My kindergartener’s love language is board games. If we haven’t played a board game together in a few days, she thinks we’ve had no time together at all. I will tuck her into bed and notice her teary eyes. She’ll say, “Mom, when are we going to play a game together?” Often I’ll remind her that we went shopping just the two of us, read a million library books, spent an hour on the porch swing, or baked together. But, for her, those things don’t count. Spend 20 minutes playing a game or two and it was her best day ever.
So many of the games available for kindergarten age are mind numbing for an adult. Here are a few games I actually enjoy playing with my kindergartener. Several of them are recommended for older children, but she can play them with very little help. These are the games she brings when bedtime is close, because she knows I’m apt to keep playing without looking at the clock!
Sequence for Kids – Create a sequence of 4 matching animals on the game board to win. Sometimes I have to remind my daughter to “play a card, lay a chip, pick a new card,” otherwise she is able to play (and win!) this game independently!
Memory – The classic game. Still a great choice for a kindergartener!
Connect 4 – This game gets addictive! I get sucked into playing ‘just one more time’ because we have so much fun!
Monopoly Jr. – A not too long version of monopoly for younger kids. Not so simple that it is boring though, even my 11-year-old likes to play with us.
Rat-a-tat Cat – This is my very favorite. Players try to end up with the lowest score to win. My kindergartener might not know exactly the score she has, but she understands that she should try to acquire the lowest value cards while she plays.
Jenga – Another classic, that’s still fun whether you are 5 or 45!
Zimbbos – This is a quick and easy balance game for younger kids. Just don’t hope to play it during a younger sibling’s nap! The crash is loud!
Go Fish – I loved this game as a child and still love it today. Of course you don’t need a special deck of cards to play, but this set is cute!
Gobblet Gobblers – Tic-tac-toe on steroids. What kid doesn’t love tic-tac-toe?
Those are my favorite board games to play with my kindergartener. I’m always looking for new games that we can both enjoy playing together. Got any great game suggestions for me??
I’d especially like to hear about Uno Moo. Have you played it with your kids? It’s next on my ‘to try’ game list.
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