Being on lockdown isn’t all fun and games. But families need fun – and these games help

By David G. Allan, CNN
4 minute read
Updated 5:21 PM EDT, Wed March 18, 2020
Monopoly was first issued by Parker Brothers in 1935, though there is some controversy about who invented the game. Some say it was Charles Darrow during the Depression; others say it was originally Elizabeth Phillips who called it The Landlord's Game, patented in 1904. Like many games and toys, the look has changed over the years.
Monopoly was first issued by Parker Brothers in 1935, though there is some controversy about who invented the game. Some say it was Charles Darrow during the Depression; others say it was originally Elizabeth Phillips who called it The Landlord's Game, patented in 1904. Like many games and toys, the look has changed over the years.
Courtesy The Strong
Monopoly Empire by Parker Brothers in 2013. More than 275 million games have been sold worldwide, and it's available in 111 countries, in 43 languages.
Monopoly Empire by Parker Brothers in 2013. More than 275 million games have been sold worldwide, and it's available in 111 countries, in 43 languages.
Courtesy Hasbro
The Rubik's Cube: Since its invention by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, an estimated 350 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold, and about one in seven people alive has played with the cube, <a href="http://rubiks.com/history" target="_blank" target="_blank">according to its website.</a>
The Rubik's Cube: Since its invention by Hungarian professor Erno Rubik in 1974, an estimated 350 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold, and about one in seven people alive has played with the cube, according to its website.
courtesy the strong
In 2009, the cube was upgraded to modern times with the Rubik's TouchCube by Techno Source, which bills it as the first completely electronic, solvable Rubik's Cube. The TouchCube is one of many examples of how traditional games are becoming more and more popular in electronic format, from sports like football and baseball to board games like chess and checkers.
In 2009, the cube was upgraded to modern times with the Rubik's TouchCube by Techno Source, which bills it as the first completely electronic, solvable Rubik's Cube. The TouchCube is one of many examples of how traditional games are becoming more and more popular in electronic format, from sports like football and baseball to board games like chess and checkers.
courtesy the strong
This Barbie Doll by Mattel in 1960 doesn't look quite the same as the ones today (less pink).
This Barbie Doll by Mattel in 1960 doesn't look quite the same as the ones today (less pink).
Courtesy The Strong
Barbie Fashionistas Doll by Mattel in 2013. Barbie was introduced by Mattel in 1959 and has become a household name. She has fought against mothers and feminists who have condemned her for alleged negative effects on young girls. She has had many incarnations including as an astronaut, doctor and race car drivers.
Barbie Fashionistas Doll by Mattel in 2013. Barbie was introduced by Mattel in 1959 and has become a household name. She has fought against mothers and feminists who have condemned her for alleged negative effects on young girls. She has had many incarnations including as an astronaut, doctor and race car drivers.
courtesy Matell
Mickey Mouse doll by Steiff Co. circa 1930. The Steiff Company worked with Disney over six years and in that time produced about 53,000 Mickey Mouse dolls.
Mickey Mouse doll by Steiff Co. circa 1930. The Steiff Company worked with Disney over six years and in that time produced about 53,000 Mickey Mouse dolls.
Courtesy The Strong
Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice plush souvenir doll by Disney. This well-known mouse has been the face of Disney for years, starting in 1928 when he was created by Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney.
Mickey's Sorcerer's Apprentice plush souvenir doll by Disney. This well-known mouse has been the face of Disney for years, starting in 1928 when he was created by Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney.
Courtesy Disney