Kids•Lists

Great Board Games for Three Year Olds

Three is a big age for many kids! They are getting more and more independent, talking in sentences, and learning to manage their emotions. Structured activities like board games are also something that many are beginning to enjoy.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite games to play with 3 year olds. Maybe your 3 year old has been playing games for a while or maybe they’re just now ready to start attempting a game for the first time. Remember that each child is different. These games are by no means only for 3 year olds and can be a great fit for kids either younger or older!

Be sure to check out our other age based recommendations:
Toddlers, 4 Year Old, 5 Year Old, 6 Year old, 7 Year Old, 8 Year Old

1. Critter Cruise

We love this clever memory game themed around Noah’s Ark. Critter Cruise was our son’s favorite game to play at 3 and still today at 5 he plays almost weekly with his siblings. The box as a boat is just extra adorable.

2. Hisss

Hisss is one of my favorite Candyland alternatives. You practice color recognition and matching while also making choices. We play this both competitively and cooperatively, whatever works best for our child at the time.

3. Go Away Monster

Go Away Monster is a sensory game that is excellent for any child’s “first” game. We love how much fun the kids have telling the monsters to “Go Away” while also getting in that much needed practice of turn taking, and focusing on which pieces they should be looking for.

4. Quest Kids Matching Adventure

Quest Kids Matching Adventure has fast become one of our favorite childrens’ games in the past year. You can easily scale the difficulty to work for a wide variety of ages. It’s a fun spin on a classic memory game that will have a lot of life in your home as your kids age.

5. Spot it Jr.

Spot it! Is a favorite game to throw in a bag and bring on trips to restaurants, waiting rooms, or vacations. I like Spot it Jr for kids because the symbols are more easily recognized by younger players. This super pack has both the numbers and the animals version. If the speed element is too challenging for your kids, just make it an observation game and let them take their time finding the match.

6. Alphabet Go Fish

If you are looking for games to increase your child’s letter recognition, Alphabet Go Fish is a family favorite. Simple games like this are just as beneficial as sitting down to a lesson but are much more fun!

7. Off to Bed

Off to Bed will have your kids searching for tiles to help tuck their animals into bed for the night. I love having a solid collection of books and games themed around normal, every day things kids encounter. At this stage in their development, they are much more drawn to the familiar than the fantastical.

8. Rhino Hero Junior.

Rhino Hero Junior works great for kids who have a strong desire to stack and build. There are many different ways to play the game. Kids will work on their fine motor skills, number recognition, and sequencing skills. Highly educational, highly fun!

9. Tongues Out

Tongues Out is an adorable memory game that works great for your more toy motivated 3 year old. Roll lollipop die and then look for pugs that have the tongues the same color as the lollipops rolled by pushing on their backs to stick their tongues out. It’s simple fun that our 3 year old daughter just loves.

10. Pancake Pile Up

For kids who love to move, embrace it with Pancake Pile Up! This is a relay rally style game where they’ll work on their fine motor skills and patter recognition. They’ll work to load up their spatulas with the pancakes they need and flip them onto the plate in the right order. We love that everyone can have fun with this!