11 Best Board Games For 5-6 Year Olds
If you want your 5-6 years old kids to have fun while learning new skills, then the Best Board Games For 5-6 Year Olds are just what you need.
These exciting playing pieces help children develop their reading comprehension abilities and math skills by having them identify shapes or words in various settings. It’s also perfect for training recognition of objects.
At this age, children are just beginning to read, and games need to be fast-paced with simple instructions so they’ll stay interested.
The best part about these games is that they can be played by both children and adults, so you may want to add them to the table during family game nights.
There are a wide variety of kids’ board games on the market. In our guide, we will mention the 11 Best Board Games For 5-6 Year Olds to choose the one that suits you the most.
How to Choose the Best Board Games for 5-6 Year-Olds?
Think about the types of games your child likes and find one that aligns with their interests. You can do this by choosing a board game related to what they enjoy, such as animals or numbers.
The age range and personality of your child will help you decide what the best games for them are. If they are very active, then consider games with physical elements or short playtimes to keep their energy level high while still ensuring that the fun doesn’t stop.
On the other hand, If you have a child who is quieter, then a game that requires a lot of thinking can be a better option. When you buy a new board game for your kid, here are a few things to keep an eye on.
Number Of Players
The number of players you have will vary depending on what type and style of game are best suited for your preferences.
Some games work better with a flexible group, while others can only accommodate specific numbers, such as three or four participants at most per side; try to find the one that suits your needs.
Educational Benefits
Games can be used as an academic learning experience. They offer many opportunities for children to use their own skills and develop new ones while having fun at the same time. It can be hard enough to get your child excited about education, but it’s even more difficult when they avoid anything that looks like learning.
Budget
Board games come in a wide variety of prices. If your child did not play board games before, and you’re not sure how he will respond to board games, choose sets with a lower price range. If board games aren’t their thing, you won’t be wasting money.
If you find that your child likes board games, then it is worth investing in a high-quality game for them.
Format
Some games come with a traditional board, and others come with cards. Some of them are portable, which is an excellent option for those who want to take the game with them without having to take up any extra room in their bag or purse.
Some of the board games are now available in digital versions. If you want to limit your child’s screen time, then skip the electronic version in favor of an old-fashioned board game.
You will be surprised how much family fun can come from playing cards or tiles.
Scrabble Junior Board Game
Players : 2-4
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
The game of scrabble is great for teaching spelling and vocabulary. This junior version from Hasbro Gaming will be perfect for helping your little one learn how to put letters together.
The innovative design of this board offers two different levels. One is easy for those who aren’t familiar with the game, and the other is more challenging that can be used as a tough exercise.
The easy side of this game is for kids who are just learning how to combine letters, and the goal here is forming words by matching up these letters with what’s on your board. For older children who already know more advanced words, the other side is for them. It works like a classic Scrabble game, where you have to build your own words.
In the Scrabble Junior Game, each player will get four different colored tokens to play the game with, which are green letter sprinter, yellow word surfer, Blue DJ Word, and red wacky wordy.
You get one point for each word you complete and move your token along the track. If you complete a word with the same color as your token, you will get an extra bonus. When the game ends, the player who has achieved the highest score will be the winner. Words are the building blocks of language, and by knowing more words, children can have a better chance of winning.
Pros
It has two sides for younger kids and for older ones.
Classic game.
Teach kids spelling and vocabulary
Cons
Gameplay can take longer than expected, especially when the board freezes (no more possible words to combine).
Final Thoughts
Word games are a great way for kids to increase their knowledge and vocabulary. The Scrabble Junior board game has fewer words than other versions of the game, making vocabulary development easier. This simple game is perfect for children to learn letters and spelling while having hours of fun.
The Floor is Lava: The Original
Players: 2-6
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 10-45 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2018
The Floor is Lava board game is an interactive, new game for kids. It’s not like your ordinary board games. Instead of sitting on the floor, you have to set up materials and place board pieces made out of the foam on the floor.
Then, the kids must pretend that there is lava on the floor, and if they fall off of their foam, it will burn them. The game will require a lot of physical activity to win. It is simple, but it requires some skills to play as the players still need to draw cards and perform actions without falling into the lava. Whoever reaches the safety zone first wins.
This fast-paced and fun game will have you on your toes in no time. Whether it’s played indoors or outdoors, this is a unique racing adventure.
The Floor is Lava game provides an opportunity to bond with kids during their gatherings while having some laughs along the way. During this game, the children are able to recognize colors and create a strategy for themselves in order not to get burned by the lava.
Pros
Encourages physical movement
Develops kids’ sense of creativity and imagination.
Improves visual fine motor skills, impulse control, and eye-body coordination.
Cons
Kids need to be very careful when playing, as they might fall on the floor.
Final Thoughts
If your kid enjoys a good challenge, then the Floor is Lava board game is the best choice. The rules are simple enough to play, but there’s still some strategy involved because players need to draw cards from the decks and perform specific actions without falling into lava.
Qwirkle Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2015
Qwirkle is a fantastic game for kids to learn shapes and colors. It is a tile-based matching board game. This game is perfect for all ages. You can play it with your friends or family members.
The package involves six different shapes and six different colors to create the best possible picture. The game allows very young children to enhance their strategic planning, spatial recognition, and problem-solving skills.
The goal of the game is simple; children have to match tiles based on their shapes or colors to build lines. Every time a player makes a line, he gets points.
What is most interesting about this game, however, is that in addition to being a fun and entertaining game for both children and adults alike, it also provides an engaging and challenging experience.
The child will surely feel challenged as they try new ways of building more complex shapes. The game is quick and easy enough to play, so you can enjoy playing it again later in the night.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to carry around
Develops a lot of skills among very young children.
The game is easy to learn and play.
Family board games
Cons
Pen and paper are needed to record scores.
Final Thoughts
Qwirkle is an easy game with simple rules. It is the best way to spend quality time with family and friends. This interactive board game is perfect for any age and can be challenging for kids and even adults.
SEQUENCE for Kids
Players: 2-4
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 20 Minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
SEQUENCE for Kids is a challenging board game that requires strategy and wit. It’s great for kids who are learning how to read because it can be played without being too difficult.
Everyone from the little ones up has fun playing this simple but elegant classic game. The game is like the adult version of Sequence, but it’s more playful and suitable for children.
With the animal card in hand and a chip to place on each corresponding character of the board, you are ready for some serious fun. The first player to build four chips in a row wins.
Remember that the wild cards add extra excitement to the game. You can use a unicorn card to place your chip anywhere on the board, or you could utilize one of these cool dragon cards to remove another player’s chip. There are also corners to use for building your sequences.
Pros
The concept is simple, very fun, and entertaining.
Allows kids to play with no pressure at all.
Play is based on strategy.
Cons
The game depends on a little luck.
Final Thoughts
If you want to teach your child how to read, but they are not interested in books, then SEQUENCE for Kids is your perfect choice; this game allows creativity while still being educational.
This kid-friendly game will help children to develop their reading skills and also enhance their logical thinking abilities.
Monopoly Junior Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
Monopoly Junior is a lot like the classic game for adults. In this game, the children get to buy and sell properties. However, the properties here are more child-friendly, like an ice cream parlor, a toy store, and a skate park. The money involved is simpler as well, so they’ll have no problem calculating it all out in their head.
This game is easy to learn. Players can play with four adorable junior tokens such as Little Scottie, Little T-Rex, Little Penguin, and Toy-Ducky.
Monopoly is great for teaching children a lot of skills, particularly related to money. For example, your kid can learn how to count by seeing which color owns all the properties on each property card.
This game is also a great way for children to learn about the many exciting careers that are out there. If you want them prepared for marketing, real estate, or entrepreneurship, then this would be an excellent choice; otherwise, they can still just have fun playing it.
Pros
The Junior version is very kid-friendly.
Great training for those who want their children to understand trading and selling.
Adults can join in the fun, too.
Cons
The game board is a little small.
Final Thoughts
Monopoly Junior is a fun way for children to learn about property ownership and trading goods with friends and family members. This fun game allows kids the opportunity of getting together and compete against each other to create their own monopolies.
Chutes and Ladders Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 3+
Game Time: 15-30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2015
Chutes and Ladders is a great game for kids to learn how to count and recognize numbers. The rules are easy enough that even your little one will be able to help you play. This game is a lot of fun for all ages. It’s a perfect game for five- to six years olds, but also great with younger children.
In this game, players are racing to be the first person to reach the 100th square. They do so by spinning a spinner and moving their pieces up or down the ladders and chutes according to their direction, which will determine what space they move into next, whether higher on the ladder (going forward)or lower at ground level(backed away).
When they land on a good deed, there is a chance to move higher by climbing the ladder. However, it’s not easy as the players need to watch out for chutes which could delay their progress and make them miss the opportunity like that.
It is not only a great way to teach children counting and math, but it also helps them develop their moral upbringing. Many parents like this game because they had played it when they were young too.
Pros
Great game for children, even those below five years old.
The level of difficulty is just right for five- to six-year-olds.
Teach kids how to count
Cons
The gameplay is based entirely on luck.
Final Thoughts
Chutes and Ladders is a fun way for kids to learn how numbers work. It’s perfect if you have little kids, but it also works well with older children who are just learning how to play cards. The game’s symbols are designed so that players can identify which number they need or want by sight alone!
Enchanted Forest – Children’s Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 4+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2014
The new treasure game Enchanted Forest Ravensburger is perfect for children to learn memory skills and have fun at the same time.
This card game is like hide-and-seek but with trees. The players need to find a treasure to win the game. At the bottom of the trees, they can find clues that can help identify the treasure place.
To play the game, each player has to roll both dice, then Move his token up to the number rolled. There are always surprises hiding in the trees. If you land on a blue space, look under the tree next to it and discover what’s hidden there. Remember, don’t let the other players see it.
Once a player thinks that he knows where the treasure is hidden at the castle, he can earn it if he is the first player to make it to the castle correctly.
But be careful, because you have to remember correctly where the treasure is. The first player to collect three treasure cards wins.
This board encourages children to take turns and learn strategies that will improve their memory. It also appeals specifically to the want of living in fairytale land, making it fun.
Pros
improve strategy skills
A memory game
Fun and enjoyable
Cons
Some clues may be a little difficult.
Final Thoughts
Enchanted Forest Ravensburger is for kids that love treasure hunting games. In this game, there are surprises at every turn, making it highly entertaining. If your kids can remember where the treasure is hidden, then they will win the game.
Ticket to Ride First Journey Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
Game Time: 15-30 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2018
Ticket to Ride is one of those board games that can be played by either adults or children. It’s not too difficult for younger kids, so it might just give them something new and exciting!
But more than that, playing this game can help your child learn about North American geography. Kids will be able to learn where different places are located and how they’re connected by completing tasks that make them move around on the map.
The goal of this game is to build a railway system that connects all the cities in North America. You will need trains, stations, and other pieces on your board to play this game.
When claiming a route, it’s important to match the train cards with spaces on the board. If you’re looking for a little more excitement on your train rides, there are destination tickets and locomotive cards that can be used to make special moves.
The player who has the longest route will win, but there are other secondary goals to complete as well. Even if you have the longest route, you may still lose due to unaccomplished tasks.
This game is a family favorite. It is for parents who want to play with their kids and offer some guidance. If you teach your kids the rules, then they should be able to enjoy it just fine.
Pros
A game intended for adults and for young kids to play.
Game design is exceptional.
Kiddie version with kid characters available, but the game rules are the same.
Cons
Little kids may need some parent guidance to play this game.
Final Thoughts
Ticket to Ride is a great board game for both young and old. The rules are easy enough that even your little ones can play while still providing challenges. It’s the perfect thing if you want some family time or just want an enjoyable game night. Another thing, this game is a great educational tool. It teaches children about geography and allows them to have fun at the same time.
Mouse Trap Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2017
The game of Mouse Trap is one that has been around for quite some time. First introduced in the 1960s, it’s now available as a classic board game from Hasbro Gaming.
The game is a test of not just counting and recognition skills but also strategy and thinking. The game will enhance the kids’ creativity and critical thinking skills.
In the Mouse Trap game, you must build a mousetrap and pick up cheese wedges at the same time. The more complex your trap is, the higher chances are that it will capture one of the mice. But be careful not to fall into the trap that other players set for you while collecting the cheese.
If your mouse gets trapped, then you are kicked out of the game. And when the game ends, the player who collects six-cheese wedges will win.
This game is best for those between 5 and 6 because that is when they need to work on developing their thinking skills. Most kids will love the challenge of catching this cute little mouse.
Pros
Provides healthy competition among kids.
Perfect for children who need help with their motor coordination.
Setting up the board is fun and exciting.
Cons
The game needs adult assembly.
Some of the game pieces are small, so you have to be very careful when handling them.
Final Thoughts
The Mouse Trap game is an easy game with simple rules. It is the perfect game for kids as it helps them to practice skills in construction, cause and effect, and decision making.
Catan Junior Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2012
Catan is a great game for kids to develop their strategic and critical thinking skills. In addition to being great for kids, Catan is also a wonderful game for adults. It is an engaging board game for children, which lets them build cities and trade goods. They can also settle down in their new homes to manage crops or fields as well.
To playgame, it begins with the youngest player taking his first turn. Each player will roll the dice to determine what resources he will receive, and from there, he starts to build his civilization. Once the first player is done, he passes the dice to the one on your left to take his turn.
The resources can be used to buy Coco tiles and to build pirates’ liars and ships. You may build/buy as long as you have the required resources. When a player builds all 7 pirates’ lairs, the game immediately ends, and that player wins.
However, kids might find the game a little tricky when playing alone. An adult should help them learn how the pieces work so that they can have fun playing this exciting new board game. If you are looking for an engaging game that will keep your kids’ attention, try out Catan.
Pros
Kiddie version with kid characters available, but the game rules are the same.
A fun family game
Strategy game
Cons
Gameplay can take a bit longer than expected, depending on each player’s strategy.
Final Thoughts
Do you want your kids to become strategists and critics? Catan is the best board game for them; it will help them develop critical thinking skills. Kids and adults alike will love this fun yet challenging game. It’s perfect for any occasion because you can play it at parties or just on your own.
Charades for Kids
Players: 3+
Ages: 4+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
Some five-year-olds can read, and some can’t, and most are somewhere in between. The Charades game for kids with no reading required has colorful pictures as well as words, so it’s perfect for children at any reading level.
Plus, it’s like having bonus flashcards for your kids to help them in their reading process. The game is great for 5-year-olds because they don’t have to sit still and be quiet for very long. Once it’s their turn, they can get up and act out whatever words are on the card, and then the fun begins.
The game is designed so that children are forced into quick-thinking because they only have a short amount of time to guess what the action will be.
If you feel like the game is too easy and you need a more challenging one, do not worry; there are 3 levels of difficulty to choose from. That is why this is the perfect board game for playing with both little children and older kids.
The game’s goal is simple: get someone to guess the word or action that you are acting out before time runs out. Be the first player to collect three cards to win.
Pros
Great game for the whole family to play together.
No reading required
The active game gets kids moving as they act out clues.
Cooperative board game
Cons
combination of the picture and its corresponding word reinforces early reading skills
Final Thoughts
Charades board game is specially designed for kids to play and enjoy. This fun little game is perfect for teaching strategy, reading skills, and taking turns. It’s also great fun for the whole family as they try to guess the charade before time runs out.
