Video games remain a favorite form of entertainment for children around the world. When chosen carefully, games can offer safe, engaging experiences that support creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and cognitive development. In 2025 and 2026, the landscape of children’s gaming continues to expand with titles that combine entertainment with educational value. Parents and educators are increasingly focused on games that are age‑appropriate, nonviolent, and designed to challenge young minds without exposing them to harmful content.
This guide explores 20 safe and fun video games that children are enjoying today, spanning consoles, computers, and mobile devices. Each game recommended here has been selected based on quality, accessibility, parent and expert reviews, and positive community feedback. These games encourage family play, cooperative missions, and social engagement in a child‑friendly environment.
Why Choosing Age‑Appropriate Video Games Matters
Selecting the right video games for children goes beyond entertainment. Research shows that certain games can reinforce problem‑solving skills, boost creativity, and even support reading and math learning when played in moderation. The key factors for safe game selection include content rated for children, nonviolent gameplay, cooperative mechanics, and opportunities for skill development.
Organizations like the Entertainment Software Rating Board provide clear age‑based ratings that help parents understand the nature of a game’s content. Ratings such as E for Everyone and E10+ indicate titles designed for younger audiences. Families should also consider tools such as parental controls and in‑game settings that can limit playtime and interactions with other players.
Below are the 20 best video games that are both safe and fun for children, covering a variety of genres from creative building to adventure and cooperative play.
20 Safe And Fun Video Games For Children
1. Minecraft
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E10+ or E
Why It Is Recommended: Minecraft remains one of the most beloved games for children of all ages. With its block‑building world and open‑ended play, Minecraft promotes creativity, engineering thinking, and exploration. Children can construct entire cities, collaborate with friends, or explore survival mode with gentle adventures.
The game also includes educational versions used in schools to teach coding, math, and history. With endless possibilities and constant updates, Minecraft offers an experience that grows with the child’s interests.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Animal Crossing: New Horizons embraces gentle social simulation. Players create a character, build and decorate a personal island home, interact with friendly animal villagers, and explore seasonal events. The pace of play is relaxed and non-competitive, and the game’s community focus encourages kindness and thoughtful decision-making.
Animal Crossing has become a favorite for families who appreciate a warm, anxiety‑free game world that fosters creativity and resource management.
3. LEGO Video Games (Various Titles)
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: LEGO video games tied to popular franchises like LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, and LEGO Harry Potter blend humor with cooperative gameplay. These titles encourage teamwork as players solve puzzles, build objects, and work together against cartoony antagonists.
The cooperative two‑player mode makes LEGO games ideal for siblings or parent‑child play.
4. Super Mario Odyssey
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Super Mario Odyssey combines classic platforming with imaginative worlds and playful mechanics. Children navigate colorful landscapes, collect items, and explore challenges that promote timing, observation, and strategic play. Mario’s joyful vibe and predictable mechanics make the game accessible and engaging for young players.
5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe turns racing into a family‑friendly competition. Characters from the Mario universe race on bright tracks filled with fun power‑ups. The intuitive controls and cooperative multiplayer options mean kids can play with siblings or friends. The game’s customizable difficulty settings also allow younger players to participate without frustration.
.jpg)
Sergey Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
6. Stardew Valley
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Stardew Valley is a farming simulation where children manage crops, raise animals, mine resources, and build friendships with townspeople. The game’s structure promotes planning and time management. It also offers cooperative play, allowing friends to share the farm experience. Although it includes mild fantasy elements, it remains a calm and rewarding adventure.
7. Splatoon 3
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Splatoon 3 is a nonviolent shooter set in a world where players engage in paint‑splashing battles instead of traditional combat. The bright colors, creative levels, and team‑based objectives encourage cooperation and quick thinking. It is an excellent choice for older children who enjoy action games without violent themes.
8. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Kirby’s latest adventure offers a platforming experience filled with charming characters and dynamic levels. The game promotes exploration and problem-solving, with creative abilities that let Kirby absorb enemies’ powers. Its forgiving gameplay makes it appropriate for younger players while still entertaining adults.
9. Mario Party Superstars
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Mario Party Superstars transforms playtime into a vibrant digital board game. Mini‑games require simple mechanics and often encourage quick reflexes or light puzzle solving. This game is ideal for family evenings or friendly gatherings. It allows up to four players to join in a shared virtual game board experience.
10. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Pokémon games have been a favorite for generations. Scarlet and Violet continue that legacy with large open worlds, collectible creatures, and friendly turn‑based battles. Players learn strategic thinking as they train and evolve Pokémon, explore towns, and battle friendly NPC trainers. The games’ cooperative options allow siblings to share the adventure.
View this post on Instagram
11. Yoshi’s Crafted World
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Yoshi’s Crafted World is a platformer with imaginative, arts‑and‑crafts aesthetics. Levels feel like handmade dioramas, and gameplay is forgiving for beginners. It encourages exploration and rewards curiosity. Cooperative mode allows children to play together through whimsical stages.
12. Sonic Mania Plus
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Sonic Mania Plus harks back to classic Sonic gameplay with updated levels and speed‑based challenges. Its bright visuals and fast pace make it an engaging choice for kids who enjoy action and platforming. Cooperative play options support shared experiences.
13. Minecraft Dungeons
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Minecraft Dungeons takes the creative world of Minecraft into a cooperative dungeon crawler format. Players work together to explore levels, fight nonviolent mobs, and collect treasure. The cooperative mode is excellent for families or friends, and the game remains accessible thanks to its simple mechanics.
14. Roblox
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Roblox is a vast platform that offers access to millions of user-created games and worlds. Many experiences within Roblox are safe and fun for children. Players build, explore, and interact with others. Parental controls allow families to manage access, limit chat features, and tailor experiences to fit safety preferences. Roblox supports creativity and social engagement when used with appropriate settings in place.
15. Tetris Effect: Connected
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Tetris Effect: Connected takes the classic puzzle game and turns it into a vibrant, immersive experience that encourages focus, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. It offers cooperative modes so children can play with friends or family. Its soothing visuals make it suitable for relaxed play sessions.
View this post on Instagram
16. Little Friends: Puppy Island
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Little Friends: Puppy Island combines pet care, exploration, and interactive activities. Players play with puppies, complete tasks, and create playful scenarios in a non-competitive environment. The focus on animals and creativity makes this an excellent choice for younger players.
17. Paw Patrol World
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Paw Patrol World brings the popular television show to life with safe, action‑appropriate missions that encourage teamwork and problem-solving. Children join characters like Chase and Skye to complete friendly missions in Adventure Bay. Its simple controls and friendly themes make it ideal for young children.
18. LEGO Builder’s Journey
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: LEGO Builder’s Journey blends puzzle-solving with an artistic narrative. It offers a calm, reflective experience that supports spatial reasoning and creativity. The game’s beautiful visuals and cooperative experiences make it a unique, child‑friendly title that bridges play and thoughtful engagement.
19. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Platform: Multiple
Rating: E
Why It Is Recommended: Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a cooperative game where players prepare meals in chaotic kitchen environments. Children work together to complete orders under time pressure. This game develops teamwork, communication, and planning while keeping the experience humorous and lighthearted.
20. Super Mario Maker 2
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Rating: E10+
Why It Is Recommended: Super Mario Maker 2 lets players design and share their own custom Mario levels. This game fosters creativity and design thinking while encouraging problem-solving when crafting challenging level layouts. Children can also play existing levels created by others, offering endless imaginative options.
View this post on Instagram
Tips For Safe Gaming
Selecting safe and fun video games is just part of ensuring healthy playtime. Consider these additional safety and wellness tips:
Use Parental Controls: Most consoles and devices offer parental control options that limit playtime, restrict communication, and block inappropriate content.
Monitor Playtime: Encourage balanced screen time by setting reasonable play schedules that include offline activities.
Check Ratings: Use ESRB or PEGI ratings to understand age‑based content and suitability.
Play Together: Shared play experiences with siblings or adults foster connection and provide opportunities to guide children through challenging parts.
Set Clear Rules: Establish expectations around online interactions, friendships, and in‑game purchases.
Benefits Of Video Games For Children
When chosen thoughtfully, video games can support numerous aspects of development:
Problem Solving and Logic: Puzzle and strategy games encourage critical thinking.
Creativity: Games like Minecraft and Super Mario Maker 2 offer tools for creative expression.
Social Skills: Cooperative games develop communication and teamwork.
Focus and Attention: Many games require focus, memory, and observation.
Reward Systems: Structured goal systems in games help children learn persistence and progress.
Creating Positive Gaming Experiences for Kids
Video games can be safe, enriching, and fun when chosen with care. The 20 titles listed here represent a blend of creativity, social play, problem-solving, and age‑appropriate engagement that children enjoy around the world. From relaxed life simulations to cooperative adventures, these games offer something for every child’s interest and developmental stage.
By using available ratings, parental controls, and thoughtful selection, families can ensure that gaming remains a positive component of children’s entertainment and learning experiences. With the right games in place, video play can support cognitive growth, creativity, and joyful interaction.
