Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love quick laughs and a dash of suspense, Don’t Wake Daddy is spot‑on for family game nights.
Highlights
- Very easy rules
- Short play time
- Contagious humor
- Bright components
Keep in mind
- Lacks strategic depth
- Can feel repetitive over many rounds
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Don’t Wake Daddy is a 1992 classic that still makes kids (and nostalgic adults) burst into laughter. Each player moves a pawn around the board by drawing cards; the card tells you how many spaces to move and which picture it points to. Landing on a picture‑number space triggers the real fun: Daddy, a spring‑loaded plastic figure, is tucked in his bed, ready to spring awake at any moment. You must press the snooze button on his alarm the number of times the card demands. If Daddy stays asleep, you’re safe, but if he suddenly sits up, the kid who woke him is sent back to the start – the “bed” space. The game mixes hand‑management (choosing the right card) with point‑to‑point movement, all in under 20 minutes. Components are simple – colorful cards, pawns, and the iconic spring‑loaded Daddy – yet the tension of not waking him up generates giggles and friendly squabbles. Designed for 2‑4 players, a round is short enough to replay several times in an afternoon. The artwork is humor‑filled, reinforcing the family‑friendly, comedic theme. While the mechanics are straightforward, the game subtly teaches counting and light strategy, making it perfect for children 5+ and still entertaining for adults who enjoy a good visual gag. In short, Don’t Wake Daddy offers noisy fun, easy rules, and that “will Daddy wake up?” suspense that keeps everyone reaching for another turn.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
BEST
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Categories
Families
Publisher
Amo Oy, AS Company, Dexy Co, Goliath Games, Hasbro, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, Tomy
Designer
Roger Ford
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,036owners
51wishlist
1want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
It supports 2 to 4 players.
How long does a game take?
Around 20 minutes, give or take a few minutes.
What is the minimum age recommended?
Kids 5 years old and up, thanks to the simple rules and light theme.
What components are included?
Colorful cards, pawns, a board, the spring‑loaded Daddy figure, and a toy alarm clock.
Do I need to read a lot to play?
No, the rules are explained in a few minutes and are very straightforward.
Is there deep strategy involved?
The strategy is light, mainly about picking the right card and steering clear of risky spaces.
Can younger kids play it?
Yes, it’s designed for children, though adult supervision is advisable to ensure everyone follows the rules.
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