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36 Best Board Games for 3 Year Old Toddlers in 2024

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Finding what the best board games for 3 year olds are is a tough task. A quick search online will bring up thousands of options so the question remains of how to find great games for your toddler?

If you’re in this situation you’ll be glad to hear that we’ve taken care of the hard part for you. We have researched and reviewed what the top preschool games are to save you a bunch of time and hassle. Each option includes the main details, pros, cons, and what makes it stand out. As a result, all you have to do is have a read through and pick out the one that you think your little one will enjoy most.

When choosing you’ll want to be sure to find a game that balances fun and an educational experience at the same time so that your little kid can learn while also have a great time.

our top 3 picks for Board Games for Toddlers

  • Great for beginners
  • Colorful design
  • Encourage group play
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  • Develops math intelligence
  • Tons of pieces available
  • Fun to play
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  • Develops handwriting/spelling
  • Include board book
  • A fun gift for 3 yr old boys
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Our List of the Top Board Games for Toddlers

Quick Summary: Our Top 10 Picks for Board Games for Toddlers

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
BESTSELLER NO. 1ptptbl2-table__imageHi Ho Cherry O Beginner Edition
  • Develops math intelligence
  • Tons of pieces available
  • Fun to play
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BESTSELLER NO. 2ptptbl2-table__imageCandy Land The World of Sweets
  • Great for beginners
  • Colorful design
  • Encourage group play
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BESTSELLER NO. 3ptptbl2-table__imageSneaky Snacky Squirrel & Board Book
  • Develops handwriting/spelling
  • Includes Board Book
  • A fun gift for 3 yr old boys
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ptptbl2-table__imageLady Bug Game
  • Colorful design
  • Improves reading abilities
  • Develops counting abilities
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ptptbl2-table__imageChutes and Ladders
  • Develops motor skills
  • Encourages social interactions
  • Great gift for toddler girls
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ptptbl2-table__imagePete The Cat & The Missing Cupcakes
  • Develops teamwork skills
  • Improves recognition abilities
  • Fun singalongs
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ptptbl2-table__imageEye Found It
  • Improves focus
  • Develops teamwork abilities
  • Boosts confidence
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ptptbl2-table__imageCurious George Matching Game
  • Travel friendly
  • Improves memory
  • Total of 72 tiles with pictures on them
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ptptbl2-table__imageActive Monkey Balance Board Game
  • Develops spatial awareness
  • Tons of fun
  • Develops your child’s motor skills
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ptptbl2-table__imagePaw Patrol Pop Up by Nickelodeon
  • Colorful design
  • Very fun
  • Improves sensory skills
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So, if you’re looking for games for 3 year olds, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in our complete guide below. Go ahead and have a look and find the something that is both fun and educational for your three yr old. If you’re still struggling at after our list, a buyers guide section is available to provide you with a little more guidance to find something your boy or girl will love.

1

Candy Land The World of Sweets

Summary

Candy Land is a fantastic option among many great toddler board games since it’s a little simpler it’s an awesome way to introduce them to games and gives them the chance to get more familiar with the rules. There is a total of 4 pawns, a deck of cards, and instructions. The aim is to get to the castle as quickly as possible.

It is great for 2 to 4 players, which encourages toddlers to play in groups and develop their social skills. We also liked how this preschooler board game has a fun and colorful design.

Pros
  • Great for beginners
  • Colorful design
  • Encourage group play
Cons
  • Pieces are too small for some
What makes this stand out?

If you’re just starting to get your child used to playing games and being accustomed to all the rules, this one’s a great choice. The colorful design makes it feel like a lot of fun.

2

Sneaky Snacky Squirrel & Board Book

Summary

Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel can be a fun gift for 3 yr old boys. The squirrel theme used to design the board is engaging and inspires your child’s creative side. Since it requires some strategy, toddlerscan recruit their critical thinking skills. There is also a writing element with this which gives toddlers the chance to improve their handwriting and spelling.

Lastly, it comes with the Sneak Snack Squirrel Board book which is a wonderful book for a 3 year old.

Pros
  • Develops handwriting/spelling
  • Encourages creativity
Cons
  • Tree stump pieces could be stronger
What makes this stand out?

There are many educational benefits skills to that toddlers are able to develop while playing this game for age 3. The main ones include better handwriting and spelling, as well as improved coordination. This game is 2 presents in 1 since it comes with a fun book your little one will enjoy!

3

Hi Ho Cherry O Beginner Edition

Summary

If you’re looking for board games for toddlers this is a good option that is both exciting and educational since it is effective at helping them to develop their math knowledge in a fun way. So, if your child is struggling with their basic math, this is a good way to encourage them to strengthen their their skills.

We appreciate how fun they’ve made this option. Toddlers can pick the fruit from the various trees until they fill their buckets.

With a total of 40 pieces of fruit, 9 puzzle pieces, and 4 fruit baskets, your child is bound to be entertained for hours. This also gives them plenty of things to count along the way.

Pros
  • Develops math intelligence
  • Tons of pieces available
  • Fun to play!
Cons
  • Only three people can play
What makes this stand out?

Parents have mentioned how they’re toddlers have a lot of fun picking the fruit from the trees with this game. It helps to develop their counting and basic math skills.

4

Chutes and Ladders

Summary

This option makes a great gift for toddler girls and can be played by 2 to 4 players. You receive 4 pawns, a spinner, board, stands made out of plastic, and instructions. The instructions are easy to get to grips with, therefore, you can start playing as soon as possible.

Toddlers have a lot of fun seeing who can make it to the top of the board first.

Pros
  • Develops motor skills
  • Encourages social interactions
Cons
  • Pieces may be a little too large
What makes this stand out?

This is a classic preschool board game that three year old children can get the hang of in no time. They will also be more comfortable in group situations.

5

Pete The Cat & The Missing Cupcakes

Summary

This toddler board game is a lot of fun for anywhere between 2 and 4 players. This is especially the case with this choice because it requires teamwork. As a result, your child can work on their collaboration abilities. The aim is to retrieve the cupcakes from the Grumpy Toad.

Throughout playing, children are encouraged to recognize different words, foods, and animals. This is awesome for the differentiation skills. Furthermore, they can sing and be more physical to keep it super fun.

Pros
  • Develops teamwork skills
  • Improves recognition abilities
  • Fun singalongs
Cons
  • Tasks may be too simple for some
What makes this stand out?

If you’re looking for an option to help your child become better at working in teams and collaborating, this one could be the perfect option.

6

Eye Found It

Summary

This is fantastic for anywhere between 2 and 4 players and toddler boys absolutely love it as a gift. It is also one that involves teamwork. While playing, we found that toddlers are able to significantly improve their confidence. This is because once they’ve found what they’re looking for, they have to shout out “I found it!”. As a result, they’re able to be more vocal and confident.

Since they’re having to keep a close eye out and look for something specific, your child’s ability to focus can be improved.

Pros
  • Improves focus
  • Develops teamwork abilities
  • Boosts confidence
Cons
  • Requires a lot of space to play
What makes this stand out?

We liked how this option enables a toddler to become more confident while being able to work better in teams.

7

Crocodile Dentist

Summary

This is a simple and fun game for older toddlers. The idea for the game is for players to choose one of the crocs teeth and press on it, while trying to avoid pressing on the crocodile’s sore tooth. If the player does press on the sore tooth the crock will chomp down and you are out of the game. The last person still in the game wins.

Pros
  • Simple game that teaches children to take turns
  • Kids love the surprise of not knowing when the crocodile will chomp down
Cons
  • Some consumer experienced the crocodile breaking fairly quickly
What makes this stand out?

Kids actually get a kick out of the surprise of the crocodile biting them.

8

Curious George Matching Game

Summary

Curious George is incredibly effective at helping toddlers to develop their memory skills, boys age 3 really like it. With a total of 72 tiles with pictures on them, children are given a lot of cards to match together with. As a result, their ability to recall from their memory will be improved.

They’re also given the chance to develop their matching skills. This helps them to identify specific images from one another.

We liked how it is lightweight and can be easily transported. Therefore, it’s a great option when you need to be on the go.

Pros
  • Travel friendly
  • Improves memory
Cons
  • No container for cards
  • May be too many cards for young toddlers to match
What makes this stand out?

Children can improve their ability to recall information from their memory while playing this. Not to mention, their matching and recognition abilities can be developed greatly too. Boys love Curious George so this would be a fun educational option to get your toddler.

9

Boggle Junior

Summary

Boggle Junior is a game devised to teach children early reading skills. It really is nothing like the traditional Boggle where players find words in a group of letters. In this game the kids use the cubes to find the letters that match the picture/word cards. This is a game that is perfect for developing letter and word recognition skills. The game is best suited for just 1 or 2 players.

Pros
  • Great learning tool for young preschool age kids
  • It also helps children develop patience and concentration when looking for the letters they need
Cons
  • Not the right letters to make all of the words
What makes this stand out?

This game is a way for parents to get children to begin reading. It is more a matching game than a word finding game.

10

Paw Patrol Pop Up by Nickelodeon

Summary

Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol game has been designed with tons of different colors. This makes it more visually stimulating and engaging for your child’s sensory abilities. The instructions included making it very easy to follow. It’s pretty fast paced, where everyone is trying to make their way around the board as quickly as possible. This is an exciting element that adds to the fun.

With 16 different pawns available, your child can have a lot of fun with this one.

Pros
  • Colorful design
  • Very fun!
  • Improves sensory skills
Cons
  • Too many small pieces for some
11

Lady Bug Game

Summary

The aim of this one is to ensure the ladybugs are able to reach their home safely. There is a praying mantis which toddlers need to try and steer clear of, while also picking up aphids in order to keep the ants feed.

So, there’s a lot going on with this board game. However, they’ve managed to keep it clear and exciting with a colorful design. This helps to pull toddlers in and become more engrossed in the story.

We were impressed by how it encourages toddlers to count and begin learning to read. There are various playing cards which can help your child learn to read early on. The different counters available are great for making counting simpler.

Pros
  • Colorful design
  • Improves reading abilities
  • Develops counting abilities
Cons
  • May be too complex for some
What makes this stand out?

With the colorful design and engaging story, young children will feel encouraged to improve their reading and counting skills while playing this one.

12

Go Away Monster

Summary

Go Away Monster can be played by 2 4 players and last for around 15 minutes. Parents have found that this 15 minute time is perfect for holding a toddlers attention long enough without them getting too bored. It comes with a total of 8 monsters, 4 bedroom boards, a cloth bag, and 16 bedroom pieces. This provides you with plenty of pieces to play with. They are also effective at helping your child develop shape recognition.

We were impressed with how it can also help toddlers deal with the fear of monsters in their bedroom at night. You put your hand in the bag and pull out a random piece. If it’s a monster, your child can simply throw it into the monster pit. It’s a great way to help them get over their fears.

Pros
  • Improves shape recognition
  • Good playing time
  • Lots of pieces available
Cons
  • Not challenging enough for advanced toddlers
What makes this stand out?

We liked how this toy can help children get over their fears of monsters being in their rooms.

13

Don’t Break the Ice

Summary

This is a fun game for 3 year olds. Players take turns tapping out the blocks of ice one at a time while trying to keep the penguin from falling through. The game contains 1 large ice bloc, 32 small blocks, 2 mallets, and Phillip the penguin as well as the frame to hold the ice blocks.

Pros
  • Helps develop a child’s fine motor skills
  • Children enjoy breaking the ice and find the entire game fun
Cons
  • The legs do not always stay on when playing
What makes this stand out?

Kids love the idea of keeping the penguin on the ice while breaking the ice blocks around him. However, hit the wrong block and you can bring all of the ice crashing down.

14

Pressman Lucky Ducks

Summary

This option comes in a format that’s simple for toddler to get to grips with. Most children find that the sizes of the pieces involved are a great size for their little hands. Moreover, they will need to recruit their memory skills too. If they come across a certain card, remembering it could help them get the winning edge later on.

We also liked how the cards are designed with color. This makes them more visually stimulating for children.

Pros
  • Develops memory
  • Colorful design
Cons
  • Smaller than some were expecting
What makes this stand out?

Children are able to improve their memory and recognition skills while playing this. The bright colors also make it more fun and appealing.

15

Dinosaur Logic Game by Peaceable Kingdom

Summary

This dinosaur game has a super fun premise. It involves trying to help the dinosaurs escape from the erupting volcano.

We liked how preschoolers have to work together in order to save all the dinosaurs. It’s a fantastic way for them to develop their social skills. Furthermore, it helps them learn how to best work in a team to achieve results.

There is a lot of strategy involved with this one. Therefore, toddlers are encouraged to use their critical thinking skills.

Pros
  • Lots of fun
  • Improves teamwork skills
  • Develops critical thinking
Cons
  • Maybe too easy for some
What makes this stand out?

Since this one involves teamwork for everyone to win, toddlers are able to improve their social and collaborative skills.

16

First Orchard by HABA My Very First Games

Summary

This option is one of the best board games for toddlers who like to play at a fast pace. This is because it last for around 10 minutes.

This is another option that involves teamwork. Toddler have to reach the fruit from the trees before the raven gets to the end of the road. If everyone is able to collect all the fruit in time, everyone is a winner.

Therefore, this makes it very effective at encouraging toddler to collaborate and work in a team. It’s great at developing their social interaction sills too.

This set includes a fruit basket and a wide variety of fruits. We liked how the die is colored

Pros
  • Improve teamwork abilities
  • Colorful design
Cons
  • May produce paint smell
What makes this stand out?

Toddlers are able to improve their social skills and the way that they work in a team by playing this one.

17

Mickey Mouse Matching Game

Summary

This option is fantastic for helping your child develop their matching and memory skills. It involves matching various pictures which included Mickey Mouse characters.

This is a fun way to improve their matching abilities without even knowing it due to how much fun they’re having. Their memory skills are able to improve because they often have to try and recall the different faces of the characters.

We also liked how this is a game that encourages toddlers to play in groups.

Pros
  • Improves memory
  • Encourages social interactions
Cons
  • Could be too many cards included for some
What makes this stand out?

Toddlers can improve the way they interact with people while taking turns. It also helps them to develop their matching and memory abilities.

18

Number Puzzle Boards & Pegs

Summary

This puzzle game comes with a self correcting feature. This is great for helping to prevent toddlers become frustrated too easily. Instead, they’re encouraged to persevere more.

Children can incorporate the pegs which have a stacking feature. It’s a great way for them to improve their counting skills. They’re also able to improve their basic subtraction and addition abilities.

Pros
  • Self correcting feature
  • Helps with basic math
Cons
  • Some find it produces a smell upon opening
What makes this stand out?

Children can improve their basic addition and subtraction abilities by playing with this board game. Not to mention, their hand eye coordination and motor skills are improved too.

19

Retro Chutes and Ladders

Summary

Retro Chutes and Ladders by Hasbro has been created with some fantastic artwork. It has a slightly different retro style to it which toddlers may find to be visually appealing. It comes with a total of 4 pieces to play with, as well as instructions, and a spinner. We liked how this spinner has a colorful design.

Pros
  • Unique retro design
  • Improves motor skills
Cons
  • Some experience issues with the spinner
What makes this stand out?

With a colorful spinner and retro board design, toddlers become very interested in this. It’s also effective at developing their motor skills and hand eye coordination.

20

Family Pastimes Max

Summary

Family Pastimes Max involves all the players to work together and makes for a great family game for 3 year olds. You have to try and get all the creatures into safety before Max (the cat) reaches them. This is a super fun way to get together in groups and play. When playing this they’ll discover how to best work in a team for the best outcomes.

Since there is some strategy involved, it does also encourage children to think logically. We also liked how all the paints and glues used are safe for toddlers

Pros
  • Encourages logical thinking
  • Lots of fun!
Cons
  • Some advanced toddlers may get bored easily
What makes this stand out?

Children can play this in groups and improve their social skills and ability to work well in a team. Not to mention, their logical thinking abilities are called upon too.

21

Feed The Caterpillar

Summary

Game for 3 year olds is a lot of fun since it enables the players to try and turn the caterpillar into a butterfly. We liked how this board game involves a lot of collecting, counting, and building. As a result, your child can improve their basic math skills, as well as develop their motor abilities. Furthermore, there is some strategy involved with this one too. Therefore, children have to use their decision making skills.

The 3D design of the caterpillars is visually stimulating for toddlers and makes it more fun to play with.

Pros
  • Improves decision making skills
  • Develops basic math knowledge
Cons
  • Some would’ve preferred a spinner included
What makes this stand out?

The premise and 3D design of this caterpillar toy are super exciting for young children. Not to mention, the counting aspect is great for strengthening their math abilities.

22

Digging Dogs by Game Zone

Summary

The object of this is to help the dog find his lost bones. Toddlers have to try and retrieve them and bring them back to the dog. We appreciated how they made it easy to learn as it makes it more accessible and fun for preschool aged kids.

All the dog pieces begin in their kennels. Each player then rolls the die to move their piece in a variety of directions. You can use the nose on the dog pieces to pick up the bones and take them back to the kennel by using the die.

If you find bones that are the same color as your dog, you can put it straight in the kennel.

Pros
  • Improves color recognition skills
  • Unique design
Cons
  • May be too easy for some
What makes this stand out?

We liked how you can use the noses on the dog pieces to pick up the bones. This makes it more interactive and fun. Not to mention, it also improves your child’s color differentiation skills and hand eye coordination.

23

Chutes & Ladders Spider Man Edition

Summary

This Spider Man game by Hasbro is a lot of fun. They love the Spider Man design and it encourages them to play. There’s a spinner available which is fun to spin.

You move your piece on the board according to how many spaces the spinner tells you to move. This is awesome for improving your child’s number recognition skills. We also liked how the different play pieces are of various characters that your child may be familiar with.

Pros
  • Fun design
  • Improves understanding of numbers
Cons
  • Not as sturdy as some hoped for
What makes this stand out?

Hasbro has created a great Spider Man themed board game that 3 year olds find entertaining.

24

Feed the Woozle Preschooler Game

Summary

This one is equipped with a total of three different levels. The higher the level, the more challenging the it becomes. Therefore, this is an awesome game that can grow alongside your child from toddler age and onwards.

We were impressed by how this it helps kids develop their motor skills, dexterity, counting abilities, and spatial awareness. All of these are able to develop without kids even realizing due to how fun it is.

The aim is to try and feed the Woozle all the 12 treats before the snacks are all finished. Anywhere between 2 and 5 people can play at a time.

Pros
  • Grows with your child
  • Improves counting abilities
  • Helps kids be more social
Cons
  • May be too easy for some
What makes this stand out?

We liked how it has 3 difficulty levels. For your toddler, the first level would be the most suitable. But as they grow older, they can progress onto the harder levels and carry on developing.

25

Hi Ho! Cherry O

Summary

This option comes with a total of 44 cherries that are made out of plastic. There’s also four buckets and trees, as well as a single playing board. This provides children with a lot of cherry picking options.

This one is particularly effective at helping children improve their hand eye coordination skills.

We liked how they provide you with instructions that come with illustrations. This makes it easier to learn and start playing.

Pros
  • Easy instructions
  • Tons of pieces to play with!
Cons
  • Plastic materials are a little thin
What makes this stand out?

This option involves picking and collecting cherries, which we found to be effective at improving children’s hand eye coordination. Not to mention, it also encourages them to develop their counting abilities too.

26

Snake, Ladders and Ludo

Summary

This one can be played by 2 4 players. This gives children the opportunity to play in groups and work on their social interaction skills.

We liked how they included various animals into the design of this board. It makes the game more visually appealing and fun. They’re also likely to ask questions and be able to recognize the different animals.

Furthermore, there are different locations on the board which sparks curiosity too. these include the Coral Sea, African Plains, Tropical Rainforest, and the Arctic.

Pros
  • Encourages curiosity
  • Develops social play abilities
Cons
  • Alignment on some pictures could be improved
What makes this stand out?

The various animals and locations found on this playing board are great for stimulating the curious side of your child. As a result, they’re more likely to retain the information that they’ve learned.

27

Wooden Horse Race Strategy

Summary

This strategy game that can be a lot of fun for the entire family. There are easy to follow instructions which also enable you to alter the rules depending on who’s playing. We liked how the horse pieces on this wooden toyare sturdy and stay firmly on the board during play. It saves you having to try and remember your correct place.

Kids are given the chance to learn about how to count up whatever currency is being exchanged in the game. Moreover, the horse design is something that intrigues them too.

It helps them recognize animals and encourages them to play in the group.

Pros
  • Fun for the entire family
  • Develops counting abilities
Cons
  • Board could be stronger
What makes this stand out?

This is a different board game for 3 year olds that helps them to develop their counting abilities, as well as their ability to play as part of a group.

28

Snug as a Bug in a Rug by Peaceable Kingdom

Summary

This option from Peaceable Kingdom is an awesome choice for encouraging kids to play and work together. Kids have to try and get all the bugs to safety from the stinkbugs by working together. They can come up with strategies too which is great for their critical thinking.

We liked how the bug pieces are bright in color. It makes the game seem more fun and visually stimulates your child. They’re also able to develop their color recognition skills. With the various pieces available, children will also improve their ability to count, match, and tell the difference between shapes.

Parents have also been liking how there are three levels of difficulty available. This means that your child can continue to play with the toy at higher difficulty levels as they grow older.

Pros
  • Grows with your child
  • Encourages teamwork
  • Develops shape differentiation abilities
Cons
  • Maybe too boring for some kids
What makes this stand out?

Peaceable’s Kingdom Snug as a Bug in a Rug is a great option for helping kids to learn how to play and work in teams.

29

Hungry Hippos

Summary

Hungry Hippos is a hippo chomping game for 2 to 4 players. Each player chooses a hippo, Then 20 marbles including a yellow marble are dropped into the center of the game. Then each player pushed down on their hippo’s tail lever to try and get their hippos to eat the marbles. The hippo who eats the most marbles or the yellow marble wins!

Pros
  • The game is easy and fun for young children
  • This game goes together fairly easily
Cons
  • Game seems to be cheaply made
What makes this stand out?

This is a simple game with simple rules that are easy for young children to understand. Since all of the kids play at once they don’t get bored waiting for their turn.

30

Enchanted Forest

Summary

This is a fairy tale based search and find board game based on familiar fairy tales. The object of the game is for players to roll the dice and move around the board peeking at various treasures along the way. Find the treasures for the king and win the game. The game includes trees, token treasures, treasure cards, 2 dice, player pieces, game board and instructions.

3 year olds love the Enchanted Forest theme and design!

Pros
  • This games require children to concentrate and build their memory skills
  • Kids love that this is like a treasure hunt for them
Cons
  • Some people find this game boring
What makes this stand out?

This game helps kids improve their memory skills and has a search and find aspect that makes it different from other board games.

31

Candy Land Vintage Board Game

Summary

This retro series Candy Land by Hasbro has been created to look like the edition that was out in 1967. It has the original graphics which kids age 3 have come to love. It’s also a fun way for parents to get involved with a game designed that they’re more familiar with. They’ve included the gingerbread men pieces which kids are entertained by.

You play by rolling the dice and try to be the first person to reach the castle. Along the way, children are able to improve their hand eye coordination as they roll the dice and move their pieces.

Furthermore, their basic counting skills are developed by recognizing the number on the die and moving their piece to the corresponding place.

Pros
  • Great for parents to get involved!
  • Improves counting abilities
Cons
  • Gingerbread pieces are prone to falling over
What makes this stand out?

This is a fantastic option that has a retro design which toddlers have been having a lot of fun with. While having so much fun, they’re unaware that they’re actually improving their counting abilities and hand eye coordination.

32

Dinosaur Bingo

Summary

Dinosaur Bingo is highly educational for your 3 year olds. It comes with a total of 8 double-side bingo card containing different dinosaurs, as well as 48 dinosaur tokens .

Therefore, your child is provided with plenty of cards to play and be engaged for hours. The bingo card that have different pictures on them are effective at improving your child’s ability to recognize different images.

Pros
  • Great fun for the whole family!
  • Encourages reading
Cons
  • Paper markers are a little flimsy
What makes this stand out?

Dinosaur themed bingo is fantastic for encouraging preschool aged children to read the information cards and improve their spelling and language skills.

33

Boggle Junior Edition Toddler Board Game

Summary

Boggle Junior is an excellent game for 3 year olds who are in the stages of developing their language skills. It enables them to learn more about their ABC’s in a fun way.

There are various letter cubes which need to be matched to the correct word or picture card. Therefore, it is very effective at helping toddlers to develop their recognition and matching abilities. It also calls upon them to recall information from their memory, which is a great cognitive exercise.

Pros
  • Improves recognition abilities
  • Memory skills are improved
Cons
  • Can become boring for some over time
What makes this stand out?

This option does a lot to ensure your child is able to have fun while also developing crucial skills. It helps their recognition, language, and memory abilities improve greatly.

34

Welcome to Mainstreet by Briarpatch

Summary

This is one of the best board games for preschoolers since it helps them learn to play in groups. It can be played by up to four players, which enables them to get used to social interactions without feeling too overwhelmed.

We liked how it’s also an awesome choice for helping children to improve upon their coordination and counting abilities. Toddlers can boost their knowledge of basic math and have better coordination as a result.

The premise of this one involves introducing preschool aged children to a pretend place called Main Street, where Daniel the Tiger resides. This is great for inspiring the creative side of your child.

Pros
  • Promotes creativity
  • Improves social interactions
Cons
  • Lots of small pieces to keep track of
What makes this stand out?

Children can strengthen their basic math skills, while also becoming more comfortable in social settings and being more creative too.

35

Pengoloo by Blue Orange Games

Summary

Pengloo is awesome for aiding 3 year old toddlers in developing their visualization and memory skills. We also found it to be effective at developing children’s mathematical abilities.

The penguins in the must be placed in a specific order according to a number pattern. This is what helps boost children’s math skills.

There are a variety of colors used throughout which stimulate your child’s senses. It’s a fantastic way for them to improve their color recognition skills.

Since up to 4 people can play this, it also gives toddlers the chance to become more familiar with social interactions.

Pros
  • Improves math abilities
  • Encourages social skills to flourish
Cons
  • Egg pieces can be prone to becoming loose
What makes this stand out?

Toddlers have a lot of fun playing with this penguin set. This is especially the case in a small group as they’re able to improve how they interact socially.

36

5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Summary

This is a super interactive and fun game for 3 year old children. It works by placing the monkeys on the bed and trying to prevent their heads from touching the ceiling. This operates with a pop up feature which toddlers are a huge fan of. This one is easy for growing children to learn and helps them to develop their counting abilities. With a total of 24 monkeys available, they’re given plenty to play with!

Furthermore, up to 4 players can play this at a time. Therefore, children can put themselves in more social situations to improve how they interact with people.

Pros
  • Can strengthen social interactions
  • Develops counting abilities
Cons
  • The bed may stick at times during play
What makes this stand out?

This is an incredibly exciting game that toddlers are having a blast with. Simultaneously, they’re also developing their social and motor skills, while improving their counting abilities too.

our top 3 picks for Board Games for Toddlers

  • Great for beginners
  • Colorful design
  • Encourage group play
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  • Develops math intelligence
  • Tons of pieces available
  • Fun to play
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  • Develops handwriting/spelling
  • Include board book
  • A fun gift for 3 yr old boys
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Buyers Guide to the Best Toddler Board Games for 3 Year Olds

If you’re still feeling a little unsure as to which preschool board games are best, we’re about to run you through some of the main points to consider before picking one. You’ll have a better idea of what features to look out for as well as some of the fantastic benefits that games for 3 year olds have to offer.

The options mentioned in our review have a number of fantastic developmental benefits for your growing 3 year old. Learn more about what they entail here.

Social Skills

Playing board games involves playing with at least one other person in almost all case and in most cases, toddlers will enjoy playing with 4+ players. This is a fantastic way for them to develop their social skills.

Furthermore, these games often require all players to work towards the same goal so your child will be encouraged to work more collaboratively.

Cognitive Abilities

With the variety of board games available, all of the ones in the review above will help your preschooler develop educationally and further their cognitive abilities in one way or another. Whether it be their critical thinking and problem solving abilities, or counting and language abilities.

Coordination & Motor Skills

Board games tend to be great gifts for a 3 years old girl since they involve aspects such as rolling dices and moving pieces around, your child will be able to strengthen their coordination and motor skills, something important for a developing toddler.

These are crucial developments for a preschooler to help them continue to improve their ability to walk confidently and use their hands in proper coordination.

Best Types of Games for 3 year olds

We’ve made sure to include a wide range of good toddler games in our review above. To help you gain a better understanding of the main differences between them, have a quick read below!

Larger Group Play

All the games options that we’ve reviewed involve at least two people. However, there are options that involve 4 or more players. In these cases, your 3 year old is given the chance to play more socially.

Teamwork

A number of the options above involve working in groups to achieve a goal together. These are awesome for helping 3 year olds learn how to work in teams and be collaborative.

Educational

Parents may be looking for games that have educational purposes. We’ve included many that are more geared towards helping your child’s cognitive abilities develop.

They encourage better counting, spelling, language, and math skills.

Strategic

Strategic board games can be a lot of fun, but they also require a little more patience. They call upon your child to initiate their critical thinking and problem solving skills more.

Entertaining

While all the choices in our review have developmental benefits, some are made to be used for a more fun purpose. They’re very entertaining and can keep toddlers engaged and having fun for hours.

We find these types to be best for encouraging children to be more imaginative.

Classic

Classic options such as snakes and ladders are ones that the entire family can easily play together. These ones are best if you’re looking for something to include your little one in family game nights.

Final Thoughts on Popular Board Games for 3 Year Olds

Regardless of whether you’re looking for these types of board games for three year old girls or boys, you can feel confident in knowing that you’ll find something in the review above. Simply have a read through them until you find the one that you think is best for your child.

If you’re still feeling a little unsure about options for little children, use our buyer guide section just above to help steer you towards the right direction.

our top 3 picks for Board Games for Toddlers

  • Great for beginners
  • Colorful design
  • Encourage group play
VIEW ON AMAZON →
  • Develops math intelligence
  • Tons of pieces available
  • Fun to play
VIEW ON AMAZON →
  • Develops handwriting/spelling
  • Include board book
  • A fun gift for 3 yr old boys
VIEW ON AMAZON →
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About Sheryl Jackson

Sheryl is a wife, mother and grandmother who has 3 adult children, many grandchildren and a large family with many nieces and nephews. Over the decades Sheryl has purchased countless toys and gifts for her children, grandchildren, foster children, nieces and nephews. Sheryl has an M.A. in communications and creative writing and loves using her experience as a parent and grandparent to share her picks of the best toys and gift ideas for children, teenagers and young adults.

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