Brilliant Stories

Supporting Local During Coronavirus: Dr. G's Brainworks

April 7, 2020

In the greater Champaign County area, local businesses aren't just businesses. Our neighbors, family, and friends are all working to keep things as normal as possible amidst the COVID-19 precautions as outlined by the Governor of Illinois and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department. These challenging times serve as a reminder to residents in the greater Champaign County area just how wonderful our local businesses, restaurants, and community truly is. If there's ever a time to embrace #OutsideofOrdinary, it's now.

Dr. G's Brainworks

Dr. G's Brainworks, like many retail shops, shut its storefront doors due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. In response to the changes, the store that aims to "keep your brain healthy with fun" moved things online, including an easy-to-follow guide to the top games for various ages and interests.

On their website, you can shop Dr. G's Brainworks games, puzzles, and more. Online orders ship M-F as soon as they are placed to ensure you get your activities ASAP. The store's "signature personal assistance" is also available virtually! Experts are happy to help you select a puzzle, game, or educational activity that best meets your interests, needs, and budget.

So, what are some hot games and puzzles for social distancing? Angie helped us pinpoint a few titles to check out!

Multiplayer favorite: Sky Magic

Ages 6 and up (younger with parent assistance) - 2-4 players

In Sky Magic players work together to get the magical creatures across the sky and back to their homes. The game incorporates interesting elements players need to navigate including flaps on the game board. Your kids will want to play it again and again!

Brain Game for all ages: marble circuit

Recommended for ages 8 and up - 1 player

It’s the multi-directional marble maze with 64 puzzling challenges! Choose a card to see your puzzle and place the multi-directional tiles on the board. Release the steel marbles to see if you land your targets. If you’re off base, move the tiles until you’re off base, move the tiles until your marble circuits deliver a picture-perfect landing! It’s logic, strategy and a brain game all in one!

Older Kids and adults: codenames pictures

Recommended for ages 14 and up, but younger players paired with adults on teams is fun for all

Two rival spymasters know the agent in each location. They deliver coded messages telling their field operatives where to go for clandestine meetings. Operatives must be clever. A decoding mistake could lead to an unpleasant encounter with an enemy agent. Both teams race to contact all their agents, but only one team can win.

For more games recommendations and information on getting these social distancing activities delivered to you, visit the Dr. G's Brainworks website

HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS

As we see a reduction in business to our area, we continue to encourage the support of our local businesses and the hospitality industry. As of Sunday, March 15, it is state-mandated that bars & restaurants close through March 30. Please note that carry-out and curbside pick-up options are available. We are collecting information on these options and posting them here, but also encourage patrons to follow their favorite spots on social media for updates or call for more information.

We will continue to post updates on our Business Updates and Cancellations page as we receive them, but encourage everyone to take guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC seriously. 

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