The Best First Games for Toddlers
How soon is too soon to start a family game night tradition? Kids as young as two can begin playing games with you and practicing their skills for family games nights!
Besides having fun and connecting with you, toddlers will learn important skills like taking turns, following the rules, and problem-solving. Some games will get some wiggles out, while others will introduce them to winning and losing, mainly as a team.
We made a list of our eight favorite first board games for toddlers–ones we’ve played with our kids! Check out our top picks below, and let us know your favorites too.
See our favorite games for kids of all ages in our Family Game Night Hub.
Monkey Around The Wiggle & Giggle Game
From hugs to high-fives, this game helps kids learn simple skills like balancing, hopping, and marching! The cards tell you and your toddler what to do, keeping everyone moving. It’s fun to bond with your toddler while boosting brain development and getting those wiggles out.
First Orchard Cooperative Board Game
In this cooperative game, players work together to pick all the fruit from the trees before the raven reaches the end of its path. Players roll the dice to see if they pick a fruit or move the raven forward.
Toddlers learn to take turns, follow directions, recognize colors, and count by ones. Everyone wins or loses together, teaching early teamwork skills!
Acorn Soup The Tasty Counting Game
In this pretend play game, you and your child help Squirrel make soups by following recipe cards. You’ll pick ingredients, add them to the pot, and stir them with a wooden spoon.
Toddlers have fun while improving hand-eye coordination and learning to follow instructions!
Here, Fishy, Fishy! Magnetic Fishing Game
This magnetic fishing game is a fun way for toddlers to learn about taking turns, matching colors, and rolling dice. Perfect for 1-4 players, just roll the die, use the magnetic rod to catch a fish of the same color, and be the first to complete your puzzle to win!
Where’s Bear? Stacking Block Game
Where’s Bear is a fun mix of two favorite activities—stacking blocks and playing hide-and-seek! Parents and kids take turns hiding Bear under the sturdy nesting boxes (each a different room in his house) and then finding him.
Rainy Ranch Cooperative Game
In this cooperative game, work together to move the animals into the barn before the rain! Roll the die to lead animals into the barn, watch out for raindrops, and get everyone safely inside before it rains. Toddlers will work on fine motor skills while learning to take turns and follow directions.
Duck Duck Dance! Move and Groove Game
Get ready to move and groove with this fun dancing game for toddlers! Roll the dice, imitate the dancing duck, then flip over an audience member on the board. Once the audience members are revealed, the game is done!
The Happy Marshmallow Game
In this game, each player holds a marshmallow roasting stick and adds marshmallows by drawing matching cards. It’s a win-win game: Everyone wins when all the sticks are full, teaching toddlers about sharing and teamwork. Players then celebrate by “roasting” their sticks over a pretend fire.
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