CNN Parenting

Being on lockdown isn't all fun and games. But families need fun -- and these games help

By David G. Allan, CNN

Updated 2121 GMT (0521 HKT) March 18, 2020

Monopoly was first issued by Parker Brothers in 1935, though there is some controversy about who invented the game. Some say it was Charles Darrow during the Depression; others say it was originally Elizabeth Phillips who called it The Landlord's Game, patented in 1904. Like many games and toys, the look has changed over the years.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
Monopoly was first issued by Parker Brothers in 1935, though there is some controversy about who invented the game. Some say it was Charles Darrow during the Depression; others say it was originally Elizabeth Phillips who called it The Landlord's Game, patented in 1904. Like many games and toys, the look has changed over the years.
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Monopoly Empire by Parker Brothers in 2013. More than 275 million games have been sold worldwide, and it's available in 111 countries, in 43 languages.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
Monopoly Empire by Parker Brothers in 2013. More than 275 million games have been sold worldwide, and it's available in 111 countries, in 43 languages.
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The Rubik's Cube: Since its invention by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, an estimated 350 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold, and about one in seven people alive has played with the cube, <a href="http://rubiks.com/history" target="_blank">according to its website.</a>
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
The Rubik's Cube: Since its invention by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, an estimated 350 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold, and about one in seven people alive has played with the cube, according to its website.
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In 2009, the cube was upgraded to modern times with the Rubik's TouchCube by Techno Source, which bills it as the first completely electronic, solvable Rubik's Cube. The TouchCube is one of many examples of how traditional games are becoming more and more popular in electronic format, from sports like football and baseball to board games like chess and checkers.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
In 2009, the cube was upgraded to modern times with the Rubik's TouchCube by Techno Source, which bills it as the first completely electronic, solvable Rubik's Cube. The TouchCube is one of many examples of how traditional games are becoming more and more popular in electronic format, from sports like football and baseball to board games like chess and checkers.
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This Barbie Doll by Mattel in 1960 doesn't look quite the same as the ones today (less pink).
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
This Barbie Doll by Mattel in 1960 doesn't look quite the same as the ones today (less pink).
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Barbie Fashionistas Doll by Mattel in 2013. Barbie was introduced by Mattel in 1959 and has become a household name. She has fought against mothers and feminists who have condemned her for alleged negative effects on young girls. She has had many incarnations including as an astronaut, doctor and race car drivers.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
Barbie Fashionistas Doll by Mattel in 2013. Barbie was introduced by Mattel in 1959 and has become a household name. She has fought against mothers and feminists who have condemned her for alleged negative effects on young girls. She has had many incarnations including as an astronaut, doctor and race car drivers.
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Mickey Mouse doll by Steiff Co. circa 1930. The Steiff Company worked with Disney over six years and in that time produced about 53,000 Mickey Mouse dolls.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
Mickey Mouse doll by Steiff Co. circa 1930. The Steiff Company worked with Disney over six years and in that time produced about 53,000 Mickey Mouse dolls.
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Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice plush souvenir doll by Disney. This well-known mouse has been the face of Disney for years, starting in 1928 when he was created by Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice plush souvenir doll by Disney. This well-known mouse has been the face of Disney for years, starting in 1928 when he was created by Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney.
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View-Master stereoviewer by Sawyer's Photographic Services in 1939. The View-Master was first introduced at the New York World's Fair in 1939 by William Gruber and Harold Graves, president of Sawyer's Photographic Services. Initially, the product was intended to be educational but later transformed into a toy.
Photos: Our childhood toys: Then and now
View-Master stereoviewer by Sawyer's Photographic Services in 1939. The View-Master was first introduced at the New York World's Fair in 1939 by William Gruber and Harold Graves, president of Sawyer's Photographic Services. Initially, the product was intended to be educational but later transformed into a toy.
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