Our Kids Favorite Board and Card Games for Young Children
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Looking for some new card and board games for your young children? Today I’m sharing our favorite games that we play over and over!
Board and Card Games for Young Children
I know that most of us are stuck at home right now and probably looking for more things to do. No? Just me?
You know, I never realized how much I enjoy fellowship and exploring places that are not my home until now….oh the things we are learning…
One thing that hasn’t changed is how much our family enjoys playing games. Card games, board games…anything, we love them! It’s a great way to bond as a family as well as to pass the time.
If you are looking for some new fun things to play with your family, below you will find our recommendations. Our family is currently made up of new and early readers, so these games are all great for young children. Each of these games our kids ask to play all the time, over and over!
Our Favorite Board Games for Young Children
Ticket to Ride – First Journey
This one is probably the current favorite for the kids. It’s a little more complex than the others on this list but I think that’s what makes it fun! There are also editions for older children that will be good to get when we’ve mastered this one but for now, Ticket to Ride – First Journey keeps us busy.
Personally, Trouble isn’t my favorite game (hello rather annoying little popper, I’m talking to you!), but the kids love it. Plus is a great way to keep them counting and it’s something they can play together on their own because the concept is so simple to understand.
I had to end with this classic because it’s a favorite in our household! We are still working on the strategy behind it but I’m surprised at how quickly the kids picked it up. We have the “rug” board which is much more durable and easier to play on than the standard board in my opinion.
The kids learned how to play this game last year and we learned that they can be rather aggressive when it comes to blocking….it’s all part of the game! This is a simple game and can have up to 4 players.
I was thrilled to find this game at a thrift store this year and even more thrilled that the kids love it! I grew up playing Herd Your Horses and always loved looked at all the horse cards. This is a good simple board game and has several variations to play it different ways.
This is a great solo game for kids and you can also get the Junior Edition if you don’t think your kids are ready for the regular edition.
Another classic but another favorite! What kid doesn’t like building blocks and then get them to come crashing down? I know that’s not the way you win the game but they seem to think it’s exciting when it happens!
Our Favorite Card Games for Young Children
Of course, who doesn’t already know and love Uno? I taught the kids this game a few months ago (we do some “gameschooling”) and they seem to really enjoy it and enjoy figuring out their own strategies. It’s also a great way to work on color and number recognition!
We haven’t played this one too much yet but enough to know that it will be a favorite. I like this game because it’s a card game so it’s more portable than the others on my list here and the kids enjoy the strategy part that isn’t too complicated.
And there you have it, a list of our favorite card and board games for young children! Of course, my husband and I have many other board and card games that we like to play as well, but these are some of the ones that we play with the kids on a daily or weekly basis and they are all favorites! If you are looking for something else to do with your young children or some new games to add to your game cupboard, hopefully, this gives you some ideas.
What are your young children’s favorite games?
Merissa Alink
Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple and frugal life on Little House Living since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to freedom on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.
This article with our favorite board and card games for young children was originally published in April 2020. It has been updated as of April 2026.
All of the names weren’t visible on my phone, but, the game with the primary colored blocks was called “Bridges “ back in the late 1950’s. I LOVED this game!!!!!! I didn’t know it was still around. Thank you for sharing these games.
That’s cool to know! It is a fun game. Simple, but provides good thinking skills!
We love and play most of these. We just played Trouble last week. We love Uno attack. We found it at a thrift shop. It shoots out the cards. We’ve had Herd your Horses and Rush hour for years and love them both. We also like the cooperative game, Hoot, Hoot. Get the owls home before sunrise. You made a good list!