21 Best Board Games for 3 Year Olds That Make Learning Fun

Finding the best board games for 3 year olds can be a challenge, but after years of playing games with my son, I’ve discovered the ones that truly stand out.

At this age, kids need games that are simple, engaging, and help develop important skills like color recognition, counting, and turn-taking.

We’ve played hundreds of board games over the years, and these tried and tested board games for kids have been our absolute favorites for three year olds.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or an educational way to keep little ones entertained, this list includes the best options that offer both learning and laughter.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Top Board Games for Three Year Olds

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

This game is perfect for three-year-olds with lots of energy! My son loved stretching, reaching, and balancing on the different colors—it was an easy way to keep him active indoors.

The junior version is much simpler than the original, making it frustration-free for little ones.

If your child enjoys movement-based play, this is a great addition to family game night.

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

If your little one is always asking "why" and "who did it," this is a great introduction to logic-based games.

The mystery-solving element is simple enough for young kids, and my son got a kick out of figuring out who ate the cake.

It’s a fun way to build early problem-solving skills while making them feel like little detectives.

Don’t Break The Ice Disney Frozen 2 Edition

We got this during my son’s Frozen obsession, and it did not disappoint!

The game is simple—tap out ice blocks while keeping the characters standing—but the strategy element kept him engaged. It’s great for hand-eye coordination, and the Frozen theme makes it extra special for little fans.

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

A classic for a reason! My son was immediately drawn to the colorful board and simple gameplay, and it was one of the first games he could play independently.

If you want an easy, no-stress game to introduce board game basics, this is a great pick.

Barrel of Monkeys

A perfect game for travel or quick play sessions! My son had so much fun trying to link as many monkeys as possible, and it helped with hand-eye coordination.

It’s simple, addictive, and a great choice for little hands still working on dexterity.

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

Looking for even more board games? Whether your child is younger or ready for bigger challenges, these lists will help you find the best fit!

Best board games for 2 year olds – Simple, engaging games perfect for toddlers just starting out.
Board games for four year olds – More interactive and challenging games as kids grow.
Best board games for 5 year olds – A mix of fun and learning for early elementary-aged kids.

Last Updated on 14 May 2025 by Clare Brown

Top Board Games for Three Year Olds

More Great Board Games for Every Age

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Let's connect