Ironically, one of the reasons this review took me a while to complete is that our family has been on vacation. Because this product, Amazing Places: National Parks card game from Birdcage Press, is perfect for a family vacation, especially for those of you with older kids.

My 2 1/2 year old is already a fan of cards. She loves to look through them even though she’s not quite yet old enough to know how to actually play any card games. These cards, while designed for much older children, still caught her eye and she cried when I took them back to put up for the night.

The deck is your standard 52 cards, marked with the standard four suits so you can use them for any card game. But what is really amazing about these cards, are the stunning photographs of 52 of the U.S.A.’s National Parks, everywhere from Alaska to Maine to Florida. Under the photos are facts about the park and a symbol for the state the park is located in.

Not only are they beautiful, the cards are educational. The game won the Parents’ Choice Foundation Approved Award and a Mr. Dad Seal of Approval. Let me tell you, that even as an adult, I learned a lot about hidden treasures in my country simply by reading the cards. I discovered many places I had never heard of and are now on my “must visit” list.

The cards come with a bonus card that lists out the Parks featured by location, and instructions for playing Go Fish with them. Bonus? The portability of this game. Just toss the deck into your purse and take along on your summer vacation. Much easier to carry than all those electronic games and cartridges. And the price is easier on your wallet: only $9.95. You can find this game, as well as many other ones at Birdcage Press. I, for one, already have my eye on their Wild Card game.

By Angela

We’ve got a deck to give away to someone, and it just might be you! To enter, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com and tell us another product from Birdcage Press not mentioned in this review. Contest closes at midnight MST on 7/19/07. Congratulations Melanie F!