Many used to assume that video games were bad for kids, but that’s no longer considered wholly true. Like most things, they are not good in excess, but a few hours spent on gaming at the weekend won’t do much harm. In fact, video games are proven to improve hand-eye coordination, memory, and spatial reasoning!
Even knowing that video games aren’t rotting your kid’s brains, it’s still important to figure out which ones are best for them. After all, you don’t want a young child playing something gory, violent, or frightening. To help you choose the best games, here are the best ones for kids to play.
Minecraft
Available on: PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 10, Android, Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Minecraft has been going for years, and there’s a reason why. Set in a world made up of blocks, players work their way through the world while surviving, gathering resources, building homes, and much more. It’s great for promoting creativity and keeps kids entertained for hours.
While games like Minecraft are good for mental skills, it’s important to invest in the best gaming chair if they spend a lot of time playing. Otherwise, they could grow up with pain and poor posture.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Available on: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Light
Released in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the newest Animal Crossing game that takes place on a deserted island. Players will get to know villagers, build houses, go fishing, dig for fossils, and upgrade homes. It’s a peaceful game that rewards patience.
Super Mario Odyssey
Available on: Nintendo Switch
It wouldn’t be a kid-friendly game list without at least one Super Mario game on it. Super Mario Odyssey is a jam-packed adventure featuring Mario and friends through multiple kingdoms in a quest to collect power moons. It’s fun, bright, and great for kids and adults alike.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Available on: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an open-world Zelda game that lets the player explore all hidden corners of the Kingdom of Hyrule. The world is beautiful, the story captivating, and for kids who enjoy discovery and exploration, it makes the perfect game.
Untitled Goose Game
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac
For a silly but entertaining game, Untitled Goose Game wins. The player plays as a goose running wild in various settings around an English village. The main quest? To wreak as much havoc as possible. The goose can honk, pick items up, flap its wings, and more to annoy the local villagers. It’s a great way for kids to cause mayhem without doing it in real life!
Fortnite
Available on: PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android
Fortnite is a popular game among many – including kids. While it is a shooter, there is nothing gory or scary about this online game. It takes place on a colorful island, where the main goal is to be the last player standing. There are also tons of creative modes for players to explore and even create themselves. The best part is kids can play with their friends, whether that means teaming up and winning a Battle Royale or going onto creative mode to play various modes.