Games are often a great educational experience for little kids but finding the best board games for 5 year olds can be tricky due to the massive number of options that are available online. However, you don’t need to panic because we’ve researched and reviewed what good games for a 5 year old have to offer.
So, whether your son or daughter is looking for fun games for group play at their birthday party or a good educational option to improve their math skills we’ve got you covered below.
You can also use our buyers guide section that’s available after our list for even more details on how to go about picking the perfect board game for your son or daughter.
our top 3 picks for 5 Year Old Games
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Our List of the Top 5 Year Old Games
Quick Summary: Our Top 10 Picks for 5 Year Old Games
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
OUR TOP PICK | Scrabble Junior Game |
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1st Runner-Up | Classic Trouble Board Game |
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2nd Runner-Up | Mattel Games Ker Plunk Game |
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 | Magnetic Game Set by Yellow Mountain Imports |
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 | Monopoly Junior |
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 | The Ladybug Game |
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 | Adventures in Candy Land Kingdom |
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 | Chutes and Ladders |
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 | Interactive The Floor is Lava! |
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 | Found It Disney Eye |
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Now that we’ve discussed a little bit about what games are fun for little kids, let’s get into our list of the best options for a five yr old.
Magnetic Game Set by Yellow Mountain Imports
Summary
The Yellow Mountain Imports Magnetic Go Set has a durable board which can be folded out flat. There are also magnetic stone pieces which stay put on the board to avoid losing any pieces. These magnets are strong too. Due to the lightweight design of this game, you can be sure to easily take it with you while traveling to keep your kids entertained. In addition to the stone pieces and board, they also include 2 plastic bowls which you use while playing the game.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Durable board design
- Excellent magnetic design
Cons
- Board is smaller than some were hoping
What makes this option stand out?
Since there are magnetic pieces available with this game, you won’t be losing parts anytime soon.
Monopoly Junior
Summary
This Monopoly Junior has been created with a super fun theme, which includes animal characters that kids love. They are given the opportunity to play as the characters due to the design of the player pieces.
The game comes with everything you need to start playig right away including higher quality Monopoly banknotes, which can stand the wear and tear of kids.
We also liked how they’ve made slight modifications to this game to ensure that it’s a little easier for five yr olds to grasp.
Pros
- Fun Animal designs
- Comes with everything you need
- Slightly altered version of Monopoly to suit younger children
Cons
- None that we found
What makes this option stand out?
We liked how they’ve gone to the extra lengths to change how the traditional game of Monopoly is usually played to ensure 5 yr olds are able to play it and have a great time.
The Ladybug Game
Summary
The Ladybug Game involves kids trying to get their Ladybug pieces across the board to safety, while avoiding the Praying Mantis and collecting aphids for the ants. This game has been designed with various numbers, colors, and counters.
As a result, it’s an effective way to help kids improve their reading and counting skills.
It can be played by 2-4 people, which means children are given the chance to play in small groups and develop their social skills.
Pros
- Encourages reading
- Develops counting abilities
Cons
- Can be complicated at times
What makes this option stand out?
Kids have a blast playing this game in small groups and improving their counting abilities, and reading skills along the way.
Adventures in Candy Land Kingdom
Summary
Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures is an exciting board game for kids which has been created with an incredibly vibrant design. Each player has to try and get their counter to the castle in order to win.
The set comes with 4 pawns, a game board, and a set of instructions.
We liked how it’s a group game as it’s more fun for kids. As they’re making their way around the board, children are able to improve their counting abilities.
Pros
- Improves counting abilities
- Exciting vibrant design
Cons
- Board feels too cluttered for some
What makes this option stand out?
The bright and colorful design of this board game gets 5 yr olds super excited to play it. While they’re playing , their counting abilities and social skills are able to develop.
Chutes and Ladders
Summary
This Chutes and Ladders can be played by 2-4 players which gives kids the opportunity to play in small groups and develop their social skills. There’s a spinner included which kids can use to tell them how many spaces to move their piece.
As a result, their basic counting abilities are able to improve. Whoever reaches the 100 square first is the winner.
The game comes with 4 pawns, a game board, plastic stands, a spinner, and a set of instructions to ensure that you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Improves basic counting abilities
- Fun spinner available
Cons
- Pieces are a little larger than some would prefer
What makes this option stand out?
Kids have a lot of fun using the spinner and moving their pieces around the board trying to reach the 100 square. During the process, their basic counting skills are able to develop.
Clue Junior
Summary
In this kids version of Clue players have to discover who ate the last piece of cake. The game comes with a game board, 6 character pawns, 6 furniture tokens, 7 white bases, 7 yellow bases, detective notepad, a die, label sheet and instructions.
The game is perfect for young kids and a great way to introduce them to logic games. It also teaches children to take turns and follow the rules.
Pros
- Fun beginner version of the classic clue game
- Helps young children develop reasoning skills
Cons
- Some games come with missing pieces
What makes this stand out?
This game is definitely geared towards younger children since there is no murder involved in the game. Players are trying to find who ate the last piece of cake, which youngsters can relate too.
Whack a Frog
Summary
This is a simple game that requires concentration and quick actions, making it a wonderful game for any 5 year old. The object of the game is to whack the lighted frog when it pops up. Whack as many frogs as possible.
The speeds increase on the game requiring kids to improve.
Pros
- Improves hand/eye coordination
- Hammers are sturdy enough to work well
Cons
- Stopped working after a short period
What makes this stand out?
Kids enjoy hitting the frogs and find it great fun.
Interactive The Floor is Lava!
Summary
The Floor is Lava! is a super fun game that also encourages children to be more active. It gives them the chance to turn the ground into pretend lava and they have to leap in order to avoid it.
We liked how you can set this game up both indoors and outdoors. It’s a super fun game for groups and is especially great for parties. There are stepping stones that have been made out of cushioned foam materials.
In addition to this, the game comes with instructions, 27 challenge cards, and boards. Each board enables up to 6 people to play at a time making it a ton of fun for a get together or sleepover with a group of friend.
Pros
- Encourages active play
- Can be played indoors & outdoors
Cons
- Challenge cards are a little flimsy
What makes this option stand out?
This is a pretty unique game that encourages children to play more actively and have a blast with friends and family.
Found It Disney Eye
Summary
This World of Disney Eye Found It comes with a wide range of pieces. It includes Mouse-Ear tokens, movers, mover bases, a spinner, 30 search cards, a sand timer, and a set of instructions.
The size of the board is 6 foot, which means it’s pretty large. It can also be played in groups of anywhere between 2 and 6 people. As a result, it can be an effective way to improve your child’s social skills.
We were also impressed with how this game requires players to work together in order to win. In addition to this, your child’s matching skills will be put to the test as well.
Pros
- Develops matching skills
- Helps with collaborative teamwork abilities
Cons
- Board may be too large for smaller tables
What makes this option stand out?
We liked how this game involves a group of players working together in order to win. It’s excellent for little kids ability to work in teams.
Sequence Game for Kids
Product Currently Out Of Stock!
Summary
This game involves playing a card and putting a chip on the character on the board which appeared on your card. The first player to get 4 of their chips in a complete row is the winner.
Therefore, it’s a game that involves a lot of strategy. This is a great way for your 5 yr old child to learn while having fun by developing their logical thinking skills.
Furthermore, since it’s a group game, you can be sure that their teamwork abilities will be able to improve too.
Pros
- Develops logical thinking abilities
- Helps with visual recognition skills
Cons
- Board doesn’t fold into a compact size for easier storage
What makes this option stand out?
This game is a fantastic way for children to improve their logical thinking skills. It also develops their visual recognition abilities.
HedBanz Junior Edition
Summary
This HedBanz Jr. Family games is a ton of fun for kids to play in groups of 2-4 people. It involves picking out one of the animal cards and asking a range of questions about what animal you are that people can only answer with “yes” or “no”.
We liked how there are clue cards available to help out kids who may be struggling. This game comes with 32 clue cards, 24 animal cards, an animal card map, 4 headbands, and a set of instructions.
Pros
- Develops visual recognition abilities
- Awesome card designs
Cons
- Can be a little difficult for some kids
What makes this option stand out?
This is a super fun game which enables children to identify different animals and try to guess for themselves when they’re wearing the headband.
Junior Edition Scrabble
Summary
This Scrabble Junior Game has a double-sided game board which comes with an advanced level on one side and a standard version on the other. Therefore, you can be sure to pick a side that’s the most suitable for your child.
The double-sided feature means that your child always has room to improve as they can simply flip the board over once the standard side becomes too easy for them.
We liked how it’s a game that involves groups of people as it improves your child’s social skills. Furthermore, it helps to develop children’s letter recognition and reading abilities.
Pros
- Double-sided game board design
- Develops reading skills
Cons
- Game pieces could be larger
What makes this option stand out?
We were impressed with this double-sided game board as it enables five yr olds to progress onto the more advanced words at a later stage.
Classic Trouble
Summary
Classic Trouble involves each player trying to get all 4 of their pegs around the board until they reach the finish. This is achieved by pressing the popper die and seeing how many spaces you can move your pegs.
As a result, you can expect your child’s basic counting abilities to develop well. There’s a fun twist where if someone else’s peg lands on your spot, you have to move it all the way back to the start!
The game comes with 16 playing pegs, a die popper, and instructions.
Pros
- Improves counting abilities
- Fun & competitive game rules
Cons
- Some find the die popper is a little stiff
What makes this option stand out?
Kids have been having a blast playing this game in groups with friends and family as everyone is competing against each other to get all 4 of their pegs to the finish. During the game, your child’s social and counting skills are able to develop too.
Monopoly Junior Edition
Summary
This Junior version of Monopoly is an ideal educational game for a 5 year old. It lets to learn the concepts of the traditional Monopoly, which include financial skills and counting of money.
We liked how they’ve redesigned the player pieces to be more exciting for kids. They include Little Hazel, Little Scottie, a Toy Car, as well as a Mr. Monopoly top hat. In addition to this, they’ve changed the kinds of properties that you can buy.
There is a movie theater, arcade, and zoo available. Children have a lot of fun playing this game in groups, which is an excellent way to improve their social skills.
Pros
- Simplified for five yr olds
- Fun game design
Cons
- Not as much strategy involved as some were expecting
What makes this option stand out?
This Junior Monopoly is an excellent way to introduce your little child to Monopoly. It’s simplified and has been redesigned in a way that’s more exciting for them.
Ker Plunk by Mattel Games
Summary
This one by Mattel Games involves taking out the sticks from the tube structure while dropping the least number of marbles as you possibly can. This is a fun game which is also great for your child’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Kids have a blast playing this game in groups with their friends and family. They love reacting to how many marbles other people are dropping to see who wins. It’s an incredibly interactive game which also improves your child’s social skills.
Pros
- Develops motor skills & coordination
- Highly interactive game
Cons
- The sticks are thinner than some were hoping
What makes this option stand out?
This is a fun game which develops your child’s coordination and motor skills.
Mermaid Island by Peaceable Kingdom
Summary
Peaceable Kingdoms Mermaid Island can be played by 2-6 players, which makes it awesome for your child’s social skills. Moreover, we were impressed with how it involves all the players working together in order to get the Mermaids to safety.
As a result, your child’s ability work collaboratively in teams is improved. In addition to this, children are able to use their strategic thinking skills.
Pros
- Develops strategic thinking abilities
- Helps with teamwork skills
Cons
- The game may be too simple for some kids
What makes this option stand out?
We really like how this mermaid game would make a fantastic gift for a 5 year girl because mermaids are girly and it encourages children to develop their teamwork abilities by working with a group.
Outfoxed!
Summary
This Outfoxed! game involves players coming together to play an exciting whodunit style game. Therefore, your child is able to work on their teamwork abilities. Moreover, it can be played by up to 4 people.
This is a great opportunity for kids to develop their social skills. The games also tend to last anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes, which is perfect to hold the attention of five yr olds.
Pros
- Helps with teamwork abilities
Cons
- Instructions are confusing for some
What makes this option stand out?
This is another awesome game that involves players coming together and working in teams. It’s an excellent way for your child to develop their teamwork skills.
our top 3 picks for 5 Year Old Games
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Buyers Guide on the Top Board Games for 5 Year Olds
When it comes to finding board games suitable for five yr olds, there are so many options available which can make it tough. While we’ve narrowed down the choices to the top ones that are available, you may still be feeling a little unsure.
If so, you’ll want to check out this buyers guide section. We’ve included some addition information that will make finding that perfect board game for your 5 year old a lot easier.
Games by Gender
One of the first things to consider when looking at the top 5 yr old games is who you’re getting them for. Generally, both boys and girls can play the games that we’ve reviewed above.
However, there are some that girls will be more inclined to, and others that boys may prefer. So, let’s take a look at the differences between board games for girls and boys below.
Boys
There are numerous games for boys in this review. For example, the Cars 3 Junior version of Monopoly may be something that they love. This is because it includes characters that they love from the movie.
Girls
Girls age 5 may prefer to play with games such as the Mermaid Island or Candy Land. This is because the design of these games and the colors used are something that tends to appeal to girls more though not true of all girls! If your girl doesn’t like games like these any other one we’ve included here is suitable for her and we make a point here not to force girls into a ‘girly’ stereotype like so many do.
Types of Good Games for 5 Year Olds
After reading through our review, you will have seen that there are a wide range of board games available. If you were having a hard time trying to figure out what the various types were, this is the section for you.
Teamwork
There are a number of games to play with five year olds in this review that involve teamwork. Each player is working together in order to try and win the game. This is a fun way for your child to improve their ability to work effectively in groups as well.
Travel Friendly
Travel-friendly options may be among the best options for 5 year olds if you’r
e looking for something to keep them busy while you’re on the move. These kinds of games are lightweight and more compact. Therefore, they can easily be stored in your backpack and taken out to play with no hassle.
Educational
Many of the games in this review have an educational angle, however, there are some that focus on this element more than others. For example, games like Scrabble are awesome for improving your child’s letter recognition and spelling. There are also options which help kids to develop their strategic thinking and counting skills.
Active
When you think of board games, you don’t typically associate them with encouraging kids to play more actively. However, the Lava game that we’ve reviewed here is unique because it makes kids move around more. Therefore, this type of game may be best for parties as it can be played with outdoors if you needed the additional space or it works just fine inside.
Simplified Games
The Monopoly and Scrabble is a fun game included in this review where the rules have been altered to make them specifically suitable for 5 yr olds. As a result, they are able to learn the basics of Monopoly and Scrabble while still fairy young. You can then introduce them to the more traditional versions as they grow older.
Final Thoughts on Popular Board Games for 5 Year Olds
Now that you know more about what some of the best games for 5 year olds have to offer, you can be sure to find the perfect one for your child. There are a variety of children’s board games in this review to ensure that you have a good understanding of the different types.
If you were struggling to select one that you think your child would like best, make sure that you use our buyers guide section for addition information!
our top 3 picks for 5 Year Old Games
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