What Are Good Video Games to Play with My Kids? A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Figuring out which video games are actually worth playing with your kids can be incredibly daunting. It is a question almost every modern parent asks: “What should we actually play together?” The gaming market is massive, and not every title is going to be appropriate or genuinely fun for younger players.

Video games offer much more than just flashy graphics and loud soundtracks. They are a shared activity where you can tackle challenges together, experience incredible stories, and build real memories. But finding the right balance is key. You want games that provide a valuable bonding experience, not just a digital distraction.

This 2023 guide is designed to help you cut through the noise and find the actual gems. We have narrowed down the best options for family playtime, prioritizing titles that kids genuinely love and parents can actually tolerate. Because let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing worse than dropping $50 on a new game only to watch it sit completely untouched. We will update this in the years ahead to “keep up with the times,” but we’re going to keep this guide up because, if anything, the games here are going to be more affordable in the years ahead and would still be a great place to start gaming with your little one.

Top 10 Video Games to Play With Kids Under 5

This is a difficult age to get into gaming, so you have to embrace the idea that you’re going to lead. Yes, you gotta grab that controller and put those kids next to you on the couch and make an event of the games. Under age 5, your kids will likely watch more than play, but there are some secrets here that will absolutely get them into gaming (and buy you some time off eventually).

1. Lego Marvel Super Heroes: This game, when completed, opens up a sandbox world that’s large, fun, and filled with tons of characters who do all kinds of things. Even if your kids aren’t into the superhero craze, this is an amazing game for kids under age 5. Most of the Lego games are great in the sense that you can’t die, but some games like Batman 1 have complex puzzles that can frustrate your kids, and others don’t come with such a large sandbox world upon completion. You’ll need to probably beat it for them, but it’s not hard (and you regenerate when you die so you can’t fail no matter how little you know about video games) and the fact that this game is a bit older means it’s super affordable.

2. Minecraft: This is, at its core, a game for older kids. But it has a creative mode (read: nothing can hurt you) and hundreds, if not thousands, of pre-built worlds that you can download. Download some worlds and your kids need to move around and push the jump button to play. This isn’t hard for kids aged 4 and 5, and probably can be done by most 3-year-olds. 

3. Just Dance: You’re going to have to stay with your kids to trigger the songs, but there are probably millions of kids under 5 dancing along (unsuccessfully, but passionately) to the videos included in the Just Dance series. It’s also a fun way to introduce them to the most popular songs of the time (which doesn’t mean the best songs, of course). The games stay away from inappropriate dance moves and lyrics that aren’t appropriate. Set it up to play 15 or 30 minutes worth of songs and you got yourself just enough time to have lunch. 

4. Paw Patrol: There have been a bunch of games to come out that take direct aim at kids. There are a few Snoopy games that come to mind, along with other games built around popular kids’ series. The Paw Patrol games should top your list, though, because they are a mix of simplicity and fun. The others, many times, are just boring. This feels like an adult platformer, but it’s easy enough for a child to play. There’s no real way to lose, and the voice narration helps kids in moments that require more than just a jump here or there.

5. Animal Crossing New Horizons: This one is questionable. Depending on your child’s requirements for exciting content, this one might go stale quickly. The reason? You need to read. So if you are looking for a game where your small child can just walk around the island, this is it. If your child needs more to a game than “just walking around an island,” this is NOT the game for you. We’re adding it here at #5 because for the smallest of kids, its visual style makes walking around an island pretty fun. For those closer to five who enjoy more stimulation, Minecraft would be a better choice. Every kid is different, so you got to make a call on this one.

6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: If you are planning on playing along with your child, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be incredibly fun. There are settings in this game where the carts will drive themselves, so you can enable those and hand the controller off and the kids will just be lost in the marvel that is Mario Cart. At the end of each race, however, you’ll need to setup a new race, so it’s not just something you can give to your child and walk away. If you do sit with your child for this, it’s fun for you and them.

7. ABC Mouse: This is a PC/Online application, of course, . . . and it’s educational. There’s some debate whether this should be on the list due to it not being on a console, but the educational games are simple enough that even old, cheap laptops can handle them just fine. Also, it’s amazing to see a 3- or 4-year-old deftly using a mouse to play a game. And, you know, the added benefits of learning things while playing is quite the bonus.

8. Rush: A DisneyPixar Adventure: The controls required for this fall more into the older 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds, but for those able to better manipulate a controller, this is a favorite of younger kids everywhere. The replay value is high, and the challenges are relatively easy. The graphics are great, and include multiple Disney properties that your kids will already be familiar with.

9. Plants vs Zombies: Battle For Neighborville Want a game where you can’t really die? You just respawn. And you can be a Zombie or a plant. Yes, you’re trying to attack the other side, so if you’re 100% into no violence maybe you can say this isn’t for you, but it’s taking out Zombies and the idea you’ll shield your kids from things like this once they start school is crazy. So might as well let them have fun. Cause this is fun. Also, if you’re going to play, the kids will likely watch for hours at a time and it’s super fun for adults, too.

10. My Friend Peppa Pig Complete Edition: It’s like being in the television show. Super fun, well designed for young kids. Adults will find this repetitive (much more fun to play Marvel Superheros or Plants vs. Zombies), but kids seem to really enjoy the simple nature to the game (which means you can get some time to yourself while they play). Also, be careful looking up Peppa Pig videos on YouTube. Some people made their own and they’re rather filled with things you probably don’t want your kid to see.

Top 10 Video Games to Play With Kids Age 5 – 10

1. Lego Marvel Super Heroes: We’re putting this as #1 on both lists, it’s that good. For older kids, the levels are totally fun and playable (where the “after-you-beat-the-game sandbox” was ideal for younger kids). This game is fun. And it’s not as if it’s our favorite game as adults (we’re into Zelda, COD, Cyber Punk, RDR2, GTA, Doom, Resident Evil, and more here). It’s just so good for kids–hours and hours of adventure, you respawn when you die, it’s not too hard to accomplish most anything, and there are so, so many recognizable characters to play (thanks to all of the Marvel movies). 

2. Super Mario Odyssey: Just Google “new Mario Odyssey” and you’ll see the tremendous buzz surrounding the new Switch coming out maybe next year and how everyone can’t wait for a new Odyssey game. There’s a reason for this–it’s amazingly fun. And . . . you can enable settings that, if you stand still for just 5 seconds or so, you gain all of your life back. It doesn’t mean that you can’t die, but it means you will likely only die a few times throughout the entire game. It’s really good. 

3. Yoshi’s Crafted World: This charming platformer features simple controls and imaginative design, making it a gentle and engaging game for young children. It’s really fun for adults, too. If you want to look like the world’s best gamer in front of your kids, play this game. It’s not going to appeal to a 10-year-old, but for 5- and 6-year olds, this is a solid win for a Christmas present from grandma and grandpa any day.

4. Minecraft: You probably don’t need to read this because your child has already discovered Minecraft and is playing it every day, in addition to having Minecraft bedding, book bags, lunch boxes, toys, and more. There’s a good reason for this, and as far as games that help improve STEM scores, this is the jam.

5. Day of the Tentacle: This is celebrated as a great game due to its unique blend of engaging storytelling, intelligent humor, inventive puzzles, memorable characters, and accessible gameplay. It has stood the test of time and continues to be appreciated by fans of adventure games. If you’re going to play with your child, this is a wonderful way to end every night before bed together. It’s challenging, but not too difficult, and it’s a masterclass in how to make a point-and-click adventure.

6. Super Mario Maker 2: When your child is over 6 years of age and you need some babysitting help for an hour or two, be glad there’s Super Mario Maker 2. It’s not the easiest game on single-player missions (which are just a fraction of the entire game), but it’s easy for your child to build his or her own worlds. Tons of “get lost in this game” time ahead for any child who picks this up.

7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Remember our love for Street Fighter? This is that. Just for kids now that we’re in a generation where parents are actually aware of what their kids are playing (so no bloody fatalities). It’s filled with a ton of characters and is really fun for multiplayer situations (as when your kids have friends over).

8. Fortnite: Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon, especially among kids, and its success can be attributed to various factors that make it appealing to younger audiences. The game’s vibrant and cartoonish art style presents a more whimsical and less violent interpretation of battle royale, making it more suitable for kids. Unlike other shooters, Fortnite incorporates building mechanics, allowing players to construct structures, which adds an element of creativity and strategic thinking. This aspect fosters problem-solving skills and encourages imaginative play. The social component of Fortnite is significant, with many kids enjoying playing with friends, either in-person or online.

9. Goat Simulator 3: This is making the list because it’s fun. It’s a great way to keep your child occupied for hours at a time, many times a week, and it’s fun for kids that are any age, as long as they are old enough to understand the controls. There are probably more adults than kids that play this game, in our opinion. If you’re looking for something that will keep your kids busy, is fun, a little off-colored, and totally a good time, this is an affordable choice.

10. Hogwarts Legacy: For kids 8 – 10, Hogwarts Legacy is really fun. In Hogwarts Legacy, players will have the opportunity to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, learn magic, brew potions, and explore iconic locations. The interactive experience of attending Hogwarts and the chance to live out a wizarding fantasy is highly engaging for 10-year-olds, particularly those who have enjoyed the “Harry Potter” books and films. This game would be too complicated for the casual 6- and 7-year-old gamers, though.

Choosing Wisely: Investing in Quality Gaming Time

Navigating the vast universe of video games can sometimes feel like a daunting quest in itself, especially for parents seeking to bridge the generational gaming gap. After all, it’s not just about finding a game that looks fun or has eye-catching graphics; it’s about discovering a game that your child will genuinely enjoy, engage with, and perhaps even learn from. And maybe even something they can do that gives you a few hours to yourself, right?

The main challenge is avoiding the trap of buying a full-priced game based on a flashy trailer, only to watch your kids play it for ten minutes before going right back to their tried-and-true favorites. When a game just sits on the shelf, it isn’t just a waste of money; it is a missed opportunity to actually sit down on the couch and figure out a puzzle or beat a boss together.

To make sure a game actually gets played, start with what they already like instead of guessing. If your kids love reading or movies, look for story-driven games. If they constantly want to build things, try a sandbox or simulation game. Most importantly, look for games that explicitly feature “couch co-op” or local multiplayer, which means the game is designed from the ground up for two people to play together on the same TV without actively competing against each other.

The recommendations above are a great place to start. We have focused specifically on games that are genuinely fun for adults but remain completely accessible for younger players. Beyond this list, don’t be afraid to check out family gaming communities online or simply ask other parents what is currently holding their kids’ attention. Happy gaming!