For Christmas last year we decided it was time to get some easy pre-school games for our children who are 5 and 2. We found the classic game Chutes and Ladders at our local Wal-mart for only $5 plus tax. I remembered playing Chutes and Ladders as a child and really enjoying the game, so I thought my children would also enjoy it.

What is included?
Chutes and Ladders comes in a rectangular white box with cute characters climbing ladders and going down slides on the front.  Inside the box you will find a sturdy game board, a spinner with arrow, four cardboard character pawns with plastic stands and instructions.

How to play Chutes and Ladders.
The object of Chutes and Ladders is to be the first player to reach the “Winner” square. Which is square 100.  To do this you decide which player will be first by spinning the spinner. The player that spins the highest number begins the game.

The first player spins the spinner and moves their pawn. If their pawn lands on a square with a picture and ladder the player gets to climb up the ladder to the picture at the top of the ladder. If the player lands on a square with a picture and a chute the player must slide down the chute to the picture square at the bottom of the chute. 

You continue to take turns until a player reaches the “Winner” square.

Takes a little coaching.
The object of the game seems very simple, but to a 5 and 2 year old it became a little confusing. The game board is really busy with all the numbered squares, ladders, chutes, and characters. They were confused with where they were supposed to go after they spin the spinner. It took me several times of playing the complete game with them, before they were able to play Chutes and Ladders on their own. On the box it states the appropriate age for the game is 3+. So for a 2 year old to be able to pick up the game after a few games shows you how easy the game can be with a little coaching.
 
Chutes and Ladders is a keeper!
Chutes and Ladders is a great game for pre-school aged children. It requires no reading for playing and provides lots of entertainment.  Chutes and Ladders is a game we will play for many years!




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 5
Type of Toy: Game
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years