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25 Best Board Games for Preschoolers of 2024

Updated
These preschooler- and parent-approved board games are sure to be a hit!

If you’re looking for a new board game for your preschool, you’ve probably already discovered that there are hundreds of options on the market. But preschoolers tend to be choosy kids. Just because a game is marketed to this age range does not mean that your preschooler is guaranteed to love it.

We spent many family game nights testing and evaluating countless products with our preschoolers, comparing features such as fun factor, skill-building aspects, educational value, and level of social interaction. Then we narrowed our picks down to the top 25.

Spice up your family game nights with one — or several — of these best preschool board games.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Orchard Toys Shopping List
Best Board Game Overall
Orchard Toys Shopping List
  • Enhance memory skills
  • Develop social skills
  • Educational Game
Product Image of the Educational Insights Game
Best for Learning Colors
Educational Insights Game
  • Develop strategic thinking
  • Develop motor Skills
  • educational Game
Product Image of the ThinkFun Zingo Bingo
Best Bingo Game
ThinkFun Zingo Bingo
  • Develop critical skills
  • Builds language skills
  • Easy to learn
Product Image of the Wonder Forge Richard
Best Busytown Board Game
Wonder Forge Richard
  • Encourages teamwork
  • Builds confidence
  • Reinforces matching skills
Product Image of the Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot
Best Color-Matching Game
Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot
  • Cultivate emotional development
  • Creative problem solving
  • Cooperative game
Product Image of the Yeti in My Spaghetti Family Game, Board Games for Kids Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Kids...
Best Silly Board Game
PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti
  • Quick and easy to play
  • Fun for all ages
  • Easy to set up and put away
Product Image of the Sequence for Kids Game
Best Sequence Game
Sequence for Kids Game
  • Develop logical thinking
  • Develop strategy-building skills
  • Easy to understand
Product Image of the The Yoga Garden Game
Best With Parents
The Yoga Garden Game
  • Cooperative game
  • Enhances imagination
  • Easy to play
Product Image of the Hasbro Gaming Candy Land
Best Candy-Inspired Game
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land
  • Teaches color recognition
  • No reading required
  • Fun illustrations
Product Image of the Chutes & Ladders Board Game
Best Basic Number Game
Chutes & Ladders Board Game
  • Develop counting skills
  • No reading required
  • Classic game


The Best Board Games for Preschoolers of 2024

Here are 25 cool, fun, and exciting board games for preschoolers.

Orchard Toys Shopping List

Best Board Game Overall

The Toys Shopping List game by Orchard has received stellar reviews from parents and kids alike, and it’s been a favorite of our kids. The game is suitable for preschoolers aged 3 to 7 years.

Players must exercise their memory skills by collecting all the items on their shopping list. The one who finishes first wins. In the package, there are four grocery lists, two shopping baskets, two carts, and grocery cards.

Orchard made the game from 100% recycled cardboard material with a smooth finish that’s easy to keep clean.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

User Experience

Great for young kids, this memory game had my 4 and 6 year old girls engaged while trying to collect items for their shopping lists. The well-made and sturdy game pieces are easy to handle and the add-ons available for purchase make it even more enjoyable. It's a fantastic game for developing attention and focus, as well as memory skills. I noticed how my 3.5 year old grandson became more attentive and determined when we added a third player to the game.

Educational Insights The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel

Best Board Game for Learning Colors

If you’re looking for a fun, educational game, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel is ideal. It puts a fun spin on color recognition, math, and sorting skills.

To play the game, children must turn the spinner to see which color to pick. They then use the squirrel squeezer to place the matching acorn in the correct log. Users can choose to pick, steal, and even lose an acorn to another player.

Although it’s suitable for 3 years and up, the acorns are quite small. Because of this, don’t let young children play unattended.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Personal Perspective

This game has been a hit with both my 3 and 4-year-old children, who enjoy its simplicity and engaging gameplay. As an occupational therapist, I appreciate how this game helps develop fine motor skills, color recognition, and counting in a fun and interactive way. However, the tweezers may be a bit challenging for some younger or visually impaired players to use. The game's sturdy construction, vibrant colors, and adorable squirrel character add to its appeal, making it a versatile and entertaining addition to our family game nights.

ThinkFun Zingo Bingo

Best Bingo Game for Preschoolers

This preschool-friendly take on Bingo is a favorite. The game is advertised for pre- to early readers and will exercise language and matching skills.

Up to seven people can play, trying to match the cards. The box contains clear instructions explaining the game.

The Zinger dispenser adds a fun twist to this Bingo game, distributing cards for the players to match on their board. When a board is complete, the player must yell “Zingo” to declare victory.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to seven
Minimum Age Four years

Community Feedback

I'm delighted with how well this Zingo game has been received by my 5-year-old and even my younger grandkids. The sturdy cards and engaging dispenser make it enjoyable for children to play independently or with up to 6 players, making it perfect for family gatherings. What's more, this version of Zingo is educational as well, allowing kids to learn while having fun. I've found this game to be a great bonding experience for my family and friends, and it even holds up well over time with its durable materials.

Wonder Forge Richard Scarry's Busytown

Best Busytown Board Game

Calling all fans of Busytown, this board game is a great pick for you — I mean, your preschooler. It’s an Eye-Found-It game with a 6-foot board full of lovable characters going about their busy lives.

Your preschooler must cooperate with other players as they race through the town to find the hidden objects. Spin the spinner, and every time it lands on Goldbug, players have to work together to search the entire board.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

First-Hand Impression

I'm thrilled with this cooperative board game, perfect for my young kids to play together. The adorable illustrations and exciting magnifying glass concept keep them engaged and entertained. This game promotes teamwork and helps develop searching skills, making it both fun and educational. The only downside is the need for a large playing area due to the size of the board, but it's a minor inconvenience for the enjoyment we get from it.

Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot

Best Color-Matching Board Game

Hoot Owl Hoot is fantastic for those who want to incorporate a matching game into a board game. The set includes colors and matching, great for pre-readers who are getting ready for school.

With the Hoot Owl Hoot board game, your preschoolers must cooperate to help the little owls find their nest before sunrise. The game doesn’t pit players against each other — instead, everyone must work together.

Players will learn simple strategies, turn-taking, and following directions. There are two levels of play, allowing the game to grow with your child. Included are the instructions for both versions.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Four years

User Experience

I'm impressed with how this game can easily be adapted for various age groups and educational purposes, such as teaching alphabet recognition to young children. My three-year-old grandson, who loves owls, quickly grasped the concept and enjoys playing multiple rounds, thanks to its cooperative nature. This game can be played at different difficulty levels, by using two to six owls, making it a perfect fit for families with multiple children. The game also encourages strategic thinking, which is a great skill for kids to develop. However, be aware that it may be difficult to win due to the number of sun cards, but this challenge adds to its appeal.

PlayMonster Yeti in My Spaghetti

Best Silly Board Game for Preschoolers

This 2017 “Game of the Year” winner is sure to be a favorite. Although it’s not exactly a “board game,” since it doesn’t have a board, it’s still a fun game that’s played at a table or on the floor.

With a similar theme to the old favorite Pick Up Sticks game, Yeti in My Spaghetti is a silly game that will make your preschoolers laugh — even if they don’t win.

It’s easy for even then youngest player. Simply dump the “spaghetti noodles” on top of the bowl and balance the yeti on the noodles. Each child will take turns removing a noodle. The point is to avoid having the yeti fall into the bowl on your turn. The game is recommended for ages 4 and up, but our 3-year-olds love it too!

Product Specs

Time to Play 5 minutes
Number of Players Two or more
Minimum Age Four years

Sequence for Kids Game

Best Sequence Game for Preschoolers

This child-friendly take on Sequence is excellent for preschoolers. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any reading.

Players must play a card and then place a chip on the correct character on the board. The first one with four in a row is the winner. This is the animal version, great for children aged 3 to 6 years.

For more excitement, there are also wild cards that players can pull. One example is the unicorn card, which allows a player to place a chip anywhere. However, the dragon removes one of the opponent’s chips.

Product Specs

Time to Play 15 minutes
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Community Feedback

My experience with this game has been nothing short of delightful, as it proved to be an excellent choice for family game night with kids as young as 3 or 4. The simplicity of the rules allowed my youngest to quickly grasp the concept, while the older ones found joy in creating their own variations to prolong the fun. This game has become a staple in our household, providing an enjoyable and engaging activity for both children and adults alike.

The Yoga Garden Game

Best Board Game for Preschooler and Parents

The Yoga Garden Game puts all the focus on yoga. The creator of the game is Jennifer Durand, a yoga teacher from San Francisco, who specializes in teaching yoga to children.

Much like other preschool board games, this one focuses on building teamwork skills by having players cooperate. As they move the bumblebee around the board, they learn about yoga poses and associated animals and plants.

Included in the bundle is a straightforward rule book. The illustrations are stunning and soothing, but some boys may dub it as too girly.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players N/A
Minimum Age Four years

First-Hand Impression

Excellent family game that even my 4-year-old enjoys! This yoga-inspired game encourages togetherness and cooperation, making it a fun and engaging experience for everyone. The beautifully designed board and vibrant colors add to the peaceful atmosphere, while the various yoga poses promote relaxation and bonding between players.

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures

Best Candy-Inspired Board Game for Preschoolers

The Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures is a reinvention of the classic many of us played as kids. It’s an excellent, fun introduction to board games since it includes colors and candy.

Players must race to the castle to find King Kandy, who has been kidnapped. The cards will tell players where to move their gingerbread man on the board. Reading isn’t a requirement — each card shows a color, indicating their next move.

Parents love how easy the game is to play. The pieces are plastic, and up to four players can join in.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

User Experience

My experience with this Candy Land board game has been delightful, as it's colorful and filled with adorable candy, ice cream, and cake illustrations. The full-size board, which folds in half, features larger cards and more spots, making it sturdier and more reminiscent of the classic game I played as a child. It's an excellent choice for both young and adult players, as it provides good, clean family fun and even helps little ones learn colors. I've enjoyed playing this game with my granddaughter, creating special memories together.

Chutes and Ladders Board Game

Best Basic Number Board Game

We all remember the Chutes and Ladders game. Hasbro puts a preschooler-friendly touch on it by using vibrant colors and fun characters.

It’s all about reaching the 100 square. Players must spin the spinner for their next move, but watch out for those slides. Along the way, your child can practice number recognition and get a bit competitive.

This is one of those games where everyone wants to join in. Still, a few parents say that young children might have trouble concentrating for a whole game or may need assistance counting forward or backward — especially with the higher numbers. This suggests it’s better suited for older preschoolers.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Personal Perspective

If you're looking for a classic children's game that provides endless entertainment, Chutes and Ladders is a fantastic choice. I recently played this game with my young grandsons, and their excitement and laughter made it an enjoyable experience for all of us. The game is simple enough for young children to understand, while also teaching valuable lessons about consequences and sportsmanship. The characters and board are visually appealing, but the construction of the spinner and character pieces could be sturdier. Despite these minor flaws, this game keeps my kids engaged and eager to play again. Chutes and Ladders is a timeless choice that will create lasting memories for your family.

Hasbro Hi Ho! Cherry-O Board Game

Best Board Game for Teaching Math Skills

Hasbro’s Hi Ho Cherry-O game is an opportunity for hours of entertainment while sneaking in some math. It’s all about picking fruit and placing it in your basket. During the fun, players will count, add, and subtract — wonderful for developing math skills.

It’s quite interactive since there are various fruits to pick, touch, and then place gently. There are blueberries, apples, oranges, and cherries, and the fun Hasbro characters make the game more endearing.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Community Feedback

My experience with this game has been a delightful one, as it is simple enough for young children to understand and enjoy. The game can be played quickly or over a longer duration, which keeps everyone engaged and wondering when their basket will spill. One downside is that the cherries can easily get scattered around the house, requiring us to search for them before playing again. Nevertheless, it's a fun and educational game that helps kids with counting and dexterity, making it perfect for family game nights. My grandchildren absolutely love playing it, and it has become a go-to gift for other families as well. Just be sure to check that all the pieces are included when you first open the game, as we had a missing bucket in our set.

Ravensburger World of Disney Eye Found It

Best Disney-Inspired Board Game

Eye Found It games are awesome for the preschool age, and this Disney-inspired version is simply amazing. The game board measures 6 feet long, which means there’s a lot to discover.

We’re in love with this game. It takes you through various Disney realms. With more than 1,000 treasures to discover, you can play several times without getting bored.

During your race to Cinderella’s castle, you have to flip the Search Cards, which tell you what to look for. Players can help each other get to the finish line before midnight (the game’s version of midnight — you and your child won’t have to miss your bedtimes to play this game).

Product Specs

Time to Play 15 minutes
Number of Players Two to three
Minimum Age Four years

First-Hand Impression

My family and I have had a blast playing this cooperative board game that's perfect for ages 2-6. The adorable pictures and magnifying glass concept made it super exciting for my kids, while the team play aspect kept everyone engaged. We appreciated the unique board design and the fact that it's easy for young children to understand the directions. The only downside is that the board may become worn over time due to folding, but overall, it's a fantastic game for quality family time and skill-building.

Outfoxed! Gamewright Board Game

Best Investigative Board Game for Preschoolers

In the Outfoxed! game, players must put their investigator hats on to solve the ongoing mystery. The case revolves around Mrs. Plumpert’s pot pie that has suddenly vanished, and now players must crack the whodunit.

During the game, players will find new clues that they must use to solve the case. However, they’re fighting against the clock as the guilty fox is rushing toward the exit. If they don’t crack the case, they’re “Outfoxed.”

Outfoxed is suitable for ages 5 years and up, but even our younger preschoolers love it. It’s great for game night, and we’re positive parents will love it too.

Product Specs

Time to Play 20 to 30 minutes
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Five years

User Experience

I'm genuinely impressed with this cooperative board game, as it offers a fun and engaging experience for both younger and older kids. My 6-year-old and 11-year-old children enjoyed working together to solve the mystery, and it's been a fantastic way to introduce them to critical thinking, deduction, and memory skills. The quality of the board and accessories is top-notch, making it a favorite during our family game nights. One thing to note is that the game finishes relatively quickly, so be prepared to play multiple rounds.

Carcassonne Board Game

Best Board Game for Older Preschoolers

If you want to get your preschooler interested in geographical sites, Carcassonne is a winner. With this board game, they get to discover the fortified city one tile at a time.

Players have to build and claim roads, monasteries, and fields while building onto the city to discover every corner. There’s minimal competition as you get to work together in different teams. Although this game is recommended for children ages 8 and up, our younger kids enjoy it too.

Product Specs

Time to Play 20 minutes
Number of Players Two to five
Minimum Age Eight years

Personal Perspective

Definitely a fantastic game for couples and families alike, this board game quickly became a favorite in our household. Not only is it easy to learn and enjoyable, but it also encourages problem-solving and imagination. While there is an element of luck involved, the strategic aspect keeps the gameplay engaging and fresh each time. We've also found that adding expansion packs can increase the complexity and fun, making every round feel like a unique puzzle. Just remember to leave enough space on the board for all the pieces, and you're in for hours of entertainment with this gem of a game.

Hasbro Gaming Marvel Spider-Man Web Warriors

Best Spider-Man Board Game

Here’s another Chutes and Ladders game but with a Spidey twist. This one is all decked out in Spider-Man attire, something my little one adores.

Each player can choose a different character — they can play as a villain or hero. We discovered that our children’s character selection changes with their moods.

Players will spin the spinner and get ready to race to the 100 square. When you land on a ladder, you get to skip a few steps ahead of the others. Watch out, though — those chutes bring you right back.

Product Specs

Time to Play 20 minutes
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Community Feedback

I'm delighted with how much my grandchildren enjoyed playing this version of Chutes and Ladders. The character pieces were a nice addition, although the plastic holders were difficult to switch out. It didn't differ much from the traditional version, but it was perfect for my 4.5-year-old grandchild who loves counting and Spider-Man. Despite the minor issue with the game pieces, the excitement it brought to the kids made it worthwhile.

Peaceable Kingdom Dinosaur Escape

Best Board Game for Dinosaur-Loving Preschoolers

For dinosaur-loving children, we found a game that’s a roaring good time. Dinosaur Escape is about helping yourself and other players flee the rumbling Jurassic Island before the volcano erupts. It touches on logic, memory, and a little bit of luck.

Players must cooperate to move the dinosaurs around the course. They’ll uncover dinosaurs under the tokens and get them to safety to complete the game. The game is for ages 3 and up.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

First-Hand Impression

As a parent, I found this cooperative board game to be an enjoyable and educational experience for my children. The game's simple setup and quick playtime make it a great option for family time, as well as therapy sessions. My kids, especially my dinosaur-loving 4-year-old, have a blast practicing their counting and memory skills while trying to save the dinosaurs from the volcano. The win/lose ratio provides a fair challenge without being too difficult for my 3-year-old and 6-year-old to enjoy together.

Pete The Cat — The Missing Cupcakes

Best Get-Up-and-Move Board Game

Pete the Cat’s cupcakes are missing, and the players will help retrieve them from Grumpy Toad. During the game, you need to complete different challenges, such as singing, dancing, or identifying an object or animal. It’s fantastic if you want to incorporate some physical activity into game night without having to turn on the Wii.

There are 14 cupcakes to bring back from Grumpy Toad’s tray, as he stole them all from Pete’s birthday table. Spin the spinner to know your next move. Up to four players can play, and there are 20 birthday present cards with various activities.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

The Ladybug Game

Best Board Game for Bug Lovers

If your little one loves ladybugs as much as mine do, then they’ll love this game too. We love that the creator of the game is a first-grader named Kylie Copenhagen, and she did an amazing job. It’s an award-winning game, voted by the Parent’s Choice Foundation as one of the best board games for kids.

The Ladybug Game takes children through a magical board to bring Ladybug home to the Rose Garden. The board is large, with vibrant colors and cute bugs hiding in the grass. It’s straightforward, so children will even be able to play independently with friends.

Product Specs

Time to Play 20 minutes
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Personal Perspective

My little one absolutely adores this ladybug game, designed by a talented first-grader named Kylie Copenhagen. The vibrant colors and cute bugs on the large board create an engaging and magical experience as children guide Ladybug back home to the Rose Garden. This award-winning game, recognized by the Parent's Choice Foundation, offers simple yet enjoyable gameplay, allowing kids to play independently or with friends.

Gotrovo Treasure Hunt Game

Best Preschool Scavenger Hunt Game

Family Treasure Hunt is an award-winning game that takes your youngster on a pirate scavenger hunt. It’s suitable for the whole family, from 3 years of age and up, and it’s one you can play repeatedly.

You can play anytime, anywhere, even outside for more fun. Players have to follow the trails that can change with every game to find the gold coins. There are 100 clue cards to solve with either pictures, riddles, or words.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players One and more
Minimum Age Three years

Community Feedback

These Gotrovo Treasure Hunt Game cards have made setting up scavenger hunts a breeze for my kids aged 4 and 8. The variety of cards, including pictures, riddles, and fantasy locations, cater to both their age groups and interests. The durable, water-resistant cards and the treasure box add a fun and exciting element to the game. Although the map could be more functional, as it tends to curl up and knock cards off, the overall experience keeps the children engaged and entertained for a good amount of time.

Frankie's Food Truck Fiasco Game

Best Matching Board Game for Preschoolers

In this game by Educational Insights, children get to play Frankie the food-delivering cat. He must deliver all the food without being sabotaged by pesky flies or greedy guests.

Players must use the Frankie squeezer to collect items that match the corresponding shapes. The first player with all the five-course meal pieces wins. The game lets your little one practice fine motor skills, math, and shape recognition.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Four years

First-Hand Impression

I'm thrilled with how engaging and educational this game is for my little ones. The setup is a breeze and the game's concept of helping Frankie the Cat deliver meals using shape recognition skills is both entertaining and a great learning experience. My kids, aged 3 and 4, have been working on their fine motor skills and learning to take turns, all while having loads of fun. The game's high-quality construction and durable cardboard pieces ensure it can withstand plenty of playtime.

HABA Orchard Game

Best Jigsaw Board Game

Both jigsaws and board games are fun for kids of all ages. Combine the two, and you’ve got a winner. The Orchard Game, which is suitable for children ages 3 to 6 years does just that.

In the game, children must pick the fruit before the hungry raven steals it. However, they have to be quick and get all the pieces before the raven jigsaw is complete. If they finish before the jigsaw, they win.

It’s an excellent game for kids and adults, and up to eight people can play, making it great for game night. It requires some thinking, though it’s still considered a beginner’s game.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to eight
Minimum Age Three years

User Experience

From the moment I introduced this HABA Orchard game to my 21-month-old, it became an instant hit in our household. The beautifully crafted wooden fruit pieces and engaging gameplay kept my little one focused and captivated, as she eagerly picked fruits from trees and placed them into her basket. Although she may not fully understand the concept of winning or losing yet, this game offers numerous educational benefits such as color recognition, counting, and cooperative play, making it a valuable addition to our family game nights.

Candy Land Disney Princess Edition

Best Board Game for Girls

Here we have a Disney Princess version of the popular game, Candy Land. The package includes three characters that players can choose to be — Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Ariel.

Throughout the game, there are cards to guide the players, and the one who reaches the castle first wins. With 44 cards and easy-to-follow instructions, this is sure to become your preschooler’s favorite princess game.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to three
Minimum Age Three years

Personal Perspective

Got this Frozen-themed Candy Land game for my daughter and she's head over heels for it! The princess figurines are sturdy and adorable, adding a cute touch to this classic game. However, the cards are disappointingly flimsy and prone to tearing, which is a bummer considering how often we play. Despite that, the game is easy to understand and play, making it great for young kids and family bonding time.

Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game

Best Pete the Cat Board Game

Whether your little one loves Pete the Cat or easy-to-play spinner games, they’ll likely adore this option.

Children must collect all the buttons to win. But, it isn’t as easy as it may seem.

Players can take buttons from each other or collect them from the pile. Once the pile is empty, the player with the most buttons wins.

It’s a fun game full of colors, counting, and decision making. The game is suitable for ages 3 and up.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Three years

Community Feedback

My experience with this Pete the Cat game has been quite enjoyable, as it immediately captured the attention of my 4-year-old grandson. The game is easy to understand and play, making it perfect for young children and family time. However, the cardboard game pieces can be a bit flimsy and tend to fall over, while the "button jars" could be improved to better hold the buttons. Despite these minor issues, the game itself is fun and engaging, especially for those familiar with the Pete the Cat books.

Hasbro Operation Electronic Board Game

Best Board Game for Future Physician

Let your little ones practice the art of medicine as they help Cavity Sam feel better. The game is fully cooperative and challenging at the same time as players work together in the entire game.

The game requires great hand-coordination skills, as your little one’s aim is to prevent touching the sides of each cavity while alleviating Cavity Sam’s ailments. The board is simplistic yet intriguing for preschoolers.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to four
Minimum Age Four years

First-Hand Impression

Excellent family game that everyone can enjoy! This Operation game brings back memories of the original, but with a few modern updates. The size of the "bones" and pockets could use some tweaking, as they can be a bit frustrating for younger players. However, it's a great way for kids to practice their steady hand skills, making it not only entertaining but educational. While the buzzing sound isn't as intense as older versions, it still offers a fun challenge for both children and adults alike.

ThinkFun Robot Turtles Board Game

Best Introduction to Programming Board Game

If you want to introduce your youngster to the world of programming and coding, you might like this game. The Robot Turtles board game is all about getting the turtle to the jewel for the win. To get there, players must interpret code cards. If they make a wrong move, they’ll have to use a bug card to go back.

In the package are clear instructions to get your preschooler ready to play. This unique game is fun, interesting, and appropriately challenging and addresses skills you don’t see often in other board games.

Product Specs

Time to Play N/A
Number of Players Two to five
Minimum Age Four years

User Experience

These board games have been a hit with my kids, especially my 4-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. They enjoy the scavenger hunt aspect of finding gems hidden under ice walls, and my son loves melting ice. As an adult, it can be a bit mind-numbing, but the game serves as a great learning tool for the little ones and offers opportunities for advancement in programming logic as their skills grow.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Play Time No. of Players Minimum Age
Orchard Toys Shopping List Overall Choice N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Educational Insights Learning Colors N/A 2 to 4 3 years
ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Bingo Game N/A 2 to 7 4 years
Wonder Forge Richard Busytown Game N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot Color-Matching Game N/A 2 to 4 4 years
Yeti in My Spaghetti Silly Board Game 5 mins 2 and up 4 years
Sequence for Kids Game Sequence Game 15 mins 2 to 4 3 years
The Yoga Garden Game With Parents N/A N/A 4 years
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Candy-Inspired N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Chutes and Ladders Board Game Basic Number Game N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Hasbro Hi Ho! Cherry-O Teaching Math Skills N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Ravensburger Eye Found It Disney-Inspired 15 mins 2 to 3 4 years
Outfoxed! Gamewright Game Investigative Game 20 to 30 mins 2 to 4 5 years
Carcassonne Board Game Older Preschoolers 20 mins 2 to 5 8 years
Hasbro Gaming Web Warriors Spider-Man Game 20 mins 2 to 4 3 years
Peaceable Kingdom Dinosaur Escape Dinosaur-Loving Preschoolers N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Pete The Cat The Missing Cupcakes Get-Up-and-Move Game N/A 2 to 4 3 years
The Ladybug Game Early Entomologists 20 mins 2 to 4 3 years
Gotrovo Treasure Hunt Game Treasure Hunt-Inspired N/A 1 or more 3 years
Frankie’s Food Truck Fiasco Game Matching Board Game N/A 2 to 4 4 years
HABA Orchard Game Jigsaw Board Game N/A 2 to 8 3 years
Candy Land Disney Princess Edition Girls N/A 2 to 3 3 years
Pete the Cat Groovy Buttons Game Pete the Cat Game N/A 2 to 4 3 years
Operation Electronic Board Game For Future Physician N/A 2 to 4 4 years
ThinkFun Robot Turtles Board Game Introduction to Programming N/A 2 to 5 4 years

Benefits of Board Games for Preschooler

Before the iPad, Playstation, and other digital gadgets, we all loved sitting down with family and playing a game of Chutes and Ladders. It was a Friday night must or a lazy Sunday go-to.

Not only are board games fun, but they’re also beneficial for children’s development (1). Here are a few examples of the benefits of board games:

  • Opportunities for early learning: Board games include lots of counting, identifying, and other skills. These are all within the category of early education, which benefits your preschooler immensely.
  • Language skill boosters: Children will talk, get competitive, explain strategies, feel emotions, and so on. This, while they also listen to other players, expands their language.
  • Teaches about losing: Being a good loser is an essential skill to have, and board games are excellent teachers. You can’t win every time, so if you show your kids ways to cope with the subsequent feelings, they’ll soon catch on. Remember to encourage them to try again.
  • Sharpen focus: When you play a board game without interruptions, it can work to expand your child’s attention span.
  • Sooth anxiety: Because of the structure of board games, they benefit children who find it challenging to communicate. They know what’s expected of them, which helps them express themselves better.
  • Build teamwork: Being able to work in a team is crucial. Many board games for preschoolers call for players to cooperate to win. This also exercises their social skills.

How to Choose Board Games for Preschoolers

Choosing the best board games for your preschooler can become a headache. Kids don’t always like the games we expect them to like. Here are some tips to help you out:

  • Age-appropriateness: Looking at the recommended age is essential. Games for older kids are likely to be too advanced and include small pieces, which could become a choking hazard (2). Games designed for younger children may soon become boring.
  • Consider their interests: Whether your child is into dolls or loves a good toy car, you can find a suitable board game. Choosing something of interest will increase the chances of it being a success.
  • Mind the playing time: A preschooler’s attention span isn’t as advanced as an adult’s. Avoid games that take too long unless you know they can handle it. It’s a good idea to stick to 15 to 30 minutes per game.
  • The fun level for parents: You’ll probably have to play the game with your child. Find something you feel is fun. Then you can enjoy the experience, which ultimately makes it more enjoyable for them.

Keep Safety In Mind

Before purchasing, look at the pictures of the board game. If there are small pieces, don’t let your preschooler play unattended.

Preschoolers Board Games FAQs

What is the Easiest Board Game to Play?

Simple board games like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders are easy and ideal for preschoolers, as they teach basic counting and color recognition.

What Board Games Teach Kids About Money?

Games like Monopoly Junior can introduce basic money concepts to preschoolers in a fun, accessible way.

What is the Most Common Card Game for Kids?

Go Fish and Old Maid are popular and easy-to-understand card games for kids, helping with memory and matching skills.

What Board Games Teach Kids Math?

Games like Hi Ho! Cherry-O is excellent for teaching basic math skills like addition and subtraction.

What Do Preschoolers Learn By Playing Board Games?

Preschoolers learn turn-taking, following rules, basic counting, and sometimes even early literacy skills through board games.

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Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.