We generally play a non-competitive game where we let other people know what our routes are and (generally) cooperate with one another to reach them. This makes the game satisfying all around, for even if someone loses the overall game, they still have the joy of completing their routes. It also provides for a nice, colorful board by the time we are done.
The downside is that, like tonight, this can make our bedtimes later than they really should be on a school night. However, we only have this last week before Katrina and Irene leave. Thus, sleep is not quite as essential in comparison to spending more time with them.