Catch the Moon – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Catch the Moon

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Board Game

87%

WISE Score

6.8

Board Game Geek

Stack wooden ladders to reach the moon in this gorgeous, zen dexterity game that's basically Jenga meets a bedtime story.

Catch the Moon

Board Game

87%

WISE Score

6.8

Board Game Geek

Stack wooden ladders to reach the moon in this gorgeous, zen dexterity game that's basically Jenga meets a bedtime story.

4.7

6.8

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Where to Play

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare family games that actually delivers on its promise. The components are beautiful enough that you won't resent having them out, the gameplay is genuinely fun (not just 'fun for a kids game'), and it takes 20 minutes, which is the perfect sweet spot for attention spans.

It's won awards for good reason—the design is elegant, the theme is charming without being cloying, and it works equally well as a solo puzzle or a party game. Yes, it's essentially a stacking game, but the ladder gimmick and the dice constraints make it feel fresh.

The BGG rating of 6.8 might seem middling, but that's because board game nerds rate everything on a curve where Gloomhaven is a 10. For families with kids 6-10, this is an easy recommend. It's the kind of game that comes out regularly, not the kind that sits on the shelf gathering dust.

Age Fit

The 6+ rating is spot-on for independent play, but 4-5 year-olds can absolutely participate with a little help. Teens might find it too simple unless they're playing with younger siblings, but adults genuinely enjoy the tactile, meditative quality.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Whimsical theme of climbing ladders to reach the moon creates a dreamy, gentle atmosphere. Simple turn-based gameplay encourages patience and supports cooperative family play without aggressive competition. The raindrop penalty system is soft and non-punitive—you're not 'losing' so much as collecting gentle reminders. Beautiful wooden components and peaceful aesthetic set a calm, positive tone.

Imaginative

The concept of stacking ladders to catch the moon taps into childhood wonder and dreamlike imagery. Each placement requires spatial thinking and creative problem-solving as the structure becomes increasingly precarious. The open-ended nature of the ladder tower means every game creates a unique sculptural form. Physical dexterity combined with strategic thinking makes it both tactile and cerebral.

Safe

Extremely safe for family play. No mature themes, no conflict-inducing mechanics, no gambling elements. The only safety note from reviews is the standard 'small parts' concern for very young children who might mouth pieces. Social dynamics are healthy—when someone's ladder falls, they get a raindrop token, but there's no direct player-vs-player attack or mean-spirited interaction. The suspense comes from physics, not from other players sabotaging you.

Enriching

Builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial reasoning. Players develop patience, risk assessment, and strategic thinking as they decide where to place ladders. The dice adds an element of adapting to constraints. However, it's ultimately a light dexterity game—fun and skill-building, but not deeply educational or emotionally complex. Replayability is solid but the experience is fairly consistent game-to-game.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely stunning wooden components that look like art on your table—seriously, parents will want to display this
Simple enough for a 6-year-old to understand, engaging enough that adults actually want to play
Quick 20-minute playtime means you can squeeze in a game before bed without commitment anxiety
Builds genuine fine motor skills and spatial reasoning while feeling like pure play
The whimsical 'catching the moon' theme sparks imagination without being saccharine

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What to Watch For

Wooden ladders are small-ish—keep away from kids under 3 who still mouth everything
Some frustration potential when your carefully-placed ladder causes a collapse, but that's part of the learning curve
Not a deep strategy game—if your kid wants complex rules and tactics, look elsewhere

Conversation Starters

"If you could build a real ladder to the moon, what would you bring with you?"
"Why do you think the game uses raindrops instead of something scary when ladders fall?"
"What was your strategy for deciding where to place your ladder?"
"Do you think it's harder to go first or last in this game?"

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