Got to ditto MsFriz on the marketing and pop culture comment! DS, who is 6 1/2, had much greater success "cracking" the older crowd when he fell in love with Pokemon, began collecting the cards and playing the games. Common interests become the great leveler and it's easier when they're a little older. Nobody says "You're just 6 you can't play Pokemon" to him, except adults. Generally the same adults get huge eye rolls from the 8-10 year olds in the room and then they want to see my DS's card collection and challenge him to a battle.
It was hard when he was 3. We just hung out at the science museum a lot. I bought a membership and let him follow around whatever 5-6 year olds would tolerate a shadow. :-) I now patiently remind DS that the 3 year old following him needs patience without a condescending voice lol!
