Since the moment my family bought a Google Home [1], our lives have been so much easier. I use it to keep track of our appointments [2], create shopping lists, check the weather, get recipes [3], set timers and alarms, and even control the lighting in my home. And my kids use it to tell jokes, sing songs, and play choose-your-adventure games (it's a great high-tech alternative to their staring at a screen all day [4]). With Google Home, my kids never complain that they're bored, because it has so much to offer them, most of which I had no idea about until we actually bought it! Keep reading for a fun list of my children's favourite Google Home features.
Potty Humour
Let's just get this one out of the way. If your kids ask Google, "Did you fart?," it has different responses, one of them being, "You can blame me if you want. I don't mind." Thanks, Google.
SpongeBob SquarePants
If you've got a SpongeBob SquarePants fan [6] in your house, ask Google, "Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" Google has different responses, one of them being, "SpongeBob Squarepants. A squirrel lives down there too, which is nuts."
Frozen
What can we say? We just can't "let it go!" [7] If your kids are still obsessed with Frozen, make sure to ask Google, "Do you want to build a snowman?" Google has different responses, one of them being, "Sure. The cold never bothered me anyway."
Riddles
Google will tell you a new one every time when you ask for a riddle. Good luck! (If you get stuck, just tell Google "Cheat Code" and Google will act as if you answered correctly.)
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Google can also play interactive games with your kids, like the classic Rock, Paper, Scissors. First, you'll shoot, and then Google will make a choice. Google will also keep track of the points.
Ding Dong Coconut
Google has a fantastic memory game for kids called Ding Dong Coconut. Kids have to match sounds with words Google tells them.
Mickey Mouse Adventure
If your child enjoys choose-their-own adventure games and is a fan of Mickey Mouse, they'll love playing Mickey Mouse Adventure. Your child will answer questions and make decisions to help Mickey Mouse get across the city to his magic show.
Belle's Castle Adventure
If your child loves Belle from Beauty and the Beast, they'll enjoy playing Belle's Castle Adventure. Your child will figure out clues in order to help Belle find all of the books the Beast hid from her in the castle.
Cars Adventure
Ka-chow! Cars Adventure is another choose-your-adventure interactive game. Your child will help Lightning McQueen win a race and decide how he celebrates his victory with his car friends.
Jungle Adventure
If your child ever wanted to visit a jungle, playing Jungle Adventure with Google is a great way for them to use their imagination. In the game, your child will make decisions to help find a lost temple.
Strangest Day Ever
Your child will find themselves in the silliest situations with the wackiest characters. The best part is you get a different story every time you play!
Star Wars Trivia Challenge
If you have a Star Wars fan who wants to know if they have what it takes to be a Star Wars master, have them take this challenge. Google will ask multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and character-voice-recognition questions about all of the movies.