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Choosing the right video game for your child can feel overwhelming. With so many titles available across different platforms, it’s important to find games that are not only fun but also age-appropriate, educational, and creativity-boosting. Great kids’ games strike a balance between entertainment and developmental value, offering engaging experiences while supporting cognitive, social, or motor skill growth.
Whether you’re raising a preschooler or a tween, this list covers some of the best video games for kids available today across platforms like Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices.
Ages 3–6: Games for Early Learners
1. Paw Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
Recommended Age: 3+
Why It’s Great: Based on the beloved TV show, this cooperative adventure game is perfect for preschoolers. It features simple controls, teamwork-based missions, and positive messages about helping others and problem-solving.
2. ABCmouse Early Learning Academy
Platform: iOS, Android, PC
Recommended Age: 3–8
Why It’s Great: While not a traditional video game, ABCmouse offers a gamified learning platform with activities in reading, math, art, and music. Its reward system and colorful visuals keep kids engaged in educational play.
3. LEGO Duplo World
Platform: iOS, Android
Recommended Age: 3+
Why It’s Great: This mobile app encourages creativity through interactive storytelling and basic problem-solving. Designed for little hands, it promotes fine motor skills, color recognition, and imaginative play.
4. Toca Boca Life World
Platform: iOS, Android
Recommended Age: 4+
Why It’s Great: A digital dollhouse experience with no ads or in-app distractions, it encourages creativity and storytelling through play.
5. Peppa Pig: World Adventures
Platform: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Recommended Age: 3+
Why It’s Great: Simple controls and light exploration make this perfect for Peppa fans. It’s engaging and gentle for younger children.
6. Gigantosaurus: The Game
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 4+
Why It’s Great: Featuring dinosaur fun, racing, and puzzles, it’s a great intro to console play with cooperative features.
7. My Friend Peppa Pig
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
Recommended Age: 3+
Why It’s Great: It’s like stepping into an episode of Peppa Pig, with light interactivity and exploration.
8. CoComelon: Play with JJ
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 3+
Why It’s Great: Features songs, memory games, and gentle activities tailored to toddlers.
9. Elmo Loves ABCs
Platform: iOS, Android
Recommended Age: 3+
Why It’s Great: Fun letter tracing and educational content with beloved Sesame Street characters.
10. Sago Mini World
Platform: iOS, Android
Recommended Age: 3–5
Why It’s Great: A huge variety of open-ended games focused on exploration and creativity for toddlers.
Ages 7–10: Games That Teach and Entertain
1. Minecraft
Platform: All major platforms
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Minecraft is a powerhouse for creativity. Kids can explore open-ended worlds, build structures, and experiment with coding concepts in a safe environment. It encourages spatial reasoning, collaboration, and resource management.
2. Super Mario Odyssey
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: This vibrant, family-friendly platformer offers imaginative worlds and mild problem-solving elements. Mario’s adventures are designed to be intuitive, accessible, and rewarding for new gamers.
3. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Blending action, humor, and cooperative play, this game introduces kids to the Star Wars universe through non-violent, brick-built adventures. It promotes teamwork and storytelling appreciation.
4. Scribblenauts Mega Pack
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: Kids solve puzzles by typing in objects that come to life. It fosters vocabulary, creativity, and critical thinking in an open-ended, sandbox-style environment.
5. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Wholesome adventure with approachable gameplay and fun copy abilities that let kids experiment.
6. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: Combines humor and turn-based strategy in a way that introduces younger kids to tactical thinking.
7. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: Encourages exploration, turn-based combat, and collection—all in a kid-safe universe.
8. New Super Lucky’s Tale
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: A charming platformer with gentle difficulty curves and colorful design.
9. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Fun puzzle game that encourages spatial reasoning and logical problem-solving.
10. LEGO Builder’s Journey
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: A peaceful and beautifully designed puzzle adventure focused on creativity and construction.
Ages 10–13: Games with Challenge and Depth
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: This peaceful life-simulation game teaches time management, budgeting (in bells!), and community building. With its calming tone and delightful aesthetic, it’s great for solo or shared play.
2. Rocket League
Platform: All major platforms
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: Rocket League combines soccer and race cars in high-energy, physics-based matches. It enhances hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PC
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: With its stunning visuals and emotional storytelling, this platformer introduces kids to more complex gaming mechanics while encouraging perseverance and exploration.
4. Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
Platform: Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: A colorful and quirky third-person shooter with lighthearted action and strategy elements.
5. Slime Rancher 2
Platform: Xbox, PC
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: Combines farming, exploration, and adorable slime collection in a vibrant, relaxing environment.
6. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Platform: PlayStation 4/5
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: Cooperative 3D platforming with charming visuals and team-based puzzle-solving.
7. Splatoon 3
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: Kid-friendly multiplayer shooter with ink-splatting fun and team strategy.
8. Spiritfarer
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 12+
Why It’s Great: A beautifully emotional game about friendship, life, and letting go—with gentle gameplay and storytelling.
9. Portal 2 (with Co-Op)
Platform: Xbox, PC, PlayStation
Recommended Age: 12+
Why It’s Great: Mind-bending puzzles and witty humor, great for co-play with older kids.
10. Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2
Platform: All major consoles
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: Action-packed but family-friendly superhero game that promotes teamwork and exploration.
All Ages: Family-Friendly Multiplayer Games
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 6+
Why It’s Great: One of the best multiplayer games for families, Mario Kart is fast-paced, silly fun with adjustable difficulty and co-play options. Great for all skill levels and full of friendly competition.
2. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: This cooperative cooking game is chaotic and hilarious. It requires communication and teamwork as players race to complete recipes. A fantastic bonding experience for siblings or parent-kid duos.
3. Just Dance 2024 Edition
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Encouraging physical activity through popular songs and dance routines, Just Dance is perfect for parties or rainy-day energy burning. It’s screen time that gets kids moving.
4. Minecraft Dungeons
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: A dungeon crawler based on Minecraft, it offers cooperative adventure and problem-solving.
5. Nintendo Switch Sports
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Brings back Wii Sports fun with motion controls. Great for indoor family activity.
6. Gang Beasts
Platform: Xbox, PlayStation, PC
Recommended Age: 10+
Why It’s Great: Hilariously chaotic brawler with physics-based silliness and simple mechanics.
7. Moving Out 2
Platform: All major consoles
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: Cooperative moving chaos that encourages teamwork and lots of laughter.
8. Fall Guys
Platform: All major platforms
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Wacky obstacle course fun that’s easy to play and great for all ages.
9. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Platform: Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
Recommended Age: 7+
Why It’s Great: Combines puzzle-solving with versus multiplayer for family-friendly competition.
10. Super Mario Party Superstars
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Recommended Age: 8+
Why It’s Great: Classic board game chaos with mini-games galore and fun for the whole family.
Play Smart, Play Together
The best video games for kids offer more than just entertainment—they support learning, creativity, and even social skills. By choosing age-appropriate games and engaging in co-play, parents can turn screen time into an opportunity for connection and growth. Whether you’re introducing a 5-year-old to their first controller or bonding with your tween over digital adventures, there’s a game out there that fits your family’s style.
Always check game ratings, use parental controls when needed, and don’t hesitate to play alongside your child. After all, the most valuable feature any game can offer is the chance to play and learn together.
