Without trying to be their teacher (usually a clear path to tears and upset), there are lots of materials you can use and games you can play that reinforce important skills that do not involve flash cards ! 

For preschoolers and early school aged children choose:

•     simple games that involve color, shape and simple matching skills such as lotto, dominoes.
•     art materials such as crayons, clay, paint to develop fine motor skills needed for writing.
•     construction toys that develop dexterity, language and math skills.
•     pretend props that develop language, imagination and social skills.

For older school aged kids choose

•     games that involve scorekeeping, strategy, and sportsmanship.
•     art materials that call for fine motor tuning, patience and stick-to-it-ability.
•     complex construction sets that call for problem solving, dexterity and following directions.
•     science materials that invite exploration.

From low tech to high tech, there are many ways to make play more than fun.   Happily, it turns out that something kids like to do so much is even good for them. play is "fun"damental to learning! 
The trick is in making good choices for your child.