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1) Orchard
What you need to know: Orchard is a cooperative board game which means that children work together to win the game instead of against each other. The idea is to collect the fruit of the trees before the bird steals it (or the puzzle is completed).
Why I love it: Orchard encourages kids to work as a team while practicing turn-taking, matching and recognizing colors, and following directions. It also encourages visual perception as kids work to put together the puzzle. The game pieces and game board are also incredibly sturdy and well made. Love finding children’s toys that can last a long time!
2) Hungry Four
What you need to know: Hungry Four is a fun new twist on the classic memory game. Once the cards are turned upside down, children roll the dice to determine which animal needs to be fed. The goal is to try and remember where the food is that that particular animal eats.
Why I love it: Hungry Four is super engaging for kids and at the same time works on many important skills such as visual memory, attention, following directions, turn-taking, and more.
3) Enchanted Forest
What you need to know: Enchanted Forest is based on a fairy tale. The idea is to walk along the game board to get to the castle. If you land on the same spot as a tree, turn it over and try to remember what treasure is hiding underneath (without showing the other players). The player who can remember where the treasures are hiding at the end will win the game.
Why I love it: Enchanted Forest is an excellent board game for young kids that will keep them focused and engaged while working towards a long term goal. Also, love that it challenges visual and working memory.
4) Piggyback Brigade
What you need to know: In Piggyback Brigade the piggies race each other to the end of the game board. If a piggy lands on a spot where there is a piggy already, your piggy can jump on its back and get a free ride on the next turn. Love!
Why I love it: It’s original and super cute! Also great for teaching counting, color recognition, and simple game rules.
5) Noah’s Animal Rescue
What you need to know: The idea of Noah’s Animal Rescue is to help save the animals during a flood. Children take turns playing cards in their hands to determine which space the animals should move to along the path. If all the animals reach the ark before the flood, you win!
Why I love it: Noah’s Animal Rescue introduces the concept of card play through easy to follow directions. It encourages matching, turn-taking, and working together as a team. Kids will also have to strategize how to move the pieces to reach the ark quicker.
6) Stack Up!
What you need to know: Stack Up! Is all about balance and teamwork. Players will have to work together to stack the blocks in creative ways.
Why I love it: Besides for encouraging teamwork and cooperation, Stack Up! Works on hand-eye coordination, following directions, sustained attention, and perseverance. No giving up here!