20 Best Video Games for Kids: Chill and Challenging

As a gamer and a parent, I tested these games on real devices, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile platforms, so you can feel confident introducing your child to gaming. From educational fun to lighthearted adventures, these titles are a perfect way to create memorable moments together.

Our Top Picks for Video Games for Kids

This list features the best video games for children across a range of ages, from 4-year-olds up to 12, and older. I’ve organized the games to make it easy for parents to find age-appropriate options that are both fun and safe.

Before sharing the full list, here are our top three standout picks that are perfect for family play and guaranteed to bring hours of entertainment.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

LIFE SIM

The latest in the life-simulation series on Nintendo, where players move to a new village, looking to build a peaceful life by befriending villagers, collecting art, participating in social events, and much more.

Little Big Workshop

SIM

A charming factory simulation game where kids can design and manage their own miniature workshop. It encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and resource management as players manufacture a variety of products and optimize their production lines.

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain

PUZZLE

A fun and educational puzzle game that challenges players’ cognitive skills through engaging mini-games focused on memory, logic, math, and perception. Perfect for kids who love to learn while they play.

While you can immediately pick one of these and sink your teeth into them, I have a lot more amazing games to cover. Scroll down for more information on the best video games for kids and discover how they can entertain your kids and improve their mental and cognitive abilities.

20 Best Video Games for Kids: Our Top Picks for Youngsters

Before we jump into the full list of the best video games for kids, a quick note on how I played these, games so you know what to expect.

I tested every one of these titles on our Nintendo Switch and on our family CyberPowerPC gaming rig that’s hooked up to the TV, so we could also join in playing some games together. That combo gave me a great feel for how these games run on both a handheld console and a full‑on gaming machine.

I want to be clear that all of these titles are great for solo play, but others were even better in multiplayer. Now let’s get into the list of awesome games that are fun, safe, and perfect for kids!

★ Best Console for Kids Nintendo Switch 1.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Best video game for kids for building creativity and social connection

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Life simulation / social sim Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 (upgraded edition)

2020 (Switch), 2026 (Switch 2 Edition + major free update)

Creator/s Nintendo EPD,  Hisashi Nogami,  Aya Kyogoku Average playtime 60–300+ hours (depends on playstyle and goals)

Best for

Kids and families who love creativity, decorating, and relaxing social gameplay

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

is cozy gaming at its best. You start on an empty island, gathering materials, crafting, fishing, and building your dream getaway. It’s perfect for kids who love creative freedom and social play. The Switch 2 edition adds new tools, better co-op, and smoother controls that make island life even more fun.

Playing it feels like slipping into a calm routine. Each day brings small goals: catching bugs, decorating your home, or chatting with villagers.

The pace is chill, and the reward is seeing your island grow. Online play can be slow, but it’s worth it when friends visit and you show off your creations.

Why we chose it New Horizons is the ultimate chill-out game for kids. It combines creativity, connection, and pure good vibes.

Alongside the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition, the new free update brings big upgrades. You can run a seaside hotel, decorate themed rooms, and earn hotel tickets for rare items. There’s also Reetti’s cleanup service and Slumber Islands – dream worlds you can build or visit with friends. It’s the biggest refresh the series has had in years.

The visuals are soft, bright, and full of charm. From swaying trees to glowing sunsets, everything feels hand-crafted for comfort. The ambient music and little sound effects pull you right in.

My Verdict:

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

stays timeless; a cozy, creative escape that turns everyday play into something genuinely special.

Little Big Workshop

Best video game for kids for problem-solving and resource management

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Construction and management simulation
• Windows, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, macOS, Android, Apple TV
• Creator/s
• Mirage Game Studios, HandyGames
• Average playtime
• Around 20 hours
• Best for
• Problem-solving and factory management
• What I liked
• Being the CEO of a virtual factory
• Another excellent title,

Little Big Workshop

, made it to this list.

Little Big Workshop

teaches basic problem-solving and resource management through running a miniature toy factory with fun visuals and simple mechanics.

Kids love this game because it’s moderately challenging, but still very fun. The gameplay revolves around building the most efficient factory by meeting the highest product standards and dealing with a rival CEO.

Why we chose it

Little Big Workshop

is a paramount title that fosters problem-solving and resource management, teaching kids the basics about being a CEO and operating their own factory.

However, players will also manage factory workers to prevent overworking them and endangering their production. If you ask me,

Little Big Workshop

is a CEO simulation, and that, my friends, will set your kid up for success.

My Verdict:

As one of the best video games for kids,

Little Big Workshop

has a lot to offer. It’s engaging, fun, and challenging enough to get a little one interested. The art style adds to that ‘childish’ feeling and makes the game look and feel authentic.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Best for young adventurers who love discovery

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• 3D platformer, action-adventure
• Nintendo Switch
• Creator/s
• HAL Laboratory, Nintendo
• Average playtime
• ~10–12 hours main story, ~20–25 hours completionist
• Best for
• Kids and families who want a stress-free 3D adventure with light puzzles and fun co-op
• What I liked
• Mouthful Mode constantly shakes up puzzles and movement

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

• takes the pink puffball’s classic 2D charm and tosses it into full 3D

for the first time. You explore an abandoned world packed with secrets, puzzles, and collectible goodies.

Kirby’s ability to inhale enemies and copy their powers is still the star of the show, but “Mouthful Mode” changes everything – now you can swallow a car, vending machine, or even a traffic cone to solve creative puzzles.  Add in co-op play with Bandana Waddle Dee, and it becomes an awesome shared experience for families.

The gameplay feels smooth, forgiving, and super fun. I never felt punished for experimenting, which is what makes it such a great pick for younger players. The stages are linear but full of hidden paths and clever environmental storytelling.

Why we chose it

It’s approachable, creative, and a total joy to play solo or with family. Kirby’s world design and powers keep things fresh from start to finish.

Visually, the game pops off the screen. The post-apocalyptic world somehow looks cute, and the soundtrack is pure Nintendo magic; catchy tunes that shift between relaxing and adventurous as you move from level to level.

It’s a treat for both the eyes and ears, and the animation gives every character tons of personality.

My Verdict:

This is the best 3D platformer for younger gamers right now. It’s fun, imaginative, and polished in that classic Nintendo way. Whether you’re five or fifty, there’s no way to play

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

without smiling.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster [Best video game for kids for teaching empathy and teamwork]

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Edutainment, adventure
• Xbox 360
• Creator/s
• Double Fine Productions, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Average playtime
• About 3 hours
• Best for
• Heartwarming Sesame Street story
• What I liked
• Diverse problem-solving mini-games

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

• shines among the
• greatest adventure games
• that kids will love. It’s a heartwarming adventure that
• teaches empathy, kindness, and cooperation
• through beloved
• Sesame Street

characters.

If you love Elmo and Cookie Monster, you’ll be glad to have them in the spotlight. Each of the game’s chapters features a problem that these boys will solve. You’ll do this through fun little mini-games, which involve racing, dancing, and much more.

Why we chose it This heartwarming game set in the Sesame Street universe is ideal for practicing coordination and sharpening your kid’s reflexes through a variety of interactive mini-games.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

is the best Xbox game for kids, and if you have an Xbox 360, you’re set for fun, as long as you have the Kinect controller.

My Verdict:

A no-brainer for the Sesame Street series fans that tests your reflexes, coordination, and teamwork, provided that you have an Xbox 360 and the now-outdated Kinect controller. With this controller, the game becomes an endless fun pit.

★ The perfect gift for gamers Xbox Gift Card 6.

Scribblenauts Mega Pack

Best video game for kids for creativity and imagination through world creation

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Action puzzle platform
• Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
• Creator/s
• 5th Cell, Shiver Entertainment, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Average playtime
• Around 10 hours
• Best for
• Boosting vocabulary
• What I liked
• Solving puzzles with words

Scribblenauts Mega Pack

• has some of the best video games for kids. The
• Mega Pack
• includes several
• Scribblenauts

titles that boost vocabulary and creativity by letting kids solve puzzles with words.

Anything they can imagine, they can create!

Why we chose it

An amazing puzzle-solving game that enhances vocabulary and promotes creativity. Kids love it, and parents praise it for its immersive nature and vibrant visuals that give the game that feel-at-home vibe.

It’s one of the best cozy g a mes for kids who want to unleash their imagination and build unbelievable worlds that feel immersive and lived in.

Scribblenauts’ vibrant, cartoony graphics make the game cute, while relaxing background music makes it feel warm and welcome.

My Verdict:

Scribblenauts Mega Pack

is a must-play for its innovative and versatile gameplay that blends creativity, imagination, and puzzle-solving. Best of all, kids can make anything they dream of, letting them fully express their thoughts and feelings.

Super Mario Maker Series [Best video game for kids for designing Super Mario levels]

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Platformer, level editor Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, Wii U (online services no longer supported)

Creator/s

Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD, Nintendo Software Technology, Nintendo Unique feature Super Mario level creation Best for Experimenting with level layouts What I liked Creating unique levels playable by other players Super Mario titles are legendary platformer games, but the Super Mario Maker series is something else. This game series encourages design thinking and experimentation by letting kids create and share their own Mario levels with friends.

This is a fantastic concept for kids who love Super Mario and want to forge their own stories within the same universe. Even as an adult, I find these games incredibly fun because they allow players to create unique, challenging levels with different layouts and enemy placements.

Why we chose it The Super Mario Maker series helps kids develop their creativity, allowing them to make Super Mario levels and have other players try to complete them.

User-generated content can be experienced by other kids (or adults), who can challenge each other and enjoy endless replayability.

My Verdict:

The Super Mario Maker series is one of the most unique video games for kids for creativity. It’s a cult Super Mario classic with a different flair, letting you assemble whole levels from scratch, providing exceptional replay value.

★ Instant eShop credit Nintendo eShop Gift Cards 9.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Best video game for kids with fun platforming, puzzle-solving and combat

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Platformer
• PS4, PS5, Windows
• Creator/s
• Sumo Digital, Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Average playtime
• 11 hours for the main story
• Best for
• Refined platforming gameplay
• What I liked
• Vibrant, colorful visuals
• Sackboy
• combines platforming fun with creativity and teamwork in a beautifully crafted, family-friendly world. When it comes to the best video games for kids,
• Sackboy

is an instant classic. Kids love its exploration and traversal mechanics.

The gameplay revolves around puzzle-solving, defeating enemies, and uncovering secrets. Meanwhile, you can jump, run, and explore the game’s vibrant world solo or with friends, collecting gadgets and saving Craftworld Vex, the game’s main villain.

Why we chose it Sackboy is an adequate video game for kids who enjoy platforming and appreciate the teamwork and creativity that this game requires. Paired with puzzle-solving and a light-hearted story, Sackboy is a memorable experience.

Despite the villain’s presence, Sackboy is safe for kids and doesn’t promote violence. It’s a healthy dose of family-friendly combat, problem-solving, and addictive exploration.

My Verdict:

• Sackboy
• is a single-player, multiplayer, and co-op masterpiece for kids. It’s primarily about exploration, combat, and navigation. However, it also stands among
• standout puzzle games

that will get your kid’s brain working at full capacity.

Endless Ocean Luminous

Best video game for kids for relaxing underwater exploration

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Adventure Nintendo Switch (incl. Switch 2 compatibility)

Creator/s Arika, Nintendo Average playtime Around 8 hours Best for Underwater exploration What I liked Subtle storytelling and calm setting

Endless Ocean Luminous

drops you into a vast, peaceful ocean filled with coral reefs, sunken ships, and glowing sea creatures.

You can explore at your own pace without time limits or threats. It’s the perfect Switch game for kids who love exploration and animals, which offers chill underwater adventures solo or with friends in 30-player online dives.

Playing it feels like drifting through a dream. You glide between reefs, swim with dolphins, and log rare species along the way. It’s easy to pick up, even for beginners, and it feels more like relaxing than gaming. Sure, it could use a few more goals, but the calm exploration and multiplayer dives keep it engaging.

Why we chose it

Endless Ocean Luminous

is a calm, educational, and visually beautiful game that encourages curiosity and relaxation for players of all ages.

Visually, it’s stunning.

The water effects, shifting light, and detailed sea life look almost hypnotic. The soft ambient soundtrack ties it all together, with relaxing melodies that make long sessions fly by. Watching your diver float through glowing caves or sunlit shallows is pure therapy.

My Verdict:

Endless Ocean Luminous

is one of the most soothing games I’ve played this year. This is a perfect pick for kids who love nature and anyone who wants to escape the noise for a while.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Best video game for kids for protecting wildlife and saving nature

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Adventure
• iOS, macOS, tvOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Creator/s
• Ustwo Games, PID Games
• Average playtime
• Around 4 hours
• Best for
• Exploring nature on a Mediterranean island
• What I liked
• Art style and light problem-solving

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

• is a wholesome video game for kids with cartoonish visuals and a beautifully designed main character,
• Alba
• . It inspires environmental awareness through an uplifting story about
• saving nature and protecting wildlife on a
• Mediterranean
• island

.

Why we chose it

We went with this one due to its relaxing nature and a laid-back gameplay where kids can learn about environmental awareness, fauna, and problem-solving.

The game is incredibly kid-friendly, with emphasis on vibrant colors, friendly animals, and light problem-solving. It teaches kids to take care of their environment while simultaneously exploring the in-game world and soaking in all the visuals.

My Verdict:

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

is among the best video games for kids that teach them how to be gentle, caring, and loving towards animals and wildlife. Given the lack of objective challenge, it’s excellent for relaxation after a long day of studying.

Letters – a written adventure

Best video game for kids with a heartwarming story and puzzle-solving

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Puzzle
• Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch
• Creator/s
• 5am Games, PID Games
• Average playtime
• About 3 hours
• Best for
• Solving puzzles using letters and words
• What I liked
• Interesting story discovered by player’s actions

Letters – a written adventure

is a heartwarming, story-driven puzzle game where kids solve problems using letters and words, teaching creativity and empathy.

It follows Sarah, a small, shy girl, who browses her chat messages and letters. Kids are tasked with reading and writing letters, solving puzzles, and uncovering the heartwarming story.

Letters: A Written Adventure is fun, relaxing, and vibrant.

Why we chose it

A cute little story-driven game where players solve puzzles using letters and words, where they learn to express empathy and creativity.

It’s safe for kids who’ll benefit from improving their reading and writing skills, while satisfying their curiosity and helping them learn to be empathetic.

My Verdict:

Letters: A Written Adventure is a relaxing video game for kids that allows them to explore a safe, colorful world and solve riddles with reading and writing skills. Teaching problem-solving and empathy are the key in-game components, and you’ll agree that every kid should possess them.

Spore

Best video game for kids for evolving lives from cells to civilizations

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Life simulation Windows, macOS X Creator/s Maxis, Electronic Arts Average playtime 15+ hours Best for Creating species and civilizations from nothing What I liked Managing your civilization to keep it alive

Spore

nurtures imagination and curiosity about life and evolution, as players create species and guide them from microbes to galactic explorers. This is one of the top video games for kids, where they can evolve their creatures from cells to adults, and build a sprawling civilization.

Why we chose it We picked

Spore

for its unique approach to life and evolution, where players can create species and watch them grow from microbes to adults, and later, full-on civilizations.

Spore

• lets kids design creatures they like, while simultaneously teaching evolution, adaptation, and mandatory problem-solving. Despite its age,

Spore

still looks punchy and colorful, with a humorous note that adds more charm.

My Verdict:

Spore

is an amazing video game for kids and parents who can immerse themselves in its world and create entire civilizations from nothing. Not only is it fun and engaging, but also a formidable teacher of evolution, overcoming problems, and endless adaptation.

Sid Meier’s Civilization V

Best video game for kids for building and managing historical civilizations

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Turn-based strategy
• Windows, macOS, Linux
• Creator/s
• Firaxis Games, 2K, Aspyr
• Average playtime
• Over 120 hours
• Best for
• Building and managing empires
• What I liked

Educational potential (history, geography, and more)

Sid Meier’s Civilization V

is one of the most engaging strategy games that kids absolutely love. It encourages strategic thinking and historical curiosity, as players build empires, manage diplomacy, and shape their civilization’s fate.

This game lets you build your own civilization and lead it from ancient times to the modern era. You’ll forge cities, uncover new technologies, explore the world, and make friends (or enemies) along the way. In my view,

Sid Meier’s Civilization V

ticks all the right boxes.

Why we chose it

A strategy gem, which teaches kids history and strategic thinking; no wonder we chose it! Players will explore the world and lead their civilization from ancient times to the modern era, managing all its aspects along the way.

It requires strategic planning, thinking, and patience. However, it also teaches geography and history, as it features famous leaders and inventions throughout the game.

My Verdict:

Sid Meier’s Civilization V

is a modern strategy game where you’ll find out more about history, geography, and growing, thriving societies. A great way for kids to mature and learn which events shaped our civilization the way it is today.

The Portal Series [Best video game for kids for physics-based puzzles and fun dark humor]

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Puzzle platform
• PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Linux, Android, OS X
• Creator/s
• Valve, Microsoft Game Studios
• Average playtime
• About 4 hours
• Best for
• Physics-based puzzles
• What I liked
• Dark humor and backstory
• The
• Portal

series sharpens problem-solving and critical thinking with physics-based puzzles and dark humor, offering a masterclass in clever game design.

Valve has struck gold with this one, and I promise you, it’s extremely satisfying for both kids and parents.

• You’re handed a
• Portal
• gun, which you use to create doorways that connect two places. This game mechanic is used to solve puzzles, which often
• rely on momentum, strategy, and physics to fully challenge the player

.

Why we chose it Portal games are some of the best for brain development, physics grasping, and puzzle-solving. Grab that Portal gun and embark on a few-hour-long adventure of dark humor, crafty puzzles, and impeccable storytelling.

Portal games also have a backstory and a dark, but cleverly implemented humor that feels edgy and safe at the same time. Most importantly, there’s no violence, so kids can play it, immerse themselves in this world, and get lost in it for hours.

My Verdict:

One of the best video games for kids, Portal, is entertaining, combining logic, science, and witty humor in one child-friendly package. Kids will enjoy smooth, refined gameplay and eye-catching visuals for better immersion.

★ Steam – top up Steam Gift Cards 20.

Democracy 4

Best video games for kids for teaching political strategy and running a government

• Our score
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• ☆
• ★
• Type of game
• Government simulation
• Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, Nintendo Switch
• Creator/s
• Positech Games
• Average playtime
• Over 10 hours
• Best for
• Running a virtual government and making vital decisions
• What I liked
• Fun take on politics and economics
• Democracy
• is a fantastic choice among video games for kids, which teaches real-world decision-making and ethics by putting players in charge of
• running a government and balancing complex social issues

. As demanding as it sounds, the game does this in a fun, interactive way.

Why we chose it Democracy teaches decision-making and ethics, letting kids run their own virtual governments and solve complex social issues, while seeing the fruit of their labor in real-time.

The player is a country’s leader who handles education, laws, the environment, taxes, and more. In the process, the player sees the consequences of their actions and how they affect the nation as a whole.

My Verdict:

Democracy is a masterclass in critical thinking and problem-solving, which teaches kids how governments operate. Players will take on countless challenges in this educational simulation that make economics and politics insanely fun, instead of utterly boring, as they are in real life.