Top 9 Games For Children

Children can improve their fine motor skills and spatial awareness with creative games. They can also explore their imagination with these immersive experiences.

From hypnotic town-building games to get-out-and-move titles, this list has something for everyone. It includes titles that are appropriate for kids of all ages as long as they have the dexterity to play touch-screen games.

1. Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing is a game series that encourages a relaxed lifestyle. The latest installment, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, features a deserted island where the player can interact with other anthropomorphic animals and build their life from the ground up.

The game works in real time and offers endless possibilities for interaction and creativity. Players can grow flowers and vegetables, pick fruit, fish, decorate their homes, play games and more.

The game can be played alone or with friends online. However, there are some concerns about safety for children who play with strangers. The game requires that the player gives an access code — or Dodo Code — to anyone they wish to invite. This prevents people from being able to change the player’s island without the player’s permission. This limits the potential for cyberbullying. The game also features a safe chat option that allows players to talk to each other.

2. Townscaper

One of the more unique games on this list, Townscaper is a relaxing experience that gives players a peaceful environment to express their creativity. With no combat or enemies, it's a great game for younger children and even young toddlers to play.

The game's low-stress gameplay is also perfect for calming kids or allowing them to spend time with an older sibling. Whether it's meditating on the ocean view or wishing on shooting stars, this is a low-stress, escapist dreamland that provides moments of peace and little bursts of connection.

Another benefit of playing games through Netflix is that they don't contain monetization, meaning your kids can play for free. That's great for family-friendly titles like this one from Toca Boca. This game features open-ended cooking gameplay that's perfect for young children and is also ethically designed.

3. Starfall

This preschool-level game from the Starfall education foundation lets children learn reading and math skills in a safe online environment. The program features a variety of learning tools, including songs, games, and interactives. Its content is geared toward ELL students, early readers, and those with language delays.

Another great educational game from ThinkFun, this puzzler requires kids to arrange a series of towers in a way that allows a marble to roll all the way to its destination. It also encourages trial and error, which is a fantastic skill for developing problem-solving abilities.

A classic, '90s board game beloved by many kids and adults, Operation is a great choice for teaching teamwork and socialization. Plus, it's easy to understand and doesn't have any monetization. (Netflix Games offers a similar title without in-app purchases.) And if your child is interested in playing Monopoly, check out the special Fortnite Edition.

4. Labyrinth

In the midst of a distracting world, labyrinths offer a path back to our true selves. They are a metaphor, an archetype of wholeness, and a tool for transformation. They can be used for meditation, prayer, spiritual pilgrimage and even as a game.

In ancient Greece, King Minos had the inventor Daedalus create a maze beneath his palace in which was housed the Minotaur, a beast with the head of a bull and body of a man, until it was slain by the hero Theseus. Today, the word maze and labyrinth are sometimes used interchangeably but they are actually different: Mazes have multiple paths and directions while labyrinths have a single unicursal path that leads to a center.

The 30th anniversary edition of 'Labyrinth' features a 4K scan of the original 35mm film, and includes a bonus featurette with comments from Brian Henson, Jennifer Connelly and Lisa Henson (CEO of the Jim Henson Company). The 4K disc is housed in an eco-Lite Vortex keepcase with black slipcover.

6. Lego Star Wars

One of the most significant games of its kind to be released in a long while, Lego Star Wars is an absolute triumph. Spanning 9 feature films yet never feeling like a bloated collectathon, this game really is something special.

Featuring a humongous open world that is bursting with secrets and side content, this game combines a wide range of gameplay elements to create a fun experience for both children and adults. With a focus on combo-focused combat, flashy space battles, over the shoulder shooting action and a surprisingly strong cover system this is easily the best Lego game ever made to play.

The story is a bit bloated but the witty banter and hilariously stupid jokes ensure that this doesn’t detract from the gameplay experience at all. A must-play for any fan of the franchise.

7. Minecraft

As a sandbox game, Minecraft allows kids to create their own worlds and experiences. It also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills.

It also encourages a sense of adventure and curiosity. Kids can develop skills in planning and organisation as they work on different projects like building structures, farming, and combatting mobs.

However, if they play on public servers that allow them to interact with people from all over the world, they could be exposed to violence and strong language. So parents should consider whether it's appropriate for their child's age before they let them play.

8. Mario + Rabbids

If you're looking for a video game that lets kids enjoy the fun of Mario while adding a little twist, this is the one. The game's worlds are full of the kind of twisted chaos that can only be caused by warped Rabbids.

The game also has a lot of depth that will be rewarded as kids get better at it. They'll find that the different types of enemies have unique ways to move around and attack, and even a few bosses that are epic encounters of skill and wit.

Rocket League is another game that works well for kids because it has a lot of kid-friendly features like same-screen multiplayer and bots to play against if you're not around. It's also a great game for kids that enjoy racing cars and enjoying the fast-paced action.

9. Rocket League

Rocket League bridges the gap between car racing and football with jet-powered cars that can jump into mid-air to'score' goals with a giant soccer ball. The game is easy to pick up and play but requires skill and fast reflexes.

Developed by San Diego-based Psyonix, Rocket League is a ‘sticky’ game – in industry terms it hooks people quickly and they keep coming back for more. The fast-paced action, customisable cars and multiplayer elements make it a hit with children, young people and adults alike.

Like many video games, Rocket League has a community of influencers who share videos of their gameplay online. This can expose children and young people to inappropriate language and contact with strangers. Setting platform-specific parental controls and setting cabined accounts (for players under 13) can help manage these risks. The game is free to download/play but requires an internet connection and a PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch to access online features.