We are a game loving family, so I’ve been researching games that are fun for B (3 years old) but also some that the twins would enjoy at 21 months old.
Finding games that the twins enjoy is more difficult but we did hit the jackpot with one and I can’t wait to share. There are a few that are perfect for the toddler age group but I picked just a few of our favorites to share.
ThinkFun Roll and Play
This is our absolute favorite game right now! B just got it for her birthday and we have honestly played it multiple times every day since. Even the twins enjoy this game, which is awesome. Not only do they enjoy it but it keeps them engaged for more than 30 minutes at a time sometimes.
How it works: The kids roll the large, soft dice. Then, they choose a card according to the color they rolled. There are six colors, each color has a specific concept that it addresses. The concepts are emotions, colors, counting, body parts, actions, and animals sounds.
Cards include activities such as tap your head 8 times, moo like a cow, find something blue, or make a sad face.
Zingo
As advertised, Bingo with a Zing! The great thing about this game is that there are different levels built into the game and different ways to play depending on the level of your kids.
They also have different types of Zingo. Zingo 1,2,3 and Zingo Sight Words are just a few to check out.
How it works: The dealer slides the game piece to reveal two game pieces, the players try to find a game piece that matches a picture on their Zingo card and then they call it out. The first one to fill their card wins. Again there are variations, so this game can be easily adapted to any age level.
Spot it Jr. Animals
We were first introduced to Spot It, when we received it in a Chik-Fil-A kids meal a few months ago, and we love it. There are different types of Spot It Jr! including shapes and numbers.
The idea is simple enough, spot the animal that is the same on all the cards. The animals may not be the same shape or in the same place but there will always be one that matches.
This game is great because it is super easy to throw in a bag and take with you anywhere. It will also help increase your kiddos vocabulary!
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game
This is one of the very first board games that we received for B and it’s still a favorite. This game is perfect for kiddos that know their colors. It’s also great fine motor practice because the kids have to use squirrel tweezers to put the acorns on their logs.
The idea is pretty simple, the first player to fill their log wins. Just watch out for the sneaky squirrel or the wind, they can really change-up the game. 🙂
Memory Game
This game may be old school but it’s still a great one! There are so many variations to this game, that you can find any theme to fit your kids interests.
This game is great for enhancing spatial memory and helping kids work on focus and attention skills. You can also start small and maybe only do a 4 x 4 square, then slowly increase the difficulty as your kiddos get the hang out of it. Memory or Concentration is also a great tool to build your kiddos vocabulary!
Games make excellent Christmas gifts! 🙂 So if you are looking for a little something for a toddler you know, I encourage you to check these games out. Not only do games allow the whole family to play together but they are also great ways to teach your little ones skills such as taking turns, counting, playing fairly, good sportsmanship, etc.
Plus most of these games incorporate preschool concepts like counting, colors, letters, numbers, and shapes.
I’d love to hear of other great games for this age group. As I said, we love games so I’m always on the lookout for more!
Happy Shopping!
Dani
We loved Zingo and Sneaky Snacky Squirrel. It reminds me a lot of Hi Ho Cheerio, which is also a winner at our house. My son also loved Chutes and Ladders when he was younger. There’s also a newer game called Diggety Dogs that’s tons of fun!
Those are all great games. B has played Hi Ho Cheerio and Chutes and Ladders at her Nana’s we just don’t own it yet. I haven’t seen Diggety Dogs yet, I’ll look into that one! Thanks for the suggestions!