The Power of Play – Top Games for Preschoolers

As temperatures drop and after-school outdoor time becomes limited, finding engaging indoor activities and games for preschoolers becomes a common challenge for parents. Play through games offers the following:  

• A way to spend quality time together as a family
• An alternative to screentime
• A means to reaping educational benefits, like improved language skills, cooperation, and critical thinking

We have compiled a list of the top research studies highlighting the benefits of play as well as recommended games for your little learners to help keep everyone busy through the winter months. 

The Benefits of Playing Games

While once viewed as just an outlet for physical activity or silliness, play is now defined as any activity done for enjoyment and recreation, rather than for practical purposes. Play has been studied extensively in recent years as an invaluable cognitive and social-emotional skill builder for all ages, especially children. The National Institute for Play even considers play “an urgent public health necessity” and part of the solution for combating the rise of anxiety and depression. 

A 2022 article in the American Journal of Play found that there are clear cognitive benefits of board and table-top games for children ages 4 to 6, including: 

• Improved ability to count and identify numbers in order
• Improved vocabulary and communication phrases
• Increased understanding of turn-taking, rule following,  and cooperation 

Furthermore, a 2024 study in The Early Years – An Intentional Research Journal found that playing board games helps young children improve their math skills. 

In a survey of 2,000 parents of children ages 0-6, 92% of respondents said play is important to “fostering their inquisitive nature.” And while the survey found that physical play ranked as their top preference for their children, social play–which often comes when playing games and taking turns–ranked second. 

The “Benefits of Board Games for Children and their Families” are vast, including building skills, memories, and more. Plus, they foster teamwork, communication, all while emphasizing family time. 

Board Games and Card Games for Preschoolers

Thankfully, the landscape of board and card games is incredibly diverse, offering options for different ages, learning styles, and areas of interest. 

If you are looking for an affordable and easily transportable option for young children, a standard 52-card deck is a no-brainer. Today’s Parent published a great list of card games (and rules) that use a standard deck of cards, including some nostalgic classics like Go Fish!, Crazy Eights, and Old Maid. 

The world of board games is endless, as are the options for each age group and interest area. So leave the vetting to the experts! Below are lists created and tested by families to help you narrow your options and get gaming! Regardless of what you pick, playing with your children creates opportunities for family connection and provides just as many benefits for adults, so play together and everyone wins. 

• “The 60 Best Family Board Games That Will Make Your Kids Forget All About Screens”
• “The Best Board Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers, According to Experts” 
• “The 45 Best Board Games for Kids That the Whole Family Will Enjoy”

Regardless of what you pick, playing with your children creates opportunities for family connection and provides benefits for everyone. For more indoor activity ideas, sign up for  insights, tips, and opportunities for preschool families through our monthly bilingual (English and Spanish) newsletter, Family Dispatch.