Board Games for Preschoolers
Want to have family game nights more often? Check out this list of board games for preschoolers! And don’t worry, parents will love these games too!
Board games for preschoolers are fun learning tools and provide great moments of connection for caregivers and kids!
Little ones don’t realize how many important skills they are honing while playing a game; all they know is how great of a time they are having! Each specific board game fosters it’s own unique set of skills. Different games encourage different skills.
But, beyond being a great learning opportunity, board games provide a wonderful way for parents and kids to connect with each other! In our busy world, it is so important to slow down and focus on what really matters. Playing games is one way that we can do that.
This post will walk you through our favorite board games for preschoolers.
Benefits of Board Games:
When playing board games kids can:
- Learn how to collaborate
- Practice taking turns
- Reinforce recognizing numbers, letters, colors and shapes
- Practice counting
- Improve spatial reasoning skills
- Use logic and reason to make decisions
- Work on fine motor skills
When are kids ready to play board games?
The answer to this really depends on each individual child, but, generally, kids are ready to play board games around the age of 3.
Cooperative/collaborative games are an awesome way to introduce kids to game playing. In cooperative games, players work together for a common objective. The focus isn’t on winning or losing, but rather, on the experience of the game, which makes cooperative games the perfect entry point.
How to get started playing board games with your little ones:
OUR BEST TIPS
- Start simple. Set your kids up for a love of board games by picking very easy, straightforward games to begin with.
- Be patient. Know that it might take several tries before the concept of a game “clicks” for your child. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the game is a bad fit; your child may just need the opportunity to take some time to explore and interact with the game.
- Adapt. It is totally fine to tweak the rules of the game to better suit your kids! Adjust the game to make it more accessible for your kids; as they grow, you can shift and adjust.
- Have fun! If you are having fun, your kids will likely be enjoying themselves too!
The Best Board Games for Preschoolers:
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Our Faves
First Orchard
This was the very first game that I played with my son, and at 4, he still wants to play it! I love this as a first game because it is cooperative, straightforward, has a clear objective and moves along at a quick pace.
Snug as a Bug in a Rug
I love that this cooperative game has three levels of play, so it grows with your child! The concept of the game is very easy to grasp, and kids will catch on to it in no time!
Roll and Play
If you are looking for a way to gently introduce following directions and taking turns, this is a great option! This was one of the first family games that I purchased, and I highly suggest it for little kids. It has been well-loved in our home and affectionately dubbed “cube game.”
Toddler Scavenger Hunt Cards
This is another amazing introduction to games that is suited for even the youngest of players! Kids love a scavenger hunt, and I love having a game option that allows for movement and encourages kids to explore and notice details in their environment.
Monkey Around Game
This is an adorable and highly engaging game for very young kids. It is a perfect start for little ones who aren’t ready to sit still for a traditional board game. Kids will love the silly actions, especially when their parents join in too!
Race to the Treasure
Can you beat the ogre to the treasure? This is a really well-done cooperative game that is perfect for kids who do have some game experience. The rules are not complicated, and I have found that, although it is recommended for ages 5+, that my young 4 year old was able to play very easily. This game gives kids a chance to practice some simple logic reasoning skills are they build paths to collect keys to “unlock” the treasure.
Dinosaur Escape
This is a fun cooperative game that utilizes memory and logic skills as players race against the volcano, searching for dinosaur tokens. If your kids are dino fans, this game will be a huge hit!
Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel
I, personally, could play Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel on repeat 7 days a week and not get tired of it. It also happens to be a hit with my son, as well. This game has so many things going for it! It has a “just right” run time of not too short but not too long.
Chutes and Ladders
Chutes and Ladders is another throw-back to my own childhood that my son also loves. I prefer the retro version of the game board because it has a cleaner look and it is easier to distinguish individual spaces.
Ladybug’s Garden Memory Game
This is a really nicely done introductory version of the classic memory game. I love that there are not an overwhelming number of matches, and kids will love collecting the ladybug tiles! Another cool feature, is the ability to switch out the memory cards. The game includes cards of varying levels of difficulty.
Ocean Bingo
Bingo is such a fun game, especially if you have a larger group! The illustrations on these playing cards are absolutely gorgeous! My son loves searching for the sea creatures, and this is a great way to introduce the concept of Bingo. There are so many really lovely version of Bingo out there, you’re sure to be able to find one that fits your family’s interests; check out Cat Bingo, Australia’s Deadly Animals Bingo or Bug Bingo.
Alphabet Bingo!
This is another fun, accessible Bingo options that reinforces capital letters, making it a great choice for kiddos who are already pretty competent with letter recognition.
Animal Upon Animal
Animal Upon Animal Christmas Edition
You know it’s officially Christmas season in our house when festive, holiday Animal Upon Animal is back on the game shelf!
Monopoly Junior
This is a great adaptation of the classic game! It has a quick run time (no getting sucked into an hours long game like the traditional version). The Junior version also offers multiple levels of play, so it will grow with your child.
Don’t Spill the Beans
Kids (and grown-ups) will be delighted by this game! Can you balance the beans or will you be the one to tip over the jar?
Connect 4
Connect Four is a classic for a reason! It’s fun, simple and quick to play. And it packs a learning punch as kids use logic and spatial reasoning to try and get four in a row.
Bull’s Eye
Flip a card over, find the match and be the first to grab the match with your plunger! This game is just plain fun!
Perfection
Will you be able to beat the clock? Not only is racing against the clock so much fun, but Perfection provides great spatial reasoning practice for kids!
Shark Bite
Typically, I pass over games that require batteries, but Shark Bite is an exception. I love the fine motor practice that it provides, and beyond that, it is just plain fun! Will you be able to safely retrieve the sea creatures or will the shark bite you?
Guess in 10 Animal Planet
This game of questions provides amazing reasoning skills practice in a super fun way! I also love how adaptable the game is! It can be played by individuals or in teams, and it is so easy to tweak the game to be more accessible for younger players. This game also travels really well which is a plus!
Noodle Knockout
This game rolls counting, color recognition and fine motor skills practice into one really fun game! What makes this game extra special is that it has both a solo or group play option!
Raccoon Rumpus
Roll the dice and try to find a match. Just don’t roll the underwear! I love this game because it is so simple, but it is still so much fun for kids!
Go Fish Dino Edition
Playing Go Fish is a definite childhood rite of passage and for good reason! Kids practice logic and reasoning and number recognition while playing. This dino themed version is cute and fun! Using a card holder makes thing much easier for little hands!
Old Maid
Old Maid is such a fun classic to share with your kids, and I love the adorable illustrations featured in this version. . I also love how you can use the cards to play Memory as well; it’s a great two-in-one!
Snap!
Until recently, I had never played Snap and had no idea what I was missing out on! Young kids catch on to the concept quickly, and it is a great way to learn the value of focus and attention to detail!
Sequence for Kids
This dialed back version of Sequence gives kids a chance to test drive their strategic planning skills. The rules of play are very simple and clear cut, making it a great first strategy game option!
Smart Tip!
Board games for preschoolers are fun anytime of year, but they make especially great birthday and Christmas presents!
