I gave this as a gift to my great niece on her 6th birthday.  She opened it and began playing immediately.  A friend said they had the  game and hadn't really ever played by the actual rules yet.  They had adjusted them to fit the ability of her young grandson.  The pieces are sturdy and colorful and they come with a bag to keep it all together.  I haven't gotten to play with my great-niece yet, but I am sure she is enjoying it with her 3 year old brother.