Board games are a great way to spend time together as a family. But also to build some important developmental skills. For example, board games help increase attention span, work on fine motor skills and practice social skills like turn taking!
That being said, introducing any sort of organized games to a toddler can be infuriating to say the least. Before diving deep into the top ten board games for toddlers do visit my posts on how to teach your kids to play board games part 1 and part 2.
TOP FIVE BOARD GAMES FOR TODDLERS
1. Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel – $14
The object of the game is simple, fill up your tree trunk with all five colored acorn. In each turn, the player spins the wheel and then uses the “squirrel” tongs to pick up the acorns.
There are some sneaky outcomes like stealing someone’s acorn, skipping turn and a wind knocking out and losing all the acorns.
I love this game because it is pretty basic and keeps the kids engaged by having a task in each turn. It also is a great way to sneak in some fine motor skills!
2. Daniel Tiger’s Welcome to Mainstreet – $16
Similar to sneaky snacky squirrel, the object of the game is to fill up your bag pack from different things. You have to visit different places in the neighborhood (the bakery, the post office, the school) and pick up your assigned objects.
I like this game because there are spots on the board where you can “gift” someone an object. It is a great way to build turn taking, but also compassion and kindness.
The fact that its about Daniel Tiger is just a bonus!
3. Pete the Cat the Missing Cupcakes Game – $20
I love this game because its charades meets board games. The object of the game is to work together to place all the cupcakes on the board. Each players earns a cupcake at the end of their turn by doing a variety of tasks like singing a song, acting out an action or naming their favorite food.
This game is awesome for kids that get bored easily. Its a relatively short game, and each turn is very different from the first!
3. Chutes and Ladders – $15
This is a classic game. It needs no introduction. Believe it or not though, it is actually a more advanced game for kids.
It tends to be on the longer side, and the board can seem overwhelming. However you can help ease your child by buying a version of the game themed in their favorite characters!
4. Hi – Ho Cheery-o – $15
This one is similar to sneaky snacky squirrel. The object of the game is to pick all the fruit from your tree.
It is great for those fine motor skills and early math skills. But more than that it is a great way to work on turn taking. Again, its a relatively short game with a task at each turn which helps keep children engaged in the game
5. Barbecue Party Game – $20
If you have an antsy kid that has a hard time concentrating on a game this is a great start!
The object of the game is to place different items on the grill. Once the grill has a certain pressure it pops!
Kids love the game because of the anticipation and thril!
Did you find this list helpful? What are some of your favorite board games to play with your toddler! I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
