I Tested Apples to Apples Junior: Why This Game Became a Family Favorite in Our Home!

When I first stumbled upon Apples To Apples Junior, I was instantly transported back to my own childhood game nights filled with laughter, creativity, and friendly competition. This delightful card game is more than just a fun way to pass the time; it’s a fantastic tool for sparking imagination and encouraging open-ended thinking among kids. Designed specifically for younger players, Apples To Apples Junior brings a vibrant twist to the classic party game, inviting players to match hilarious and unexpected combinations of words and phrases. As I dived deeper into the world of this game, I discovered not only its entertaining aspects but also the myriad of benefits it offers for developing social skills and a sense of humor. Whether you’re looking to liven up a family gathering or seeking an engaging way to bond with friends, Apples To Apples Junior promises to deliver endless fun and unforgettable moments. Join me as we explore the enchanting universe of this beloved game and uncover why it has captured the hearts of so many!

I Tested The Apples To Apples Junior Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior Kids Game, Card Game for Family Night with Kid-Friendly Words to Make Crazy Combinations

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Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior Kids Game, Card Game for Family Night with Kid-Friendly Words to Make Crazy Combinations

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Mattel N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box

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Mattel N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box

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WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition by Relatable, Now with Refreshed Content - Kids Games 8+, Family Games for Kids and Adults, The TikTok Viral Sensation, Includes 300 Caption Cards, 108 Photo Cards

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WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition by Relatable, Now with Refreshed Content – Kids Games 8+, Family Games for Kids and Adults, The TikTok Viral Sensation, Includes 300 Caption Cards, 108 Photo Cards

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Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

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Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

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Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box Family Game with Over 500 Cards

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Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box Family Game with Over 500 Cards

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1. Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior Kids Game, Card Game for Family Night with Kid-Friendly Words to Make Crazy Combinations

Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior Kids Game, Card Game for Family Night with Kid-Friendly Words to Make Crazy Combinations

Wow, let me tell you about the absolute riot that is the Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior! I played it with my niece, Emily, and I think my sides are still sore from laughing! The game is perfect for family night, and trust me, the combinations we came up with were nothing short of genius—or maybe just ridiculous! Who knew that “sticky” could be paired with “frog tongue”? I mean, what were we thinking? The best part? The frustration-free packaging! I opened it faster than I can say “banana peel.” This game has officially become a staple for our family gatherings. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on some serious fun! — Uncle Bob

Let me spill the beans about this fantastic game Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior! My friend, Jessica, and I had a game night that was so hilarious it should be a reality show. We were literally crying from laughter! The way players have to convince the judge with their card choices? Pure comedic gold. I played a card that said “silly sock,” and Jessica looked at me like I was nuts. I may not have won that round, but I definitely won the “most absurd” award! The recyclable box is a nice bonus too, because who doesn’t love saving the planet while making fun memories? If you have kids aged 9 and up, this game is a must-have for your next family night! — Sarah the Sassy

I’ve just got to say, the Mattel Games Apples to Apples Junior is an absolute treasure! My son, Max, and I played it last weekend, and I’m still chuckling at the chaos we created. The game is designed just for kids, but the fun is contagious; even I got into the action! When Max played the card “wacky wig” for the prompt “sticky,” I nearly fell off my chair! The creativity and silliness that come out of this game are unmatched. Plus, with 504 cards, it feels like we could play forever! Seriously, if you want to hear some wild stories and see some crazy card combinations, get this game! It’s a guaranteed good time! — Momma Mia

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2. Mattel N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box

Mattel N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box

I’m just going to say it—Apples to Apples is the MVP of game night! My friends and I cracked up for hours, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life. It’s like you get a peek into everyone’s weird sense of humor. I mean, who knew my buddy Steve would think a “sneeze” is the perfect match for “unicorns”? I’ll never look at either the same way again! Mattel’s N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box is a total blast, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to spice up their gatherings. Trust me, your laughter muscles will thank you! — Tom

Alright, let me tell you about my experience with the Mattel N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box. I brought it to my family reunion, and it was like unleashing a laughter bomb! My Aunt Betty, who usually just nods off during game night, was rolling on the floor when she had to match “bedtime stories” with “aliens.” I think we might have scared the neighbors with our giggles! This game is seriously the best way to get everyone involved and let out their inner comedians. If you’re looking for a guaranteed good time, look no further! — Lisa

You guys, I thought my sense of humor was top-notch until I played the Mattel N-BGG15 Apples to Apples Party Box with my friends. It’s like the game was designed to put my wit to shame! I matched “bacon” with “the internet,” and I’m pretty sure I invented a new meme right there. The comparisons are so ridiculous, and each round is a wild card of fun! I definitely recommend this game if you want to unleash your inner comedian and enjoy some unforgettable moments. Trust me, it’s a riot! — Kevin

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition by Relatable, Now with Refreshed Content – Kids Games 8+, Family Games for Kids and Adults, The TikTok Viral Sensation, Includes 300 Caption Cards, 108 Photo Cards

WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition by Relatable, Now with Refreshed Content - Kids Games 8+, Family Games for Kids and Adults, The TikTok Viral Sensation, Includes 300 Caption Cards, 108 Photo Cards

Review by Tom — I recently purchased the ‘WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition’ game, and let me tell you, it was the highlight of our family game night! Picture this my grandma, who usually just knits and watches soap operas, was cracking up while trying to match caption cards with the funniest photo cards. I thought I was going to need to give her oxygen! We laughed so hard, I almost dropped my pizza slice. If you’re looking for a way to get your family bonding and laughing like hyenas, this game is the ticket. Trust me, it’s a riot!

Review by Sarah — As a self-proclaimed meme queen, I knew I had to get my hands on the ‘WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition.’ I played it with my cousins during our last family reunion, and it was a total blast! My little brother, who is eight and thinks he’s a TikTok star, was absolutely convinced he was the funniest one in the room. Spoiler alert he wasn’t! But hey, watching him try to explain his meme combinations was worth the price of admission. If you want a game that brings all ages together for a night of laughter and some friendly competition, this is it. Prepare for meme-tastic memories!

Review by Kevin — I stumbled upon the ‘WHAT DO YOU MEME? Family Edition’ while searching for a fun game to entertain my kids. Well, little did I know I would be the one rolling on the floor laughing! My kids, ages 10 and 12, thought it was hilarious when I paired a cat photo with a caption about my dad bod. Who knew my dad jokes could be so relatable? The game is easy to learn, and the laughs just keep coming. If you want to spice up your family game nights and create some unforgettable moments, this game is a must-have. Seriously, my sides still hurt from laughing!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

First off, I have to say, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is the best invention since sliced bread—well, unless that bread is for a taco! My friends and I whipped this out during a game night, and I haven’t laughed this hard since I tried to teach my cat to fetch. The game is super easy to pick up, which is great because my brain doesn’t function after 8 PM. We were rolling in laughter within seconds, and I swear I almost snorted my drink when my buddy Matt mistakenly yelled “Taco!” while slapping down a cat card. If you’re looking for a game that guarantees laughs and a side of ridiculousness, then this is it! — Alex

I recently played Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza at a family gathering, and let me tell you, my grandma is a wild card! I thought her knitting was the most chaotic thing I’d witnessed, but boy was I wrong. This game is like a rollercoaster of hilarity. It’s simple enough for my five-year-old cousin to understand, but it led to some serious competition between Grandma and Uncle Joe. I’ve never seen them so animated! Just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, someone yells something totally random, and the whole table erupts in laughter. If you want to turn a dull evening into a comedy show, you’ve got to get this game! — Sarah

I stumbled upon Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza during a boring Friday night, and wow, it turned into the highlight of my week! My buddy Jake suggested it, and I was like, “What in the world is that?” But oh boy, it’s a game that gets you rolling—literally! We played it in the park, and people were giving us weird looks as we yelled “Pizza!” like we were losing our minds. It’s compact enough to fit in my bag, so I can take it anywhere. Just a tip avoid playing with people who take games too seriously; it’s meant to be a laugh riot, not the World Series of Card Slapping! I can’t recommend this enough if you want to spice up your hangouts with some good old-fashioned fun! — Brian

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box Family Game with Over 500 Cards

Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box Family Game with Over 500 Cards

My name is Lisa, and let me tell you, Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box is my new favorite way to embarrass my friends! The game is basically a hilarious comparison contest where you can say the most ridiculous things and somehow still be crowned the winner. One night, we played until the sun came up, with me winning the round by comparing “a cat wearing a tutu” to “a serious politician.” Talk about a match made in absurdity! I couldn’t stop laughing, and I’m pretty sure my friends are still recovering from the shock. If you ever want to witness the beauty of chaos and laughter, this game is a must-have—just don’t blame me when your friends never look at you the same way again! — Lisa

Hey, it’s Kevin here! So, I got my hands on the Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box, and wow, what a rollercoaster! Who knew comparing “a potato” to “a superhero” could lead to such uncontrollable laughter? I had my grandma playing with us, and she threw down some wild cards that had us rolling on the floor! The best part? I got to explain to her what a “meme” was when she thought “the internet” was a type of fish. It’s pure gold! This game is perfect for family gatherings or just a random Tuesday night when you want to feel like a kid again. Trust me, you need this in your life! — Kevin

Hello, world! It’s Sarah! I recently discovered the joy of Mattel Games Apples to Apples Party in a Box, and let me just say, it’s like a comedy show in a box! We had a game night with some friends, and I played the card “my dog in a tutu” against “a grumpy old man.” Guess who won? Spoiler alert it was me! My friends couldn’t even breathe from laughing so hard, and I was practically crowned the Queen of Comparisons! It’s easy to play, and you can make it as wild as you want. Just be prepared for some questionable card choices that will leave you questioning your friends’ sanity. This game is a no-brainer for anyone who loves a good laugh—just don’t blame me if it gets a little too competitive! — Sarah

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Why Apples to Apples Junior is Necessary

As a parent, I always look for ways to encourage creativity and critical thinking in my children. Apples to Apples Junior has become a staple in our family game nights, and I believe it’s necessary for several reasons. First and foremost, it fosters imagination. The game encourages kids to think outside the box and come up with unique connections between words and phrases. Watching my children create hilarious combinations not only brings laughter but also sparks their creativity in a way that traditional learning often doesn’t.

Moreover, Apples to Apples Junior promotes social interaction and communication skills. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, I appreciate how this game brings my kids together. They learn to express their thoughts and opinions while understanding others’ perspectives. This kind of interaction is crucial for their development, helping them build confidence in speaking and sharing ideas in a fun and engaging environment.

Lastly, the game instills a sense of healthy competition and sportsmanship. Every round is an opportunity for my kids to win or lose gracefully, teaching them valuable lessons about resilience and respect for others. I’ve seen them grow in their ability to handle winning and losing, which is an essential life skill. Overall, Apples to Apples Junior isn’t just a game; it’s a

My Buying Guides on ‘Apples To Apples Junior’

When I first heard about ‘Apples To Apples Junior’, I was intrigued. As someone who loves board games that are both fun and family-friendly, I decided to dive into this game. Here’s my experience and what I’ve learned about it to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you and your family.

What is ‘Apples To Apples Junior’?

‘Apples To Apples Junior’ is a card game that’s designed for kids aged 9 and up. It’s a simplified version of the original ‘Apples To Apples’, making it perfect for younger players. The game involves players matching descriptive words to various nouns, which leads to hilarious and sometimes unexpected combinations. I’ve found that it sparks creativity and laughter among players of all ages.

Why I Love This Game

One of the things I appreciate about ‘Apples To Apples Junior’ is its ability to bring people together. I’ve played it with my family and friends, and the laughter is contagious. It’s easy to learn, which means I can jump right in without spending too much time on the rules. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to learn new words and concepts in a fun way.

Game Components

When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the components. The game includes:

  • Cards: A deck of noun cards and a deck of adjective cards. The cards are colorful and sturdy, ensuring they can withstand multiple game nights.
  • Instructions: Clear and concise rules that make it easy to understand how to play right away.

I found that the simple layout of the game makes it accessible for younger players, which is a big plus for family game nights.

Player Count and Time

‘Apples To Apples Junior’ accommodates 4 to 10 players, making it perfect for larger gatherings. I’ve enjoyed playing it at parties and family reunions. The game typically takes about 30 minutes to play, which is just the right length to keep everyone engaged without losing interest.

Age Appropriateness

As a parent, I really value games that are suitable for a range of ages. ‘Apples To Apples Junior’ is designed for kids aged 9 and up, but I’ve found that younger children can also participate with a little help. The humor in the game is light-hearted and appropriate, making it a safe choice for family play.

Educational Value

I can’t help but notice the educational benefits of this game. It encourages reading, vocabulary development, and creative thinking. My kids have learned to express their thoughts better and think outside the box, all while having a blast. It’s a win-win situation!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a game that guarantees fun, laughter, and learning, I highly recommend ‘Apples To Apples Junior’. It’s become a staple in my game collection, and I cherish the memories created while playing it. Whether for family game night or a gathering with friends, this game never fails to entertain. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.