Most mums have games of their iPhones, iPads or Android phones, but how many are actually for you? I have quite a few preschool games for my son to keep him entertained and quiet, as a last resort, when stuck in rush hour traffic, waiting for a doctor’s appointment or at a social event where loud screaming kids are not the norm.
But it wasn’t until I had my daughter and spent several hours of the day and night in a rocking chair, breastfeeding her or simply rocking her back and forth, back and forth, that I discovered a whole new world of iPhone games. And this world was mine. All mine!
If you haven’t gotten into game applications yet, give it a try. They are such a great way to unwind, to zone out and to just enjoy a few spare moments in your own little realm, whether before bed, while doing the midnight feed, or while the kids are napping and you enjoy a hot cuppa. Which ones should I try? Well, I glad you asked. We asked our SAHM staff what their favourite free games apps for mums are and this is our top ten:
For the Animal Lover
Dragon City
A friend of mine was talking about this game where she takes care of dragons the other day and I thought she was bonkers. But it turns out Dragon City is exactly this! You have pet dragons and you get to take care of them. And they are cute; and they grow; and then they combat. It’s kind of like Tamagotchi means Game of Thrones. You can create a Dragon City and join forces with other players to help build the best habitat for your cute little dragons. I love it!
Download Dragon City
For your iPhone
For your iPad
For the Board Game Lover
Dice with Buddies
Did you grow up loving the game Yahtzee? Then this is the free gaming app for you, my friend. Dice with Buddies is basically Yahtzee on your phone. You can play with your friends or random people who are also as addicted as you are. Never played Yahtzee before? Essentially you have to role the dice and create various combinations (full house, four of a kind, etc) to gain points. It’s awesome. Seriously.
Download Dice with Buddies
Get it on your iOS
Get it on your Android
For the Escapist
Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. And I thought so too when one of our staff members recommended this one. But she assured me she hadn’t lost all her marbles so I downloaded Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and gave it a try. And holy moly is this ever hilarious! You can literally create your own celebrity and rule Hollywood, Dubai or Sydney sort of like the Sims but with a celebrity spin on it. The dating feature has to be my favourite. You have to choose the right outfit or your date won’t like it. I dare you to give this one a go. And be prepared to laugh out loud. Often.
Download Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
Get it on your iPhone
Get it on your iPad
For the Fantasy Fanatics
Star Wars: Commander
You really can’t go past Star Wars: Commander. The graphics are insanely good and stick to the movie quite well. This is an interactive game so you can challenge players across the Star Wars universe. And there are heaps of others playing at the same time as you, even if you’re up at 3am with a baby that requires the constant rocking motion to sleep. Your mission is to build a base, recruit your own force and then battle other players. This can get quite addicting but it’s a fun addiction. And it’s a great way to leave mummy spit-up land for a little bit.
Download Star Wars: Commander
Get it on your Android
Get it on your iOS\
For the Tetris Tigress
Candy Blast Mania
So Candy Blast Mania is similar to Candy Crush, or a super colourful sugar high version of Tetris. But it’s also such a fun way to zone out and you can play with one hand. Essentially the name of the game is to match and collect candies. The harder the level, the more intense the puzzle. I find myself playing Candy Blast Mania a lot when I am stuck waiting… whether for a late friend to show up for our coffee date or for the mechanic to finish servicing my car.
Download Candy Blast Mania
Get it on your iOS
Get it on your Android
For the Creative Soul
FarmVille 2: Country Escape
I never got into FarmVille craze but my husband did and it was definitely a great stress reliever for him which is also why Kylie recommends it. FarmVille 2: Country Escape has been designed to be mobile-optimized (not just for your iPad) and allows you to create your own little world. Harvest crops, decorate your farm house; nurture your animals; bake various delicious treats, whenever the mood strikes. There is no pressure to play all the time which is another reason why I really liked this free game. Furthermore, you can play on your own or with friends in a Farm Co-Op.
Download FarmVille 2: Country Escape
Get it on your iPhone
Get it on your iPad
Get it on your Android
For the Adventurist
Battle Camp
Are you ready for some serious gaming fun? Battle Camp takes you into a whole new world filled of fun. To play, you need to train a monster team, pair up with others in your community and form a troop to battle against various monsters. I know – intense. It’s like How to Train Your Dragon. But way cooler. And you’re in it! The graphics are excellent and you also get a great sense of community with this one which is definitely a plus, especially when you’re up late at night with a baby.
Download Battle Camp
For you iPhone
For your iPad
For your Android
For the Time Outer
Jelly Splash
Jelly Splash is currently only available on Android but it’ a great one to try if you have an Android device. It’s simple to play and you can play on your own or challenge your Facebook friends as well. The object of the game is to navigate your way through the Jelly World and eliminate the evil slimes. There are hundreds of different puzzles and many of the people who have tried Jelly Splash agree that it’s the best puzzle game out there. And it’s completely free! Winning!
Download Jelly Spash
For your Android
For More Baked Good Addictions
Muffin Quest
Need a break? Rather than dip into the bickies, Lydia recommends Muffin Quest. This is another delicious pastry game that we all love at SAHM. It’s easy to play and offers a great break from reality, even if you only have a few minutes to play at a time. My daughter really likes watching me play this one too. I think it’s the colours… the the indulgent treats that will make your mouth water. There are 165 levels in Muffin Quest. I have yet to make it even 1/8th of the way to the end but I’ll get there…eventually.
Download Muffin Quest
For your iOS
Cookie Jam
If you have an Android device then another great game similar to Muffin Quest is Cookie Jam. Cookie Jam is another sugar infused game that combines easy puzzles with bright colours and delicious baked goods. If you’ve ever watched Wreck it Ralph, then this game will look quite familiar to Sugar Rush land. But the games are simple and stress free and you can also play against your friends or others online. Good, clean, calorie-free fun.
Download Cookie Jam
For your iPhone
For your iPad
For your Android
What are your favourite games to play on your phone or tablet? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll add them to the list!