In all my years teaching younger grades, and in raising my own two girls, I have seen how valuable board games for preschool and kindergarten aged children can be. Game play helps kids learn so many important skills and behaviours, from social skills – such as taking turns and being a gracious winner or loser, to thinking skills as they make choices and solve problems, and contextual language skills.
So today I have gathered together a collection of board games for preschool and kindergarten aged children, around the ages of 3-5 years), both from my own experiences playing with kids at home and school, as well as a few suggestions from the teachers and parents from the Childhood 101 Facebook community.
Do you have older children? Check out our list of the best Family Board Games before your next games night!
15 Board Games for Preschool & Kindergarten
Sneaky Snacky Squirrel
Introduce the gift of game strategy to your younger child with this super sneaky and fun Sneaky Snacky Squirrel game! Perfect for ages 3 and above!
Zingo
If you love Bingo, your preschool-aged child will go crazy for Zingo! Within moments of setting it up, they’ll be playing along and trying to read out the sight words! A great interactive game for the entire family.
Lunch Box Game
Parents agree that fun and education combine perfectly in this Lunch Box Game! Teaching your child about healthy eating and nutrition has never been easier! Great for ages 3-7.
I Can Do That Card Game
A giggle worthy game that gets kids problem solving and moving! The I Can Do That game will provide fabulous fun on your next rainy day. Perfect for children aged 3+.
Dotty Dinosaurs
What child doesn’t love dinosaurs?! Dotty Dinosaurs helps them learn about their shapes and colors, all while having fun! Great for ages 3-6.
Bunny Peek A Boo
Looking for a solo educational game for your preschooler? Bunny Peekaboo is certain to provide hours of problem solving and learning!
Shopping List Game
Every child likes to channel their inner shopper when it comes to imaginative play! Shopping List is perfect for ages 3-7 and helps improve memory as well.
Busy, Busy Airport
The fun and imaginative Busy Busy Airport game reinforces learning of so many skills and concepts as little ones play. Suitable for ages 3 and above!
Bus Stop
Who says that learning Math can’t be fun? With Bus Stop, your child will love playing this game while learning plenty of facts about math! Suitable for ages 4-8.
Hoot Owl Hoot
Hoot Owl Hoot is a wonderful, cooperative board game involving players in a mission to work together to get all of the owls home before dark. Ages 4+
Snap
Teaching your child fun rhymes and learning how to take turns has never been more fun than with Eeboo’s game of Snap! Great for ages 4 and up!
Peaceable Kingdom Race to the Treasure
Introduce your child to a cooperative game at an early age with Peaceable Kingdom Race to the Treasure. Teamwork and strategy are the only way to get to the treasure in time! Perfect for ages 5 and above.
Pick Up Sticks
Ever wonder just how quickly your little one can “really” pick things up? Pick Up Sticks will answer that question for you! Great for hand-eye coordination and patience, plus it’s suitable for all ages!
Go Fish
No one can deny the adorableness of Go Fish. Ask for colors and if not, you’ll end up going fishing! Great for all ages!
Connect 4
Winning Connect 4 is as easy as getting 4 in a row! But beware, depending on who is playing there may be a bit of strategy involved! Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Pin for later:
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
