The Best Games for Kids Ages 4-8
Do you want to keep your little bundles of joy busy? Are you looking for a family-friendly activity? Do you need some time to clean up the house, do laundry, or make dinner, and are looking for a way to keep your child occupied? If so, consider getting your hands on some great indoor games that are not only meant for entertainment but also to serve as educational tools.
Today, play isn’t only limited to unstructured time playing outside. Thanks to the digital age and ingenious minds, the definition of play has been revolutionized. Play improves children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. You can now teach your children while playing with them, introducing essential life concepts on a daily basis. So, get ready to enjoy some great family time with the finest games for kids ages 4-8 in 2024!
Buying Guide: Games for Kids Ages 4-8
Parents often struggle when it comes to choosing the right game for their young child. But by letting your child play games you’re helping them build their cognitive, social, and language skills from an early age. We know it can be overwhelming to find an entertaining yet informative game for your little one. The following buyer’s guide outlines the importance of games for kids, their different types, and what factors you need to consider before buying a game for kids ages 4-8. Let’s take a look!
Why Are Games Important?
Play specialist O. Fred Donaldson once said, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.” We cannot stress the validity of this statement enough as play is indeed a natural form of a child’s expression. Through play, they learn multiple life skills.
Games present chances for learning
Games help introduce early childhood lessons. Through playing games, kids learn color sorting, word associations, and counting. Multiplayer games allow children to wait for their turn and follow rules, which are important concepts that are helpful beyond the living room floor.
Games emphasize teamwork
Games for kids ages 4-8 are an excellent way to encourage kids of different age groups to team up and work together to achieve a mutual goal. They teach cooperation and patience and foster healthy interpersonal relationships. Games are good for regulating the expression of emotions and introduce the concept of winning and losing. You can teach your kid that winning and losing is part of life, and they should not get angry or frustrated if they don’t win. Games can teach them resilience and adaptive coping strategies.
Games are an alternative to screen time
Engaging kids in games that are attractive and challenging help you reduce their screen time. It’s the best way to divert their energy and channel it to more effective sources for better brain development.
Types of Games
Board games
Tabletop games are typically known as board games. In this type of game, players usually move across a marked board by adhering to specific instructions. This type of game is suitable for all age groups as you can grab your favorite pizza and make it a family night full of laughter. They’re perfect for younger children as they boost their creativity while maintaining an element of surprise to keep them engaged.
Educational games
These games teach about a specific skill or subject and are used extensively outside and inside the classroom. They’re created with a specific educational outcome and help sharpen your child’s focus. Plus, they also make complex topics easier to understand.
Indoor games vs. outdoor games
Indoor games are played inside the house or classroom. They’re suitable for teaching essential life skills. Outdoor games are usually played in a field and involve movement, like jumping, running, or hopping. These games are great for building physical strength and stamina.
What To Consider Before Buying Games for Kids Ages 4-8?
Age appropriateness
You should buy a game that is appropriate for your child’s age. Choosing a game that matches their skill level will channel their potential. When selecting a game, double-check the age range to get your hands on the right one.
Easy to learn
Children between the ages of 4 and 8 typically have low frustration levels. The most effective games for this age group are the ones that are easy to learn. Focus on buying a game that has a simple set of instructions. The rules should be clear and direct to ensure they don’t put too much pressure on their little minds.
Easy to assemble
Little kids are new to the world of games with their curious minds and never-ending questions. Try to buy a game that these munchkins can easily assemble without adult assistance. Give their little hands the confidence to shine bright by allowing them to set up the game and see the smile spread wide across their beautiful faces.
Easy to clean up
Buying a game that is easy to store and disassembly is essential. Cleaning up after the game is over should not be stressful. Cleaning the play area empowers young minds and teaches vital personal skills. It gives them a sense of achievement and builds their self-confidence.
Number of players
From preschool up to 8 years old is the perfect age to learn about social play. This age is the beginning of laying the foundations for long-term relationships. When children play with others it teaches them empathy and provides a sense of connectedness. Incorporating them into play focuses on cooperativeness and teamwork. So, get your hands on a multiplayer game that the whole family can enjoy and have a meaningful interaction while enjoying the game to its fullest.
Brand’s reputation
It’s vital to ensure that the game you buy is from a reputable brand. The brand’s reputation directly impacts the quality of the materials used and the idea behind the game’s invention. You can read through the reviews before purchasing to choose the right game for your child.
Tips and Hints for the Best Gaming Experience
Here are some ideas to make sure that your kid enjoys their game:
Play with a regular group of friends
If your kids have friends, getting all of them under one roof is best. You can even have a mommy’s party in another room while your kids are busy playing exciting games.
Play with the family
What’s better than having a family night with everyone together in one place? You can have fun with your little ones while they try to beat you at games!
Create your own rituals
Family nights are best when they have specific rituals. You all can sing or make your favorite food to enjoy while playing the game.
The Best Games for Kids Ages 4-8
Pressman Charades Game
All actors and actresses gather around and flaunt your mind-blowing acting skills with this iconic game of Charades by Pressman. The box comes with 150 cards and 450 charades, a sand timer, and a dice. The cards combine picture and word charades, allowing younger and older family members to play together. This game has three levels of clues and is excellent for spending time with the whole family.
This game is a classic that’s sure to crack you up while your younger one shows off their acting skills. Younger children can act as a toothbrush, a phone, or a butterfly through visual representation on the cards, while older children can act on words. The turn-taking aspect of this game helps build a healthy foundation of intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. So, grab your popcorn, get out the charade box, and get ready for a night filled with giggles. This game for kids ages 4-8 is the best overall on our list as it boosts self-esteem and involves the entire family.
Pros
- Reinforces reading skills in younger children
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Strengthens social skills through teamwork
Cons
- Quality of cards may not be high
Hasbro Hungry Unicorn Game – Best for Healthy Competition
This chomping unicorn game by Hasbro is action-packed and full of anticipation for children 4 years old and up. It’s a feeding frenzy on whose unicorn will gobble up the most marbles. The set includes a game base, 20 plastic marbles in four colors, four unicorn heads and bodies, and a marble storage cover. The four adorable unicorns have names so your children can have a chance to play as Bubbles, Twinkle, Dazzle, or Sparkle. The goal is to make your unicorn eat as many marbles as possible to emerge as the winner.
You can also add a twist to the game by setting a rule where each unicorn must gobble up the marble that matches its color. This is a perfect game for preschoolers to learn gracefully about winning and losing in a comfortable home environment. So, race with your children to be the unicorn that tops the game!
Pros
- Two games in one
- Unicorns add a touch of fantasy
- Marble storage cover for safe storage
Cons
- Marbles may pose a choking hazard
Mattel Games Kerplunk – Best for Critical Thinking
Kerplunk is a game of chance and skill from Mattel Games. It’s a timeless classic that will make any adult nostalgic for the games they played as a child. Ideal for kids aged 5 years old and up, this game promotes strategic thinking as you have to create a web of sticks with straws in the middle of the provided tube. The colorful marbles are then placed on the top and are held suspended. The tube is then rotated so the hole aligns with the player taking a turn. The game’s purpose is to remove the straw from the tube at your turn while ensuring that the least number of marbles fall into your compartment. When the last marble drops, the tray with the least number of marbles wins.
It’s an intriguing game designed for two to four people. This vintage game challenges your child to have steady hands and strong nerves as it requires rational decision-making. It’s ideal for those who love strategic challenges.
Pros
- Suitable for improving hand-eye coordination
- Encourages healthy competition
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Straws are very thin
TOMY Pop Up Pirate Game – Best for Fine Motor Skills
The TOMY Pop Up Pirate Game is a classic action-filled game full of surprises and laughter. It comes with a barrel, a pirate, and 24 colorful plastic swords. This game is easy to play and begins with you pushing the pirate down into the barrel and rotating him. This twist is where all the fun begins as it resets the mechanism every time from where the pirate pops out. Players then slide their colorful swords carefully into the slots. If a pirate pops up on your turn, you lose. This game is suitable for children aged 4 years old and up.
It’s an impressive game of barrel fun that spreads laughter around. The bright, colorful swords attract kids, and the element of unpredictability makes the game thrilling. Sliding swords into the barrel enhances hand-eye coordination. It’s an iconic cause-and-effect game of excellent quality for little ones.
Pros
- Teaches color sorting to younger kids
- Helps strengthen decision-making skills
- Does not require batteries
Cons
- Requires holding the barrel while sliding the sword
Briarpatch Pete the Cat Game – Best for Cooperative Play
This Briarpatch board game based on the popular book series Pete the Cat is perfect for children above 3 years old. It’s an exciting game that teaches team building and cooperation. The game includes 14 cupcakes, 20 birthday present cards, a spinner, a game board, four characters, a cupcake tray, a grumpy toad, and a detailed instruction manual.
This game is appropriate for two to four players who work together to retrieve the missing cupcakes from a grumpy toad. To do this, the players must follow specific instructions as every turn involves fun-filled activities like singing, identifying animals, words, and food items, acting out physical activities, and much more. The board game’s unique design keeps children engaged and is a perfect way to bond with them.
Pros
- Best for beginners and young players
- No reading required
- Improves counting and memory skills
Cons
- May be too simple for some
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Scavenger Hunt Card Game – Best for Matching Games
Get ready for endless hours of fun and adventure with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Scavenger Hunt Card Game! This innovative and captivating game is perfect for kids ages 3 and up, whether they’re exploring the world right in front of them or embarking on a road trip or camping adventure. With 40 jumbo cards and 5 different but super fun seek-and-match game modes, this scavenger hunt game will keep your little ones engaged and entertained for hours on end. Watch as their eyes light up with excitement as they seek and match objects in the world to the words on the jumbo cards.
Not only will your kids have a blast playing this game, but they’ll also be learning and growing in the process. The jumbo cards are designed to be easy for kids to hold and read, allowing them to effortlessly explore and learn about the world around them. This game provides a great opportunity for young children to learn together with family and friends, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Pros
- Educational and fun matching game
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor play
- Cards are easy to hold and read
Cons
- Could use more cards
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Glow-in-the-Dark Dart Board for Kids – Most Versatile and Portable Fun
Step into the world of exhilarating learning with the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Glow in The Dark Dart Board for Kids. This exceptional edutainment product, specifically designed for kids aged 4-8, effortlessly blends fun with education. The Dart Ball Game Set comes complete with a 28″ reversible, glow-in-the-dark dartboard and easy-to-grip sticky balls, promising hours of engaging play.
This versatile and portable game set stands out due to its ability to transcend age boundaries. Whether you’re a 4-year-old just starting to understand the world, an 8-year-old already mastering acuity, or even an adult looking for a fun, indoor activity, this game set offers something for everyone. The glow-in-the-dark feature heightens interest while the game itself encourages hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. In addition, the portability of the product allows for easy setup and storage, making it a perfect indoor game for kids.
Pros
- Enjoyable for all ages
- Portable and easy to store
- Provides non-electronic fun
Cons
- No mounting hardware is included
People Also Asked
A: Games stimulate the brain's functioning and are essential for healthy overall development.
A: Young children love all types of games. Try engaging them in a board game or a role play game to keep them excited and entertained.
A: Yes, of course! Many games are multiplayer and your child will be thrilled to play games with you. Plus, they may need an adult in the game to help understand the rules.
