Top 5 toddler board games
Our favourite toddler board games around now
Why buy one?
Playing a board game can benefit your little one in so many ways. They’ll develop important social skills, such as taking turns and learning to be part of a team and also start to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. As well as having fun, they also learn that losing can be a part of life, and how to accept it.
What to spend
Not much! Simple cardboard and plastic games aimed at younger children rarely break the £20 barrier and you can pick up versions of classic family games for as little as £5.
What to look for
Games that have very basic and easy-to-learn rules that younger children can pick up quickly. They also need to be short and sweet to play as toddlers often have a limited attention span!
Catch ‘n’ Count, £22.99. Melissa and Doug
Catch numbered fish using a magnetic rod for hours of fun that will also help develop toddlers hand-eye coordination. There are two rods for double the fun, and a spinner to help play the game, or your child can simply play catching fish by themselves.
Peppa Pig 6-i-1 games set, £13, Ravensburger
There are six different games to discover in this set, all with a Peppa Pig twist! There are classics such as Happy Families and dominoes mixed in with new games such as the exciting ‘Race to the Ferris Wheel”. A must for all Peppa fans aged three years and upwards.
Dinosaur Game, £12.75, Orchard Toys
A clever and deceptively simple race game that will also teach your child about counting and matching, whilst they are having dinosaur-themed fun. Race your dinosaur to the finishing line and be in with a chance of winning a shiny bronze, silver or gold medal!
Dear Zoo matching pairs game, £6, Jojo Maman Bebe
Pretty much every child has a copy of the classic ‘Dear Zoo” story and here’s a chance to meet the friendly characters again in this simple matching the pairs game. It’s easy to play: put the cards face down and turn them over two at a time - the winner is the first to match all the pairs. A fun way for your child to start developing their memory skills.
Ludo, £5, The Entertainer
The traditional board game that’s a great starting point for families to play together, from as the rules are simple enough for even very young children to grasp. Great for helping children to practise their counting and grasp the concept of playing a game and strategy.