Classic Wooden Kerplunk Game

Description

The one everybody remembers

Some games survive because they are perfect. Kerplunk is one of them. Thread the sticks through the tower, pour the marbles in on top, then take turns pulling sticks out and hope the pile holds. When it goes, it goes all at once — and everyone shrieks.

This is the wooden version rather than the plastic one, which means it feels like something rather than nothing, and it will still be in the cupboard when your child is a teenager.

What’s in the box

• Solid wooden tower with pre-drilled stick holes
• Wooden base and marble collection tray
• Set of coloured sticks
• Glass marbles

What it builds

More than it looks like. Children work out which sticks are holding weight and which are decorative — that is early structural reasoning. Taking turns and losing gracefully gets practised every single round, and the steady-handed pull is genuine fine motor control under pressure.

Ages

Best from 4 years, and it keeps working right through primary school. Adults are competitive at it too, which is rather the point of a family game.

Safety and materials

Solid wood with non-toxic finishes. Contains small parts and glass marbles — not suitable for children under 3. Always follow the age warning printed on the box, and keep marbles away from younger siblings.

Looking after it

Wipe with a barely damp cloth. Do not soak wooden parts. Store the marbles in the tray or a bag so they do not wander under the couch.

Want to know what games like this develop? Read our STEM Play guide.