Just in Time for Family Spring Break Travel: Nintendo DS Games Giveaway

Other posts by MountainMama

Who’s traveling with the family over their kids’ spring break? (MountainMama raises her hand.) I don’t know about you, but I am not hesitant to keep my kids entertained in the car, plane or train with an electronic, hand-held game. Yes, I can play “spot all the states on license plates” with the best of them, and my kids always have flash cards and activity books in their travel backpacks. But there are times when we’re on the road — especially busy times during family spring break travel periods — when I’d like them to quietly entertain themselves for long periods without my assistance, and that’s when the trusty Nintendo DS comes in.

If you’re like me, you might surprise your kids with new video games just before the trip. Here are a couple from American Game Factory that we got to sample recently:

Build-A-Bear Workshop: I thought for sure this would appeal to my eight-year-old daughter, but my six-year-old son took to this game (and he’s usually a Mario/Lego Indiana Jones/Lego Star Wars type of adventure player). It’s actually created for kids as young as preschool age (3+) and users can customize their own characters like Pink Poodle, Playful Puppy and Sassy Kitty.

Rubik’s World: This one is designed for kids ages 6+, and my third-grade daughter reported that the puzzles and quizzes (including the classic Rubik’s Cube solving game) were “kinda hard.” Her favorite was the game where she could make music and play it back, as opposed to the more abstract and challenging games.

Do you have a Nintendo DS? (It’s not out of the question; my local mama friend does, with a pink bling-filled case). If so, you might consider packing these two new games, designed just for women:

Zenses Ocean: If your kids are driving you nuts en route to your destination, put on a pair of headphones and plug into this game, which has the best calming soundtrack. (Think chillax massage background music.) Play beach-themed puzzle games (like “memory” with differently shaped shells that have been washed away by an ocean wave.

Zenses Rainforest: Just like Zenses Ocean, this game has its own soothing soundtrack, and games infused with raindrops, flowers and lush trees. Seriously, if you’re uneasy about flying or just want to escape prior to your vacation, this is the game for you. It would also make a nice gift for anyone heading to Belize, South America or Costa Rica!

Here’s the fun part: American Game Factory is giving away a Rubik’s World & Zenses Ocean set, as well as a Build-A-Bear & Zenses Rainforest set.

All you need to do is leave a comment below with your favorite video game of all time — can be anything from vintage Ms. PacMan to Wii bowling. U.S. residents (only) can enter by commenting by 6 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, February 24; we’ll pick two lucky commenters via a random number generator and announce them on Winning Wednesday, February 25. You’ll get your games in time for your family spring break vacation!

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Comments

235 Responses to “Just in Time for Family Spring Break Travel: Nintendo DS Games Giveaway”

  1. Diane says:

    Mmmm we LOVE Rock Band — even the little ones! But then Outdoor Sports wii is a favorite. As is Animal Crossing. Oh and Safari Pet Rescue (I think that’s the name)… LOL!!!! (we’re forgoing SPring Break travel this year for a big trip to South AFrica in July .. whoooohoooo but I know games will come in VERY useful for that trip!)

  2. Anna O says:

    I’m a sucker for Tetris and all the knock-off variations of games where you need to sort and stack falling objects. I’m easily entertained. :D

  3. Steph says:

    My favorite video game is The Legend of Zelda.

  4. susan varney says:

    love super mario brothers

  5. carrie gregory says:

    My kids love their DS game systems and they are the perfect thing for the long road trips from Nashville to Pennsylvania that we take once a year to visit Grandma and Grandpa !!

  6. Cynthia says:

    That’s a tough one. I’d say Ms. Pacman or Galaga. When it comes to Arcade games I always end up at one of these.

  7. Victoria says:

    My favorite video game is Crash Bandicoot.

  8. Linda says:

    Frogger is still a favorite!

  9. Denyse says:

    Mine has always been Ms Pac man- I was sooo great at it too!

  10. Ken Stierley says:

    Going Old School with this favorite…..Donkey Kong is the best.

  11. MRS.MOMMYY says:

    still love pacman

  12. Sheila says:

    I love Sonic the hedgehog!! That game rocked! And mario kart too!

  13. Delores says:

    I love street fighter!!

  14. romero says:

    My favorite is socom.

  15. Carol says:

    It is Dr. Mario. It is truly the most addictive game I have EVER played, I absolutely love it.

  16. Denise says:

    Mine is the Legend of Zelda.

  17. Elizabeth says:

    Tetris for sure!

  18. Tracey Byram says:

    Rock Band, most definitely. It’s the best way to get my whole family in one room at the same time.

  19. Jennifer B. says:

    Well, I will have to say Ms. Pacman on my old Atari console. I loved that game!

  20. Margaret Smith says:

    We love Mario Brothers vs Donkey Kong.
    Thank you so much for this giveaway. These prizes are great. Thanks.

  21. Sonya Sparks says:

    My favorite was Frogger. Thanks!

  22. C. clemens says:

    we loved super Mario brothers

  23. Renee C. says:

    I always enjoyed Centipede and Berserk for the old school games. I like Wii Sports now and am always open to try new games.

  24. adrienne Gordon says:

    QBERT

  25. Kathy Scott says:

    Asteroids

  26. My favorite game is Super Mario Bros.

  27. Daniel M says:

    for old-style arcade i used to like galaxian

  28. lorene says:

    we like super mario brothers and pac-man

  29. christopher h says:

    of all time? – joust!

  30. Rose says:

    My family laughs at me because Pac Man is my all-time favorite game. I don’t care, I love it.
    msurosey@yahoo.com

  31. Summer M says:

    Anything Mario is a big hit in our house, but I have a secret affinity for the Halo series.

  32. Diane Baum says:

    Legend of Zelda

  33. Brian Morin says:

    Mario Kart!!! I love it.

  34. gosh i still remember pong but I always loved miss pacman. i dumped way to many quarters on that game.

  35. Dan Smith says:

    Mario Kart is our favorite

  36. HilLesha says:

    I love the Phoenix Wright games. :)

  37. Erica C. says:

    this would be so relaxing to play before bed

  38. Shawnna says:

    Tetris!

  39. ky2here says:

    Resident Evil all the way!

  40. gerry b says:

    I always loved PACMAN. Call me old fashioned. My son wouldn’t even know what that was- he would say a rapper.

  41. Tanya Wilson says:

    My kids love their DS game systems, and I think they would really like Tetris and Super Mario Brothers!

  42. Tammy says:

    Tetris is the one I like.

  43. Sally Sundeen says:

    Has to be by far Paperboy. I had a handheld version of that game and I played it over and over and over again. I couldn’t get enough of that game! He was a little bugger too breaking windows and hitting things…that darn paperboy!

  44. Ed VanEtten says:

    Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

  45. meredith says:

    It’s a tie between Resident Evil and Wii Bowling!

  46. jamie says:

    Atari Pitfall, circa 1980. Not to brag, but one summer I was so bored I taught myself to play this game with my feet. I got to the point where I was better than most people who played with their hands. Probably I should have been at summer camp or something…

  47. Mary Casper says:

    love all the zelda games

  48. Vicky H. says:

    I don’t know about “of all time”, but I’m a HUGE fan of DDR (Dance Dance Revolution). *That* is the best game for fun AND exercise.

  49. Cathy says:

    Animal Crossing

  50. Janna Johnson says:

    Tetris of course!

    Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

    Janna Johnson
    jannajanna@hotmail.com
    http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com
    http://feedyourpiggiveaways.blogspot.com

  51. Cynthya says:

    All time favorite is probably Tomb Raider. Thanks for the giveaway!

  52. I enjoy Brain Age.

  53. Rebecca Graham says:

    I liked the Ms Pacman game. I’m showing my age here.

  54. Jennifer Morton says:

    It has got to be Legend of Zelda. That is a classic! Thanks for this contest and good luck to all!

  55. Christy G. says:

    The only game I’ve ever played is Wii bowling, so I guess that makes it my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway!

  56. Janet F says:

    I love Wii Bowling!

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

  57. P Valentine says:

    Great post, I found the topic very interesting and helpful. thanks and keep up the good work.

  58. Kristi C says:

    My favorite all time video game is Frogger.

  59. Kim says:

    My favorite has got to be Frogger!

  60. Jessica A says:

    i love the zelda games!
    imjessica(at)mail(dot)com

  61. Alice C says:

    the old zelda

  62. Randall Curran says:

    I love playing Animal Crossing and it’s very addictive.

  63. tawnda says:

    I used to love frogger…

  64. Lynn H says:

    Anything MARIO!

  65. amy ormsby says:

    My favorite video game of all time if Frogger. I fell in love as a teenager and still try to play as much as possible.

  66. Linda Fish says:

    Superman by Atari! it was maddening!

  67. david basile says:

    mario kart

  68. Stephanie Jones says:

    Ahhhh, the old-style Mario Brothers. Wasted MANY hours with that game!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  69. Susan C says:

    I loved Astroids for the Atari!

  70. Barb V. says:

    Guitar Hero World Tour!

  71. L says:

    tetris is my favorite

  72. Jamie says:

    I really enjoy the Zelda games my sons who is 6 really enjoys Wall-e for wii. And my daughter of course loves to play littlest pet shop. And my Husband will only play Wii Golf or Tetris.

  73. B. Lechowicz says:

    Tetris.

  74. david solomon says:

    great games

  75. barb solomon says:

    my son would love these

  76. amir says:

    Frogger was my favorite.

  77. amy h says:

    My all time favorite game has to be RockBand (1 or 2). I love that the whole family can play together (drums, guitar, bass guitar, and singer).

  78. heather says:

    Tertis is my all time favorite game. I wish I could find it for my Nintendo DS.

  79. esther says:

    Super Mario Bros has to be the best game!

  80. dianne says:

    My favorite has always been Ms PacMan.

  81. djp says:

    great one

  82. Betty says:

    My son & I like to play Wall•E,that is our favorite one to play.

  83. Keith Keingarsky says:

    My kis will love this.

  84. Tiffany says:

    I love Ms. Pac Man!

  85. Maureen says:

    I am a vintage PACMAN game lover. Honestly it was the best game EVER!!! Thanks for the giveaway
    auntrene.blogspot.com

  86. Tracy H says:

    My favorite was Centipede.

  87. Tammy Darling says:

    My favorite is Centipede. Thanks for the contest.

  88. Meaghan F. says:

    I’m a MarioKart Wii girl. I’m a bit obsessed.

  89. Sharon Jones says:

    Super Mario for sure…love it. THANKS

  90. Melissa D says:

    I LOVED Centipede. If I could only have all the quarters I spent at the arcade back in the day!
    Thanks.

  91. Leona P says:

    ratchet and clank

  92. Gabriel J. says:

    My favorite video game is Frogger.

  93. sarah h says:

    I always liked Centipede.

  94. tom homrich says:

    My kids love build a bear

  95. timothy l says:

    Resident Evil games are the best games every made can wait for next month for the next one to come out

  96. jayne says:

    My favorite is Zelda! I love it!! Thanks so much!!

  97. I always loved playing Super Mario Bros!

  98. Debbie says:

    Nice

  99. Steve Scott says:

    Halo

  100. Gary Osborn says:

    Tomb Raider..

  101. Jammie Morey says:

    cooking momma

  102. Vicky Boackle says:

    pacman is my favorite.

  103. LeAndrew Taylor says:

    I must really be ‘old-school’! Because I’m still in love with Ms. Pac-man! Thanks for the ‘great’ giveaway offering! Good luck to all!

  104. Kenia Bradley says:

    My fav is Spyro the dragon for the original playstation

  105. Andria says:

    I love the Final Fantasy games

  106. rooann says:

    i’ve been playing video games since i was probably 5 years old, but tetris for gameboy is still my favorite… the replay value on that game is incredible! i really want to try the zenses game, it looks so cool.

  107. Jaclyn Reynolds says:

    My favorite video game would have to be Dr. Mario. I used to put it at the hardest setting and just get right through it. :P

  108. Toby says:

    Super Mario Bros

  109. Albert says:

    Pacman

  110. Stacy says:

    I’ve been wanting a DS, if color is an option, of course PINK! Today is my birthday, just so ya know!!!!! :)

  111. Stacy says:

    Tetris would be my favorite game.

  112. Stacy Davis says:

    Tetris would be my favorite.

  113. Karen says:

    The Sims

  114. Teresa L says:

    My favorite video game is Spyro!! Thanks for the contest!! :)

  115. carol myring says:

    I just got my ninetendo ds lite. I love the mind games. i have been reading about the zenses games sound like I would love it. I am disabled so my days are spent with my computers and games

  116. Monique Rizzo says:

    Favorite all time game is Zelda Ocarina of time!! thanks so much.

    mogrill@comcast.net

  117. kristi blackstone says:

    Mario games, alll of them are my favs! I also love the Wii now so hard to pick a game for it

  118. Helen S says:

    My favorite is Pac Man

  119. michael woods says:

    Crash Bandicoot is my favorite game

  120. Marilyn Higgins says:

    We love the Mario Brothers

  121. Susan Ladd says:

    My grandson would love to have. His favorite game is Iron Man. Hope I win????????????????????????Thank you.

  122. Janice Golden says:

    I am old school MS PACMAN

  123. leslie says:

    Terrific

  124. trishden says:

    Donkey Kong the origional. Thanks for a great giveaway!

  125. Kym E says:

    We love Rock Band!

  126. Maybe Mama says:

    our family loves to play Guitar Hero together. i love that is something we can all do

  127. Sarah Z says:

    I love the original super mario brothers!
    Thanks

  128. Sonya says:

    I love the old Super Mario games, but I’m addicted to The Sims!

  129. Christina Brunetti says:

    I love me some tetris, still do!

  130. Therese C says:

    This is a great contest, my girl would love it.

  131. Tamara B. says:

    Favorite is Kirby and Super Mario Brothers.
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

  132. Jamie G says:

    super mario bros 3!!

  133. denice p says:

    i really like tetris. i know i know i am still playing that game only this time on my cell phone. mind boggling but nice all the same! thanks!!

  134. Jennifer Hedden says:

    Tetris

  135. Brandy says:

    My all time favorite was the original Pac-Man! Oh, the memories….

  136. Aaron says:

    Tron

  137. Sherri B. says:

    My absolute fave of all times is Galaga!!!! I sure am dating myself!!!!

    sherri419 at gmail dot com

  138. Douglas says:

    I love Galaga too !!!

  139. All-time favorite??? Wow, that’s a toughie, but I think my vote will have to go to SuperMario. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  140. Diane Baum says:

    Tetris is my favorite

  141. brandy says:

    My favorite game of all time is probably Silent hill 3. The graphics, the storyline, and the game play are great! I really like Brain Age 2 for the DS also.

  142. Sarah says:

    Zak MacKraken and the alien mindbenders

  143. Jay F says:

    I loved Tutenkam, played it till my arms hurt.

  144. Tara Braun says:

    Super Mario.

  145. Chrysa says:

    I loved Crazy Taxi!

  146. Brenda Park says:

    My favorite game of all time is Guitar Hero..any of them. Thanks for the great giveaway!

  147. joni says:

    I like pinball games on any system.

  148. Carrie Baird says:

    My favorite game is Tetris.

  149. Shelley Mitchell says:

    Definately Miss Pacman!!!

  150. Beverly M says:

    tetris

  151. Paula Harmon says:

    I speak for my whole family when we say Animal Crossing is our favorite game of all time. Either for the gamecube or wii, we have played together as a family and you should too, if you haven’t tried it.

  152. virginia vorse says:

    these are wonderful gift’s

  153. Crystal F says:

    I really like the new Super Mario Brothers game for ds. We had to give it back to my niece and we are missing it. lol Thank you!

  154. Emmy T says:

    Mortal Kombat!

  155. Sandy M says:

    I have to admit that I enjoyed Wii Boxing way more than I thought I would. First of all it’s great excercise and second it’s really funny to watch your friends do it.

  156. SUSAN says:

    rockband! my daughter loves to sing!

  157. Cheryl Smith says:

    Believe it or not, my all time fav is the Wii Fit!

  158. Brandlyn says:

    mario bros is my favorite of all time!

  159. Christine says:

    My fav of all time is Ms. Pac Man…love her little bow!!! thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com

  160. Gretchen says:

    Well, currently our family plays Rockband 2 just about every chance we get. Of all time, I just don’t know, there are too many! I did really love a firefighting game on my Atari and I would play for ages when I was little!

  161. Ann says:

    My favorite game of all time would definitely have to be Bubble Bobble. In fact, we found it a few years ago for PS2 and we play it all the time as a family. We have all gotten very good at the game.
    Course how can one forget Atari and all those glorious dots/dashes of games, lol.
    We are old school.

  162. SHERRI FRISTOE says:

    LOVE THE PACMAN!!

  163. nicole schellhas says:

    my favorite all time game would have to be any mario game. my girls love it too!

  164. Terra Heck says:

    My favorite video game of all time is Tetris. I could play it for hours.

  165. Marion B says:

    I love the Ty the Tazmanian Tiger games on xbox!

  166. Karon Warren says:

    To me, the originals are still the best: Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Frogger, Donkey Kong, Pitfall, Space Invaders, Mission Command, Q-bert, Dig Dug… I could go on, but won’t. Simply put, if it came out in the ’80s, I think it rocks!

  167. Sarah Stern says:

    I used to LOVE Duckhunt.

  168. jjampm says:

    Halo – The cooperative feature in that game rocks! I think my marriage was saved by banding together to kill aliens :)

  169. reva skie says:

    I loved Super Pac Man. It had a speed button where you could go at warp speed and just fly thru the game. I adored it.

  170. Becky says:

    Tetris never gets old! I even play it on my cell phone.

  171. Louis Huf says:

    that would be tombraider

  172. chad heimbuch says:

    sounds great

  173. Julie says:

    We like Mario games but always like to try new ones.

  174. Greta Freeman says:

    Rock Band cause I can play it with the family.

    Working together kinda theme.

    Thanks!

  175. Julie K says:

    I loved Resident Evil 4 for the Wii. It’s like playing a scarey movie! Thanks!

  176. kc says:

    My family likes Animal Crossing.

  177. Brooke says:

    Wow hard to pick but I would have to say Mrs. Pacman

  178. Jacob LaFountaine says:

    Super Mario Brothers

  179. Vicki Andrew says:

    animal crossings is a fav of my daughters and I liked frogger although many a frog died

  180. Melissa V says:

    when i was younger, i loved to play as the Princess in Super Mario Bros. 2!

  181. Laurie M says:

    Build a Bear Workshop. Thanks!

  182. Lisa G. says:

    Ms. Packman is my all time favorite game!
    lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

  183. Rudella Custer says:

    My favorite video game of all time is Final Fantasy, all of them except X-2 which was weird even for them.

  184. Terry C says:

    Tetris is my all time favorite game. Thanks for the giveaway!

    braaisjo at gmail dot com

  185. Melanie says:

    Tetris!
    Its alot of fun!

  186. Tom says:

    My favorites are the Super Mario Bros franchise games.

  187. Leann S says:

    The Zelda games for Nintendo are my all time faves.

  188. Lisa says:

    Guitar Hero without a doubt!!

  189. Jason M says:

    The Legend of Zelda was my favorite when I was a kid, but now my girls have me hooked on the Mario Brothers, especially #3.

  190. Dave says:

    My favorite video game of all time was definitely Legend of Zelda. I can’t tell you how much time I spent as a kid playing Zelda. I used to drive my mom crazy with that silly game. Thank you for the fun give-away.

  191. marybeth i says:

    Ms. Pacman – I’m old school.

  192. Pauline M says:

    My favorite is guitar hero! I’ve never been really good at any Wii game and my son beats me at everything, BUT guitar hero, I’m hooked!

  193. Kathleen S. says:

    My fave of all time is Tetris. I could play that game for hours! Thanks!

  194. Helen says:

    My all time favorite is Super Mario 3.

  195. Lisa says:

    I love old school pinball and Donkey Kong!

  196. Angela C says:

    I don’t really have a all-time favorite. I have found memories of playing Tetris as a kid, Spent the last year addicted to World of Warcraft and my new addiction is Wii sports.

  197. Leigh Nichols says:

    Frogger!

  198. Crystal says:

    Thief or Doom. I was an old school gaming nerd back in the day. But I haven’t played a game for years.

  199. Trudee Carreiro says:

    I love ms pacman when I was in my early teens

  200. Renee Borders says:

    Centipede was my favorite. What fun!!! Thanks! :)

  201. Tracey says:

    I love Space Invaders!

  202. Suzie Lockhart says:

    I was never much into video games, but back in the early 90s I was hooked on Zelda. Thanks for the contest.
    susan dot lockhart at gmail dot com

  203. Angela Koga says:

    I loe the Wii fit and esp. the downhill sking!!

  204. Karen A. says:

    Back in the days of the Atari, I loved the Seaquest game. I could play it for hours.

  205. Christy Hickman says:

    My all time favorite game is Super Mario Bros. 2. I played it all the time growing up. Thanks for the chance to win.

  206. Jeanette H. says:

    That is a pretty tough decision. I love Mario games but I think I would have to say my favorite of all time would be Super Pac Man! I remember when a friend of mine and I would find that big arcade game somewhere, we would hang out there for weeks or longer playing that game (not all at once, of course). It was so much fun!!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

    JH33194(underscore)2002(at)yahoo.com

  207. Veronica Garrett says:

    Mortal Kombat is my favorite.

  208. Lisa Lopez says:

    My favorite all time was Frogger and Space Invaders. I’m an Atari 2400 girl at heart!
    sweepstakeslopez@yahoo.com

  209. Cassie Moreno says:

    My favorite video game would have to be the sims!! Too bad my disc was scratched ): Oh well, I’d love to win this!
    Cassie

  210. Kayce C says:

    I loved Donkey Kong.

  211. Sherri Siler says:

    were going to gatlinburg this summer for our vacation. this wiil be great for the road trip.

  212. Valeen N says:

    I loved to play Centipede! That was my all-time favorite game!

  213. kathy pease says:

    i always loved tetris it is sooooooooooooo fun :)

  214. R Hicks says:

    I love Guitar Hero

  215. Becca says:

    My all-time favorite game is Circus Atari for the Atari. Of course the new games are fun but there is nothing like Circus Atari. Thanks!

  216. Terri L says:

    Favorite video game of all time is probably centipede.

  217. Tesa S. says:

    I’d have to say Asteroids. I could bust a million on that one every time and play for hours!

  218. Betty C says:

    I love the Kings Quest games. I’m a puzzle addict.

  219. Angie P says:

    I used to love Q-bert. lol

  220. reeva says:

    favorite video game is pac man!

  221. I was the queen of Qbert back in the snack bar at college!

  222. Marcy Strahan says:

    Tron was one of my favorite.

    I Love all the Kirby Games & Sonice Hedge Hogs.

  223. Shannon says:

    maybe Tomb Raider but I loved lots of the games from the eighties too

  224. Denise says:

    Super Mario Bros. ROCK!!!

  225. PAT JASMIN says:

    SUPERMARIO ,THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN

  226. Todd Carnes says:

    I loved Defender and Stargate (Defender II), I searched the house high and low when my mother was at work for a couple of quarters to take to the store..:)

  227. keith reardon says:

    great contest,please enter me

  228. Heather C says:

    Anybody remember Bonk? I freakin’ loved that game…and probably injured my thumb for life playing it for so long. Man, I loved that big-headed caveman.

  229. Melinda Martinez says:

    Guitar hero best game ever

  230. Lily Kwan says:

    I love Tetris!

  231. kerri r says:

    we love the wii outdoor challange its a blast

  232. Tina H. says:

    Our family favorite is anything Mario..

    sweeps4us(at)gmail(dot)com

  233. Tisa says:

    My favorite was Mario Bros! ~ :) Thanks!

  234. Michele says:

    Gotta Luv Pokemon. Keeps em entertained for hrs.

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