Best Video Games for Kids Based on Our Picks

Best video games for kids can be challenging to find a suitable computer game for your child. How can you tell which are fun, safe, and educational when so many exist? Don’t worry, we did the work for you! Here are our top picks for the best video games for kids, broken down by age group, interest, and teaching ability. These games are fun and can help you be creative, solve problems, and even get closer to your family.

What Makes a Good Video Game for Kids?

Before discussing the games, let’s briefly discuss what to look for when picking a game for your child.

First, check the age ratings. These ratings, like ESRB or PEGI, give you a good idea if a game is appropriate for your child’s age. Next, think about whether the game is educational or just for fun. Games that teach something, like problem-solving or creativity, can be a bonus.

Also, look for nonviolent themes, especially for younger kids. And if you’re hoping for some family time, games with multiplayer options or cooperative modes are a win!

Best Video Games for Younger Kids (Ages 3-7)

For younger children, you want games that are easy to play, entertaining, and completely safe. Here are our top three picks for kids aged 3-7.

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If your child loves calm, creative activities, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is perfect. In this game, kids can build and explore their island. They plant trees, decorate homes, and even fish or catch bugs. It’s relaxing and encourages creativity.

• Why it’s great: There’s no competition, violence, or stress—just peaceful fun. Kids get to make choices about how their island looks, and they can even play with friends online.
• What kids will love: The freedom to build their little world exactly how they want.

2. LEGO Video Games (LEGO Star Wars, LEGO City Undercover)

LEGO video games are a big hit with kids for a reason. They combine familiar characters, humor, and simple puzzles that kids will love. From LEGO Star Wars to LEGO City Undercover, there’s something for every little LEGO fan.

• Why it’s great: It’s lighthearted fun with plenty of action but no violence. These games are perfect for playing with siblings or parents in co-op mode.
• What kids will love: The chance to explore, solve simple puzzles, and play with favorite characters in the LEGO universe.

3. Paw Patrol: On a Roll

It is an excellent choice for fans of the popular TV show Paw Patrol: On a Roll. Kids can help their favorite Paw Patrol characters solve problems and go on missions.

• Why it’s great: This game is designed for young players with easy-to-use controls and a familiar storyline.
• What kids will love: Jumping into their favorite characters’ shoes (or paws!) and completing rescue missions.

Best Games for Tweens (Ages 8-12)

Tweens are ready for games that offer more challenges while being safe and fun. Here are the best video games for kids aged 8-12.

1. Minecraft

When you want to be creative and go on adventures, Minecraft is hard to beat. With blocks, kids can make anything, from a huge castle to a secret world below the ground. They can also play Minecraft in survival mode, which makes it more difficult because they have to find supplies to stay alive.

• Why it’s great: It encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Plus, it’s multiplayer so that friends can join in.
• What kids will love: Making amazing worlds from scratch and showing their friends what they’ve made.

2. Super Mario Odyssey

In Super Mario Odyssey, kids join Mario on a journey through imaginative worlds, solving puzzles and finding hidden items. It’s an adventurous game that’s exciting but still easy enough for tweens to enjoy.

• Why it’s great: It’s action-packed without being too complicated. It’s fun to play and has bright images engaging for younger players.
• What kids will love: The fantastic worlds they get to explore and the fun abilities Mario picks up along the way.

Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 is a fun, nonviolent game in which players compete by covering the battlefield with ink. It’s important to have a plan, work together, and be creative.

• Why it’s great: There’s no violence—just colorful, fast-paced action that keeps kids thinking on their feet.
• What kids will love: The excitement of covering the arena with ink and working with their teammates to win.

Best Games for Teens (Ages 13+)

Teenagers are looking for games with more depth and challenge. These games offer exciting adventures without being too mature.

1. Breath of the Wild. The Legend of Zelda

One of the best games is Breath of the Wild popular open-world adventure games. Link is played by the player and explores a massive world, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. The freedom to explore in any direction makes this game a hit.

• Why it’s great: It promotes critical thinking, exploration, and patience, all within a nonviolent, beautiful world.
• What teens will love: The ability to explore and take on tasks in any order they choose.

2. Rocket League

It’s a fast-paced game that combines soccer and rocket league with rocket-powered cars. The simple concept of driving cars to score goals is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it great for competitive teens.

• Why it’s great: It’s fast-paced and perfect for playing with friends online or locally.
• What teens will love: The thrilling combo of cars and soccer, along with competitive gameplay.

3. Fortnite (Creative Mode)

It’s known for its battle royale game, but People can make their own in Creative Mode worlds play with friends in nonviolent, nonviolent settings. Players can design obstacle courses, create mini-games, and experiment with different worlds.

• Why it’s great: It focuses on creativity and collaboration without the combat aspect of the main game.
• What teens will love: The endless possibilities of what they can build and share with friends.

Educational Video Games for Kids

Want to sneak a little learning into your child’s gaming time? Here are a few educational games that teach essential skills while keeping things fun.

1. The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail takes kids on a historical adventure, teaching them about life in the 1800s. They’ll face challenges like hunting for food, crossing rivers, and keeping their wagon party alive while learning about history.

• Why it’s great: It teaches real-life skills and historical facts in an engaging and fun way.
• What kids will love: The adventure of making They have to make choices that will affect how their journey goes.

2. Toca Life World

In Toca Life World, kids create their own stories and worlds. There are no rules, so they can let their imaginations run wild as they build homes, characters, and adventures.

• Why it’s great: It’s a stress-free, creative game with endless possibilities. There’s no wrong way to play.
• What kids will love: The freedom to create whatever world they can dream up.

3. Prodigy Math Game

Are you looking for a fun way to help your child practice math? Prodigy Math Game turns learning math into an adventure. Kids solve math problems to battle enemies and complete quests in a fantasy world.

• Why it’s great: It makes math fun by blending it with exciting gameplay and adaptive learning.
• What kids will love: Battling enemies and going on quests—all while improving their math skills.

Why Parental Guidance is Important

While video games can be a fantastic way for kids to learn, explore, and relax, parents must stay involved. Here’s why:

• Monitor screen time: Too much can lead to problems like lack of sleep or exercise. Ensure your child balances gaming with other activities like reading, outdoor play, or family time.
• Set limits with parental controls: Many gaming systems have tools for kids that let you limit screen time, restrict content, and monitor what your child is playing.
• Encourage balance: Video games should be just one part of your child’s day. Encourage other hobbies and interests to ensure a healthy balance.

Conclusion

Finding the best video game for your child doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether they’re building epic worlds in Minecraft, solving puzzles in Super Mario Odyssey, or enjoying creative time in Toca Life World, there’s something for every age and interest. The key is picking fun and safe games that offer opportunities for learning and growth.

By focusing on age-appropriate content and balancing gaming and other activities, you can ensure that your child has a healthy and positive gaming experience. Now, go ahead and explore these fantastic games—we’re sure your kids will love them!