the mommy avenger

If you’ve been around here long enough, you know I’m not exactly the “pick me!” girl when it comes to games.

I don’t love being the center of attention. You won’t catch me volunteering for charades. Karaoke? Absolutely not. I’d rather organize the snacks and cheer from the sidelines.

So when I heard that Great Big Game Show was opening at Fashion Place Mall in Murray, Utah and we were invited to try it out, I was intrigued… but cautious.

A live game show? With buzzers? In front of people?

And then I did what I always do. I rallied the troops.

I packed up myself and 12 of my favorite people, and we headed to Great Big Game Show for a night of friendly competition, fully prepared to laugh at myself if needed.

Spoiler: we had an absolute blast.

So What Is Great Big Game Show?

Think of it as stepping onto the set of your own live TV game show.

When you arrive, your group is divided into teams. You’re led into a studio where podiums with buzzers are waiting. There’s a giant screen at the front of the room and an animated co-host named Chip who guides the experience by generating a wide variety of mini games.

You don’t just play one game. You rotate through many different mini challenges over the course of an hour. And there are so many possibilities that each visit can be completely different.

The games feel familiar in the best way. They’re inspired by classic game show concepts, but each one has its own unique twist. Nothing feels stale or predictable.

Points accumulate as you go, and the energy builds the entire time.

Games That Get Everyone Involved

I loved that the games weren’t one-note. Some required quick thinking. Others tested memory. A few got us moving.

We played physical challenge games like Split Decision and Build It Up. And then there was my personal favorite, Blaster Blitz. Yes, that’s the one where we used dart blasters to hit targets on the screen. And yes, we may or may not have briefly aimed at the opposing team while laughing like middle schoolers.

We also flexed our brainpower in games like Remember Me, Wait for Me, and Common Bonds, which tested memory and cognition in really clever ways.

But my favorite of the night was The Grid. It combined trivia with strategy. You could wager your points to try and take the lead, which meant everything could change in a single round. The competitive side of me came out fast.

What I appreciated most is that no single personality type dominates the experience. You don’t have to be loud. You don’t have to be athletic. You don’t have to be a trivia genius. Every game gives different people a chance to shine.

Even if you’re a little shy like me.

Yes, Even If You’re Not a “Game Person”

I’ll be honest. I walked in wondering how comfortable I’d feel.

But here’s the thing: you’re not standing alone on a stage. You’re with your team the entire time. You’re laughing together, whispering answers, celebrating small wins. The environment is upbeat and supportive, not intimidating.

Our host, Cadence, did a fantastic job keeping the energy high and the pace moving. There’s no awkward downtime. No long stretches where you feel put on the spot. Just quick transitions, clear instructions, and lots of cheering.

And maybe a little playful booing.

It felt less like performing and more like being part of something together.

Why Families Will Love It

One of my favorite parts of the night was watching how naturally it brought everyone together.

Phones disappeared. No one was scrolling. No one was half-present. We were all in it.

Laughing.
Competing.
High-fiving.
Strategizing.

It felt good to be a little kid again.

And speaking of kids, they are absolutely welcome here. It’s recommended for ages 6 and up, as long as they’re with an adult. That makes this such a great family night option. It’s interactive enough to hold attention, fast-paced enough to keep teens engaged, and simple enough for younger kids to join in.

I can easily see this being:

• A birthday party hit
• A family reunion activity
• A team-building event
• A girls’ night out
• Or even a fun daytime activity for high schoolers before a big dance

It works because it gets everyone participating. No one is stuck on the sidelines.

More Than Just a Game

At its core, Great Big Game Show isn’t just about points. It’s about shared experience.

It’s about that moment when your whole team gasps because you pulled ahead at the last second.

It’s about laughing when you totally bomb a question.

It’s about cheering each other on and maybe getting just a little too competitive.

And the best part? Locations are popping up all over the United States, so more families are getting the chance to experience it for themselves.

If you’re looking for something different. Something active. Something that pulls everyone off the couch and into the moment.

I can honestly say this surprised me in the best way.

Even this not-a-game-person is already talking about going back.

And that’s saying something.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}