Top 15 Video Games for Kids (With Amazing Features)

Video games for kids are a little roller-coaster ride, metaphorically speaking, for your little kid that can get her excited. And if these games came with some education, then you have enough reasons to cheer for. Many have often considered video games to be a serious time-killer. But game developers have turned the tables by developing some engaging games that can leave a positive impact on your kid. Don’t worry; they are not going to make you fall asleep while your child plays the games! Developers have also kept the interests of parents in mind. You can enjoy them with your kids as well.

You will also be amused to see your kids learning different skills, such as problem-solving, cooperation and organizing skills in almost no time. These games can teach, inspire, and motivate your kids beyond measure. The types are so varied now that it may be hard for you to choose. So, we have made a list of the best, and you can pick any from it.

Are Video Games Good for Kids?

Video games can have both positive and negative effects on children, depending on how they are used. When balanced and age-appropriate, they can offer educational, cognitive, and social benefits. However, excessive gaming or exposure to violent or inappropriate content can lead to negative impacts.

Benefits of Video Games for Kids

Video games often get a bad rap, but they can offer a range of benefits for children when played in moderation. Understanding why are video games good for kids involves looking at how they can enhance various skills and provide positive experiences. Here are several key benefits of video games for kids:

1. Enhances Cognitive Skills

Video games can improve cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. Games that require strategic planning and critical thinking can challenge the brain and enhance these skills in a fun and engaging way.

2. Promotes Hand-Eye Coordination

Playing video games can improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Games that involve precise movements and quick reflexes help children develop better coordination and dexterity.

3. Encourages Creativity

Many video games allow children to explore, create, and build their own worlds. Games like Minecraft and LEGO Creator Islands offer open-ended environments where kids can exercise their creativity and imagination.

4. Teaches Teamwork and Collaboration

Multiplayer and cooperative games require players to work together to achieve common goals. This can teach children valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and collaboration as they navigate challenges with others.

5. Provides Stress Relief

Video games can offer a form of relaxation and stress relief. Engaging in gameplay can help children unwind, especially after a busy day at school or other stressful activities.

6. Improves Decision-Making Skills

Games that require quick thinking and decision-making can enhance a child’s ability to make decisions under pressure. This skill can translate into improved problem-solving abilities in real-life situations.

The Best-rated Video Games for Kids (for Ages 5-8 Years)

Feeling a bit dicey about the violence quotient? Often, video games receive flak for graphics depicting violence and unnecessary killings. However, the games mentioned below completely avoid this concept. Even if there are combats in the following games, they have been mellowed down to an age-appropriate level.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Quite a popular game, both commercially and critically, this game, with its open-world format, is entertaining and helps develop your child’s imagination too. The game is full of exploration and that is something you can expect from Nintendo, its maker. This is one of the most fun video games for kids.

Key Features

Being an open-ended game, this can encourage your kid to discover new places, experiment with ideas and explore beyond what is given. There is a traditional route of playing the game with a typical story laid out, or it can be played using pure imagination. There are no hard and fast rules.

Recommended Age

5-8 years

2. Thinkrolls: Kings & Queens

One of the best video games out there for 5-year-olds, the game is based on fantasy stories and is loaded with kings, queens, dragons and whatnot!

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

The game has a magical tone with potions, ghosts, and crocodiles. Challenges get harder with each step and the solution requires strategic thinking. Information is available in 14 languages.

Recommended Age

5-7 years

3. Minecraft

Another game that’s quite popular among kids and their parents alike, Minecraft provides an environment for encouraging creativity. It would be a great experience for you to watch your kid learning several things at once. The core idea of the game is to support creativity and without any user manual, it would challenge your kid into using her imagination.

Key Features

The game is rich with several different aspects such as exploration, resource gathering, combat and craft. When played in survival mode, the game is amply loaded with features to let your kid understand the value of cooperation and social bonding. There are different versions of the game and different modes as well, which open up new avenues for your kids to explore.

Recommended Age

6-8 years

4. Paw Patrol: On a Roll

Paw Patrol: On a Roll is based on the popular children’s TV series, where kids can join their favorite pups on rescue missions. It’s perfect for young fans of the show, blending adventure with learning opportunities.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

The game features 16 exciting rescue missions with all the beloved Paw Patrol characters. It encourages problem-solving and teamwork, as each pup has unique abilities that help complete the missions.

Recommended Age

5-8 years

5. Super Mario 64

The first in the Super Mario series with 3D graphics, this game is sure to bring back a lot of memories for people who’ve played this before!

Key Features

The game involves the player navigating the imaginary world which is filled with friendly creatures and unhelpful monsters, along with different features and rewards that the player collects on her journey.

Recommended Age

6-8 years

6. Rocket League

It is a game that brings out the best of action car movies and blends it with a kid’s notion of life. The cars can play football here. The game is specially designed to cater to kids’ fancy.

Key Features

The game is like a championship, where you can play with teams comprising of cars that perform various actions to win the game.

Recommended Age

6-8 years

7. Lego Marvel Superheroes 2

A blend of LEGO and Marvel superheroes, this game can be super fun for your child, especially when she gets to play with heroes made of the Lego bricks and take on a supervillain.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

The villain can bend time and space. But its core is quite similar to Minecraft. The game relies on high-speed. There is no graphic violence which is what makes it appropriate for kids.

Recommended Age

5-8 years

8. Yooka-Laylee

The game is advisable for little kids as its puzzle-like approach can keep your child engaged. It basically is about two creatures who try and take on the villain who has stolen magical books and is in pursuit of the most powerful book of all.

Key Features

Violence in the game is minimal. The game depends on a lot of cooperation which can help your kid with bonding. However, the game is quite extensive and requires a lot of patience.

Recommended Age

6-8 years

9. Mini Metro

This one is a strategy game and is perfect for kids and is good enough to keep your kid engrossed. This will test her organisational skills.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

With a transit map and all other facilities provided for a metro rail construction, the only thing that your kid should be worried about is time. There are no monsters. But to win, your kid has to up her organisational skills!

Recommended Age

6-8 years

10. Animal Genius

This game is all about the animal world and can teach your kid quickly all about animals in a playful manner.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

The game includes no gory scenes. So, it is pretty safe for your child. This is also a maze game that requires a bit of attention and strategy.

Recommended Age

5-7 years

11. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

A classic racing game, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows kids to race with their favorite Mario characters on fun, imaginative tracks. The game features exciting power-ups and unique vehicles, making it a thrilling experience for younger players.

Key Features

The game includes different modes, from simple racing to more competitive play. It promotes friendly competition, quick reflexes, and motor skills development, all while offering a fun multiplayer option for the family.

Recommended Age

5-8 years

12. Disney Infinity 3.0

Disney Infinity is a sandbox game where children can interact with their favorite Disney characters in a virtual world. The game allows kids to build and customize their own games using characters from Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

The game encourages creativity and imaginative play. Kids can create their own adventures, combining elements from different movies and storylines to build unique worlds.

Recommended Age

6-8 years

13. Splatoon 2

This colorful, action-packed game involves players using paint guns to cover the environment in ink while competing against each other in teams. The playful and non-violent approach makes it great for younger kids.

Key Features

Splatoon 2 offers team-based competition in a non-violent way, focusing on strategy and cooperation. The game encourages teamwork and quick thinking.

Recommended Age

6-8 years

14. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

In this puzzle-based game, children help Captain Toad and Toadette navigate through levels to collect treasures while solving challenges.

Key Features

The game involves light platforming elements, and its puzzles require logical thinking and patience. It is family-friendly with simple controls, making it great for younger players.

Recommended Age

5-7 years

15. Kirby Star Allies

This colorful, side-scrolling platform game features Kirby and his friends on a mission to save their world. Kids can work together in co-op mode, which encourages teamwork and problem-solving.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Key Features

The game is full of vibrant graphics, fun characters, and simple mechanics, making it easy for younger children to pick up. Its cooperative gameplay emphasizes teamwork and friendship.

Recommended Age

5-8 years

FAQs

1. How can I ensure my child has a balanced screen time when playing video games?

Setting time limits and creating a schedule can help balance screen time. For example, allowing kids to play video games for an hour after completing homework or physical activities helps maintain a healthy routine. Parental control features on consoles or devices can also help monitor and regulate gameplay.

2. Do multiplayer video games help with social interaction?

Yes, multiplayer games can promote social interaction, teamwork, and communication skills. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Splatoon 2 allow kids to cooperate with friends or family members, which can help improve their social and collaborative abilities.

3. Are there video games that can assist with language learning?

Yes, some video games are designed to help with language learning. Games can introduce new vocabulary and concepts in a playful context, making language acquisition more enjoyable for young children.

These were some of the best video games for kids. Let your kid learn different things in engaging ways. You can join them too for some fun parent-child quality time.

Also Read:

Best Game Systems for Kids
Computer Games for Kids To Play
Exciting Indoor Games for Children
Valuable Lessons Video Games Teach Kids
How Video Games Affect Your Child’s Eyesight