First Orchard
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 10 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 2+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.0 / 5
- Year
- 2009
About the game
First Orchard is HABA's simplified, cooperative introduction to their classic Orchard game, designed specifically for very young children. Players work together to pick apples, plums, and pears from big wooden pieces before a pesky raven makes its way down the path and eats all the fruit. Turns are dictated by a simple die roll, teaching color recognition, turn-taking, and fine motor skills along the way. Because it's fully cooperative, there's no losing player; the whole table wins or loses together, which keeps the experience gentle and encouraging. With chunky, toddler-friendly wooden pieces, it's built to survive small hands and short attention spans.
Hobbli's Notes
First Orchard is a genuinely excellent first board game; HABA nailed the balance of simple rules, tactile wooden pieces, and cooperative stakes low enough that toddlers never feel like they've failed. It's one of the best gateway games for introducing very young kids to the idea of turns, colors, and shared goals. It has essentially no depth for older players, but that's exactly the point.
What we like
- Excellent introduction to board games for very young children.
- Fully cooperative design means no child ever loses alone.
- Chunky wooden pieces are durable and toddler-friendly.
- Teaches colors, turn-taking, and fine motor skills naturally.
Keep in mind
- Offers essentially no challenge or depth for older players.
- Very short playtime means limited standalone session length.
- Simplicity means it will be outgrown quickly by older kids.
Who it's for
Perfect for toddlers and young children ages 2-5 playing with a parent or in small groups of 1-4.
