Summer is here and now that many kids have been out of school for a few weeks, parents are bound to start hearing, “I am bored”. Well, here are six preschool and beyond board games that will keep them busy for summer and throughout the year! Bonus: Parents will have a fun playing and remembering some of these games too.
1. Peaceable Kingdom Hoot Owl Hoot – Cooperative Matching Game For Kids ($16.95)
Recommended for ages 4-8, Hoot Owl Hoot, is among its best offerings for preschool-aged children. Kids must work together to try to get the little owls back to their nest before the sun comes up. Hoot Owl Hoot helps little ones foster strategic thinking and problem-solving.
2. Chutes and Ladders ($12.99)
Chutes and Ladders is an oldie but goodie. This is one that most parents would have unquestionably played themselves when they were younger. Recommended for ages 3 and up, players try to scramble to the top of the ladder without falling back down. Preschoolers can practice counting and number recognition as they try to get to the top of the ladder, but make sure to watch out for the chutes!
3. Orchard Toys Shopping List – Educational Memory Game ($19.00)
Recommended for ages 3-7, Orchard Toys Shopping List puts a new twist on “Memory”. Players will get a shopping list and race to find the matching items to fill their cart or basket. This is a great game that helps kids work on observational skills and attention to detail.
4. Peaceable Kingdom Friends and Neighbors: The Helping Game ($18.95)
Using the “Helping Bag,” kids can try to come up with solutions to help others. They’ll learn to recognize and name emotions, which can help develop compassion and empathy skills. This amazing game that builds empathy is recommended for kids 3 and up.
5. Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventure ($12.00)
Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures is another one that parents may remember enjoying as a kid. Recommended for ages 3 and up, kids will have hours of fun traveling down the “magical” road to sweet treats. As no reading is required, this is a great game for those who have not quite yet learned to read.
6. Hasbro Hi Ho! Cherry-O ($11.99)
Learning to count has never been more fun! Recommended for ages 3-6, Hi Ho! Cheery-O teaches players to count as they pick fruit and fill their buckets. Parents will probably remember building their math skills with this flashback board game which was first launched in the 60s.
Looking for more to add to family game night? Click here, and see what else is on the Scarymommy.com list!
