One of the biggest surprises the year our daughter turned 4 was when she learned to engage in board and card games.
I love how these games have become tools for family bonding, teaching the Energizer Bunny that winning is not everything, and most of all, providing hours of gadget-free entertainment.
Most board games are geared towards the older kids’ group so I was so happy to have discovered these board games for preschoolers that my daughter enjoys and asks for.
1. Duck Duck 1-2-3
Mariel gave the Energizer Bunny this game two years ago and it continues to be a favorite. It taught her one-to-one correspondence and taking turns.
Made for 2 players, each one gets a mommy duck as a game piece. The object of the game is for the mommy duck to pick up her baby ducklings around the park. The first family to reach the party in the pond wins.
Fast-paced and fun, this is one game that I think even 3 year olds can appreciate.
2. Snakes and Ladders
I loved this game as a child and this was the first board game that we purchased for the Energizer Bunny. While it caused many a meltdowns when we were starting to play with it, the little girl has since learned through this game that losing is not always a bad thing.
Playing Snakes and Ladders can take time so little ones will also learn how to patiently finish the game.
3. Card games
From Go Fish! to the classic Old Maid (Ungguy-Ungguyan), our deck of cards have entertained us for days on end.
For Go Fish!, we used our Madeline cards to practice the use of adjectives and noticing details. To make things even more fun, we think of consequences for the losing player – 10 jumping jacks, getting tickled by the other players, or wearing a funny mask throughout the next round of the game.
4. Cariboo Island by Cranium
This is our latest find and I personally believe that Cranium produces some of the best board games for kids and adults alike.
The game involves hunting for coins to open the treasure chest by matching shapes, numbers, and beginning letter sounds to the cards that surround it. Learning is fun with Cariboo Island!
5. Bingo
Playing Bingo reminds me of my blackout-filled childhood days. My cousins and I would play this game for hours on end while waiting for the power to come back.
Even the youngest player can enjoy the different versions of Bingo available at the market now – animal bingo, beginning letter sound bingo, sound bingo. You name it, they have it! Or if they don’t have it, it’s easy to DIY it! A classic game that children and adults continue to enjoy.
6. Candy Land
We do not have this yet but this game has been on my radar since the Energizer Bunny started enjoying board games. Reading the wonderful reviews makes this number 1 in my board games wish list. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any in the toy stores in the metro.
Does your preschooler have favorite board games too? Do share in the comments!
Have fun with your child!
