Thrift Treasure: Baby Bird Game
Normally when we’re out shopping for board games from our local thrift stores, we pass on titles targeted towards a younger crowd. Not that they aren’t quality games, but our youngest is now twelve and neither daughter has much interest in those “kid games”.
This week was an exception as we ran across Baby Bird Game by Ravensburger at our local Goodwill. Just look at the box – who in their right mind could pass up a game with adorable little birds as player pawns/meeples? This copy was missing the instructions, so a quick Google search led us to a .pdf of the rules hosted by the publisher.
Each player picks a color of bird and starts in the nest at the center of the colorful board. Your goal is to simply be the first bird to escape the tree and fly away. A six-sided die with various colors is included, and on your turn you roll it and move your bird along the matching path.
Whatever the result of the die, you must move along that branch, even if it takes you back towards the nest. More than one bird can be on a branch, and only the first bird to escape the tree is immediately declared the winner (let the youngest player go first, they will have a slight advantage).
Baby Bird Game was made for Discovery Toys and issued in 1988. There doesn’t appear to have been any subsequent printings, so you won’t find it brand new on Amazon. They do regularly appear on eBay for around the original list price, but be sure to verify it includes all of the components before bidding! (four birds, one custom die, game board AND instructions!)
And even though Baby Bird Game was designed for ages 4-8, both of my girls enjoyed helping them fly away from the nest. Like I mentioned before, who can resist those cute little birds!
What “kid game” do you still secretly enjoy?
My two young kiddos would absolutely love playing this game with me! The baby birds would be a huge draw for my son.
Discovery Toys was the best! I remember my mom taking me to a Discovery Toys store back in the 80’s! This looks like a cute game. You have really been finding some great stuff at the thrift shop!
I remember the marble run from Discovery Toys. I think this board game would be great for my youngest and help her learn math and strategy.
Simple concept and reasonable play time? Sounds perfect for my kids to enjoy on their own. I love that it was originally made in 1988 too!
Finding time to play together and be together is the best. Any game that encourages family time is my kind of game. Baby Bird looks great
My family really having fun in different games like this. I’m sure my teens will also enjoy this game.
I actually love playing games with my kids these days. With my kids getting older it’s becoming so much more fun.
Definitely adding this game to our family game night! Sometimes a sweet board game is all you need to spark some good old fashioned bonding time!
I’ve never heard of this game but it would be fun to play with my daughters.
I have never heard of the board game before and sounds like it would be fun. Thanks for giving the info I need so if I purchase it all of the pieces will be there.