22 Best Video Games for Kids
Table of Contents
The best video games that kids can play that are family friendly without blood and gore.
It’s not easy to find the best video games for kids. There are many video games aimed towards children, and some of the best-selling games of all time are aimed at a younger demographic, but sorting through all the alternatives to identify what’s “good” is a difficult task.
Fortunately, you do not have to go through the procedure. We’ve compiled a list of 30 of the best games for kids on PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC.
This post may contain affiliate links. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.
What to Look for When Buying Video Games for Kids
Age-Appropriate
The age-appropriateness of the game is one of the most crucial elements to consider while purchasing video games for your child. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates video games, giving parents and caregivers an indication of a game’s proper age level usage.
- E: This level rating means “Everyone,” so the content is typically suitable for all ages. There may be mild language or mild violence depending on the game.
- E 10+: Meant for “Everyone 10+,” children from 10 years old and up can play the content in video games with this rating. It’s once again possible there will be fantasy, cartoon, mild language or violence, or suggestive themes.
- T: Standing for “Teen,” this content is usually OK for children ages 13 years old and up. However, language is typically stronger, and there may be more crude humor, gambling, or violence depending on the video game.
- M: “Mature 17+” is for those who are 17 years old and older due to content possibly containing blood/gore, sexual content, strong language, and intense violence.
- A: This rating is for “Adults 18+” because content is not suitable for children at all. Video games with this rating may contain gambling with real money, graphic sexual content, or long moments with intense violence.
- RP: RP stands for “Rating Pending,” meaning video games with this rating have not yet been assigned a final ESRB rating.
System Type
There are dozens of various video gaming systems to pick from, believe it or not. Some of the most well-known ones are PlayStation, XBOX, PC games, and mobile games. Because video games aren’t a “one-game-fits-all” when it comes to consoles, make sure the games you’re considering are compatible with your child’s system.
Typically, you will notice a description of the system with which the video game is compatible. For example, XBOX is recognised for their green cases, whereas PlayStation will display a “PS4” with the number corresponding to the system.
Best Video Games For Kids
Paw Patrol: On A Roll
Pokemon Snap
Super Mario 3D World
Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster
Hasbro Family Fun Pack
Super Mario Odyssey
Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Nickelodeon Kart Racers
Minecraft
Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure
Among Us
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Just Dance
Super Mario Maker 2
EA Sports FIFA 21
Scribblenauts Mega Pack
Epic Games Fortnite
Dragon Quest Builders
Mario Kart 8
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Playing video games with your kids
You don’t want your child drowning in screen time, but playing video games with your children is acceptable. Especially if you’re cooperating or working towards a same goal.
Benefits Of Video Games For Kids
When children play video games, there are obvious precautions that parents should take. Some children have difficulty turning off or transitioning from gaming. Others experience mood swings or become hyperfocused while playing. There are other children who are secretive or who are completely obsessed by video games. However, there are some advantages.
Reading
According to studies, children who play video games may improve their reading skills slightly. This is true even for children who have difficulty reading and when they play action games.
Researchers believe this is because children must decipher language instructions in order to play. There’s also the element of amusement. Children who are hesitant to open a traditional book may hurry to read a website or internet forum to stay up to date on their favourite game.
That doesn’t imply video games should take the place of reading.
Visual Spatial Skills
Many games, such as Minecraft, are set in 3D virtual environments that children must navigate. There’s also no GPS or smartphone map app to guide you.
As a result, children who play these games have the opportunity to practise their visual-spatial skills. This can help you perceive distance and space better.
Imagination and Creativity
There’s a lot of room for imaginative play when kids are young, from LEGOs to dolls to make-believe. However, for tweens and teens, society sometimes frowns on such type of play. Video games allow children to continue their imaginative play.
There is additional evidence that games promote innovative thinking. Twelve-year-old gamers were asked to sketch, tell tales, ask questions, and make predictions in one study. All of the children shown a high level of originality and interest.
Career Opportunities
The inaugural Fortnite World Cup victor, a 16-year-old boy, took home $3 million. The other 99 solo finalists received prizes ranging from $50,000 to $1.8 million.
Like professional athletics, the chances of becoming a professional video gamer are extremely slim. However, the video game business is expanding at a considerably quicker rate than traditional sports and entertainment.
There are numerous occupations available in this expanding business, including coding, marketing, and event management.
Signs that Your child is playing video games too often
For older children, the AAP recommends no more than two hours of video game activity per day. Even this may be too much screen time for some kids, and there are warning signals to look out for if your child has been playing too much. 3
Sleep deprivation and focus problems after playing are indicators that your child needs to put down the controller for a well-deserved rest. Look for a lack of time management skills as well as what video game violence is saying. Finding a happy medium with video games can ensure that your child is healthy not only physically, but also psychologically.
Can video games be beneficial for Your child’s health
While video games have a negative reputation when it comes to children, there are some advantages to screen time. However, the advantages will vary depending on the type of video games your child plays.
Some games will assist your child improve their problem-solving skills or hand-eye coordination, depending on the game. If your child enjoys Virtual Reality games, they will benefit from physical activity. However, it is vital to note that computer games should not be used in place of going outside or participating in sports, and that moderation is essential.
