Looking for fun video games to enjoy with your children? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a countdown of10 games we think are great for family playtime. Each game is chosen for its fun factor, educational value, and bonding potential. Let’s dive in!
Also check out the article after the list for some insights on how to keep gaming fun, safe, and beneficial for the entire family!
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10. Minecraft Legends
Consoles: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 7+
Why It’s Great: Minecraft Legends expands the classic Minecraft experience with new adventures and challenges. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Children can explore new worlds and face unique enemies while still enjoying the building aspect that makes Minecraft so beloved. This game also introduces new gameplay mechanics that keep things fresh and exciting for both new and returning players.
Playing Minecraft Legends together can be a bonding experience, as you and your children collaborate to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. The multiplayer mode allows for cooperative play, which is perfect for fostering teamwork and communication skills. Plus, the game’s sandbox nature means there’s always something new to discover and create.
Add To Your Collection: Add Minecraft Legends to your collection!
9. Rocket League
Consoles: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 8+
Why It’s Great: Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, creating a unique and thrilling gameplay experience. The game is easy to understand but tough to master, making it fun for both children and adults. The fast-paced gameplay is perfect for short, exciting sessions, and it encourages quick thinking and coordination.
Rocket League’s multiplayer mode allows for family members to compete against each other or team up to take on opponents, fostering both healthy competition and cooperation. The game’s variety of modes and customizable cars add to its replay value, ensuring that it remains engaging over time. Whether you’re scoring goals or performing aerial stunts, Rocket League is a blast for all ages.
Add To Your Collection: Currently Free on Most Consoles! (Subject to Change)
8. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Consoles: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 8+
Why It’s Great: Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a chaotic cooking game that requires communication and teamwork. You and your children will have a blast as you work together to prepare meals in chaotic kitchens, each with unique challenges and obstacles. The game is a fantastic way to improve coordination and collaboration, with levels that are challenging but hilarious.
The fun and fast-paced nature of Overcooked! ensures that there’s never a dull moment, and the cooperative gameplay promotes teamwork and problem-solving skills. The game’s vibrant graphics and quirky characters add to its charm, making it a joy to play with the family. Whether you’re chopping vegetables or extinguishing kitchen fires, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Add To Your Collection: Add Overcooked! All You Can Eat to your collection!
7. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Consoles: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 7+
Why It’s Great: Combining the fun of LEGO with the epic Star Wars saga, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga lets you and your children play through all nine Star Wars films. The game features humorous takes on iconic scenes and allows players to control a wide range of characters from the Star Wars universe. The co-op mode is great for teamwork and solving puzzles together.
The game’s humor and action-packed gameplay are perfect for Star Wars fans of all ages. It’s an excellent way to introduce younger players to the Star Wars franchise while enjoying interactive storytelling. With its engaging levels and numerous collectibles, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga offers plenty of content to keep the whole family entertained.
Add To Your Collection: Add LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga to your collection!
6. Disney Dreamlight Valley
Consoles: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 10+
Why It’s Great: Disney Dreamlight Valley is a life-simulation adventure game that brings beloved Disney characters to life in a magical village setting. Players can build and customize their own villages while interacting with iconic Disney characters. The game encourages creativity and exploration, offering a variety of quests and activities that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Playing Disney Dreamlight Valley with your children is a delightful experience, as you work together to complete tasks and explore new areas. The game’s enchanting visuals and heartwarming stories make it a joy to play, while its emphasis on community building teaches valuable lessons about cooperation and friendship. It’s a wonderful way to bond over a shared love of Disney.
Add To Your Collection: Add Disney Dreamlight Valley to your collection!
5. Splatoon 3
Consoles: Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 10+
Why It’s Great: Splatoon 3 is a family-friendly shooter game that focuses on covering areas with ink instead of violence. Its vibrant visuals and strategic gameplay make it a hit for children and parents alike. The game’s multiplayer modes, including Turf War and Salmon Run, offer exciting and varied ways to play, promoting teamwork and strategy.
Splatoon 3’s colorful and fast-paced action is both fun and accessible, making it easy for younger players to join in. The game’s unique mechanics and engaging battles encourage players to think creatively and work together to achieve victory. Whether you’re playing cooperatively or competitively, Splatoon 3 is sure to bring excitement and laughter to your family game nights.
Add To Your Collection: Add Splatoon 3 to your collection!
4. Just Dance 2024 Edition
Consoles: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 7+
Why It’s Great: Just Dance 2024 gets the whole family moving and grooving. It’s a fun way to exercise and enjoy music together. With a variety of songs from different genres, everyone can find a favorite to dance to. The game promotes physical activity and can turn any day into a dance party.
Playing Just Dance 2024 with your children is not only entertaining but also a great way to stay active. The game’s intuitive controls and upbeat music make it easy for players of all ages to join in. Whether you’re dancing to the latest hits or classic tracks, Just Dance 2024 provides endless fun and encourages healthy habits through play.
Add To Your Collection: Add Just Dance 2024 to your collection!
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Consoles: Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 7+
Why It’s Great: Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a peaceful game where you build and manage an island. It’s relaxing and teaches children about responsibility as they take care of their island and interact with cute animal villagers. The game encourages creativity and patience, and it’s a wonderful way to unwind together.
The game’s open-ended nature allows for endless customization and exploration, making each player’s island unique. Playing together can foster creativity as you design and build your island paradise. The game’s seasonal events and regular updates keep it fresh and exciting, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover and enjoy as a family.
Add To Your Collection: Add Animal Crossing: New Horizons to your collection!
2. Rayman Legends
Consoles: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 6+
Why It’s Great: Rayman Legends is a vibrant and fun platformer game that’s perfect for cooperative play. Its beautiful artwork and engaging levels keep children entertained while encouraging teamwork as you navigate through various challenges together. The game’s imaginative world is full of surprises and delights.
The co-op gameplay allows family members to work together to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies, promoting communication and teamwork. Rayman Legends’ charming characters and creative level design make it a joy to play, and its varying difficulty levels ensure that it remains accessible for younger players while providing a challenge for older ones.
Add To Your Collection: Add Rayman Legends to your collection!
1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Consoles: Nintendo Switch
Age Level: 10+
Why It’s Great: This game is the ultimate family brawler. With a massive roster of characters, everyone can find a favorite. The simple controls make it accessible, but the depth of the game keeps it engaging. It’s perfect for fun, friendly competition and can accommodate multiple players at once.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offers a variety of modes and stages, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game’s competitive nature encourages quick thinking and reflexes, while its diverse cast of characters from various franchises adds a nostalgic element for parents. Whether you’re playing in teams or free-for-all battles, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is guaranteed to provide countless hours of fun for the whole family.
Add To Your Collection: Add Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to your collection!
Tips for Healthy and Beneficial Family Gaming
Gaming as a family can be a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories. Here are some tips to ensure that your gaming sessions are healthy and beneficial for everyone involved:
Set Limits and Boundaries
It’s important to establish clear rules about gaming time to ensure it doesn’t interfere with other responsibilities or activities. Setting limits helps prevent excessive screen time and encourages children to balance their gaming with homework, chores, and outdoor play. Use timers or create a schedule that everyone agrees on to manage gaming time effectively.
Choose Age-Appropriate Games
Make sure the games you select are suitable for your children’s age and maturity level. This helps ensure that the content is appropriate and that the gameplay is neither too easy nor too difficult. Checking game ratings and reviews can help you make informed decisions about which games are best for your family.
Play Together and Communicate
Playing games together as a family can be a great way to bond and create shared experiences. Use this time to communicate and engage with your children. Ask them about their favorite parts of the game, discuss strategies, and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the game.
Encourage Teamwork and Cooperation
Many games on this list are designed to be played cooperatively. Use these opportunities to teach your children the value of teamwork and communication. Working together to achieve a common goal can strengthen family bonds and help children develop important social skills.
Take Breaks and Stay Active
Encourage regular breaks during gaming sessions to rest eyes and stretch. This is also a good time to engage in physical activities. Games like Just Dance can help keep everyone active while still having fun. Balancing sedentary gaming with physical activity is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Discuss Online Safety
If your children are playing online games, it’s important to discuss online safety. Teach them about the importance of protecting personal information, recognizing inappropriate behavior, and knowing how to report or block players if necessary. Establishing these guidelines early can help ensure a safe and positive online gaming experience.
Make It Educational
Look for games that offer educational value or promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Games like Minecraft and Stardew Valley can be both fun and educational, providing opportunities for learning and creativity. Discussing the educational aspects of games can also help reinforce their value.
Happy Gaming!
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