21 Best Board Games for 3 Year Olds

Finding the best board games for 3 year olds takes a bit of trial and error.

Some are too complicated, others don’t hold their attention, but a few have become real favorites in our house.

At this age, we looked for games that were easy to learn, fun to play, and actually helped with skills like color matching, counting, and taking turns.

The ones below are the games my son came back to again and again, simple, engaging, and made for little hands.

Collage of the best board games for 3 year olds featuring Hi Ho Cherry-O, Sneaky Snacky Squirrel, Count Your Chickens, and Bluey Scavenger Hunt.

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Top Board Games for Three Year Olds

These are the board games my son couldn’t get enough of when he was three, easy to set up, fun to play, and surprisingly replayable.

The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel Game

This was one of the first board games my son truly loved at three years old, and it quickly became a favorite!

Kids use adorable squirrel-shaped tweezers to pick up colorful acorns, which is fantastic for fine motor skills. The best part?

The suspense of the sneaky squirrel stealing acorns keeps kids engaged while also teaching patience and turn-taking.

If you want a game that’s easy to learn but still fun, this is a must-have!

Smelly Socks Game

I wasn’t sure how much my son would enjoy a game about stinky socks, but this one was a hit!

It’s a silly and engaging way to work on memory skills, and the gross-out factor of “sniffing” the socks keeps kids laughing the entire time.

If you’re looking for a game that’s simple but full of giggles, this one is a winner.

Hi Ho Cherry-O: CoComelon Edition

If your child loves CoComelon, this version of Hi Ho Cherry-O makes counting and early math skills extra fun.

The bright, familiar characters and easy gameplay kept my son entertained while reinforcing basic number skills.

It’s one of those games that doesn’t feel like learning but still sneaks in valuable lessons.

Related: Math board games for kids

Twister Junior Game

We pulled this out on rainy afternoons when he had too much energy to sit still. He didn’t always follow the spinner, but he loved trying to balance on all the colors. It was more like a mix of yoga and chaos, which, honestly, was perfect at this age.

I Never Forget a Face, Memory & Matching Game

Matching games are always a hit at this age, but this one stands out because of its beautifully illustrated faces from around the world.

My son loved pointing out the different people, and it sparked fun conversations about different cultures.

It’s an excellent game for building memory skills while also introducing diversity in a natural way.

They will also enjoy our free matching pairs game printables.

Clue Junior Game

My son was too young to follow every detail at three, but he still loved being the one to figure out “who ate the cake.” We’d act out the clues together, and even when he guessed wrong, he was fully invested. It was less about solving the mystery and more about feeling like a real detective.

Don’t Break The Ice Disney Frozen 2 Edition

During his Frozen phase, this was an instant hit. He treated the ice blocks like a real rescue mission, gently tapping around Elsa like he was saving her from falling. It turned into a full-on performance, and the suspense before each tap kept him glued to the game.

Pizza, Pizza! Game

This game is a great mix of pretend play and learning. Kids match topping cards to create their own pizza, which helped my son with early sorting and matching skills.

Plus, it sparked a lot of conversations about favorite toppings, which eventually led to some fun real-life pizza-making in the kitchen!

Honey Bee Tree Game

This one reminds me of KerPlunk, but made for younger kids. The challenge of pulling out leaves without dropping the bees had my son concentrating so hard—and giggling when the bees tumbled down!

It’s a great pick for practicing patience and fine motor skills while adding just the right amount of excitement.

Shopping List

This game became a favorite because it felt like real-life shopping! My son loved racing to collect the groceries on his list, and I appreciated how it helped reinforce memory skills. The best part?

It made actual grocery trips more fun because he started recognizing food items from the game.

Related: Shopping math worksheet

Hoot Owl Hoot

This is one of my all-time favorite cooperative games for little ones. Instead of competing, kids work together to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun rises.

My son loved the teamwork aspect, and it’s a great way to introduce strategic thinking without any frustration over "losing."

Crazy Chefs Game

A fun way to introduce kids to different foods while building memory skills! Each player collects ingredient cards to create a full meal, and my son loved the “cooking” theme.

It’s a simple game with just the right mix of fun and learning—perfect for little chefs-in-the-making.

Richard Scarry’s Busytown, Eye Found It

This game is a lifesaver for keeping preschoolers engaged! The giant board and I Spy style play made it a huge hit in our house.

My son loved searching for hidden objects, and I loved that it encouraged teamwork and focus. If you have a little one who enjoys search-and-find books, they’ll love this game.

Related: I spy pirate worksheets

Bluey Scavenger Hunt Game

If your child loves Bluey, this scavenger hunt game is a no-brainer. It gets kids up and moving, searching for objects around the house.

My son felt like he was on a real adventure, and the mix of physical activity and problem-solving kept him engaged.

Related: Free scavenger hunt printables

Count Your Chickens

A cooperative game where kids help Mama Hen gather her chicks before the fox arrives. My son loved the excitement of moving all the little chicks, and since there’s no competition, it’s a great choice for kids who get frustrated with winning and losing.

A fantastic early introduction to board games!

Related: Chicken preschool worksheets

Diggin’ Doggies

This game was an instant favorite in our house because—dogs! Kids spin, dig, and race to collect bones, making it a great mix of luck and strategy.

My son loved the cute dog characters, and it helped reinforce turn-taking and patience.

Don’t Wake Daddy

This game is pure fun and suspense. My son giggled nonstop as we tiptoed across the board trying not to wake up Daddy.

It’s simple, silly, and perfect for family game nights where you just want to laugh together.

The Ladybug Game

Created by a kindergartner, this game is a fun way to introduce young kids to strategy without being too complicated. My son enjoyed guiding his ladybug home while dodging obstacles—it’s a great mix of luck and planning that keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them.

Related: Ladybug books for preschoolers

Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures

This was the first game my son could play without any help, and he was so proud of that. He’d announce each color he picked like it was a major win, and the bright board made it easy for him to follow along. It was a confidence boost in board game form.

Barrel of Monkeys

He got so determined to hook all the monkeys without dropping them. We'd turn it into little challenges—“Can you beat your record?”, and it became our go-to five-minute game before lunch. Great for travel, but even better for building patience and persistence.

My Very First Games – First Orchard

If you want a board game that’s truly designed for toddlers, this is it. The chunky fruit pieces are easy to handle, and since it’s cooperative, it’s frustration-free.

We played this one over and over, and it was a fantastic way to introduce colors, counting, and turn-taking.

More Great Board Games for Every Age

If your child is just starting out or already moving beyond toddler games, these age-based lists can help you find the right fit:

Best board games for 2 year olds – Gentle, engaging options that are perfect for introducing toddlers to game time.
Board games for four year olds – A little more interactive, with challenges that match growing attention spans.
Best board games for 5 year olds – A balance of learning and fun that’s great for early elementary kids.

Last Updated on 14 May 2025 by Clare Brown

Top Board Games for Three Year Olds

More Great Board Games for Every Age

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