Best Video Games for Kids, A Parent’s Guide
Video Games for Kids: Choosing the right video games for your kids can be a daunting task. With countless options available, it’s important to select games that are both entertaining and educational. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to the best video games for kids, covering a variety of genres and platforms.
Video Game Consoles for Kids 2024
Choosing the right video game console for your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. Consider their age, interests, and budget when making your decision. Popular options include the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, each offering a unique range of games and features. The Nintendo Switch is particularly well-suited for younger children due to its portable design and family-friendly games.
Best Video Games for Kids on All Platforms 2024
This article highlights the importance of quality games for children and offers recommendations across various platforms. Here’s a summary of the recommended titles, categorized by platform:
Nintendo Switch Video Games for Kids,
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Blanc
- Disney Dreamlight Valley
- Disney Illusion Island
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Kirby Star Allies
- Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
- Minecraft
- Minecraft Dungeons
- Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
- Nintendo Labo VR Kit
- Ori and the Will of the Wisps
- Pokemon Sword and Shield
- Princess Peach: Showtime!
- Roblox
- Scribblenauts Mega Pack
- Splatoon 3
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Super Mario Maker 2
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
PlayStation Video Games for Kids,
- Cuphead (PS4)
- Disney Mickey Mouse and Friends: Illusion Island (PS4/PS5)
- Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (PS4)
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS4/PS5)
- Ratchet & Clank (PS4)
- The Wonderful 101: Remastered (PS4)
Xbox Video Games for Kids
- Cuphead (Xbox One)
- Disney Mickey Mouse and Friends: Illusion Island (Xbox One/Series X/S)
- Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted (Xbox One)
- Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox One/Series X/S)
- Minecraft (Xbox One/Series X/S)
- Minecraft Dungeons (Xbox One/Series X/S)
- Sea of Thieves (Xbox One/Series X/S)
PC Video Games for Kids
- Among Us (PC)
- Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs (PC)
- Blanc (PC)
- Crossy Road (Windows 10)
- Cuphead (PC)
- Disney Dreamlight Valley (PC)
- Fortnite (PC)
- Lego 2K Drive (PC)
- Minecraft (Windows 10)
- Minecraft Dungeons (Windows 10)
- Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 (PC)
- Overwatch 2 (PC)
- Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville (Windows 10)
- Rocket League (PC)
- Scribblenauts Mega Pack (Windows 10)
- Shovel Knight Dig (PC)
- Super Mario Maker 2 (PC – Not officially available, but playable through emulators)
- Threes! (Windows 10)
- The Wonderful 101: Remastered (PC)
Mobile Video Games for Kids
- Among Us (Android/iOS)
- Crossy Road (Android/iOS)
- Fortnite (Android/iOS)
- Roblox (Android/iOS)
- Threes! (Android/iOS)
Top Video Games for Kids
- Minecraft: This open-world sandbox game has become a global phenomenon. Minecraft offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration, allowing kids to build anything they can imagine. It’s a great game for developing problem-solving skills and fostering teamwork.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons: This charming life simulation game is perfect for kids who enjoy relaxing and building a community. Players can customize their island home, interact with adorable villagers, and participate in seasonal events.
- Super Mario Odyssey: This platformer classic is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. With its vibrant worlds, catchy music, and challenging gameplay, Super Mario Odyssey offers hours of fun for kids of all ages.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: This open-world adventure game is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay. Players can explore a vast, beautiful landscape, solve puzzles, and battle formidable enemies.
- Fortnite: While often associated with its competitive battle royale mode, Fortnite also offers a creative mode that allows players to build and design their own worlds. This mode is a great way for kids to express their creativity and collaborate with friends.
100 Best Video Games for Kids
To provide a more comprehensive list of top video games for kids, here are 100 additional recommendations:
- Adventure Games: The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge, Grim Fandango, Broken Age, Night in the Woods
- Role-Playing Games: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Skyrim, Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Platformers: Super Meat Boy, Celeste, Rayman Legends, Hollow Knight, Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle
- Racing Games: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Forza Horizon 4, Gran Turismo Sport, Burnout Paradise, Need for Speed Heat
- Sports Games: FIFA 23, NBA 2K23, Madden NFL 23, MLB The Show 22, NHL 23
- Puzzle Games: Tetris Effect, Portal, Portal 2, The Witness, The Room series
- Educational Games: Osmo, Prodigy, Minecraft: Education Edition, CodeCombat, Human Anatomy Atlas
Factors to Consider When Choosing Games
When selecting video games for your kids, consider the following factors:
- Age Appropriateness: Check the game’s rating to ensure it’s suitable for your child’s age.
- Educational Value: Some games can help develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
- Online Multiplayer: If your child enjoys playing with friends online, ensure the game has a safe and moderated multiplayer environment.
- Violence and Mature Content: Be aware of any violent or mature content that may not be appropriate for your child.
General Notes:
- Consider the ESRB rating before purchasing a game, as some may contain content not suitable for all ages.
- This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other great games out there for kids.
- It’s important to find games that are age-appropriate and that your child enjoys playing.
FAQs
- Platform: PC, Console, Mobile
- Age: 7+
- Why it’s great: Minecraft is a creative, open-world game that encourages exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Kids can build anything they imagine, from simple houses to complex castles, and even learn some basic coding concepts with mods and add-ons.