As Noah has gotten older (at the time of this blog post he’s 7!) it’s been fun to watch him grow in his comprehension of how things work. The types of toys he enjoys playing with these days are more developed, and he’s even begun to enjoy playing board games!
We tried playing games like Chutes and ladders, or Candy Lane, but they weren’t able to hold his attention, and weren’t easy to play for him. One of the first “real” board games he was able to play (and enjoy) was Pie Face (See the fun video below.) If you’re like us, you’re always up for a fun board game that your child with Down syndrome (or really any child) can play that can involve the entire family. We thought it would be helpful to compile a list of some of the best board games! (We’ll update this list as we come across new games!)
(Please note that the links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase an item, we will receive a small commission. – It also helps us keep the site up and running, so if you do buy a game through one of these links, thank you!)
You can find all of these board games on our Amazon Shop!
1. Hasboro Pie Face
The Pie Face game is our favorite board game on this list! The instructions basically go like this: each person spins a little wheel that tells them the number of times to crank the handle on the game, and then you sit back and laugh as people get splatted with whipped cream. It’s a ton of fun, it’s easy to play, and anyone can play. If I were to buy only one game on this list, I’d get this one!
Noah Loves Pie Face!
2. Yeti in My Spaghetti
Yeti in My Spaghetti is a great game because it helps your child develop fine motor skills as they to pull the pretend plastic, spaghetti threads out of the bowl, without the Yeti following in. This is a fun game!
3. Lucky Ducks — The Memory and Matching Game that Moves
“This wacky, quacky matching game combines developmental skills for young children with the fun of a “My First Game.” Lucky Ducks offers all the benefits of memory and matching games in a format that’s easier for little fingers than cards. As a bonus, it helps kids with shape recognition and colors. Switch on the circular pond, and the ducks start swimming–the bottom side of each duck has a colored shape. Players take turns picking up a duck and looking at the color and shape; if it matches their color and shape they get to keep the duck. If it doesn’t match they put it back. The ducks continue to swim so it’s more challenging than a traditional memory game, but easy enough for even the youngest duck lovers to play. This extra challenge makes the game more fun for parents and kids to play together, with plenty of opportunities for fun and learning. For 2-4 players ages 3 and up.”
Click here to buy Lucky Ducks!
4. Giant Kerplunk Game
“Don’t let the balls fall and go KerPlunk when you play the giant-sized version of this longtime family favorite. Insert the sticks through the tube and pour the balls into the top. Then pick your stick and give it a soft tug—with steady nerves, a little skill, and just a bit of luck, you can keep the balls from going KerPlunk! The person who allows the balls to drop must collect them. Once the last ball has fallen through, all players count their balls, and the player with the fewest wins the game.”
Click here to buy the giant kerplunk game!
5. Pop the Pig
“Pop the Pig is an international preschool classic that is adored by millions of children–it’s the #2 best-selling new kids game of the last five years. Kids spin the spinner, pop a hamburger into the pig’s mouth, then pump his head. The more they pump, the more his belly grows until . . . pop! Kids love the suspense as they watch his belly grow; the player who makes his belly burst loses the game. Redesigned in 2013 to make it easier for kids 4 and up to play, children can quickly reset this pig game with one pump of the pig’s head and experience consistent belly busting game-play each and every time. Pop the Pig provides hours of fun and is completely kid-powered (no batteries needed). For added convenience, all pieces can be stored inside the pig. Kids won’t see a pop-up pirate, but they will get to pop a pig. For ages 4 and up. 2-6 players”
Click here to buy the Pop the Pig Game
6. Bounce-Off Game
“Bounce-Off game is simple for everyone to understand and play, but don’t be fooled by the easy instructions – the competition is fierce! Whether you’re playing against others by bouncing balls in a frenzied race to match the card or the (slightly) more civilized turn-based play, Bounce-Off game brings the action and the results are wild!”
Click here to buy Bounce Off Game
7. Connect 4
Connect 4 is classic, you know it, you’ve probably played it, it’s great!
Click here to buy Connect 4
8. Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots Game
Rock ’em Sock ’em is another classic. You may have played this game growing up. Kids still love it!
Click here to buy Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots Game
9. Hungry Hungry Hippos
Hungry Hungry Hippos has been around for a LONG time. This is a great and easy game for children with Down syndrome (or really any kids) to play. A benefit of this game is that it helps your child learn to count, it helps them develop their fine motor skills as they pick up the marbles and place them in the launcher. Another great thing about Hungry Hungry Hippos is that it doesn’t take all day to play. It’s high energy, and the game is over quickly. A win, win.
Click here to buy Hungry Hungry Hippos from Amazon.
10. Perfection Game
This specific version of Perfection is a smaller version, each makes it easier to play. There are fewer choices and the pieces are more recognizable (it includes ducks, flowers, etc.) You can play with, or without, the timer, but the timer helps them learn to accomplish tasks within a certain time frame. It also helps them develop their fine motor skills as they pick up the pieces.
Click here to buy Perfection from Amazon.
You can view all of these board games on one list by clicking here.
These are some of our favorite games, what are we missing? Leave a comment and tell us about other games you’ve played that your kids have enjoyed! If you end up buying one of these games, we’d love to hear your experience as well. So be sure to leave a comment and let us know which one you got and how your kids enjoyed playing it!
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee is an amazing nationwide coffee shop chain that is much more… Read More
Ever since we took Noah to his very first dance party many years ago, this… Read More
One of the first things our OB/GYN told us after we received our son's Down… Read More
Before the pandemic, my wife and I were both members at Orange Theory Fitness (and… Read More
As the parent of a child with Down syndrome, I have wondered if people with… Read More
I Love Being His Coach! After 18 plus months off due to COVID-19, Noah started… Read More
View Comments
Very good experience while reading your blog. These are best for kids to develop in good way.