What are some great board games for your little preschooler? (That won't get boring and tossed away after one use?)
We have compiled a list here with a selection of tried and true board games specifically for the interests and abilities of 4-year-olds. We have these at home and bring them out to play quite often. So gather 'round, roll the dice, and check out these fantastic board games for 4-year-olds.
1 - Outfoxed
Outfoxed is honestly fantastic. Essentially a kid's version of Clue, this game uses logic and deduction to figure out which fox stole the pie by flipping over clues about the culprit's clothing and accessories. As the only "Eurogame-style" kids' game on this list, it offers a modular gameplay experience that changes each time you play.
2 - Connect 4
I've found it to be a surprisingly respectable classic, far superior to other staple games like Monopoly. While purists may criticize it as a solved game where the first player can always win by starting in the middle, this won't be an issue when playing with young children. The simple rules teach them to think ahead and consider their opponent's moves, and it's engaging enough for adults to enjoy as well. The tactile satisfaction of clacking down the pieces is a bonus, and it's a great value at around $9.
3 - Dixit
Dixit is a huge hit with both kids and adults in our house, with the kids constantly asking to play. Featuring beautiful, abstract artwork, players give clues and make up short stories, while others try to match the clue with their own cards. It's a universal game with no reading required, perfect for all ages. We've also enjoyed it in adults-only groups, making it rare in its appeal to a 3-year-old, a 33-year-old, and a 63-year-old alike.
4 - First Orchard
HABA’s First Orchard was gifted to my oldest son on his second birthday. Players work together to collect the harvest (red apples, green apples, plums, and pears) by rolling a die before the raven reaches the orchard and gobbles them up. It's great for watching my kids practice setting up the game and honing their color sorting skills.
5 - Hoot Owl Hoot
Playable around age 3, this color-matching game requires no reading, making it easy for younger players with a bit of help. The owls venture out at night and need to fly home before sunrise. Players take turns drawing cards to move an owl to the corresponding color on the board, while sunlight cards bring daylight closer. Everyone works together to get all the owls home before daybreak.
6 - Candyland
Candy Land is a classic board game where players navigate a vibrant path to reach the Candy Castle. Candy Land aids in color recognition and helps children learn to follow basic rules. The straightforward gameplay and vivid colors captivate and excite young children.
7 - Zingo
Bingo with a Zing! My 5 year old is a huge fan of the Zingo line!! He has the other three packs and when I saw that they had the sight word Zingo, I had to purchase to help him with his reading/sight words. The idea/concept is great! This brings an exciting/fun way to learn his sight words. The perfect gift for a Kindergartener/1st grader!
8 - Busytown, Eye Found It
In Richard Scarry's Busytown Seek and Find Game from Briarpatch, young children embark on a lively adventure, racing around a jumbo-sized board to find hidden characters like Father Cat, Sally Cat, and the Pig Family. This delightful game offers two levels of play, perfect for both younger and older kids. With its competitive edge, expansive game board, search-and-find excitement, and vibrant design, it’s guaranteed to be a favorite among kids and parents alike.
9 - Hungry Hungry Hippos
The frenzied, marble-chomping game features four brightly-colored hungry hippos that want to munch a bunch of marbles! The faster you press their tails, The more marbles they try to chomp. If your hippo gobbles the most you win! Keep your eyes peeled and your hippo ready- because now there's one special marble; be the first to munch it- and you're the instant winner!
10 - Snug As A Bug In A Rug
Work together to beat the stinkbugs: All the colorful bugs need your help to get safe and snug before the stinkbugs show up and stink up the place! A fun cooperative and matching game for children with 3 levels of play so the game can grow with your child. A game where everyone plays together, no one is left out, and everyone has fun!
11 - Yeti In My Spaghetti
The suspense builds as you remove noodle strands from the bowl. But watch out…don’t let Yeti fall. Yeti in My Spaghetti game for kids 4-6 is oodles of noodly fun that can bring laughs to family game night.
12 - Go Fish
No reading required! The game features beautifully illustrated images of ocean animals which children can easily identify. This allows kids to play Go Fish by calling for cards by image or number (example, “Do you have a sea turtle?” -or- “Do you have a six?”) making it easier for kids who don't know their numbers to play, too. It's a fun game for both boys and girls.
13 - The Missing Cupcake Game
Find the missing cupcakes! Join Pete and his friends as they work together to get the missing cupcakes back from Grumpy Toad. Players collect colorful 3D cupcakes as they sing songs, act out physical activities, and identify favorite animals, foods, and words in this fun board game. It is a game of luck and memory that changes every time it is played. Based on Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes, by James and Kimberly Dean. Children will want to play again and again. No reading required.
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