Video games are afun activity for family and friends to play together, physically or virtually. Some video games are compatible with a wide variety of video game systems, while others will only work with one specific system. The best video games for kids areage-appropriate and funwithout sacrificing your family’s budget (or kiddo’s allowance).
Check reviews and the requiredESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) ratingsto make informed choices about what games are right for your family. Think ofthese ratingslike movie ratings; they tell parents and caregivers the best age for the game and what to expect in the content, such as language, violence, and more.
To select the best video games for kids, we researched dozens of games on the market with ratings ranging from E to E10+. Moreover, we reviewed guidance on media use in kids from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Lastly, we consideredage recommendations, material, ease of use, ratings, system type, value, and editor recommendationswhen reviewing products.
Digital Consumption: What to Know
According to the AAP, it’s important to achieve a “balance between digital consumption and healthier activities,” and there are some key factors to look out for that may indicate problems with video gaming, including:
- 年代leep deprivation
- Attention issues after gaming
- Whatvirtual violenceis conveying
- Lack oftime managementskills
Each video game includes a rating system that ranges from EC (Early Childhood), which means it’s suitable for ages 3 and up all the way up to Adults Only. Check the ratings prior to purchasing any games to ensure your child is playing an age-appropriate video game.
Best Overall
Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Fun for a group
Beginner mode makes it easier for kids
Four players can play with one Switch
Limited system compatibility
Why We Recommend It
The Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is our top pick becauseeveryone in the familycan enjoy this classic character and his friends. Parents will appreciate the joy of playing with all their Mario Kart fan-favorite characters, while kids will love the excitement of the game. With the ability to supportup to four players split-screenon the TV or Switch, it’s a fun option for a group.
The “E” rating ensures there’snothing violent or inappropriatefor younger players. Fans of the Switch will love this game; the only drawback is it can’t be played on other systems.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch
- ESRB Rating:E
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:Multiplayer; up to 4 players
Price at time of publication: $49
Best for Preschoolers
LeapFrog LeapLand Adventures Learning Video Game
HDMI stick and USB power cable (no system type)
Wireless controller
Explore shapes, letters, numbers, and more
Controller is a learning curve for little kids
Why We Recommend It
Preschoolers will love going on a quest with the LeapFrog LeapLand Adventures Learning Video Game. Kids search for keys to unlock Clever Castle as they exploreshapes, colors, numbers, letters, and more.The brand sent one of our writers a sample of the game, and she loves the game's age-appropriateness for her preschooler. Simply insert theHDMI game stick and USB power cableinto your TV to start playing immediately with thewireless controller.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:N/A (TV)
- ESRB Rating:N/A (ages 3 years and up)
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:Multiplayer; up to 5 players
Price at time of publication: $35
Best for Elementary Aged
Nintendo Switch Pokémon Snap
Easy to play
Laid back game play
年代ingle player
只有on Nintendo Switch
Why We Recommend It
Younger fans will enjoy this addition to the Pokémon gaming family. Asingle-player game, players will meet a new teacher, Professor Mirror, to help lead the way. As you journey through new locales like jungles and beaches,players search for Pokémonand are challenged to snap photos of what they find.
The unique game can only be played on theNintendo Switch. Fun and laid back, it’s especially good for those already familiar with Pokémon.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch
- ESRB Rating:E
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:年代ingle player
Price at time of publication: $60
Best for Preteens
Microsoft Minecraft
Two modes of play
Build or battle
Available on several system types
年代ometimes lags
Why We Recommend It
Building, battles, befriending, and blocks—Minecraft is a game that lets kidsbuild their own worldwhile battling creatures, mobs, and other players (if they want to). While rated E10+, the gameisn’t violent(no blood), and players can actually report other players for not following community guidelines. Play intwo modes—creative or survival—on various system types, includingXbox, PlayStation 4,Nintendo Switch,Windows, and more.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Windows, and more
- ESRB Rating:E10+
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:年代ingle player or multiplayer
Price at time of publication: $25 (Playstation 4)
Best for Online Play
Innersloth Among Us
Can play on wifi on nearly any device
Up to 15 players
Quick game play
Ability to interact with players
Why We Recommend It
Among Usis a popular online game, meaning it can beplayed from nearly any device with Wi-Fi, including a phone or tablet. Taking place on a space station, in order to win the round, each player must complete tasks, with the twist that there’s an imposter on the ship that can sabotage or kill players.
A game of deduction, teamwork, and betrayal, it’s easy to play with a group and simple to generate a private code, so you only play with those you know.Each round is pretty quick, and while there is the opportunity to play with strangers, there is very limited play-to-player interaction.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Google Play, Apple App Store, Nintendo, PS 4, PS 5, Xbox, Online
- ESRB Rating:Everyone 10+
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:Multiplayer; up to 15 players online
Price at time of publication: $5
Best 3D
Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey
3D kingdoms
One or two players
Unlock new figures
Main story is short
Why We Recommend It
You can’t go wrong with Mario, especially when it involves3D kingdomsfull of surprises and secrets. Super Mario Odyssey lets kids visitnew places, such as the skyscraper city New Donk City, with Mario and his friend Cappy as they try to拯救公主桃.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch
- ESRB Rating:Everyone 10+
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:Multiplayer; up to 2 players
Price at time of publication: $60
Best Sports
EA Sports FIFA 23
Amazing visuals
年代ingle or multiplayer modes
Limited differences from previous versions
年代occer only game
Why We Recommend It
年代occer fanswill love this popular sports game that gets better and better each year.Amazing visualsmake the games look like a real soccer match, and lots of playing options make it easy toplay alone or with others. The game isavailable on almost all systems, so all soccer fans can get in on the action.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch, XBox, Playstation
- ESRB Rating:Everyone
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:年代ingle player or multiplayer
Price at time of publication: $40
Best Multiplayer
Team 17 Overcooked! 2 (Xbox One)
Up to four players
Rated E
Compatible on major system types
年代lightly challenging
Why We Recommend It
Up to 4 players can panic together in thischaotic cooking game. Chefs prepare meals, serve, and clean up dishes within a short time limit. Players will “knead” towork togetherand communicate with each other; once you get used to the kitchen, you may findnew challengesto shake it up.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation, Windows
- ESRB Rating:Everyone
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:Multiplayer; up to 4 players
Price at time of publication: $24 (Xbox)
Best Interactive
Ubisoft Just Dance 2023
Up to six players
Family friendly
年代martphone can double as controller
Yearly version isn’t much different
年代ubscription required for access to additional songs
Why We Recommend It
Get ready tomove and groovewith the latest version of the popular Just Dance game. Perfect for a crowd,up to six playerswill be challenged to keep the beat and move to the music with this fun,interactive game.It’s easy to play with a large group, simply use yoursmartphone as the controller. Master the moves, and you’ll look like TikTok stars!
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- ESRB Rating:E for Everyone
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:Multiplayer
Price at time of publication: $60
Best for the Family
年代EGA Tokyo Olympic Games 2020
Both single or multiplayer
18 events
Customizable avatar
Everyone 10+ rating
年代ome games require taking turns instead of dual playing
Why We Recommend It
Fun for the whole family, celebrate the spirit of the Olympics as players choose from18 different competitive events. A versatile game, it can beplayed alone, with friends, or online with players(or friends and family) around the world. Families will also enjoy dressing theirOlympian avatarand can choose from over 50 costumes.
Key Specs:
- Game System Compatibility:Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox
- ESRB Rating:Everyone 10+
- Multiplayer vs. Single Player:年代ingle or multiplayer
Price at time of publication: $19
How We Selected Video Games for Kids
To select the best video games for kids, we reviewed guidance from the AAPon media use in kids, such as how much screen time kids can have, and rating information from the ESRB.We also researched dozens of top-rated video games for kids on the market, analyzing their material, age recommendations, system type, ratings, and value. Our selection includes only video games for kids that are age-appropriate and fun and available at a variety of price points.
How to Know If Games Are Age-Appropriate
One of the most important factors to consider when buying video games for your child is the age-appropriateness of the game. Video games are rated by the ESRB, which gives parents and caregivers an idea of a game’s appropriate age level usage. The ESRB has six main categories when it comes to ratings.
- 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:年代tanding 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 17 years old and older due to content possibly containing blood/gore, sexual content, strong language, and intense violence.
- A:这个评级为“18 +的成年人” because the 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.
What to Look for When Buying Video Games for Kids
- 年代ystem Type:Because video games aren’t a “one-game-fits-all” when it comes to systems, you want to ensure the video games you’re looking at are compatible with your child’s system. Some of the more popular ones you’ve probably heard of include PlayStation, Xbox, PC games, or mobile games. Typically, you will see a description of which system the video game is compatible with on the packaging. Other cues to look for: XBOX is known for their green cases while PlayStation will show a “PS4” with the number being the console it matches to.
- Cost:Many parents and caregivers may be shocked to see some of the most popular video games will cost more than $50, but this will depend on what type of system your child has. Consider the cost of the video game your child has had their eye on or what you think they may like. Some games may be on the cheaper end, but require extra costs once playing for additional features. Do your research on a video game to see exactly where your money (or your child’s!) money is exactly going.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Poltonis a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. While she does not consider herself a gamer (does Tetris count?), her two sons are big video game fans and sometimes consider the Nintendo Switch an appendage to their body.
Additional reporting by:
Katrina Cosseyis a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina's preschooler lovesLeapFrog LeapLand Adventures, which teaches him letters, numbers, shapes, and more.