Don’t Wake Daddy (1992) – Board Game Guys

Don’t Wake Daddy

Don’t Wake Daddy is a children’s board game originally released by Parker Brothers in North America and Tomy in Europe. The game was designed by Bob Driscoll and was first released in 1992. The game is intended for preschool-age children and is played with two to four players.

Why is Don’t Wake Daddy Popular?

Don’t Wake Daddy is a popular game among children and parents alike. The game is significant because it teaches children the importance of being quiet and not waking up their parents. It also helps children develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Game Components of Don’t Wake Daddy

Game board featuring a sleeping father in the middle

Player pieces

Spinner for determining movement

Color cards

Noise cards (e.g., rollerblades, baseball, noisy clown on TV, barking dog)

Alarm clock with a button

Midnight snack tokens

How To Setup Don’t Wake Daddy

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a piece and places it at the starting point. Shuffle and distribute the color cards among the players. Ensure the alarm clock is set and ready for use.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to reach the finish line and claim the midnight snack without waking the father.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns spinning the spinner to determine their movement.
– Move the piece to the corresponding color space on the board.
– If a player lands on a noise space and does not have the matching color card, they must make a noise and press the alarm clock button the specified number of times.
– If the alarm clock goes off, the father “wakes up,” and the player must return to the start and take a color card from another player.
– The purple star on the spinner allows a player to move to the space in front of the leader or spin again if they are already the leader.

Player Experience

**Don’t Wake Daddy** offers a thrilling experience for young players, teaching them about strategy and risk while maintaining an element of surprise and excitement. The game’s design, with its loud noises and sudden movements, can create jump scares that add to the fun and tension.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: The game includes various noises and an interactive alarm clock, making it highly engaging for children.

Simple to Learn: The gameplay mechanics are straightforward, making it easy for young children to understand and play.

Teaches Strategy: Players learn to strategize based on the noises and the color cards they hold.

Cons

Noise Levels: The game can be quite loud, which might not be suitable for all environments or times of the day.

Jump Scares: The sudden movements and noises can be scary for some children.

Personal Thoughts on Don’t Wake Daddy

**Don’t Wake Daddy** is perfect for families with young children who enjoy interactive and suspenseful games. It is an excellent way to teach children about taking turns, strategy, and a bit of patience. However, it may not be the best choice for quieter settings or for children who are easily startled. The game’s success in the 1990s, including being one of the best-selling games of the 1992 Christmas season, testifies to its appeal and enduring popularity among children and families.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.