Let’s face it. As parents, we all know how kids could quickly get bored, and rainy days are particularly difficult. Kids can’t go out and play, making them restless and anxious at home. So imagine what it is like for new parents who have to go through the pandemic.
Toys, books, and crafts can only entertain kids for a few hours before they get tired of them. Without new content to look at and explore, they will surely find other means of entertainment. And most probably, they will be looking at your smartphone! Well, it could also be a mobile tablet, console, or PC—but you get what I mean. Fortunately, there are some amazing video games that are perfect for your little ones. These games are not just fun, but they also promote learning, problem-solving, and encourage creativity as well!
Go beyond the basis of just Mario Cart to something more advanced like Drift Hunters, where they drive high-performance cars over a range of exciting tracks.
No need to scrape the Internet for kid-appropriate games—you can take your pick from the top 10 kid-friendly games below!
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Have you ever dreamt of having your very own island? Ever dreamt of a long vacation where calming blue waves just keep crashing on the shore? Animal Crossing: New Horizons is probably the island getaway you never had during the quarantine period. OOOF!
This game is entertaining and appropriate for players of any age. Animal Crossing is a simulation game where players can create and customize their character, create a beautiful island home, and socialize with other players.
Aside from that, the in-game world of Animal Crossing is full of natural resources to collect and discover. Players can chop wood to be used in construction, or go fishing to satisfy a hungry tummy.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is rated E, so it is appropriate for kids of all ages. It offers an island paradise virtual getaway and is mainly the reason why it is so popular—especially at this time.
2. Minecraft: Education Edition
The Minecraft craze—yes, that’s what everybody calls it. Kids of all ages are obsessed with this game, and it is very helpful in terms of learning geology, geometry, and improving creativity. The best part is, this game is available for almost any kind of device. Anyone can play Minecraft games on PC, Android, Wii U, or PlayStation. But there is one variant of this game that is very helpful for kids and teachers, and that is Minecraft: Education Edition.
This game is perfect for learning as it has a feature for classroom use. Kids and teachers can interact with the game and solve problems together through gameplay. Teachers (and also parents) can instruct kids to solve problems in Math, as well as create stories for specific projects or learn the basics of Chemistry through the game.
If your kid is even more into Minecraft there are PCs that are built especially for the game.
3. Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn
Join and save Kirby as he ventures into the yarn world! An evil sorcerer turned his body full of yarn, making it a huge challenge to move and go around different levels. Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn is perfect for young kids because it hones decision-making skills. Aside from that, there are mini-games that you can play to earn collectibles and beautify Kirby’s Pad.
4. Super Mario Bros Deluxe
Mario and Luigi will always remain classic video game characters to everyone—children and adults alike. The previous Super Mario games always saw Mario and Luigi traveling to different worlds to save Princess Toadstool from the mighty Bowser.
For Super Mario Bros Deluxe, players can expect more obstacles, stronger opponents, and mind-blowing puzzles and secrets at every stage. It’s just like the classic Super Mario Bros. game, but with more action, sleeker visuals and fluid movements. This game is not just for kids, but the entire family!
5. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
Kids adore everything about Pokemon—be it in movies, toys, and video games. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! is one of the most popular games from Nintendo in recent years. In this game, the player has to follow the footsteps of Ash. They have to work to become the best Pokemon trainer, then battle with gym leaders or trainers, and ultimately, Team Rocket!
6. New Super Lucky’s Tale
Many kids love New Super Lucky’s Tale. The challenges are not as serious and difficult compared to other adventure games from Nintendo. In this game, players join Lucky on an exciting expedition through the Book of Ages—a magical artifact.
As you play the game, you enter different epic worlds that are full of unique people and friends. This 3D game has a lot in store for young players such as mini-games, puzzles, and exciting battles to win! Get lost in this magical adventure with Lucky, and enjoy the beautiful visuals and audio effects too.
7. Snipperclips Plus
Get Snipperclips Plus if you want your entire family to bond like never before! This game oozes with cuteness, color, and fun in all aspects. It is one of those feel-good games that does not put so much pressure on players. It is perfect for a leisure day with the whole family!
Snipperclips Plus needs you and your friends or family to cut paper pals into particular shapes to solve puzzles. In the game, different shapes need different approaches, so players have to think outside the box. Two to four players can team up and go over these action-packed puzzles!
8. Luigi’s Mansion 3
If the ultimate goal of the famous Super Mario Bros. games is to save the Princess, in Luigi’s Mansion 3, Luigi must rescue Mario out of the Last Resort Hotel. The game is a bit spooky, but still fun to play with the whole family! All you have to do is conquer your fears, blow away the ghosts that come your way, and solve mind-bending challenges inside the doomed hotel.
9. Overcooked! 2
Being a chef can be tough, especially if you have tons of mouths to feed within a short period. So how much more if you are pressured to save the world by whipping up some yummy and gourmet recipes, right?
Overcooked! 2 brings you a lot of cooking challenges which entails traveling to cook new recipes such as cakes, pizzas, and Sushi! While traveling, you can see the beautiful themes ranging from restaurants, mines, or even magic schools. You can also team up with other players to beat cooking records online! Being a cooking game, Overcooked! 2 is perfect for players of all ages.
10. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
“Thank you Mario but our princess is in another castle!”
That is one of the most popular video game messages that remind us of Toad from the Super Mario franchise. The toad is usually seen as an NPC in most of the series, but in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, he is the main star! The cute little mushroom character has his puzzle quests to solve and you must help this feisty hero find all the treasures in the game.
The game offers a lot of action and interesting locations, such as haunted houses, fiery volcanoes, and more. To play as Toadette, you must get all the stolen treasures from Wingo, the evil bird. Two players can enjoy this game—even the young ones can try and solve a puzzle or two!
These games could pre-occupy your children for hours! No more boring quarantine days. There’s always a new gaming world and adventure to explore.
BY TECHIE MAMMA