10 Best Games for Family Game Night with Young Children (Ages 3-5)
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As a parent, I’ve learned how important regular family time is with my young kids. It’s not just about having fun—it’s about building stronger connections.
If you’re looking to make your family game night the best ever with kids ages 3 to 5, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve got a fantastic list of board games for preschoolers, from classic favorites to exciting new adventures, that promise hours of fun and valuable learning.
And if your kiddos are a bit older, in the 5 to 8 age range, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered too. Check out our Great Games For The Best Family Game Night Ever!
Get ready for unforgettable evenings filled with laughter, bonding, and great memories!
Related: 16 Great Games For The Best Family Game Night Ever!
The Power of Family Game Night
The importance of family time, especially when you have young children, cannot be overstated.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in work, school, and other commitments.
But dedicating a specific time each week to come together as a family creates a sense of belonging and security for our children.
It’s a chance for us to reconnect, share laughter, and create lasting memories.
Among the rituals we cherish, one of my personal favorites is family game night.
Family game nights serve as an occasion for us to momentarily set aside our individual worries and stresses, allowing us to be fully present with one another.
As parents, we seize the opportunity to guide our children, impart important values, and foster a profound sense of love and belonging within them.
Related: Ultimate Toy Guide: 35 Best Toys for Preschool Children
Teaching Essential Skills through Games
Board games for preschoolers are not only a source of entertainment, but also a valuable opportunity to teach them essential skills.
Games promote cognitive development by stimulating problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and strategic planning.
Through gameplay, children learn to follow rules, take turns, and develop good sportsmanship.
They enhance their communication and social skills as they interact with family members and learn how to express themselves.
Additionally, games often incorporate educational elements, such as counting, letter recognition, and vocabulary building, fostering early learning in a fun and engaging way.
By engaging in regular family game nights, we provide our children with a holistic learning experience that goes beyond mere enjoyment, equipping them with valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Top 10 Best Games for Family Game Night
Now that we know how awesome games are for young kids, let’s dive into our top 10 best games for family game night with the little ones. Get ready for some serious fun!
1. Don’t Break the Ice
Don’t Break The Ice is such a blast!
Each player taps out ice blocks, trying not to let the penguin fall. The suspense builds with every tap, and the kids’ eyes light up with excitement.
It’s simple, quick to set up, and the giggles when the ice finally breaks are priceless.
Don’t Break The Ice encourages cooperative play and social interaction, and kids work on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination by taking turns tapping ice blocks with a small hammer.
2. Zingo!
Zingo! is like Bingo with a twist, and kids will absolutely love it.
You slide the Zinger to reveal tiles and match them to your card – it’s fast, fun, and perfect for young kids learning words and matching skills.
It keeps everyone engaged and is a fantastic way to blend learning with playtime.
Zingo! provides a dynamic and enriching experience that stimulates language development, cognitive abilities, and social interaction in children.
3. Sequence for Kids
Sequence For Kids is a simplified version of the classic strategy game, using animal cards instead of numbers.
The kids love matching the animal cards to the game board and trying to get four in a row.
It’s a great introduction to strategy games and is always a hit with its colorful, animal-themed fun.
Sequence for Kids is a fantastic game choice for family game night as it provides a stimulating and engaging experience that enhances cognitive skills, promotes socialization, and encourages strategic thinking in young children.
4. Shark Bite
Shark Bite is an adrenaline rush for the little ones.
You use fishing rods to pluck fish out of the shark’s mouth, but watch out – the shark might snap shut at any moment!
The kids can’t get enough of the thrill, and it’s so easy to play that even the youngest ones can join in.
Shark Bite is an exciting and thrilling game for family game night that also develops important skills such as hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness.
5. Pop the Pig
Pop the Pig is hilariously fun!
You feed the pig hamburgers, press his head, and watch his belly get bigger until it finally pops!
It’s a simple game that’s full of suspense and laughter. The kids love the anticipation, and it’s perfect for keeping their attention and getting them excited.
Pop the Pig is an excellent game for family game night and enhances basic math skills, such as counting and number recognition, and encourages fine motor skills as children push down on the pig’s head to feed it the hamburgers.
6. Chutes and Ladders
Chutes and Ladders is a timeless classic.
The kids move their pieces up ladders and down chutes, learning about numbers and patience.
It’s easy to understand and play, and the thrill of climbing up or sliding down keeps them engaged and entertained.
Chutes and Ladders also encourages positive social behavior and sportsmanship as children learn to celebrate their successes and accept setbacks.
7. Candy Land
Candy Land is pure magic for kids. They journey through a colorful, candy-filled world, meeting fun characters along the way.
It’s so simple to play, and the bright, sugary theme captures their imagination.
It’s a nostalgic favorite that’s perfect for introducing young kids to board games.
Candy Land offers a fun and educational experience that fosters imagination, color recognition, early math skills, and social interaction in young children.
8. The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game is adorably fun.
Players use a squirrel squeezer to collect acorns, which is great for fine motor skills and color matching.
The kids love the cute squirrel theme, and it’s a fantastic way to combine learning and play.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game offers a playful and engaging experience while helping children develop a range of fine motor, cognitive and social skills.
9. The Floor is Lava
The Floor is Lava is an absolute riot!
You transform your living room into an obstacle course where kids jump from one foam “rock” to another, avoiding the “lava.”
It’s energetic, imaginative, and a great way to get the kids moving and laughing.
Perfect for burning off some energy!
The Floor is Lava is an imaginative and active game for family game night that fosters spatial awareness, imaginative play and the ability to think on their feet.
10. Spark Matching Cards
Spark Matching Cards is a classic memory game with endless themes.
Kids flip over cards to find matches, which is fantastic for developing their memory and concentration.
It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a calm, engaging game that keeps their minds sharp and entertained.
Spark Matching Cards are an excellent choice for family game night that enhances memory skills, concentration, and cognitive abilities.
Final Thoughts
These board games for preschoolers are perfect for family game nights with young kiddos!
They’re not just loads of fun, but they also help kids learn important skills like fine motor control, strategy, memory, and social interaction.
It’s a win-win – everyone has a blast and the kids pick up some useful skills along the way.
So, grab your little ones, choose a game, and let the good times roll!
Recommended
- 16 Great Games For The Best Family Game Night Ever!
- Ultimate Toy Guide: 30 Best Board Games for Kids
- 10 of the Best Bluey Games to Play at Home!
- 15 Fun and Engaging Screen Free Indoor Activities for Young Kids
