Games for Kids Aged 5–6

Games for children aged 5–6 offer plenty of laughs, moments of focus and clever little moves. Here, you’ll find games for preschoolers and children in their first years of school. Choose a great game for a 5- or 6-year-old based on the rules, number of players and age recommendation for each game.

“At 5–6 years old, discovering a clever move all by yourself can be a real thrill. I like to choose a children’s game where kids can try out their own ideas and share the fun with everyone around the table.” – Anja Lytzen, owner of Lirum Larum Leg

Great Games for Children Aged 5–6

A little plan, a lucky roll of the die and an excited laugh when the piece lands in exactly the right spot. Games for 5- to 6-year-olds can offer more choices than the very first children’s games, without the rules having to take up the whole afternoon. There’s room for both quick rounds and games that let your child take a little more time to think.

Looking for a fun game for a 5-year-old? Think about what your child finds exciting. Some love pictures and movement, while others enjoy solving a little logic puzzle. For a 6-year-old, learning a new rule can be interesting, but a familiar game is still a lovely way to spend time together.

Logic games for 5–6-year-olds, with time to experiment

A logic game gives your child the chance to explore, move a piece and try a different solution. Some games feature challenges that increase in difficulty, so you can start with the easier ones. This can be ideal for a child who enjoys concentrating on a task without having to be the fastest.

SmartGames offers a variety of games for one player, as well as other ways to play. Always check the recommended age and rules for the model you choose; not every game in the brand’s range is suitable for a 5-year-old. You might like to tackle the first challenge together and let your child explain their ideas as you go.

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Board games for 5- and 6-year-olds

A good board game for a 5-year-old has an objective that’s easy to understand and gameplay they’ll want to come back to. For 6-year-olds, simple tactical choices can make each round even more exciting: should they take a chance or play it safe?

Check the playing time and number of players before you choose. A two-player game makes for a different kind of fun together than a family game everyone can join in. It’s also worth checking whether the game requires reading, or whether pictures and symbols make it easy to play before children have learned their letters.

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Hands-on games for preschoolers

Games for children aged 5–6 don’t have to be all about moving pieces around a board. Stacking, balancing or placing small pieces can make for a fun challenge that calls for steady hands and concentration. Other games are about finding pictures or remembering where things are.

In Vilac’s world of games, you’ll find a variety of materials and quirky ideas that offer a different experience from a classic race to the finish. Choose a game with an age recommendation that’s right for your child and make sure you have enough space to set it up. Let your child explore the pieces and watch a practice round before you get started.

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More games to explore

Educational games for children before and after they start school

An educational game for a 6-year-old can provide a natural opportunity to count, compare or explain an idea. You don’t need to choose a game with school-style exercises to offer a worthwhile challenge. Everyday children’s games also invite you to discover numbers, patterns, language and small decisions.

Make sure the challenge feels enjoyable. If your child has used a lot of energy at school, a simple round may be more appealing than something completely new. For a younger or less experienced child, games designed for preschoolers can be a good choice. Age is a useful guide, but you should still follow the stated minimum age.

Games for 5-year-olds with easy-to-follow rules.
Board games for 6-year-olds with small choices and challenges.
Logic games with an appropriate beginner level.

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Card games for 5–6-year-olds on a cosy afternoon

A card game is easy to bring out when you feel like spending a little time together. For children aged 5 and 6, clear pictures and a manageable number of cards are a plus. Also consider whether little hands can hold and see the cards, or whether they need to be laid out on the table.

Our card games cover a wide range of ages and ways to play. Some are about collecting, while others involve reacting quickly or thinking ahead. Check the rules and minimum age for each game. A small game can also make a lovely gift for a 5th or 6th birthday, as long as the theme and difficulty level suit the child.

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Find a great game for a 5- or 6-year-old

At Lirum Larum Leg, we love games that bring the family together for a lovely time. It could be a first taste of strategy, a silly challenge or the joy of winning a round against an adult. Let your child’s interests and the way you enjoy playing together guide your choice.

If siblings or grandparents will be joining in, choose a children’s game with rules everyone can understand. Read the product details and consider how long you’d like to play together. Browse our full range of children’s games to compare different types and find games for both short weekday moments and a longer afternoon.

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Questions about games for 5–6-year-olds

What games are good for a 5-year-old?

Choose a game with a clear objective and rules your child can follow. Picture games, simple board games and some logic games can be good options. The specific game should be recommended for your child’s age.

What’s a good game for a 6-year-old?

A game involving simple choices, numbers or logic puzzles could be a good fit for a curious 6-year-old. Choose one based on your child’s interests and experience. Playing time, reading requirements and number of players are at least as useful to consider as the theme.

Does your child need to be able to read to play?

No, many games for children aged 5–6 use pictures and symbols. Others require letters or text. Check the description of each game, and have an adult help with the rules the first time.

Can a 5-year-old play alone?

Some logic games are designed for one player and can be played independently once your child understands the task. Choose a game recommended for age 5 or younger, and help them get started.

Which game is suitable for both a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old?

Choose a game with a minimum age recommendation of 5 or younger, so you can both take part. A game with pictures and simple rules can provide a great starting point for playing together. Also check that it can be played by the number of people you have in mind.

Are games a good back-to-school gift?

An age-appropriate game can be a lovely gift, offering a chance to take a break and spend time together. It doesn’t have to be educational. Choose something your child will want to play again.