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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Q. What is the best kid friendly video game?
Answer: Minecraft is the best kid friendly video game.

  • 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.
Q. Should a 12 year old play video games?
Answer: The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children over 6 should spend no more than 60 minutes gaming on school days and 2 hours on non-school days.

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