Games for age 4+

[nik592]

I am sure (a physical copy of) Similo cards can be great fun for children of 4 to 6 years, maybe watching the pictures or guessing the animals names and fairy tales characters. But playing the game as according to the rules? This game needs quite a bit of abstract thinking, even some adults struggle with that. And not only for yourself, but you also have to imagine what others might think about the similarities. And you have to be able to switch your thinking into the negative (= voting for what is the least similar). Thus I'd recommend this game in general for ages 10+, and maybe 8+ for game experienced or abstract minded children.

Have you tried it with your kids? What is your experience?

The box says 7+ and BGG community rates it at 6+.

We have a physical copy of Similo, but I can't recall playing it with my kids (but it was bought with them in mind). I have played Codenames with my kids though, as has another couple who has similar aged kids. We normally play with both adults and kids at the table though, so typically adults help kids with defining the relationships. It also depends who is giving the clues - if a 6yo is giving clues to a 4yo, that might go better than an adult. Though also, we adults tend to modulate our clues to be more simple when there's kids at the table. But the fact that it is also team-based helps - and at worst, you could have a second person helping the 4yo give clues if they struggle with that part. I personally would try it with my kids, and if it didn't go well, choose something else.

[Sardonic Fish]

My First Castle Panic and Ludo would probably both be fine. There are also more strategy oriented abstract games like Connect Four, Checkers, and Reversi that a four year old might not be particularly good at, but could certainly figure out how to play. It really depends on the four year old, though.

[Sardonic Fish]

Ah, I see you specifically wanted to avoid strategy, though. So never mind those last three.

Chromino might be an option. It has pretty colors and the strategy is pretty minimal.

[cigma]

I have played Codenames with my kids though, as has another couple who has similar aged kids.

Amazing! Sounds like you have some very special kids

[cigma]

My First Castle Panic and Ludo would probably both be fine. There are also more strategy oriented abstract games like Connect Four, Checkers, and Reversi that a four year old might not be particularly good at, but could certainly figure out how to play. It really depends on the four year old, though.

Ah, I see you specifically wanted to avoid strategy, though. So never mind those last three.
Chromino might be an option. It has pretty colors and the strategy is pretty minimal.

I think those are great suggestions for children of this age! I just checked My First Castle Panic on BGG and found out it was also designed for ages 4+. Concerning the abstract games, I agree it depends very much on the children, if they might be good at or enjoy this type of games. But I learned form a kindergarten teacher, that she has played Abalone with pre-school kids, a game which is at the same level as those you mentioned (and also on BGA).

[Sardonic Fish]

Two-player abstract strategy games usually work pretty well for younger children because you don't need strong reading or math skills to get a basic understanding of the rules and there usually aren't a lot of fiddly pieces. Some children may find games of that sort boring, though, since they're less likely to have bright colors and exciting themes.