These educational board games for 3 to 5 year olds not only teach children about counting, matching, shapes, alphabet, and number recognition, but they also provide that fun and exciting factor for children. They will capture the children’s interest with there stunning visuals and engaging boards and parts, which in turn makes the educational part for the child easier to learn. Children respond well with connection, so their is nothing better for their growing brains to have that special one-on-one time with their special person.
So, let’s check out the best educational board games for children that create family connection, help kids learn and prepare for school, and sometimes help kids wind down after a busy day.
Looking for fun educational board games for children a bit older, check out our 6-9 year old category. Or maybe budget gifts for preschoolers.
This is a great educational board game for 3 year olds. If you have played Sequence, then this is a similar concept except simplified for younger children. The objective is to place 4 chips in a row.
How to play Sequence for Kids
Each person is dealt 3 cards. The leftover cards create a draw pile and are placed centrally between players. Players need to get one set of 4 chips in a line, either horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. This is done by placing down a card and putting a chip on the corresponding tile on the board.
To make the game exciting and a bit more challenging, there are bonus cards of a dragon or unicorn. The dragon lets you remove 1 chip of your opponent, while a unicorn is wild and can be placed anywhere on the board.
Why is it a fun and educational board game for kids?
Great for critical thinking and planning and colour and object matching as competitors have different coloured chips. Also, teaches them about animals.
Candyland is hugely popular because it’s a quick, fun, racing educational board game that requires no strategic play and no reading skills.
How is the game Candyland Played?
Its super simple, just pick a card from the top of the deck and then race through “Candyland” by going to the colour of the card shown on the board. The winner is the first person to race around the 134 tiles to land or pass the final square – Candy Castle.
Why is it a popular board game for children?
One of the best educational board games for 3 year olds. Super stimulating board game for preschoolers while also teaching kids about taking turns, being patient, following rules and directions, and recognising colours.
This is another version of Snakes and Ladders with the same objective: being the first one to move from square number 1 to 100. However, instead of a dice, you have a spinner.
How to Play Chutes and Ladders
Spin the spinner and move according to that number. If you land at the bottom of the ladder, you move straight up to the top; however, if you land at the top of a chute, you slide back down to the bottom of that chute.
How to win: Everyone forgets this rule or wants to “forget” it. Can you go over 100 in Chutes and Ladders, and the answer is no; you must spin the exact number to land at 100 to win?
Why play Chutes and Ladders?
This educational board game helps with counting, number recognition, and turn-taking, which leads to patience.
This version includes upper- and lowercase letters and numbers for preschoolers. Covering the basics to help your child be ready for school.
Like most bingo games, draw one token at a time and cover up the corresponding square, and be the first to cover up all your squares to win.
This is another educational board game that promotes letter and number recognition and concentration.
Want to know what is a good game for a 4-year-old to play? This game is perfect for them: it’s both simple and thrilling. Visually, its fun just looking at it.
How to Play Yeti in My Spaghetti?
Place all the noodles on top of the bowl and position the Yeti on top. On your turn, carefully remove one noodle at a time without letting the Yeti fall. If the Yeti falls, you lose.
Why Play These Educational Board Games?
These are all stress-free yet exciting educational board games that are ideal for young children, and they help with fine motor skills, coordination, patience, education, thoughtful play, and so much more.
If you wish to explore more in this age group, explore recommendations for 3-5 years here. And read this fantastic article by an occupational therapist who recommends board games to help with fine motor skills and more.
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