Let’s look beyond the games we all know and sometimes have a love/hate relationship with.. that’s Monopoly here! Instead here are some board games that are a bit different, have a more colorful and unique feel, are collaborative, or involve a neat storyline. This list of my favorite kindergarten board games for 5 and 6 year olds is such a fun mix. Of course, you can check out our preschool board games as you may find some good choices there as well.

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BOARD GAMES FOR KIDS

While the following board games are in the 5+ age range, your kiddo may be ready to give them a go earlier! Several of these games are the “junior” versions of their 10+ counterparts (some of my personal favorites).

At this age and any age really, collaborative games are awesome for encouraging fantastic team-building skills. I find collaborative games particularly fun because it keeps everyone’s attention on every turn.

Although each person gets his or her turn, every player is still involved, perfect for encouraging listening skills. Collaborative style games mean that every player’s idea is heard and taken into consideration.

BEST KINDERGARTEN BOARD GAMES

The following links to our favorite kids’ board games are Amazon affiliate links.

Note: If you’re ready to jump to more complex games with adult assistance, check out our list of board games for ages 8+!

Catan Jr.

Catan Jr: Having played the adult version even before having my own kiddo, I could not wait to purchase this one and get started! It’s a great introduction to the regular version but much more condensed.

Although we introduced the regular Catan game around 9-10, it can be a longggg game for a younger kid. Catan Jr. shares many of the basic play actions without the intense game time. Although not a collaborative board game, this one is a must!

Cauldron Quest

Cauldron Quest: Love potions and spells? This is another fun, collaborative game that dabbles in the fantasy world. Become a witch or wizard and work together to gather ingredients or face the evil witch! Choose your paths wisely and use teamwork to win the game.

My First Carcassonne

My First Carcassonne: While you can quickly start this kids board game around age 4, it easily carries over into the 5 and 6-year-old age range too. If you can’t wait to get the original version, then you might as well get started with this one! It’s such a fun way to introduce strategy at a young age.

Race to the Treasure

Race to Treasure: The Peaceable Kingdoms game company is one of my favorites for colorful, quality board games that usually feature collaborative gameplay action. This is high on the list of favorites! Work together to collect all of the keys before the Ogre gets to the treasure!

Ticket to Ride First Journey

Ticket to Ride First Journey: This first journey, or junior edition, is another great way to get started with a fantastic series of board games without the lengthy gameplay. It’s a fantastic mini version of the original Ticket to Ride board game if you are itching to play it with younger kiddos. I love how it encourages geography skills without being a “geography skills” game.

Gnomes at Night

Gnomes at Night: A cooperative maze-building game where players work together to guide gnomes through a dark forest, promoting communication and collaboration.

Zoo Regatta

Zoo Regatta: Another fantastic first strategy game that also incorporates geography and, this time, around the world! Plus, a favorite theme for us is anything to do with animals!

Robot Turtles

Robot Turtles: Introduce basic coding skills with turtles! Who remembers the very old computer program with the green triangle turtle from about 30 years ago? I do! There are a variety of ways you can play this game with increasing difficulty.

Outfoxed

Outfoxed: Can you outfox the fox? This is yet another fun cooperative game where everyone works together to solve a mystery! Not to worry, the game has endless play possibilities along the lines of Clue but with a cute theme. A great introduction to deduction-style games!

Note: Museum Suspects is perfect If you have outgrown Outfoxed!!

Magic Labyrinth

Magic Labyrinth: A magical maze game where players use memory and spatial awareness to navigate through an invisible labyrinth.

Enchanted Forrest

Enchanted Forest: A classic memory and strategy game where players search for hidden treasures in the magical Enchanted Forest, enhancing memory and deductive skills.

Rivers, Roads, and Rails

Rivers, Roads & Rails: A spatial reasoning game where players connect tiles to build rivers, roads, and rails. It enhances strategic thinking and planning.

The Fairy Game

The Fairy Game: A cooperative game where players work together to gather matching fairy cards before the gnome reaches the end.

Mermaid Island

Mermaid Island: A cooperative game where players work together to help the mermaids swim to Mermaid Island before the sea witch gets there.

Grab our Printable Board Game Pack

Want a quick and simple game to play anytime? Our printable board game pack features 20+ games with different themes for seasons, holidays, and general interests, such as animals, solar systems, plants, and more!

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