My Approved Video Games List for Kids
Looking for kid friendly games you can actually feel good about? My Approved Video Games List for Kids shares fun, age appropriate games that encourage creativity, teamwork, problem solving, and safe gaming for children.
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My Approved Video Games List for Kids
If you’ve ever wondered which video games are actually worth your kids’ time, you’re not alone. While gaming often gets a bad reputation, there are many games that can encourage creativity, problem-solving, reading, and teamwork. In this post, I’m sharing my approved Video Games List for Kids my boys love and that I feel good about letting them play.
Minecraft
Best for: Creativity, problem-solving, reading, and family connection
Minecraft is hands down our favorite video game. I grew up loving video games, and Minecraft is one that I genuinely enjoy playing with my boys.
Every Monday night, we have a family game night that we call Minecraft Mondays. About an hour before bed, we all log on and play together. It has become one of our favorite family traditions.
What I love most about Minecraft is that there is no single “right” way to play. Kids can:
- Build houses, treehouses, and castles
- Explore new worlds
- Solve problems
- Read crafting recipes and instructions
- Work together on creative projects
My boys have built some incredibly creative things, and I love seeing what they come up with. Minecraft is one of those rare games that is fun, educational, and a great way to connect as a family.
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LEGO Video Games
Best for: Cooperative play, problem-solving, creativity, and family fun
The LEGO video games are another favorite in our home and some of my personal favorites to play with my boys.
These approved video games List for Kids games include all the lego games. They combine humor, puzzle-solving, and teamwork in a way that makes them fun for both kids and adults. Players work together to solve puzzles, unlock characters, and progress through stories based on favorite movies.
My family favorites include:
- LEGO Jurassic World
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- LEGO Fortnite
LEGO Fortnite is a great option for kids who love building and exploring. It feels a lot like Minecraft, with a LEGO twist. Kids gather resources, build structures, craft tools, and go on adventures in an open world.
What I love about LEGO games is that they encourage kids to:
- Work together to solve puzzles
- Build and create
- Explore large worlds
- Collect hidden items
- Practice perseverance
- Experience favorite stories in a kid-friendly way
They are lighthearted, easy to play, and a great option if you want games the whole family can enjoy together.
Super Mario Games
Best for: Reading, perseverance, and cooperative play
The Super Mario games are classics for a reason. They are fun, family-friendly, and do a great job of teaching kids perseverance and problem-solving.
Approved Video Games List for Kids is including all Mario games, kids often need to read instructions, figure out how to navigate each level, and keep trying when they don’t succeed the first time. Some levels can be challenging, which makes finally beating them feel incredibly rewarding.
Our family favorites include:
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Super Mario Galaxy
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario games help kids:
- Practice reading
- Build perseverance
- Improve hand-eye coordination
- Solve problems
- Work together in cooperative mode
They are colorful, creative, and consistently some of the best family-friendly video games available.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Best for: Creativity, reading, relaxation, and money management
Animal Crossing is a calm, low pressure game that encourages creativity and imagination.
In the game, kids build and decorate their own island, design homes, collect items, and interact with friendly animal characters. There are no time limits or high-stress challenges, which makes it a great option for kids who enjoy a slower-paced experience.
One of the unexpected benefits of Animal Crossing is that it introduces basic money management skills. Kids earn bells (the in-game currency), save up for bigger purchases, and decide how they want to spend their money on home upgrades, decorations, and tools.
Animal Crossing helps kids:
- Practice reading through dialogue and instructions
- Use creativity to design their island and home
- Learn patience as they work toward long-term goals
- Manage resources like bells and materials
- Practice basic money management
- Relax and unwind
One of the things I love most about Animal Crossing is how peaceful it feels. It’s a wonderful game for kids who enjoy creating and exploring at their own pace.
The Legend of Zelda Games
Best for: Ages 7+
Skills developed: Problem-solving, reading, exploration, and perseverance
The Legend of Zelda games are some of the best adventure games for kids and adults alike. They combine exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling in a way that keeps players thinking and engaged.
Approved Video Games List for Kids include all the Zelda games. These games are primarily single player, which makes them a great option for kids who enjoy playing independently. They also tend to be lower stimulation than many fast-paced multiplayer games, with a strong storyline and a thoughtful pace that encourages kids to slow down and think.
As players guide Link through dungeons and quests, they must read instructions, solve puzzles, and figure out how to use different tools and abilities to progress.
Our family favorites include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Zelda games help kids:
- Practice reading and following instructions
- Solve puzzles and think strategically
- Explore large open worlds
- Build perseverance when challenges get difficult
- Learn to use resources and tools wisely
If your child enjoys adventure games with a strong story and lots of opportunities to think and explore, the Zelda games are an excellent choice.
More Fun Non-Violent Video Games for Kids
If you’re looking for additional games that are fun, family friendly, and encourage teamwork, here are a few more favorites to consider.
Great Games Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation
- Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Nintendo Switch Sports
- Overcooked! 2
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Yoshi’s Crafted World
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Pikmin 4
- Bluey: The Video Game
- Untitled Goose Game
Want to Feel Better About Letting Your Kids Play Video Games?
If you’ve ever wondered whether video games can actually be good for kids, you’re not alone. In my other post, I share the many positive benefits of gaming, including improved problem-solving, reading, creativity, teamwork, and social connection.
👉 Read the full post here: Benefits of Video Games for Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Gaming