The recommended reading age for the book "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis varies depending on individual readers and their reading abilities. This beloved classic fantasy novel, part of the Chronicles of Narnia series, has captivated readers of all ages since its publication in 1950. However, it is generally considered suitable for readers aged 8 and up, as it contains complex themes and some intense scenes that may be more appropriate for older children. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" follows the adventures of four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that transports them to the mystical world of Narnia.
The game is like a scavenger hunt as you walk around the lodge and complete quests. There are five areas that are included in the quests, and you’ll have to walk back and forth to complete them all. Some quests will take you to the lobby of the hotel, while others are in the arcade area and Howlin Timbers Play Park. So be prepared to do some walking.
Originally designed for young kids to play with help from parents, the game has since been embraced by teens and adults, many of whom have been immersed in the game for more than a decade. Players are armed with their own unique magic wand which emits signals that interact with stations spread around multiple floors of hallways, lobbies, and common areas of the resort but not actually inside the water park.
"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" follows the adventures of four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that transports them to the mystical world of Narnia. Here, they encounter talking animals, mythical creatures, and the eternal battle between good and evil. The book explores themes of bravery, loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption, making it a thought-provoking read for young minds.
Tips for playing Magi Quest at Great Wolf Lodge
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Our family recently took a “staycation” together at Great Wolf Lodge, and the highlight of the trip was playing their Magi Quest game! In previous trips to Great Wolf Lodge, our daughter seemed a little young for a game of clues. So we activated her wand, and just let her walk around the lodge activating the magical pictures and statues for fun! But this year when we visited, we brought her wand back – and we really did Magi Quest with her!
It was a lot of fun, and we picked up some hints we think may help other families! We played Magi Quest at the Grapevine TX location, but most tips will be universally true no matter where you play!
Magi Quest Basics:
- Magi Quest is an optional game of clues and it sends you on a scavenger hunt all over the lodge. Although some packages include a game of Magi Quest during your stay as well as a wand – not all do. So check ahead if you need to purchase it separately.
- You don’t need to buy multiple wands or game activation for a large family or party. Its very easy and economical to just buy one wand (and activation) and share it amongst the group!
- There are multiple games that you can play, so every time you visit the lodge, or go to a new lodge your original wand will tell you what you have already conquered.
- The basic Quest has you collecting Runes for different character traits such as bravery, cooperation etc…. It’s not scary in general but it does have some objects talk to you in half “spooky voices.”
- In order to start your quest you must find the trees with the screen in them, and wave your wand. After you find each group of objects return to the tree to get your new assignment, and verify you completed the last task.
- Be aware that when you pick a “topper” for your wand that they possess certain properties that can help you on later quests, like healing. So ask if you dont know what your topper does!
Magi Quest Tips:
- The thing that most often messes new players up is the wand. It helps to wave your wand pretty close to the object you want to activate. And as my husband kept saying “it’s all in the wrist!” If you are still having trouble look for a quest symbol on the object, that’s usually where your wand needs to point!
- If you are having trouble call for help! There are literally Magi Quest phones around the lodge where you can pick up the receiver and be connected to an expert. Thy will be happy to tell you where a clue is if you give up! You can also go down to the desk where you got your wand, and they can look at the history on it and tell you if you missed a ruin!
- Sometimes clues are not just on walls, and objects. Sometimes they are above you! Look at the ceiling!
- Sometimes objects will need to be gotten in a certain order.
- It’s usually easiest to find the clues in the order they are given in your Magi Quest handbook. If you skip around – you may find yourself needlessly lost.
- It helps if you are mentally noting objects you see as you go on your Quest. That way in a future clue – you may already know where a magic painting or statue is!
- Use the stairs as much as possible, instead of the elevator. Two reasons. 1) There are clues IN the stairwell you wont see if you never use it. 2) Rumor has it that using the elevator deducts points from your score! To get around that, be sure to cover the tip of your wand while in elevators!
- Take your time. I think the quest is most fun when you do a little each day – your wand works for your whole stay, not for just 24hours. So pace yourself!
Want to see some of what MagiQuest has to offer?
Check out this video on my YouTube channel, and be sure to subscribe to get more Great Wolf posts in the future:)
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About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
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Magi Quest Tips:
While the writing style and vocabulary used in the book may be accessible to younger readers, some of the concepts and allegorical elements may be better understood and appreciated by older children and teenagers. For example, the portrayal of the White Witch as a wicked and powerful enemy may be frightening for younger readers, while older readers may recognize her as a symbol of evil and temptation. Similarly, the character of Aslan the lion, who represents Christ-like sacrificial love, may be more deeply appreciated by older readers. Parents and educators can use their discretion when recommending "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to young readers. Some children may be ready for the content and themes of the book at a younger age, while others may need more time to fully grasp its deeper meanings. Ultimately, the recommended reading age serves as a general guideline, but children should be encouraged to read books that challenge and engage them at their own pace and level of understanding. Overall, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is a timeless tale that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is a rich and imaginative story that invites readers to explore the realms of fantasy, morality, and faith. Whether enjoyed independently or as a shared reading experience, this book has the power to entertain, inspire, and provoke thoughtful discussions among readers young and old..
Reviews for "How to gauge if your child is ready for the themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The recommended reading age of 8-12 years old is completely inaccurate. The language used is very old-fashioned and difficult for young children to understand. Additionally, the storyline is quite complex and can be confusing for children in this age group. I think the recommended reading age should be adjusted to be more accurate and cater to a younger audience.
2. John Smith - 2 stars - As a teacher, I have to say that the recommended reading age for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is too high. The vocabulary and writing style are not appropriate for most children between 8-12 years old. The book may be suitable for older or more advanced readers, but for the average child in this age group, it can be a daunting and frustrating read. I would suggest adjusting the recommended reading age to better align with the target audience and make it more accessible to younger readers.
3. Sarah Johnson - 1 star - I found the recommended reading age for "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" to be completely misleading. My 8-year-old daughter struggled to understand the vocabulary and the complex storyline. We had to stop reading it halfway through because she was constantly asking for explanations. It's frustrating when a book is marketed for a specific age group but falls short in delivering content that is suitable for that age range. I would not recommend this book for children at the recommended reading age of 8-12 years old.