Best Games for Preschoolers

by Meghan

I received complimentary product from Goliath Games to facilitate some games recommended in this post. As always, opinions remain 100% my own.

One of the best ways to help kids learn through play is by playing games together as a family. And while younger kids may not be ready to dive into Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit, there are a ton of awesome games out there perfect for kids. After playing many games with all three of my kids, these are our family’s decided best games for preschoolers.

Best Games for Preschoolers


Best Games for Preschoolers

Games are great for the 3-5 age group.  They reinforce social skills, like taking turns and playing together, while also encouraging math and fine motor skills.  Some may even challenge their mental acuity and early problem solving skills.

Memory

This was the first game my oldest really ‘got’ and enjoyed.  She would play it on various iPad apps from the time she was as young as 2 and was beyond thrilled when my mom, a retired kindergarten teacher, sent her an Angelina Ballerina Matching game for her 3rd birthday.

When we first played it together, I would just set up a sub-set of the cards, but now we easily play a game with them all, and she wants to play it again when we are done!  Her 3.5 year old memory is definitely better than my mom brain these days.

Chutes and Ladders

Chutes and Ladders is a classic ‘best game for preschoolers’…or as my preschooler likes to call it, Slides and Mountain Climbers.  Frankly, she still plays with this one more during quiet time as imaginary play, setting up the game pieces like kids playing on a playground.  But she does like to play it with me too, spinning the wheel, counting out the spaces.

She doesn’t quite get that falling down the shoot is a penalty, but we are getting there.

Jumping Jack

Jumping Jack wins points for cute factor (and no batteries required). Your preschooler will get great experience taking turns pulling carrots until Jack JUMPS out of his hill.

Dominoes

My preschooler got this fun, animal domino set for her 3rd birthday.  She likes to play it on  her own, as well as in a more traditional, taking turns, game style.  It’s cute because it actually is a puzzle that connects, end to end.  It’s a great introductory version to the more traditional game.

Related Post: Kids Playdate – Host a Game Night!

Operation

Who didn’t love this game of concentration and fine motor skill as a kid?  This one is definitely next on my list to get the girls – I’ve just been waiting until I feel more confident that my toddler won’t try to eat any of the body parts.  And if the Amazon reviews are to be believed, you should opt for the more expensive, old school version.  The newer, comedic one apparently requires no skill.

Qwirkle

While Qwirkle states it is for ages 6 and up, all my kids already love it.  It involves shape and color matching, a perfect skill set for the preschool age group. I’ve also been known to use the pieces for color matching and sorting activities, game aside.

Even if you don’t keep score with the younger kids, they will still get plenty of enjoyment and challenge out of just playing the game.

Fish Food

All 3 of my kids love this one – and I love that even my 2 year old can play, unassisted. Fish Food is a fan favorite in our house for sure. The game keeps score for you, you just tell the fish how many players there are and deal out the worms.

Card Games

Two of the most recommended card games were Uno and Go Fish!, definite favorites from my childhood as well.  I have played both with my niece and nephew successfully since they were about 4 and 5, so I will be sure to introduce these to Big M in the next year or so too!


Games for Preschoolers

What are your preschoolers favorite games to play?  Do you have a family game night?  We are always looking for something new to try, so please share your recommendations in the comments below.  For more awesome game ideas for kids, be sure to check out our favorite game ideas for kids for every occasion!

Related Post: A Year’s Worth of Party Games for Kids

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3 comments

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3 comments

Nina Lewis April 20, 2015 - 12:02 am

Thanks so much for sharing this post at my Grandma Ideas Sharing Time link party! Great game suggestions. I haven’t heard about Quirkle. I’ll have to check it out.

Again, thanks for participating!
Nina

Reply
Nell April 16, 2015 - 12:35 am

I love this! What a great post — thanks for the mention! These are all great games.

Reply
PGPBMeghan April 16, 2015 - 7:16 am

Anything to keep them away from screens, right? Thanks again for contributing!

Reply

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