25 Best Board Games For 5-Year-Olds (2024) UK

From Monopoly to chess, board games are an excellent way to keep the family entertained. But which are the best board games for five-year-olds?

The best board game for kids is usually one that you and your child play the most. Whether it’s a card game like Snap or a simple board game like tic-tac-toe, it’s a great way of bonding. Board games are also a fantastic introduction to maths, language, problem-solving and teamwork skills. And they are even perfect for when you don’t have much time, as most can be played in just 15 minutes or less, so there’s no excuse not to try them!

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Take a look at our list of the best board games for 6-year-olds for more fun ideas!

25 Best Board Games For 5-Year-Olds

When it comes to playing with kids, board games have a lot of advantages over electronic games. You get to spend time in a more natural way, you can play on the go and you get to bond with your 5-year-old over something they love. 

Here’s our list of 25 favourite board games for 5-year-olds, including a variety of different games from classics to family favourites.

1. Pop-Up Pirate Classic

Pop-Up Pirate Classic
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We had a blast playing Pop-up Pirate, the classic kids’ board game that has been entertaining millions of children for generations. Up to four players can join in the fun, carefully sliding their coloured swords into the barrel. If you accidentally send Pirate Pete flying, you’re out of the game! The last surviving pirate wins.

We loved how this learning toy encourages decision-making in children and supports speech development as they try to beat their friends and family. And let’s not forget the excitement of Pirate Pete popping up on a different sword hole every time, making this game unpredictably fun time and time again! We highly recommend Pop Up Pirate as a very enjoyable and fun family board game for 5-year-olds and grown-ups alike, as no one knows when Pirate Pete will pop up next.

Price: £9.99
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
20,805 Ratings

2. The Game of Life Junior

The Game of Life Junior
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We had a lot of fun playing The Game of Life: Junior Edition, which is an excellent introduction to the classic game. Geared towards younger kids, this version allows players to choose their own vacation adventure and make their own decisions. Players select a car, boat, train, or plane and embark on a family vacation full of ups and downs.

The game includes Action cards that offer surprises such as animal encounters, activities, or unexpected events that can either earn players money or cause them to lose it. The vacation-themed game board features exciting day trips, including an air balloon or speedboat ride, and players can change their plans and head off to new destinations.

This board game is perfect for children 5 years old and up, and it makes an excellent birthday gift for boys and girls. It’s also an ideal choice for family game night, providing hours of entertainment. We highly recommend The Game of Life: Junior Edition as an exciting and family-friendly game that will encourage kids to dream big and explore the world!

Price: £14.93
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
1,469 Ratings

3. Greedy Granny

Greedy Granny
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Greedy Granny is a hilarious family game that we loved playing together. The game is simple – Granny has fallen asleep with a bunch of biscuits and we have to sneak some from her tray without waking her up. But watch out – if Granny wakes up, she will pop out her teeth and scare you!

This game is great for preschoolers as it helps them practice logic, decision making and language skills as they play with their friends and family. Greedy Granny is a fun and engaging game for everyone, as you never know when Granny will surprise you with her dentures! This game is perfect for 2-4 players and kids aged 5 and up, as well as adults. We think Greedy Granny is a fantastic game for a lively and amusing game night that everyone will enjoy!

Price: £12.99
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
3,464 ratings

4. Magic Maths

Magic Maths
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Do you love maths and magic? Then you will enjoy Magic Maths, a fun and spooky maths game for kids aged 5-7 years. You have to solve the sums and collect the gross spell ingredients, like cupcakes with worms or brains and bogies! To check if your answer is right, you have to flip your card and rub the heat-sensitive patches to see the magic happen. This game is great for playing with friends, learning new wizard characters and practising different kinds of sums. If you want to be a smart and cool wizard, you should try Magic Maths!

Price: £9.62
Rating:
4.7 / 5
Popularity:
3,759 ratings

5. Foxy Pants

Foxy Pants
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We had a blast playing Foxy Pants with our kids. It’s a simple and fun game where you have to save the chickens from the Fox who is stealing them. The Fox has a funny mechanism that makes his pants fall down when he has too many chickens in his pockets. Then you have to grab the chickens and put them in your coop. The first one to fill their coop wins. Foxy Pants is a great game for young children. It teaches them counting, matching and coordination skills. It’s also very entertaining and hilarious to see the Fox lose his pants. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a family-friendly game.

Price: £22.86
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
1,157 ratings

6. Shark Bite

Shark Bite
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This board game is a thrill! You have to fish out as many fish as you can from the shark’s mouth before he chomps down on you. You roll the dice and it tells you how many fish you need to catch with the fishing rod. It’s a blast and a scare because the shark can bite at any moment. The one with the most fish at the end wins the game!

Price: £17.99
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
2,907 ratings

7. My First Monopoly Game

My First Monopoly Game
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My First Monopoly Game was a joy to play with our kids. They loved the adorable tokens and the simple money and cards. The game has two levels, so you can pick the one that fits your kids best. One level is for matching and counting, and the other level is for reading and basic math. The game is a great way to introduce them to the classic board game and help them learn some skills along the way. The game is quick, fun, and thrilling for kids ages 4 and up. We think it’s awesome!

Price: £12.99
Rating:
4.7 / 5
Popularity:
15,591 ratings

8. Disney Princess Home Sprint

Disney Princess Home Sprint
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Join Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine and Belle in the Disney princess home Sprint board game! It’s a fun and exciting adventure for 2-4 players, ages 4 and up. You have to race to the end of the board, but watch out for the surprises along the way – some spaces will help you speed up, but others will slow you down. It’s a game of chance and skill that will keep you on your toes. If you’re a fan of Disney princesses, you’ll have a blast playing this game!

Price: £14.99
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
1,453 ratings

9. Enchanted Forest

Enchanted Forest
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Enchanted Forest is a classic family board game, players can enjoy finding magical treasures in just 20 minutes of playtime with 2-6 players. The game comes with high-quality components, including a playing board, trees, fairytale object cards, playing pieces, dice, and easy-to-understand instructions that make it simple to start playing right away.

One of the best parts of this game is its replay value. Players reveal the first treasure card to start the hunt, and every time a treasure is found, a new card is revealed until all the King’s treasures have been discovered. The winner is the player who has collected the most treasures.

Price: £18.95
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
2,638 ratings

10. Pizza, Pizza!

Pizza, Pizza!
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Pizza Pizza is an award-winning colour and shape-matching game that provides a fun learning experience for children. It’s an ideal educational board game for kids aged 3-7 years old, designed to help them learn about different foods, shapes, and colours. With simple gameplay and durable pieces, this teacher-tested game is easy to play and suitable for 2-4 players.

To win, spin the double spinner and choose a topping card by colour or shape to fill your pizza board before others do, but beware of the yucky toppings! This game provides lasting replay value and can be played at home or in the classroom. Bursting with fun and quality, Pizza Pizza makes a great gift for someone special.

Price: £11.36
Rating:
4.8 / 5
Popularity:
1,026 ratings

11. Lotti Karotti + Quartet Card Game

Lotti Karotti + Quartet Card Game
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Lotti Karotti is a popular children’s game suitable for ages 4 and up, and it is an excellent choice for family fun. With simple rules, short rounds, and plenty of excitement, this game is sure to entertain not only children but also older siblings and adults. In Lotti Karotti, players reveal cards to help their rabbits reach the carrot on the mountain, but watch out – holes can open up suddenly, and a bunny might fall in! For even more fun on the go, the game includes a quartet game featuring the beloved Lotti Karotti characters. Lotti Karotti also makes a fantastic gift for preschoolers aged 4 and up, whether for birthdays, Easter, or Christmas and is perfect for party games at children’s birthday celebrations.

Price: £27.88
Rating:
4.8 / 5
Popularity:
749 ratings

12. Wooden Tumble Tower Game

Wooden Tumble Tower Game
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Wooden Tumble Tower Game is the perfect addition to any game night, providing fun for both kids and adults alike. With four new variations of the classic tower game, the experience is even more exciting and engaging. Made with premium quality natural wood and adorned with vibrant colours and adorable animal designs, this game is sure to capture the attention of young ones and keep them entertained for hours on end. Not only is it entertaining, but it also promotes cognitive development in children. The game stimulates creativity and logical thinking, while also helping to develop skills such as basic physics, fine motor skills, colour recognition, eye-hand coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Overall, this board game is a fantastic way to spend quality family time while also helping children to learn and grow.

Price: £15.99
Rating:
4.7 / 5
Popularity:
13,167 ratings

13. Wildcraft! A Herbal Adventure Game

Wildcraft! A Herbal Adventure Game
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Looking for a fun and educational game to play with the whole family? Look no further than Wildcraft! Unlike many games for kids 4 and up, Wildcraft! is easy to follow and doesn’t require any reading. With clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger children can learn about different plants and their uses. Plus, Wildcraft! takes players on an exciting journey through multiple ecosystems, teaching them about 25 edible and medicinal plants along the way.

Made in the USA with 100% recycled and recyclable materials, this game is both environmentally friendly and durable. And with three fun printables included, kids can continue learning and colouring even after the game is over. Overall, Wildcraft! is the perfect game for family game night, offering adventure, education, and fun for kids and adults alike.

Price: £69.56
Rating:
4.7 / 5
Popularity:
1,235 ratings

14. Marvel Avengers Top Trumps Match Board Game

Marvel Avengers Top Trumps Match Board Game
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Looking for a way to combine the excitement of Top Trumps with the power of Marvel superheroes? The Marvel Edition of Top Trumps Match Board Game might be just what you’re looking for! This game challenges players to be the first to match five superheroes in a row, whether horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. But watch out – opponents can steal the game by turning over a Top Trump card and taking the match to win it all! With 15 iconic characters to play with, including Spider-Man, Groot, and Black Panther, this game is sure to keep Marvel fans of all ages entertained for hours on end. So gather your friends and family, and get ready for a wild ride with the Marvel Edition of Top Trumps!

Price: £14.99
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
1,156 ratings

15. Snakes & Ladders and Ludo

Snakes & Ladders and Ludo
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The Galt Snakes and Ladders and Ludo Board Game includes two traditional family games for 2 to 4 players. This game is beautifully illustrated with fun animal themes and comes with a double-sided playing board that allows players to enjoy two traditional games in a single package. On one side of the board, jungle animals will either help or hinder your progress on the Snakes and Ladders board. On the other side, you can become an explorer in the Arctic, African Plains, Tropical Rainforest, or Coral Sea when playing Ludo. This game is perfect for 2 to 4 players and provides hours of entertainment for the whole family. With two classic games in one, Galt Snakes and Ladders and Ludo Board Game is a great addition to any family game night!

Price: £9.99
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
6,106 ratings

16. Disney Eye Found It!

Disney Eye Found It!
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Join Mickey and Friends on a magical journey through 12 Disney realms, from Radiator Springs to Alice’s Wonderland with this family favourite board game. With whimsical artwork and beloved Disney characters, this game is sure to be a hit with everyone. This classic observation and searching game is perfect for 2-6 players and can be played in just 20 minutes. As you journey through the Disney realms, search for iconic objects and build confidence every time you say, “I found it!” With over 1000 things to find, the game has great replay value. The first player to race to Cinderella’s castle before midnight wins! The game includes a massive 6-foot game board, 6 playing pieces, a spinner, plastic rings, search cards, a sand timer, and easy-to-understand instructions, making it easy to start playing right away.

Price: £34.99
Rating:
4.7 / 5
Popularity:
470 ratings

17. Screwball Scramble Classic

Screwball Scramble Classic
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The Retro Maze Family Game – Screwball Scramble is a classic family board ball game from the 80s that guarantees hours of fun for kids and adults alike. With this original version of the game, you can let your kid play alone or challenge them to see who is the fastest. Not only is it entertaining, but it also improves motor skills as players use skill and coordination to guide the screwball through all the different challenges using only the control panel. The game comes with a timer for an extra challenge, encouraging players to improve their personal best or play co-op to try and beat the clock. Whether playing alone, competing against others, or playing co-op with friends and family, this action game will become your kids’ favourite toy. Moreover, it is a well-balanced and highly challenging learning toy that helps children develop hand accuracy and focus. Suitable for kids aged 5 and up, this maze action game is the perfect gift to give more than just a toy.

Price: £13.99
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
6,106 ratings

18. BrainBox Transport

BrainBox Transport
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This BrainBox board game is a fantastic way to have fun with the whole family. Featuring a wide range of transportation modes, from a camel to a monster truck, this game is suitable for everyone regardless of their preferred way of getting around. With a combination of fun and learning, this visual memory game is perfect for one or more players and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Price: £8.99
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
1,219 ratings

19. Race To Base

Race To Base
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This family-friendly game is guaranteed to bring excitement to game night. With a simple roll of the dice dome, players move their counters around the board to reach the base. But watch out – if an opponent lands on your counter, you’ll be sent back home and have to start all over again! The game includes a popping dice and 16 playing pieces, with four for each player. Suitable for 2-4 players aged 4 years and up, this game is sure to bring laughter and fun to your next family gathering. Please note, this product has specific safety warnings and is not suitable for children under 36 months.

Price: £8.18
Rating:
4.4 / 5
Popularity:
2,748 ratings

20. Dino-Snore-Us Game

Dino-Snore-Us Game
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Get ready to race in this exciting board game where players compete to collect the most uncracked eggs from a sleeping T-Rex! With Dino-Snore-Us, players take turns moving down the pathway, but watch out for the footprints! If you land on one, you’ll wake up the T-Rex! Suitable for dinosaur lovers, this game is perfect for getting the whole family to have fun together while also developing counting skills. If you land on a dinosaur footprint, you must turn the T-Rex around. If he is asleep when you reach him, you can spin the spinner and take some eggs, but if he’s awake, everyone ‘ROARS,’ and you’ll have to return to the start. Remember, it’s not just the number of eggs in your nest that will win you the game, it’s the number of uncracked eggs! This prehistoric math game is great for some screen-free family time. The game includes a board, a T-Rex figure, a spinner, and 16 eggs. Suitable for 2-4 players, ages 3 and up.

Price: £9.10
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
409 ratings

21. Mastermind Classical Code Cracking Game

Mastermind Classical Code Cracking Game
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Code Breakers is a simple yet enjoyable board game that will put your guessing skills and strategic thinking to the test. In this 2-player game, you set a secret colour code and your opponent has up to 30 attempts to guess it. Play as many times as you want, or until a player has used up all their guesses. This STEM educational game is perfect for boosting logical thinking and reasoning skills, with more than 2000+ possible codes to crack. Not only is it a fun game to play, but it also promotes family time and parent-child interaction. The board is easy to store, measuring just 14x6x1 with a built-in storage tray to keep the pegs secure. Suitable for children ages 5 and up, Code Breakers is challenging enough to keep adults and kids entertained, but not too difficult to discourage them from playing again and again.

Price: £16.99
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
887 ratings

22. The Magic Tooth Fairy

The Magic Tooth Fairy
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The Magic Tooth Fairy board game is a delightful and exciting game that will keep your little ones engaged and entertained. As players move around the board, they collect lost teeth and pop them under their pillow, hoping for the magic of the Tooth Fairy to transform them into glittering gold coins. With simple and easy-to-learn gameplay, kids will have a blast playing with their parents and experiencing the tension and excitement of losing a tooth. The game is won by the first person to collect four gold coins, making it a fun race to the finish. This game is perfect for kids who are dreaming about a visit from the Tooth Fairy, and it’s sure to become a family favourite in no time!

Price: £9.95
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
361 ratings

23. Charades For Kids Game

Charades For Kids Game
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Charades for Kids is a lively and engaging game that combines learning with play. Designed especially for children, this game includes cards suitable for ages 4 and up, with both written objects and actions. It even comes with 50 picture cards, so younger children can easily join in the fun. Charades for Kids is a fast-paced game that is perfect for the whole family, regardless of age. It requires three or more players and includes a 1, 2, 3 die, 100 regular charade cards, 50 picture charade cards, and a 1-minute timer. Roll the die to determine which option you must act out on the card, and take turns guessing what is being acted out. The first player to collect three cards wins the game!

Price: £12.99
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
1,799 ratings

24. Hungry Hungry Hippos Game

Hungry Hungry Hippos Game
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Get ready to join the feeding frenzy with the Elefun & Friend Hungry Hungry Hippos Game. It’s a fast-paced game where you race to gobble up the most marbles in the pond. Once the marbles are released, the feeding frenzy begins and you need to move fast because all the hippos will be chomping at the same time. The faster you press the hippo’s tail, the faster it will eat the marbles. There’s also an additional way to win – be the first to chomp the golden marble and become the instant winner!

With four different hippos to choose from, including Veggie Potamus, Bottomless Potamus, Sweetie Potamus, and Hungry Hippo, you are sure to have a chompin’ good time. The game is easy to assemble and fits back in the box for easy storage and cleanup. If your hippo chomps the most marbles, you win the game! Alternatively, you can also play to win by being the first hippo to chomp the golden marble. Join the fun and start chomping!

Price: £14.40
Rating:
4.6 / 5
Popularity:
5,433 ratings

25. What Am I Family Card Game

What Am I Family Card Game
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We recently played the exciting game, What Am I? This quick-fire question game is perfect for parties and family game nights. Each player takes a card from the pile and places it into their headband without peeking. Then, taking turns, players flip the timer and ask questions to try and figure out who or what they are. The catch is, you only have a minute to ask as many questions as possible! The first player to lose all of their chips wins.

With 50 cards featuring different animals, foods, and objects, there’s great variety and you never know what you could be next. Don’t worry if you get stuck, there are 4 prompt cards full of example questions to help you get back on track. This game is perfect for encouraging quick thinking and deductive reasoning with a simple question-and-answer format. Overall, we had a blast playing What Am I? and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced game.

Price: £7.99
Rating:
4.5 / 5
Popularity:
3,068 ratings

For more board game recommendations, see this list of the best board games for 4-year-olds.

Summary

In conclusion, the world of board games can be a fun and engaging way for 5-year-olds to develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These 25 best board games for 5-year-olds in the UK include a variety of options, from classic games like Snakes and Ladders and Charades to newer options like Greedy Granny and Dino-Snore-us. By choosing a game that matches their interests and skill level, parents can encourage their children to have fun while learning and growing. Whether playing with family or friends, these board games are sure to provide hours of entertainment for 5-year-olds and beyond.

Best Board Games for 5 Year Old Comparison Table
Comparison Table of the best board games for 5-year-olds

FAQs About Best Board Games for 5-Year-Olds

Should I let my 5-year-old win board games?

Board games are great, but you probably don’t want to let your 5-year-old win all the time. You want them to learn that it’s more fun to play with everyone than to be the only person to win. They can learn this at a young age. It’s okay if they lose sometimes, and they will likely lose at some point in their life anyway. Just as long as they learn how to deal with the ups and downs of competition and losing. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have a victory dance or two!

Why is play so important for a 5-year-old?

Play is important for your child’s development, and it’s even more important when they’re young. As you know, the brain is like a sponge. The more it’s stimulated, the more it will develop. Play helps ya 5 years old learn the social skills needed to succeed in school, the academic skills needed to excel later on, and the physical skills needed to be strong enough to be active and healthy. And, of course, play is fun!

Do 5-year-olds play board games?

Yes! Your 5-year-old can start learning how to play board games right now. And while they aren’t required to read or do much else before they’re 5, there is a lot to be said for exposing them to those things even before they start kindergarten. 

The best time to introduce your child to board games is when he or she is a little younger (say, under the age of 5) and just getting used to all the rules. You may have heard that children don’t learn much from board games, but we think that’s nonsense. We believe that playing board games teaches children more than just fun skills. It helps them learn important life lessons about cooperation, problem solving, following directions, teamwork, and more. That’s why we like to recommend games that are geared towards younger players.

How many hours should a 5-year-old play?

We recommend one to two hours per day of active, interactive board gameplay. This is because 5-year-olds are still developing cognitively and their time needs to be spent in active, engaged play. If they spend too much time passively watching, they may not retain the information as well.

The same is true of adults. Watching TV is very different from playing a board game. In fact, it’s possible that the more you do something, the worse you become at it! We know people who watch an hour of TV a day and can barely sit through a two-hour movie without falling asleep. They are passive consumers of entertainment, instead of active participants.

Should 5-year-olds play by themselves?

Playing games on their own can teach them valuable skills such as perseverance, self-discipline, and independence. But it also helps if they have a parent or another adult nearby to give advice and support when necessary. Playing with other children can help develop social skills and also provide opportunities to learn from each other.

best board games for 5 year olds

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