If you’re anything like our family, you LOVE playing board games. But…how to decide which ones to buy?!
Don’t worry. I got you!!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I will receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. For more information, read my disclaimer & disclosure policy.
The following board games have been tested and enjoyed by Nugget and Peanut, ages 6 and 5.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
DETAILS:
- Number of players: up to 4
- Does not require reading
- Skills include color recognition, counting, fine motor
- “Fun factor” – the sneaky squirrel that steals people’s nuts!, the spinner
- Ages 3+ (but be aware, pieces are small!)
We absolutely adore this game!
Frida’s Fruit Fiesta Game
DETAILS:
- Same maker as Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel (Educational Insights)
- Number of players: up to 4
- Does not require reading (other than letters of the alphabet)
- Skills include letter recognition, fine motor
- “Fun factor” – Frida takes people’s fruit, spinner
- Ages 4+
Connect 4
DETAILS:
- Number of players: 2
- Does not require reading
- Skills include counting, logic, color recognition
- Geared towards ages 6+ (but our 4 year old plays)
Sequence for Kids
DETAILS:
- Number of players: 2 to 4
- No reading required
- Skills include matching, decision making, counting, strategizing
- Geared towards kids ages 3-6
Matching (also known as concentration or memory)
DETAILS:
- Number of players: as many as you like
- So versatile! You can make your own or buy one. (And there are SO many versions out there.)
- You can also modify but eliminating some pairs (to make game easier)
- Reading not required
- Skills include remembering, matching
- Ages 3+
Hi Ho! Cherry-O
DETAILS:
- Number of players: 2-4
- No reading required
- Skills include counting, fine motor
- Geared towards kids ages 3-6 (small pieces though)
- Fun factor: spinner
Candyland
DETAILS:
- Number of players: up to 4
- No reading required
- Skills include color recognition, matching, counting
- Geared towards children ages 3+
- An absolute classic!
Guess Who?
This is our family’s latest favorite!!!
DETAILS:
- Number of players: 2
- Minimal reading required (the names of the people, but actually, you could play without reading the names)
- Skills include logic, deduction, asking questions, paying attention to details
- Geared towards children ages 6+ (but our 4 year old Peanut LOVES this game!)
Operation
DETAILS:
- Number of players: box says 1 (but as long as you take turns, could be 4? 5??)
- Does require reading (but you could play without reading the cards, like my kids do, ha ha)
- Skills include fine motor, concentration, patience, turn taking
- Geared towards children ages 6+
- Fun factor — the “buzz” when you bump into the sides of the cavity while trying to extract the bone
There are soooooooo many more games out there…but these are the ones we currently have and love. Hoping to add more to the collection (eventually)!
Any games you’d add to the list? Please share!
Happy board gaming,
