Trash Pandas might rival last month’s game of the month for the craziest game name. But that is where the similarities end! I purchased Trash Pandas by Gamewright when I was stocking up for screen-free activities for a recent airplane trip.
(Note: this post contains Amazon affiliate links that earn commission)
My 10 year old traveling companion and I loved playing it in the airport while we had a layover, and it still comes out of the game closet in the afternoons for a fun distraction after and exhausting school day! We think you’ll love pressing your luck in the pursuit of garbage, too. Ha ha.
How to Play Trash Pandas
Trash Pandas – The Raucous Raccoon Card Game is a push-your-luck combination card and dice game. Game materials consist of a deck of cards featuring “trash,” a special die and a set of small wooden tokens. The faces of the die match the symbols on the coins.
The object of the game is to stash as much trash as you can. You do this by rolling the die and taking the corresponding action. Players can continue to roll the die to collect cards (and points), but risk “going bust.”
Why Play Trash Pandas?
First of all, the premise of Trash Pandas is pretty hilarious, and the humorous trash cards keep this game at a high interest level for kids who enjoy visual humor and word play.
In addition, playing a successfully strategic game relies on an understanding of probability. With repetitive play, kids will improve their instincts for how much they should “push their luck.”
Tips for Playing
Gamewright recommends Trash Pandas for kids ages 8 and up, but as usual with my Game of the Month features, I believe that younger kids can learn how to play. You might try playing with kids as young as 6, depending on the game-playing experience of the child.
It can be very beneficial for younger kids to get adult guidance when learning games. Not only does it promote parent-child bonding (or rather, caregiver-child) but you will be challenging their brains to learn new skills! Of course, if your child gets frustrated, save the game for when they are older.
To get a better feel for the game, watch Gamewright’s video of Trash Pandas in action.
Definitely add Trash Pandas to your game repertoire!
More great card games:
Sarah says
I love your blog, and your reading lists are invaluable, but I especially love these game of the month posts. I get excited for them to each time. Thank you!
Erica says
You’ll love Trash Pandas. Thanks for your kind words!