Don't Wake Daddy

Amo Oy, AS Company, Dexy Co · Board game · 1992
— Ludopedia 4.5 BGG 2–4 · best 3 20 min Weight 1.1/5
Buy · from US$ 24.99
— rating Ludopedia
4.5 rating BGG
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
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

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.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

Loading playlist...

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Comic Books: Marvel Universe Comic Books: The Incredible Hulk
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

7 questions
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.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games