10 Games to Play with Your Toddler

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Family Fun Nights have become a staple in our family's weekly routine. Our kids look forward to it as the busy week comes to a close. Not only are we spending intentional quality time together while our our children are young, but ultimately, we are hoping to instill a love for coming together around the table as they grow up. 

I am a firm believer in starting kids off young with structured games and activities. They are capable of so much more than we give them credit for. Our first son, at 2 years old, could legitimately beat us at a game of Toy Story Memory (or Toy Story Matching as he called it), however, it wasn't until our second son was 3 years old that he became interested in structured games (despite being the very reason we started Family Fun Night's to begin with). Every child's interest level for these types of activities will be different, and I'm not suggesting to force something on them that they aren't ready for or enjoy, but I would encourage you to periodically revisit certain activities that your child may not show interest in initially.
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I can't take credit for bringing all these awesome games into our home, as many of these were gifts from our thoughtful family members, but we have made them our own and they have all become our absolute favorites. We don't always play by the rules. We don't always finish each round. But we are smiling, laughing, high fiving, and bonding with each game we play. 

**This list is compiled with children ages 5 and under in mind. It also contains affiliate links.

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1. BINGO

Who doesn't love a good game of bingo? From young to old, this classic game is a must have in your game stash. There are so many varieties of Bingo games for kids in all stages, from alphabet to animals, and even I-spy, your kiddo can practice the fine art of listening. Our kiddos love our Thomas the Train edition.

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2. THE SNEAKY, SNACKY SQUIRREL GAME

Our kiddos love spinning the wheel to see which color acorn their squirrel can add to their stash, and they especially love landing on the "sneaky" squirrel, where they have full permission to steal an acorn from their brother. 

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3. PANCAKE PILE-UP

The packaging alone sold our kids on this one.  Pairing up with the boys, my husband and I love the controlled chaos this game brings to life (you won't hear me say that often). With the goal of collecting all your pancakes in the correct sequence,  one person is the caller and the other the runner. With pancakes placed all over the room, it's sure to get out all that before bedtime energy!!

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4. MEMORY MIX UP

Because memory games are one of my son's strong suits, this game was a fun way to change up the typical matching cards that we grew to love. You can add as many pieces to the paddle as you wish, depending on your child's age and stage, and they get to "shake it" (you may or may not get Taylor Swift stuck in your head...sorry). With minimal instructions or set up, this game is up and running in no time!

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5. HOT POTATO 

I will never forget the first time we played this game. Well, to be honest, I didn't play initially. I couldn't resist recording the laughs as my boys and my parents threw this little potato around our kitchen. My youngest was determined to learn how to catch JUST so he could play this game with his big brother and grandparents. And when the time was up, and the AAAHHH's erupted, so did the smiles and laughter. 

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6. SPOT IT JR.

We were first introduced to this game via a Chick-fil-a kids meal prize. The little mini size Spot It was a perfect size activity to keep in our diaper bag for those moments when we needed our kids to be still and quiet (mainly while waiting on our food at restaurants). Now we enjoy our full size version at home!

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7.  HYPER DASH

If your child knows their colors, and if they  have a crazy amount of energy...this game is for you! My mom stumbled upon this game at a thrift store and what a find it was!! My boys have loved running between the colored discs, trying to beat the timer. Best part, it's great for those indoor rainy days or those days they just need to get outside and run!

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8. GUESS WHO

Another classic with so many varieties. We were given this version including transportation, under the sea, food, and animals but, if you're like me, this retro version that we all played as kids is a good option too! I love how this allows my boys to  intentionally ask "yes" and "no" questions focusing on the other person instead of themselves. 

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9. PICK UP STICKS

A childhood favorite of mine has become a favorite of my kiddos. With hundreds of miles separating us, my parents have started the tradition of Pick Up Sticks with the grandkids whenever they visit. As the mommy now, I appreciate the quiet and stillness this game brings! 

10. TOY STORY MEMORY

This is where it all began. This game, right here, holds endless memories (no pun intended) with my little buddy, my first born. I will forever remember his sweet  little innocent voice asking, "play toy story matching, mommy?" and the amazement and pride I had in him as he would beat me almost every time! 

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What are some of your family's favorite games? I would love to add to our collection!

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10 Family Fun Night Ideas You Can Do At Home

20 Books for Busy Boys

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