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Updated March 2020
Are you on the hunt for the best board games for preschoolers?
Finding the best board games for preschoolers can be a little tough.
Let’s face it, you are working with a pretty short attention span!
Board games are such a great alternative to screen time, and I sometimes forget just how fun a little friendly competition can be.
I have some wonderful memories of playing Scrabble and Rack-O for hours, with my Grandparents, when I was little.
It’s exciting to see my little ones learn how to play games, and get excited for family game night.
One of the best ways to have some good old frugal family fun, is to have a family game night!
Since we are all about saving money, and still having fun…I thought it would be helpful to do a round up of the best board games for preschoolers.
Family game night is the perfect idea for a rainy day activity, or if you’re stuck at home and need some fun ideas for family time.
Best Board Games for Preschoolers to Play with Family!
I know it can sometimes be difficult to know if a game is really age appropriate or not, so I hope this list will be super helpful.
We have owned or played every single one of these games.
My husband is a total researcher. He never buys anything without researching for weeks. Yes, even board games for preschoolers.
My (almost) 3 and 5 year old do really well grasping the concepts of these board games.
My daughter (3) does have a pretty short attention span, so we usually try to team her up with an adult.
Don’t forget to grab one of these super helpful card holders for little hands for the card games.
Top 12 Best Board Games for Preschoolers
Best Board Games for 3 Year Olds
Pop the Pig
We have been loving this one for a couple of years now! It’s very simple for little ones to learn, and even when my daughter was just turning two, she could play along with us. Again, careful with the small pieces!
Yeti in my Spaghetti
The setup is easy enough for the kids to do, so they can play over and over again! Our neighbors have this one, and we will probably be adding it to our game cabinet this year!
Crocodile Dentist
Very simple for every age, although my kids still get scared of it and make me push all the teeth down! No small pieces = no mess! This might be the perfect game.
Pop Up Pirate
This one provokes oodles of laughter when the Pirate pops up and surprises us! I absolutely love playing this one with my littles.
Shark Bite
This is a great game for all ages! Our kids love the surprise element when the shark mouth closes on their arm. So fun!
Best Board Games for 4 Year Olds
Charades for Kids
This game is perfect for your little ones that can’t read yet, because there are colorful pictures to give them ideas on what to act out. Just don’t blame me when the cards are EVERYWHERE! It’s part of the fun, right?!
Hungry Hungry Hippos
A classic for a reason, but you have to be careful with the small parts if you still have little ones that put things in their mouth. Lots of fun and lots of noise!
Dragon Snacks
This game helps with color recognition, and is easy and fun! We got this one for Christmas and have played it many times. Our 2 year old even enjoys playing along with this one.
Soggy Doggy
The laughter that ensues when the doggy starts to shake, is totally worth the water mess that comes with this game! This one is very simple, but a little messy and you have to be sure to dry all the pieces before putting away so it doesn't mildew.
Best Board Games for 5 Year Olds
Rock em Sock em Robots
Fun game with an easy concept, and no small pieces! I have to admit, my husband and I have battled it out on this one a time or two. Fun for all ages!
Richard Scarry's Busytown
This is probably our favorite (I think I've said that about half of these). There are a lot of different things going on in this game, which keeps a toddler's interest, and the game focuses on working as a team which is fun.
Crazy 8s
I was pleasantly surprised to see my then 4 year old pick this game up so easily. We have so much competitive fun playing this one!
The Classics
Candy Land
We can't leave out Candy Land, so bring on the nostalgia! It's a classic because it's simple and fun. The perfect combination for a game with young kids.
Hi Ho Cherry-O
As long as no one cries when the cherries have to go back on the tree, we're good to go! Simple and fun for adults too! We love this one in our house. Be careful of those tiny cherries if you have little ones (I'm such a mom, I have to say it).
I hope this list is helpful if you're looking for the best board games for preschoolers.
Family game night is a fun and frugal way to entertain your family on a budget.
Now to figure out the best system to ORGANIZE all of the games...
hi! I'm shannon
I’m a wife, mom of three, doctor, and blogger! In 2018, I decided to turn my mom blog, into a personal finance blog so others could follow along on our journey to pay off over HALF a MILLION dollars in student loan and practice start up debt. I hope you enjoy following along, and maybe even find some inspiration along the way.
