28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 20-26, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com LOCAL SHOPPING At Bookworks in Pacific Grove, the children’s games section are tangible proof that play doesn’t have to be plugged in. Boxes shaped like octopi, llamas and dogs are a playful antidote to the digital world. Bookseller Danielle Cumberland smiles as she stacks them on the counter. “Kids love puzzles. They like to solve things,” she says. “This year, games that make them think and laugh are flying off the shelves.” This reality indicates what modern families crave: connection through creativity. No batteries, no passwords, just laughter, logic and friendly chaos. Escape from the Aquarium ($16.50) by Professor Puzzle is popular among the locals, thanks to our own Monterey Bay Aquarium. The game can turn the living room into an underwater escape room for children aged 8–12. They must uncover the ingredients of a mysterious potion by solving logic, number and observation puzzles hidden across the aquarium. For younger players, Socktopus Octopus ($16.99) from Mudpuppy is pure, giggly chaos. It invites kids 5 and up to match cards by color or pattern. Players perform “silly actions” like shouting “Shark Attack!” or flailing like an octopus. It’s fast-paced and funny, building motor skills, focus and flexibility without ever feeling like a lesson. Then there’s the highly popular Llamanoes ($12.99) by Chronicle Books, a delightful take on dominoes for ages 3 and up. Instead of dots, kids match llama heads to tails, pairing Super Llama with Dolly Llama or Llama-nardo da Vinci with Niko-llama Tesla. It’s as absurd as it sounds, and that’s the charm: pattern recognition disguised as pure silliness. “It’s colorful, it’s clever, and kids nowadays are deep in their llama phase,” Cumberland says, laughing. Older kids gravitate toward Dog Man: Attack of the Fleas ($22), the cooperative board game inspired by Dav Pilkey’s best-selling graphic-novel series. For ages 6 and up, two to six players become the “Supa Buddies,” racing to stop the villainous Fleas, Crunky, Bub and Piggy. It’s storytelling, strategy and slapstick all in one. So whether your little one prefers matching socks, heroic dogs, witty llamas or aquatic escapes, Bookworks has a box of wonder waiting on its shelves, an open invitation to gather, play and imagine together. Bookworks, 667 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove. Open daily 9am–5pm. DANIEL DREIFUSS Play Without Screens These creative games for kids prove that unplugged fun still matters in the digital era. By Ava Homa Bookworks in Pacific Grove has an extensive lineup of creative games for all ages. Many promote critical thinking in a fun package. GIFT One GET One MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 STOP IN TODAY AND RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY STRESS! *Promotional gift card valid 1/2/15-3/31/15. Not valid for alcohol of for league fees. is Holiday Season, spread a little cheer …and keep some for yourself! Buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get a $10 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Give the perfect gi that can be enjoyed by everyone on your holiday list, PLUS get a gi card for yourself! MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey 373.1553 VALLEY CENTER BOWL 1081 S. Main Street, Salinas 422.9031 Buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 Promotional Gift Card FREE* This Holiday Season, spread a little cheer …and keep some for yourself! STOP IN TODAY AND RELIEVE THAT HOLIDAY STRESS! *Promotional gift card valid 1/2/26 - 3/31/26. Not valid for alcohol or league fees. Buy $50 worth of gift cards and get a $10 Promotional Gift Card FREE* Give the perfect gift that can be enjoyed by everyone on your holiday list, PLUS get a gift card for yourself! Gift One Get One
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