
Candy Land, a beloved classic of the gaming world, has captivated generations with its whimsical and vibrant board. Step into a realm where candy-colored paths lead through a magical land filled with gingerbread houses, chocolate rivers, and gumdrop forests. With its simple rules and endless possibilities, Candy Land is a perfect choice for young children, their parents, and anyone looking for a delightful escape.
Playing Candy Land is a true adventure that unfolds with every draw of a card. Players start their journey at the lollipop tree, embarking on a sweet-filled odyssey. Along the way, they encounter friendly characters such as Queen Frostine, King Kandy, and Lord Licorice. Draw cards and advance your pieces based on the colors or instructions, following the path of sugar-studded squares. The first player to reach the Candy Castle is crowned the “Candy King” or “Candy Queen.” But beware: the Honeycomb Swamp and Molasses Swamp can slow down even the swiftest of travelers.
Candy Land is not just a game; it’s an experience that sparks imagination and brings joy. Its colorful board and charming characters create a whimsical world that players of all ages can’t resist. So gather your friends or family, grab a deck of cards, and embark on a sweet adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. As the saying goes, “In Candy Land, the sweetest journeys are the ones shared.”
The Game Board
The Candy Land game board is a colorful and whimsical path that leads players from the Start space to the Candy Castle finish line. The board is divided into 134 spaces, each representing a different candy-themed location, such as Gumdrop Mountain, Lollipop Woods, and Chocolate Swamp. The spaces are arranged in a meandering path, with some spaces leading to shortcuts or bonus areas.
The game board is made up of six different colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and purple. Each color represents a different type of candy. For example, the blue spaces are all candy-themed, while the green spaces are all nature-themed. The different colors of spaces help to create a sense of variety and excitement as players move around the board.
Color |
Candy Type |
Blue |
Candy-themed |
Green |
Nature-themed |
Yellow |
Fruit-themed |
Orange |
Vegetable-themed |
Red |
Animal-themed |
Purple |
Magic-themed |
The Candy Land game board is a fun and challenging way to learn about candy and different types of natural environments. The game is perfect for children of all ages and can be enjoyed by adults as well.
The Cards
Candy Land features a deck of 52 cards, each of which depicts a different character, object, or location from the game’s whimsical world. Cards come in six different colors: blue, yellow, green, red, purple, and orange. Each card is either a Single Card or a Double Card.
Single Cards
Single Cards are the most common type of card in Candy Land. They feature a single character, object, or location on a single side and no numbers. When a player draws a Single Card, they must move their game piece to the space on the game board that matches the image on the card.
Double Cards
Double Cards are less common than Single Cards. They feature two images on a single side, one image above the other. Each image has a number below it. When a player draws a Double Card, they have a choice of which image they want to move their game piece to. They can move their game piece to the space on the game board that matches the number below the image they choose.
Card |
Description |
Blue Single Card |
Depicts a gingerbread boy and has no number. |
Yellow Single Card |
Depicts a lollipop and has no number. |
Green Single Card |
Depicts a gumdrop tree and has no number. |
Red Single Card |
Depicts a chocolate bar and has no number. |
Purple Single Card |
Depicts a licorice stick and has no number. |
Orange Single Card |
Depicts a peanut brittle house and has no number. |
Blue Double Card |
Depicts a gumdrop forest with the number 1 below it and a river with the number 4 below it. |
Yellow Double Card |
Depicts a lollipop tree with the number 2 below it and a gingerbread house with the number 5 below it. |
Setting Up the Game
1. Gather materials
You will need a Candy Land game board, 4 playing pieces, and a deck of Candy Land cards.
2. Choose players
Candy Land can be played with 2-4 players.
3. Set up the game board
- Unfold the game board and place it on a flat surface.
- Insert the spinner into the center of the board.
- Place the four gingerbread houses around the perimeter of the board, with one in each corner.
- Shuffle the deck of cards and place it face down next to the board.
Taking Turns
1. **Player with the highest number on the dice goes first.** If two or more players tie, they roll again until one player has the highest number.
2. **On your turn, roll the dice and move your piece forward the number of spaces indicated on the dice.**
3. **If you land on a space that has a special icon, follow the instructions on the space.** For example, if you land on a space with a gumdrop, you can move forward to the next gumdrop space.
4. **If your piece lands on a space that is already occupied by another player’s piece, you must keep your piece on that space until the next turn.** The player whose piece is in your way can move their piece to any other unoccupied space on the board.
Special Icon |
Instruction |
Gumdrop |
Move forward to the next gumdrop space. |
Lollipop |
Move forward to the next lollipop space. |
Candy Cane |
Move forward to the next candy cane space. |
Gingerbread Man |
Move forward to the next gingerbread man space. |
Queen Frostine |
Move forward to Queen Frostine’s Castle. |
5. **The first player to reach the Candy Castle wins the game.**
Moving the Pawns
The first player draws a card from the deck and moves their pawn to the corresponding space on the board. If the space is occupied, the pawn jumps over the other pawn and continues moving. If the card drawn is a Gumdrop Forest space, the player can move their pawn to any space on the board. If the card drawn is a Candy Cane Forest space, the player can move their pawn to any space on the board, except for the start or finish.
If the card is a Licorice space, the player moves their pawn forward one space. If the card is a Lollipop space, the player moves their pawn backward one space. If the card is a Chocolate River space, the player moves their pawn down the river to the first open space. If the card is a Fudge Swamp space, the player moves their pawn across the swamp to the first open space. If the card is a Winter Forest space, the player moves their pawn to the first open space in the Winter Forest. If the card is a Gingerbread House space, the player moves their pawn to the Gingerbread House.
If the card drawn is a Queen Frostine’s Frosting Forest space, the player moves their pawn forward three spaces. If the card drawn is a King Kandy’s Castle space, the player moves their pawn forward four spaces. If the card drawn is a Lord Licorice’s Licorice Lagoon space, the player moves their pawn backward three spaces. If the card drawn is a Gramma Nutt’s Peanut Brittle House space, the player moves their pawn backward four spaces. If the card drawn is a Sticky Mud Patch space, the player moves their pawn backward two spaces.
Space Name |
Effect |
Gumdrop Forest |
Move pawn to any space on the board |
Candy Cane Forest |
Move pawn to any space on the board except start or finish |
Licorice |
Move pawn forward one space |
Lollipop |
Move pawn backward one space |
Chocolate River |
Move pawn down the river to first open space |
Fudge Swamp |
Move pawn across the swamp to first open space |
Winter Forest |
Move pawn to first open space in Winter Forest |
Gingerbread House |
Move pawn to Gingerbread House |
Queen Frostine’s Frosting Forest |
Move pawn forward three spaces |
King Kandy’s Castle |
Move pawn forward four spaces |
Lord Licorice’s Licorice Lagoon |
Move pawn backward three spaces |
Gramma Nutt’s Peanut Brittle House |
Move pawn backward four spaces |
Sticky Mud Patch |
Move pawn backward two spaces |
Drawing Cards
To start the game, each player draws a card from the draw pile. The player with the highest card goes first. If two or more players have the same card, they all go at the same time. The player to the left of the first player goes next and so on. The game continues until one player reaches the Candy Castle.
When to Draw a Card
Players draw a card at the beginning of their turn. If they land on a space that has a picture of a card, they draw a card. If they land on a space that has a picture of two cards, they draw two cards. If they land on the Candy Castle, they do not draw a card.
What to Do with a Card
When a player draws a card, they must follow the instructions on the card. The instructions can be one of the following:
- Move forward
- Move backward
- Draw another card
- Skip your next turn
- Go to a specific space
- Switch places with another player
Example
If a player draws a card that says “Move forward 3 spaces”, they move their game piece forward 3 spaces. If they draw a card that says “Draw another card”, they draw another card from the draw pile. If they draw a card that says “Go to the Candy Castle”, they move their game piece to the Candy Castle space.
Special Cards
There are four special cards in the Candy Land deck. These cards are the:
Gumdrop Mountain
If a player draws this card, they can move their game piece to any space on the board. For example, if they are on space 5, they could move to space 100. If they are on space 100, they could move to space 1.
Lord Licorice
If a player draws this card, they must move their game piece back to the beginning of the board. However, if they are already on space 1, they can move to space 2.
Gramma Nutt
If a player draws this card, they can move their game piece forward 2 spaces.
Queen Frostine
If a player draws this card, they can move their game piece forward 3 spaces.
Exceptions and Special Spaces
Candy Land has several special spaces that can alter the gameplay, adding excitement and variety to the game.
Licorice Spaces: If a player lands on a licorice space, they must move backward to the previous safe space. However, if they land on the Licorice Castle space, they must go all the way back to the beginning of the game.
Candy Cane Forest: Players who land on a candy cane space must take a detour through the forest. This path is a shortcut that leads to a later space on the board, reducing the distance to the finish line.
Gumdrop Mountain: If a player lands on the Gumdrop Mountain space, they must spin the spinner again and move forward that number of spaces, potentially catching up to opponents or moving ahead.
Peppermint Stick Forest: Similar to the Candy Cane Forest, the Peppermint Stick Forest is a shortcut that takes players directly to a distant space on the board, again accelerating their progress toward the finish line.
Queen Frostine’s Castle: The Queen Frostine’s Castle space is a safe haven where players can avoid moving backward or taking detours. It is a crucial strategic spot to land on before approaching the finish line.
Lord Licorice’s Castle: The Lord Licorice’s Castle space is the opposite of Queen Frostine’s Castle. If a player lands on this space, they must go all the way back to the beginning of the game, setting them back significantly.
Finish Line: The finish line is the end goal of the game. When a player lands on the finish line space, they have completed the game and won.
Space |
Effect |
Licorice Space |
Move backward to the previous safe space |
Candy Cane Forest |
Take a detour to a later space |
Gumdrop Mountain |
Move forward extra spaces based on a spinner |
Peppermint Stick Forest |
Take a detour to a distant space |
Queen Frostine’s Castle |
Safe haven, no special effect |
Lord Licorice’s Castle |
Move all the way back to the beginning |
Winning the Game
To claim victory in Candy Land, you must be the first player to reach the end of the game board, which is represented by the “Candy Castle.” Here’s how to emerge as the ultimate winner:
1. Advance Your Pieces
Roll the spinner to determine the number of spaces you can move. Follow the path laid out on the game board, which is lined with vibrant squares representing different candies and obstacles.
2. Land on Candy Squares
When you land on a candy square, you can either move forward the distance indicated or draw a card from the deck.
3. Draw Candy Cards
If you land on a candy or special square, draw a card from the deck. These cards can grant you special privileges or challenges, such as moving your piece instantly to another part of the board.
4. Avoid Licorice Sticks
Beware of the licorice sticks scattered throughout the game board. Landing on a licorice stick will send you back several spaces, potentially costing you precious time.
5. Use Lollipop Spaces
When you land on a lollipop space, you can either move forward the distance indicated or switch places with another player.
6. Peppermint Forest Shortcut
If you are lucky enough to land on the “Peppermint Forest,” take the shortcut to the “Gumdrop Mountain.” This can save you a significant number of turns.
7. Gumdrop Mountain
As you reach “Gumdrop Mountain,” you are one step closer to victory. But beware, landing on the “Chocolate Drop” space will slow you down by sending you back several spaces.
8. Final Stretch: Candy Castle
Once you have navigated the treacherous “Chocolate Drop” space, you are in the final stretch. Roll the spinner strategically and land precisely on the “Candy Castle” space to claim your sweet victory.
Variations of Candy Land
There are several variations of Candy Land available, each with its own unique features and gameplay.
Super Mario Candy Land
In this variation, players travel through the Mushroom Kingdom, collecting stars and avoiding obstacles. The game features iconic Mario characters and locations.
Frozen II Candy Land
Based on the Disney movie, this version takes players on a journey through the magical land of Arendelle. Players navigate icy landscapes and encounter characters like Elsa, Anna, and Olaf.
Animal Planet Candy Land
This variation introduces animal-themed cards and characters. Players explore different habitats and learn about various animals while making their way through the game.
Goofy’s Candy Land Adventure
Goofy joins the Candy Land world in this version. Players navigate a board filled with his signature clumsiness and laugh along the way.
Candy Land Express
This fast-paced version features a train-themed board. Players ride the Candy Land Express, collecting candies and completing puzzles.
Candy Land Jr.
Designed for younger players, Candy Land Jr. features a simplified board and gameplay. Players can easily learn the basics of the game and enjoy the sweet adventure.
Candy Land Deluxe
This premium version of Candy Land includes a large, colorful board, wooden pieces, and special features like a spinner.
Candy Land Pop-Up Edition
This unique variation features a pop-up castle and other three-dimensional elements that bring the Candy Land world to life.
Candy Land: Sugar High
This expansion pack adds new rules, characters, and cards to the classic Candy Land game. Players can experience a more challenging and exciting adventure.
Character Cards
This variation introduces character cards that players can collect throughout the game. Each card features a different Candy Land character with unique abilities.
Character |
Ability |
Gingerbread Man |
Can move forward or backward an extra space |
Lollipop Princess |
Can skip ahead to the next lollipop space |
Lord Licorice |
Can force another player to move back two spaces |
Tips for Playing Candy Land
1. Learn the Basics
Candy Land is a simple game to learn. Players move their pieces along a path of colorful squares, following the instructions on the cards they draw. The first player to reach the end of the path wins.
2. Start with the Right Number of Players
Candy Land can be played with 2 to 4 players. With more than 4 players, the game can become too slow and tedious.
3. Choose Your Pieces
Each player chooses a different colored piece to represent them on the board. The pieces can be different shapes or characters, but they all move the same way.
4. Shuffle the Cards
Before starting the game, shuffle the deck of cards. This will help to ensure that the cards are drawn in a random order.
5. Take Turns Drawing Cards
On your turn, draw the top card from the deck. The card will tell you how many spaces to move your piece.
6. Follow the Instructions on the Card
Some cards will have special instructions, such as “Move to the next candy cane” or “Move back 3 spaces.” Be sure to follow the instructions on the card.
7. Land on the Same Space as Another Player
If you land on the same space as another player, you can bump their piece back to the start.
8. Use the Shortcuts
There are several shortcuts on the Candy Land board. These shortcuts can help you to reach the end of the path faster.
9. Don’t Give Up
Candy Land can be a frustrating game, but it’s important to not give up. Keep playing and you’ll eventually reach the end of the path.
10. Have Fun!
Candy Land is a game for all ages. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the game!
How to Play Candy Land
Candy Land is a classic children’s board game that is easy to learn and fun to play. The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach the finish line at the Candy Castle.
To play Candy Land, you will need the following:
- Candy Land game board
- Candy Land cards
- 4 game pieces
To set up the game, lay out the game board and shuffle the Candy Land cards. Each player chooses a game piece and places it on the START space.
To play the game, players take turns drawing a card from the deck and moving their game piece the corresponding number of spaces on the board. If a player lands on a space with a special symbol, they must follow the instructions on the space.
The game continues until one player reaches the finish line at the Candy Castle. This player is the winner of the game.
People Also Ask
What is the youngest age to play Candy Land?
Candy Land is designed for children ages 3 and up.
Is Candy Land a good educational game?
Candy Land can help children develop basic counting and color recognition skills
How long does it take to play Candy Land?
A typical Candy Land game takes about 15-20 minutes to play.