeing them bend in awkward positions shows how it keeps them subtle–an exercise and a game combined. What could be better?
I often forget to check out thrift stores for hidden treasure.