Toddler-Approved Games That Make Playtime Fun (and Sneak in a Little Learning Too!)
When you think of board games, you might picture older kids or family game nights full of laughter and maybe a bit of competitive chaos. But guess what? Toddlers can get in on the board game fun too! While they may not be ready for full-on strategy or long attention spans just yet, there are plenty of games designed specifically with their curious minds and tiny hands in mind.
The best toddler board games are simple, engaging, and help develop important skills like turn-taking, matching, counting, color recognition, and most importantly—patience (for both of you!).
Here’s a roundup of my favorite toddler-approved board games that are fun, age-appropriate, and guaranteed to become rainy day heroes and screen-free lifesavers.
Monkey Around by Peaceable Kingdom turns playtime into a fun, active bonding experience. The game is simple, silly, and gets us both moving—whether we’re balancing bean bags, hopping, or giving high-fives. It’s perfect for building gross motor skills and following simple directions, but honestly, I just love how it makes us laugh and connect. It’s one of those games that feels more like play than learning, but sneaks in all the good stuff toddlers need.
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Alphabet Match by Banana Panda makes learning letters feel like a fun, hands-on game instead of a chore. The pieces are sturdy and perfectly sized for little toddler hands, and the bright, cheerful illustrations really hold my child’s attention. I love how it introduces both upper and lowercase letters alongside familiar objects, making it easier for my toddler to connect sounds and words. It’s a great mix of play and early learning, and I’ve watched my little one grow more confident with letters every time we play.
Blast Off Bingo by Peaceable Kingdom because it’s the perfect mix of fun and learning for my space-loving toddler. The colorful planets, rockets, and stars keep them totally engaged, and the simple bingo format is great for practicing matching, taking turns, and even early listening skills. I also love that it can grow with them—right now we keep it simple, but as they get older, we can start using more of the game’s features. It’s a screen-free win that feels like play but builds all the right skills!
Why Board Games Are Great for Toddlers:
Boost Early Learning: Matching, counting, colors, shapes—you name it!
Social Skill Builders: Turn-taking, sharing, and dealing with winning and losing gracefully.
Fine Motor Fun: Moving game pieces and spinning wheels = great for little fingers.
Patience + Focus: Learning to sit, listen, and follow simple rules (a huge toddler win).
