Let’s dive in and learn how to play Cranium Cariboo which you can then teach your kids and have fun learning.
- Number of Players: 2-4
- Ages: 4+
- Length: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Similar To: Cranium, Cranium Cadoo, Pictionary, Pictureka
Components
- Cariboo Island game board
- six treasure balls
- two sets of cards (beginner & advanced)
- one key
- and a treasure chest
- Instructions
Cariboo Beginner
Objective of the Game
The main goal is to work together to look for all six treasure balls and open the treasure chest.
Setup
- Ensure the doors and treasure chest are well closed.
- Put all six balls in the secret tunnels. (Make sure they are well hidden)
- Place all beginner cards face down on the game board.
- The youngest player starts first so give the key to that player.
Gameplay
- To start your turn, draw a card.
The game comes with four kinds of cards.
- Match a letter card to the first letter of the word on a door.
- Match a number card to the number of things on a door
- Match a color card to the color of things on a door.
- Match a shape card to the shape of things on a door.
- With your card in mind, find a door that matches the same category as your card. If you find it, open it will the key. If not, the next player will take his turn.
- When you find a treasure ball, drop it into the tumbling tidepool.
- After that, pass the key to the player on your left side.
End of Game
The player who drops the last treasure ball in the tumbling tidepool wins the game. The treasure chest will also pop open.
Advanced Game Rules
Do you want more challenging gameplay? If so, let’s learn about the advanced game rules for playing Cranium Cariboo.
Follow these steps to set up the advanced game.
Setup
- Switch the door cards to advanced ones by opening the doors with the key, removing it, and pushing it from the hole.
- Flip the card over to show new words and illustrations.
- Now place in the advanced cards.
- Once again, put all the six balls in the secret tunnels
Gameplay
- To start your turn, draw a card.
The advanced version of the game comes with two types of cards
- Number Cards
You will match the number on the card with the number of objects on the door. Similarly, you can match the color of the card to the color of the doors.
- Find one door that corresponds with the number or color of your card and open it. If you don’t find a matching door, the next turn goes to the next player.
- If you manage to find a treasure ball, drop it into the tumbling tidepool.
- After that, the key goes to the next player on your left.
End of Game
The player who places the last treasure ball in the tumbling tidepool and pops open the Cariboo treasure chest wins the game.
Over To You
This is a great game to help your kids improve their overall language skills. Learn it well.
Check also our board game page for more ideas.
If you don’t own the game yet, buy it here on Amazon.
