educational xbox one games for 5 year olds

Educational Games for Kids (Cross-Buy)

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You are a parent and you are trying to relax a little by playing your favorite game. Your child keeps asking you to let them try it… But this game is not suitable for children (because it’s a little scary and not educational at all). Does this situation sound familiar? At last: a well thought-out, smart, polished, ‘console quality’ educational game pack is out for your kids. Suitable for boys and girls from ages 3 to 18. A pack of 21 different games with 51 variations that educate in various ways like: reflexes, logic, math, memory and knowledge. Keep track of your child's progress with our statistics. All games have easy-to-learn controls with interesting and fun things to do. At last, a pack of games designed to educate and make your children smarter. The game runs natively in 4K@120FPS/60FPS. What's included in this Educational Games pack: 1) Reflex: Riding a tricycle. (Ages: 3-4) 2) Reflex: Riding a scooter. (Ages: 5-7) 3) Reflex: Riding a bike. (Ages: >8) 4) Logic: Jigsaw puzzles with four variations. (Ages: >3) 5) Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division with many variations. (Ages: >6) 6) Knowledge: World Geography of Countries/States plus capital cities. Huge game that includes all the world. (Ages: >11) 7) Knowledge: World Flags. Another huge game with many variations. (Ages: >11) 8) Memory: Sharpen your child's memory. Three difficulty variations. (Ages: >3) 9) Logic: Mazes. Find your way out the maze. Five difficulty variations. (Ages: >3) 10) Just for Fun: Dress up a girl just for fun. (Ages: 3-5) 11) Just for Fun: Color many sketches just for fun. (Ages: 3-5) 12) Logic: Categorize the animals, birds and fish. (Ages: 3-5) 13) Logic: Categorize the colors of the objects around you. (Ages: 3-5) 14) Logic: Categorize the shapes of the objects around you. (Ages: 3-5) 15) Knowledge: Get to know the sound each musical instrument makes. (Ages: >6) 16) Logic: Learn how colors are mixed. (Ages: >6) 17) Logic: Build IQ by understanding patterns. (Ages: >4) 18) Logic: Is it a toy or is it food? Simple and fun game for young children. (Ages: 3-4) 19) Logic: Match the shape to its identical hole. (Ages: 3-4) 20) Knowledge: Learn and hear the number from 1 to 20 by popping balloons. Translated professional speech in eight languages included. (Ages: 3-4) 21) Hidden Dragon Game. Needs all games completed with 3 stars to unlock! (Ages: >4)

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• Xbox Series X|S

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Educational Games For Kids Is Now Available For Xbox One

Educational Games for Kids (Cross-Buy)

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20 Best Xbox One Games For Kids (That Aren’t Fortnite)

No more dabbing.

Just like the Wu-Tang Clan, there are plenty of games available on the Xbox One that are “for the children”, as ODB famously said . And yes, some of those games aren’t Fortnite , as shocking as that might be to believe right now, though this isn’t a tips article on how to get your child to stop playing free-to-play battle royale games, or how to stop them maxing out your credit card with microtransactions without your permission. You’re on your own there.

The fact is, there’s plenty of games that are suitable for children available on the Xbox One, and pretty much all of them support local multiplayer too, allowing to enjoy spending some quality time with your kids without worrying about 99 other players and a closing circle. With that in mind, here’s 20 of the best Xbox One games for kids (that aren’t Fortnite).

Bear in mind that thanks to backwards compatibility, all of these kid-friendly games will also work on Xbox Series X & S .

The Best Xbox One Games For Kids

20. rush: a disneypixar adventure.

Developer: Asobo Studio Publisher: Microsoft Studios

Disney and Pixar fans should be pleased with the next two entries, once you’re done playing LEGO The Incredibles anyway. First off, Rush: A DisneyPixar Adventure, which is ideal for the five people left who actually own the Xbox Kinect . You know you are, and you finally have a reason to dust it off now, you lucky devils.

Rush: A DisneyPixar Adventure compiles the worlds of Cars, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Dory, Up and Ratatouille, offering a variety of platforming, racing and puzzle levels that’ll keep the wee ones entertained. It’ll even give them some exercise if you’ve got that Kinect lying around. Seriously, what else are you using it for?

19. Supermarket Shriek

Developer: Billy Goat Entertainment Publisher: Billy Goat Entertainment

Most of the time in gaming, you look to play something refined, maybe even sophisticated, but sometimes you just want something that’s a little bit daft. Supermarket Shriek is that kind of game, as you control a man and a goat, stuck inside a shopping trolley using their voice to propel themselves through a series of intricate levels.

While Supermarket Shriek can be enjoyed perfectly fine as a lone player, the game comes into its own as a co-op title, as two players can utilise the simple control scheme to escort our heroes to the finish line. With an 8-player party mode to boot, along with plenty of secret levels parodying other video games, Supermarket Shriek is a hell of time.

18. Disneyland Adventures

Developer: Frontier Developments Publisher: Microsoft Studios

Look, another Kinect supported title. Two in one article, who would have thought? Seems like we’re supporting the peripheral more than Microsoft is at this point. Anyway, Disneyland Adventures features a recreation of the famous Disneyland resort in California, though with a few omissions. No Star Wars content here, unfortunately. This is just classic Disney.

Players can explore Disneyland, interact with a variety of characters and fellow park attendees, find secrets and take on plenty of minigames. With support for 2 player co-op, Disneyland Adventures is the perfect way to trick your children like the evil mastermind that you are. “C’mon kids, we’re going to Disneyland!”, you say, as you corral your tykes in front of the TV.

17. Infinite Minigolf

Developer: Zen Studios Publisher: Zen Studios

Minigolf is a brilliant family activity, particularly if you’re on holiday I’ve found. There’s plenty of childhood memories of my Dad flexing on me and Mum during a trip around the course. Yeah, we get it Dad, you played actual golf. Infinite Minigolf is the closest you can come to replicating those memories without shelling out for a family holiday to Gran Canaria.

On the surface, Infinite Minigolf appears to be just a run of the mill minigolf title, but the “Infinite” in its name isn’t just there for show. Players can create their own holes with a range of obstacles and hazards to navigate before sharing them online for others to player, allowing for potentially limitless replayability.

16. Zoo Tycoon

Developer: Frontier Developments, Asobo Studio Publisher: Microsoft Studios

You might have noticed a certain theme that some children’s video games allow your children to experience things that might be logistically impractical for some. Not everyone lives near a minigolf course, not everyone can afford a trip to Disneyland, and not everyone can do a Matt Damon and say “We Bought A Zoo”. But you can build one in Zoo Tycoon.

While the more dense managerial aspects of the game might fly over the heads of most kids, Zoo Tycoon allows players to learn and interact with a wide range of wild animals, and the freeform mode lets kids build the zoo of their dreams with no consequence. There’s even Kinect functionality, which you may as well make the most of considering you dug it out for those Disney games.

15. Super Lucky’s Tale

Developer: Playful Corp. Publisher: Microsoft

A throwback in perhaps the best way possible, Super Lucky’s Tale is a classic 3D platformer in a similar vein to those of the N64/PS1 era. Think of it as a blend between the likes of Banjo-Kazooie and Crash Bandicoot; mostly linear platforming levels but with plenty of collectibles to find.

You play as Lucky, a cute little fox that must stop the nefarious Jinx from stealing the ancient Book of Ages. It’s a simple premise that’s ideal for children, and while the game does get progressively more difficult, it’s nothing that a young’un couldn’t handle.

If you’re looking for an old school platformer, and don’t want to subject your kids to the horrors of Crash’s The High Road level, Super Lucky’s Tale is a good pick.

14. Plants vs Zombies: Battle For Neighborville

Developer: PopCap Games Publisher: EA

All of the games on this list have that hidden danger that you’ll recommend them to your kids, only for you to end up playing them yourself more than they do. Plants vs Zombies: Battle For Neighborville is possibly the most surprising instance of that, as it’s an underrated banger of a title, offering a bit of something for everyone.

Taking the Plants vs Zombies series into the world of class-based third person shooters, Battle For Neighborville improves greatly on the previous Garden Warfare titles. Neighborville boosts the game’s single-player/co-op activities, with more campaign levels, areas and missions for both plants and zombies, while retaining the same multiplayer and survival game types that’ll keep you coming back for more.

13. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed

Developer: Sumo Digital Publisher: SEGA

Nintendo and Xbox’s relationship has become pretty cosy as of late, with previous Microsoft exclusive Cuphead now making its way to the Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, we doubt that their sudden romance will lead to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe making its way to the Xbox One, so we’ll have to settle for Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed.

We say “settle”, but Sonic & All-Stars is more than a worthy alternative to Nintendo’s original offering, combining some of SEGA’s biggest mascots in a kart racing game for the AGES. Though the 4 player local multiplayer might get a bit competitive, maybe even a little salty, you and the kids will find yourselves coming back for more every time.

12. Gang Beasts

Developer: Boneloaf Publisher: Double Fine

A more recent addition to this list, largely because it only came out about two days before this article got published, Gang Beasts is another one for those more competitive and rambunctious children out there. Better they try and batter each other in a video game than them trying to actually throw each other down the stairs.

The physics-based brawler that’s been a huge phenomenon the world over, Gang Beasts is like a lot of the other games on this list, as it’s perfect to play as a family. With enough controllers, the entire family can get involved, and the unpredictable nature of the game ensures that no one person will dominate the game.

11. TrackMania Turbo

Developer: Nadeo Publisher: Ubisoft

The appeal of racing games is that anyone can understand the key premise of the genre: be the fastest. TrackMania Turbo is one of the purest racing game experiences you can play, largely due to the fact that your only opponent is yourself. Instead of racing against others, you’re competing for the best time across hundreds of tracks.

The low-intensity of TrackMania makes it a perfect fit within a kid’s game library, particularly if they’re a budding petrolhead, but the real attraction of TrackMania Turbo is the track creator. If you want your children to exhibit some creativity in different ways than usual, give this one a whirl.

10. Yooka-Laylee

Developer: Playtonic Games Publisher: Team17

While Playtonic’s original offering might not have set the world on fire when it launched, there’s no denying that Yooka-Laylee is a fun old time that’s ideal for the tykes. As the titular chameleon and bat combo, you explore a host of worlds and try to stop the villainous Capital B and evil organisation.

The bright colours and silly humour of Yooka-Laylee makes the throwback platformer feel right at home as a kids game. With a co-operative multiplayer mode for two players, and a host of minigames for up to four, Yooka-Laylee can cater to an entire family when it comes to game night.

9. SpeedRunners

Developer: DoubleDutch Games Publisher: TinyBuild Games

Perhaps the most non-traditional racing game ever made, SpeedRunners is as competitive and enjoyable as they come. Up to four players compete to run faster than the competition in a 2D platformer/racing game hybrid, with those unable to keep up forced off-screen to sit out until the next round.

While SpeedRunners might not sound impressive on paper, the reality is that the game is basically a platforming version of Mario Kart, complete with power-ups to really turn the tide of the race. While SpeedRunners might cause tensions to run high during a family game night, it won’t be long before you’ll be playing it again. It’s that good.

8. Sonic Mania Plus

Developers: Christian Whitehead, HeadCannon, PagodaWest Games Publisher: SEGA

Despite not being developed by SEGA, Sonic Mania Plus is the best Sonic game in recent memory. If you ever felt like giving your children a lesson in how games used to be, stick them on Sonic Mania Plus. You might hear some complaints about the old style graphics or “the lack of a battle royale mode” (that’s what the kids like, right?), but they’ll come around in time.

A retro game from a modern studio, Sonic Mania Plus continues the same legacy built by the first four mainline Sonic games, so expect 2D platforming at its finest with no hint of Big The Cat in sight. Sonic Mania Plus is a stellar family game, offering retro thrills for the old folks while keeping things fresh for the younger generation.

7. Rocket League

Developer: Psyonix Publisher: Psyonix

This one might come with a bit of a caveat: Rocket League is a perfect game to play with your children, just be careful if you decide to play it online. The unholy fusion between football and cars that works in such a way that makes you wonder how it hasn’t been done before, Rocket League will satiate your child’s more competitive side.

With support for 4 players locally, Rocket League has enough replayability to remain a key fixture in any family game night, and Psyonix are still offering new modes and updates to all players. You can even take the game online with split screen support, but make sure to mute the voice chat and in-game chat. Things can get a little bit toxic.

It’s also now free!

6. Hasbro Family Fun Pack

Developer: Ubisoft Publisher: Ubisoft

Monopoly, Risk, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit have been mainstays as the go-to choice for game nights for years now, and it’s easy to see why. Personally, me and my family were always partial to a game of Frustration, or Trouble as it’s known in America, but considering we don’t have digital versions of that game, we’ll have to make do.

Trivial Pursuit is the quiz show that doesn’t require you to apply to be on TV, and the digital version gives a new interactive element that refines the classic formula. Risk will let you live out your megalomaniacal fantasies, while Scrabble/Boggle (depending on UK or US release) will give anagram enthusiasts their fix. Meanwhile, Monopoly Plus allows you to instill the life lessons of Monopoly that life isn’t fair and you will probably lose all of your money without the threat of one of the kids flipping the table when they don’t win.

They’ll just put their controller through the TV instead.

5. Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Developer: Toys For Bob Publisher: Activision

We’ve already mentioned the difficulty of Crash Bandicoot, so if you’re looking for a remastered trilogy of platformers for your kids that won’t make them want to launch their expensive controllers at the wall, you’ll want to go for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

A collection of the first three games in the series, remastered to look absolutely beautiful on currently generation hardware, the Reignited Trilogy is a faithful recreation of the timeless classics. The wonderful and varied worlds, the constantly evolving gameplay and the slapstick humour make for a set of perfect family adventures.

4. Overcooked/Overcooked 2

Developer: Ghost Town Games Publisher: Team17

If you ever wanted to teach your children the value of teamwork and cooperation, Overcooked and Overcooked 2 are the games for you. Just be warned that you might pay the ultimate price in trying to teach your children that lesson, and they might even learn a few bits of colourful language in the process.

Up to four players take control of different chefs as they work to create specific meals in order to please a growing list of diners. While the game starts out simple enough (well, aside from the apocalyptic flash forward in the first game), players have to contend with environmental hazards and constant miscommunication that’ll push any close-knit group to their limits.

3. Human: Fall Flat

Developer: No Brakes Games Publisher: Curve Digital

Another physics based title, Human: Fall Flat is for those that would rather work together rather than try to throw each other off ledges, though there’s still room for that too. A unique 3D platformer, Human: Fall Flat features a number of levels and puzzles, but gives you no real indication on how to solve them.

Oftentimes, there’s more than one way to finish a level, with players coming up with some truly creative ways to reach the end goal. With support for local multiplayer for two players, along with online multiplayer for 8 players, the whole family can work together to take on Human: Fall Flat’s challenges. Now that the Xbox One has also received some free levels on top of the base game, Human: Fall Flat is even more of a great deal.

2. Minecraft

Developer: Mojang, 4J Studios Publisher: Mojang, Microsoft

What is there to say about Minecraft that hasn’t been said already? The worldwide phenomenon has probably already been installed on every available platform in your house already, and rightly so. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than spending a relaxing afternoon mining resources to build your giant volcano fortress.

Playable both online and via local splitscreen, Minecraft again allows the more creative minds to build their wildest fantasies, both in survival and creative mode, while the adventurous can explore and see everything that the world has to offer. With regular updates still being developed, there’s always reasons to come back to Minecraft.

1. All The LEGO Games

Developer: TT Games Publisher: TT Games

We ended our Xbox One co-op games list with all of the LEGO games, so why not do the same here? TT Games seems to have their fingers in every single pie imaginable, as there are LEGO games based on so many different games. If your child is a fan of anything, there’s a good chance there’s a LEGO game about it, even if it’s just the tie-ins to the films.

Factoring in backwards compatibility and re-releases, there are LEGO games about Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, The Incredibles, Marvel, DC, Jurassic World and Indiana Jones. If your children are more creatively inclined, LEGO Worlds allows players to let their imaginations run wild. Essentially, there’s an article’s worth of games you could pick from here, so take your pick. They’re all bangers.

READ NEXT: 13 Best Xbox Series X & S Open World Games

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Best Xbox One Educational Games for kids

2] one eyed kutkh, 3] brain challenge, 4] jump, step, step, 5] bridge constructor, 6] encleverment experiment, 7] spellspire, 8] numantia, 10] doodle god: ultimate edition, karankhanna@twc.

10 Best Educational Games for Xbox Series X / S

Games do not always have to be about having fun. It is also possible to learn a few things while you complete challenges, take out enemies, or win a competition.

For grown-ups, the lessons can come from the stories that are found in single-player campaigns. There have been many games that have had stories that not only make you think but also cause you to implement changes in your life for the better.

When it comes to kids, it is possible to have games that provide both enjoyment and education. Some games are designed with this in mind, where the challenges are created to challenge the intellect and teach new information.

Others are a bit more complex in the way they teach children. There are games that are designed to test the cognitive ability of the children and to make sure that they expand their horizons in terms of the way they think and behave.

Here, we have taken a look at such games and compiled a list of the 11 best educational games for Xbox Series X / S.

We begin our list with a game that almost every kid has played at some point. Roblox truly has been a global phenomenon, with the internet littered with memes about kids begging their parents for Robux.

Even though it may seem like something designed to get kids addicted, Roblox can be whatever you make it out to be. There are literally thousands of games within Roblox, and the games your kids end up playing will determine just how much information they glean from them.

Of course, a large percentage of the Roblox population just plays a variant of the first-person shooter. However, there are a lot of games that encourage kids to think. Some of them revolve around puzzles, while others are about building things in a creative manner.

Roblox also encourages kids to communicate with each other, and it can be a very social experience at times. Lastly, it is possible for kids to put their imagination to work and create their own games in Roblox. Overall, Roblox may just be the most educational game out there.

Insects was created back in 2017 as a way for Microsoft to show off the capabilities of its console. it was originally designed with game developers in mind. It demonstrated the graphical detail and the spatial audio that could be achieved on the then brand-new generation of Xbox consoles.

Now, it has been repurposed to be an educational game. To be clear, this is not really a game in the sense that there are challenges to complete. However, it does allow kids to walk around in a field, interact with various insects, and see how they behave.

As a lot of kids are not really interested in textbooks, Insects is a great way to acquaint them with the world of science. The demo can only be experienced for a few hours before it becomes boring and repetitive. However, it is completely free to download and play.

Educational Games for Kids

As the title suggests, this is a collection of games that are designed to be fun, engaging, and educational. All of the games have gone through testing to see if they can really teach the kids something new.

There are over 20 games in the pack, and each of them is appropriate for a certain age group. While there are games for kids as old as teenagers, we all know that these games are primarily designed for children much younger than that.

Most of the games are for kids between the ages of three and five. Some of them are based on simple concepts such as riding a bicycle. Others are a bit more complex and have logic-based puzzles that the kids need to solve.

PC Building Simulator

PC Building Simulator is all about building and repairing PC. This part can only teach your child so much. So unless you are planning on raising your kid to be the ultimate PC handyman, this game might not be such a good idea.

However, the single-player mode also revolves around running a PC building and repairing shop. This means that you need to handle customer orders and manage a business at the same time.

There is no reason for us to state the obvious, but this is a great skill for anyone to learn. The mechanics of the game are simple enough that anyone who is six years or older should be able to learn them with ease. As such, think of PC Building Simulator as a tool to teach your child the basics of a business.

Bridge Constructor

Most of the titles on our list of the best educational games for Xbox Series X and S seem to be very self-explanatory. Bridge Constructor is no different. All that players need to do here is to build bridges that are both practical and well-constructed.

Sounds simple, but there is a lot of complexity here. Not only do players need to stay underneath the budget, but they also need to satisfy certain criteria. Think of it like a puzzle game that also has certain elements of resource management in the mix.

With 64 levels of varying difficulty, it will take your child quite a bit of time before he or she is done with Bridge Constructor.

Along with Roblox, Minecraft is the other game that kids seem to be crazy about. Just like Roblox, Minecraft allows for the freedom to experiment and do whatever you want.

On PC, Minecraft has a huge modding community with mods that change the way the game works. While the modding scene is not that big on Xbox, there are still endless possibilities whenever you fire up the game.

For kids, this allows their creativity to shine through. Even in something as basic as the survival mode, players need to ensure that they build defenses against the zombies and avoid all the natural elements that could harm them.

Lastly, remember that Minecraft is not a game that can only be enjoyed by kids. A lot of hardcore gamers also like what the game has to offer. What’s more, we think Minecraft is one of the best Xbox games for couples due to its cooperative nature.

Both of the Portal games in the main series have received critical acclaim for their well-designed levels, story, and general gameplay.

However, most agree that Portal 2 is the overall better game. This is mainly due to the additional mechanics introduced into the game and the higher visual fidelity. Regardless of which game you think is better, it is obvious that both of the games have a very high educational value.

Portal is a puzzle game where you have the ability to create portals and teleport from one place to the other. This will be very important for solving the puzzles, some of which are extremely difficult to complete.

We wouldn’t recommend Portal for extremely young children due to the difficulty of the game. However, this is a great game for kids in their pre and early teens to test and expand their cognitive abilities.

Jump, Step, Step

Jump, Step, Step is the next game on our list of the best Xbox educational games. At its core, it is a platformer with hilarious dialogue that any kid is sure to love. However, there is an added element of strategy to the game.

The player gets to control a robot called Bob. They need to guide him as he collects his limbs, rebuilds his spaceship, and tries to find out what happened to him. The twist is that Bob must be given a sequence of commands that he executes altogether.

What this means is that the player will not be controlling the robot directly. Instead, they will have to dish out a sequence of commands that gets Bob to the next checkpoint. This requires a lot of thinking and planning, valuable lessons for anyone to learn.

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program is a great game to play regardless of your age. The game requires you to control the space program of a faraway race known as the Kerbals.

As you are in charge, you will be responsible for exploring the universe, setting up bases on other planets, and bringing new resources back home to advance your civilization. The tools at your disposal are quite small and shabby at the beginning, but you can upgrade them as you move outward.

Kerbal Space Program is a great game for teaching resource management, patience, and decision-making. A lot of times, players will need to sacrifice one part of their program for another or explore risk-reward options. Definitely, a great thing for kids to learn at an early age.

We would also recommend that grown-ups give the game a try. It is quite fun to play and was on our list of the best space games for Xbox .

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is the last game on our list of the best educational games for box Series X / S. Those who have played it will know that the game primarily revolves around farming in a small village. That is not the reason why we have included it on our list.

Instead, the reason Stardew Valley makes this list is because of its social aspect. The town is alive with characters of all sorts, and it is possible to have long and engaging conversations with them.

Considering how much wisdom there is to be found amongst some of the older characters, we think Stardew Valley is a great educational game. Of course, it will have an additional positive impact if you and your family live on a farm.

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13 (Secretly) Educational Video Games That Kids Will Actually Like

Yes, it's possible for video games to be fun and educational.

• She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.

Games are a great way to keep kids entertained. It's an added bonus if they're educational. 

Video games have come a long way from the Super Mario Bros. games of the '80s and '90s -- and I'm not just talking about graphics. Developers have gotten super creative at sneaking in educational lessons where kids would least expect them. And one of the best ways to learn is when you're having fun .

In addition, an ongoing study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open says that kids who play video games daily show improved cognitive skills in comparison with kids who don't play at all. 

Check out our list of mobile apps, PC and video games that can educate and entertain your kids.

What your kids will learn: creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, reading, math and more

Minecraft is available on multiple platforms.

World-building game Minecraft lets players explore, gather resources, craft tools and engage in some mild combat. The game has different modes -- survival, creative, adventure, spectator and multiplayer -- so players have flexibility in how they approach it. 

Creative freedom and self-direction isn't all that the game lends its players, according to iD Tech . Minecraft teaches teamwork and the motivation to improve reading and math skills. To get better at the game, parents told iD Tech that their kids started reading about biomes and calculating rations for adventures, dividing supplies and how many minutes until "night" in the game. Minecraft's educational benefits have also been packaged for the classroom . 

You can play the game on PC, mobile, console, Amazon Fire and Oculus. 

The Oregon Trail

What your kids will learn: historical events, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and more

Are you tough enough to survive blizzards, disease and snake bites in the retro "Oregon Trail" game?

The Oregon Trail came onto the scene in the '70s and has gone through quite a few changes since then. My 10-year-old self spent many an afternoon trying to get my digital wagon 2,000 miles west to safety. Before you start the trip, you pick a job (each has its own unique benefits), name your companions and purchase supplies. 

Recent updates to the game let you trade, upgrade your wagon and buy food and medicine to increase your group's chances of survival. Along the trip, your group encounters illness, obstructive rivers, highway bandits, food constraints and other complications of the time. Though the situations are a bit dramatic, players learn fast about pre-planning and making choices with the long term in mind.

I played (and described above) the 5th edition of the game, which you can order on Amazon. If you want a newer mobile experience, you can try The Oregon Trail: American Settler for iOS or The Oregon Trail from Gameloft on Apple Arcade .

What your kids will learn:  vocabulary

Wordscapes is a fun brainteaser game

Fans of Words with Friends and Scrabble (the app or the board game) may be drawn to Wordscapes, which allows kids to learn new words and practice logic skills. You get unlimited tries to solve crossword-style puzzles using only a handful of letters (with few free hints). The app challenges you on some levels by prohibiting three-letter words and offering daily puzzles that challenge you to guess all the words in a certain order. Wordscapes has a built-in dictionary that makes it easy for kids to add to their vocabularies. You can play on Android and iOS . 

The Little Big Planet series

What your kids will learn: logic, spatial orientation skills, design and problem solving

The Little Big Planet series.

This spunky little game follows the adventures of Sackboy and his friends. The first two games are mostly platform-jumping and avoiding obstacles to make it to the next level. Players can also create their own levels, customize characters or build complex contraptions in a level. Finally, players have the option to share their creations in the PlayStation Network.

The first game, Little Big Planet, was released in 2008  and the creators have released several entries since. Little Big Planet 3 is the newest installment , which introduced three new characters: Toggle, Swoop and Oddsock. The games are available on PSP, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3. You can also check out Little Big Planet Karting and the free Run Sackboy! Run app on Android and iOS .

Portal series

What your kids will learn:  logic, problem-solving, physics, math, science and spatial skills

Even though this mind-bending puzzle game has been out since 2012, it still feels fresh and inventive. 

Portal is along the lines of Little Big Planet, but it's a bit more mature. The first Portal got a Teen rating for the inclusion of some bloodstains, but Portal 2 is rated E. The games might be a bit scary or difficult for players under 9 , Common Sense Media suggests.

Portal places players in a secret research facility who is led through a series of dangerous tests by a humorously narcissistic AI called GLaDOS. The puzzles are solved by creating an entry portal in a wall, creating an exit portal somewhere else and walking through. Players advance by learning how to manipulate physics and spatial constraints. Just try not to fall forever. Portal and Portal 2 are available on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. 

Kerbal Space Program

What your kids will learn : physics, the solar system, mathematics and basic aerospace engineering

Kerbal Space Program is a lot more than just cute aliens. 

Your kids don't have to play in a cardboard box in the yard if they want to be an astronaut. This rocket simulation game focuses on a space program for an alien race called the Kerbals. When you start a game, you'll be tasked with building a rocket that either works or doesn't work, based on " realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics ." Once you get your Kerbals into space, you can explore the solar system, build bases and construct space stations. The game got a lot of attention from NASA and the B612 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to planetary science and planetary defense. 

The game has three modes -- Science, Career and Sandbox. Science mode lets players unlock new tech and advance the Kerbals; Career mode has players oversee every aspect of the Kerbal's space program; and Sandbox mode is more freeform play. Kerbal Space Program and its expansions -- Breaking Ground and Making History -- are available for PC and console.

What your kids will learn: trigonometry in its basest form, angles and critical thinking

Eloh is such an addicting, yet satisfying game.

This app is another example of teaching your kids without them knowing they're being taught. Eloh is a visually beautiful musical puzzle game that teases your brain without stressing you out. Each level features island spirits that you can move. Once you get them into the right spot, tap the red speaker and music will start. The goal is to bounce the "sound waves" off the spirits and hit the spiral icon. It's kind of like banking a shot in billiards. 

The levels get progressively more challenging, but there's no timer, ads or in-app purchases. The app costs $3 to download on Android or iOS . 

What your kids will learn: logic, patterns, data analysis and problem-solving skills

Zoombinis was a game I frequently played after school growing up.

If you grew up in the '90s, you might remember this game. Zoombinis kept me busy many an afternoon. In the game, you must guide the little blue critters out of the evil Bloats' clutches and home to Zoombiniville. Each of the 12 levels such as Allergic Cliffs, Stone Cold Caves and Pizza Pass get progressively more challenging, with kids using logic and pattern identification to win. Play on iOS , Android or PC. 

Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?

What your kids will learn: geography, the locations of historic events and other geographical facts.

Carmen Sandiego is globe-trotting on Google Maps. 

Google Earth and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's Carmen Sandiego games -- The Crown Jewels Caper , The Tutankhamun's Mask Caper and The Keys to the Kremlin -- offer something new while paying homage to the original franchise. Players use the magnifying glass to interview witnesses in different cities and gather clues, learning about geography and history along the way. When you think you've figured out the next step, click the airplane icon to fly to the next city and continue unraveling the mystery. You can play on web browser , Android or iOS . 

Nancy Drew Interactive Mysteries

What your kids will learn:  historical events and important figures, critical thinking, foreign cultures, languages and customs, problem-solving skills and more

The Nancy Drew interactive mystery series is probably my favorite game franchise of all time. 

I will shamelessly say that I have played these games since they started making them in 1998 . Some are based on Nancy Drew books (The Secret of the Old Clock game, for instance, is based on the first four books in the series) while others are original mysteries. 

The point-and-click games let you play as Nancy, solving a mystery as the amateur detective would. Whether you play as a junior or senior detective, you'll question suspects, solve puzzles, discover clues and find your way out of multiple sticky situations to catch the culprit. 

The beauty of these games is that they teach kids without them knowing it. At 9 years old, I knew a ridiculous amount about the Mayan civilization after playing Secret of the Scarlet Hand, as well as the key players in the French Revolution after playing Treasure in the Royal Tower. There are 33 games to date for PC, mobile and certain gaming consoles.

Democracy series

What your kids will learn:  multiple layers of government functions like parties, funding, taxes, elections, policy changes, political capital, budgets, debts and more. In addition, they'll learn about compromise, cause and effect, strategy and conflict resolution.

Can you run a country? 

Has your kid ever wanted to be in politics? Now they can try their hand at it with the Democracy game series. In this government simulation game, you play as the president or prime minister of a democratic government and alter policies in the areas of tax, economy, welfare, foreign policy, transport, law and order and public services. The catch, like in real life, is that each policy affects other factors like voter happiness, crime rates and air quality, for example. Players also have to deal with situations like homelessness or protests and make decisions accordingly. 

You can play Democracy, Democracy 2, Democracy 3 and Democracy 4 on PC.

National Geographic Challenge

What your kids will learn: historical figures and events, geography and more

Trivia fans, anyone?

The National Geographic Challenge is a quiz game that lives up to the "challenge" part of its name. There's no shortage of questions that range from easy to hard and are divided into regions -- North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Australia. Start a game for up to four players and choose an avatar. You can try to answer 40, 60 or 80 of the game's timed questions. The games are complemented by impressive photography and video from the National Geographic archive.

The National Geographic Challenge will test kids' knowledge with questions like: In what year did Madagascar gain independence from France? In which country does the River Niger reach the sea? The game is available on Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3. 

World Rescue

What your kids will learn: geography, conservation and sustainability, global problems, healthy living and activism

World Rescue is one of the games offered by the institute. 

World Rescue was developed by ZU Digital with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Think of it as a 21st century Captain Planet, minus the superpowers. The game's levels are set in Kenya, Norway, Brazil, India and China. There, you'll help five heroes solve problems like displacement, disease, deforestation, drought and pollution, giving kids lessons on real-world issues. You can play World Rescue on Android or iOS . 

For more, check out our list of the best video games to play in 2021 ,  best online games to play with friends  and  seven great kid-friendly gifts that aren't video games .

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Educational Games for Kids Review

I had big plans for how to review Educational Games for Kids on Xbox One. I was going to play each of the 21 games (51 variations – thank you, press materials) side by side with my five-year old daughter, and then we’d give dual reviews: me from the perspective of a parent and her as the target audience (the game is aimed at 3-18 year olds).

Now I understand why they say “don’t work with children or animals”, as she gave an identical review for each game of “I love it”. We’re going to have to work on her critical faculties. Of course, you could interpret it as a glowing review – if so, duck out and go buy now!

As a family, we’ve found that the only games that have stuck with my five-year old on Xbox One are Lego The Incredibles and Skylanders . These are becoming comfort blankets and are barely educational, so we’re in the market for more enriching games. Unfortunately, as an ecosystem, the Xbox One is poorer at catering to early-years than any other system. PC, Switch, mobile and even the PS4, thanks to a smattering of VR titles, all better serve a younger player, and we’ve bounced off the Xbox’s limited colouring and jigsaw games. 

So, when Educational Games for Kids cropped up, I jumped at the opportunity. My daughter looks at me with the Xbox controller and wants to play it more often, and now was her chance to do so.

The compendium presents itself very similarly to 51 Worldwide Games on the Switch, if you’ve ever had the chance to play it. A horizontal list of games can be rattled through, and a short, visual explanation of each is offered before you jump in and play. But while 51 Worldwide Games focuses on recreational games, Educational Games does what it says on the tin and looks to inform (although, in truth, a fair few games are more fun than educational, so it’s not as dry as you might assume).

If you’ve ever gone on the hunt for educational games and apps for a younger child, particularly on mobile, then roughly half of the games will feel familiar – colouring books, memory games, dressing up, jigsaws and mazes are all present. These felt standard issue in terms of presentation, depth and quality, and my daughter quickly adapted to them, but I had the nagging feeling that they were available for free on other platforms. It’s not that they are bad – they’re just vanilla.

Where the game came into its own was with the other half of games: there were ten or so that tried something new and kept my daughter playing as a result. There’s a great little maths game based on Space Invaders, for example, with a number on your ship and sums on the invaders. Some unusual sorting games – ordering pictures according to shape, colour, sound and pattern – were favourites, and the game opens with three endless-runner style games that were dubiously educational but gave my daughter something to break up the edutainment.

It would have been easy to keep the packaging spartan, as most kids aren’t discerning, but Educational Games makes a few additions that go a long way. Most games can be dialled up and down in terms of difficulty, while others have options to finetune it even further. The games are clearly visualised and given age boundaries (my daughter wanted to tell you that the games were a little too easy, so feel free to brave some of the higher age games), which allows your child to navigate the games on their own. A universal star scoring system is a nice motivator (although there was sometimes confusion as my daughter didn’t feel that the final score corresponded to the one that tracks as you play).

And the music. Oh, the music. I want to get in touch with the developer and get my hands on the game-end theme. We’re still humming along to this ear-worm as a household.

There are issues worth noting. The Xbox controller isn’t always perfect for little hands, and some games, like the jigsaws, demand an amount of precision that compounds the problem. It’s a shame, as other games make concessions to the controller. Highscores and achievements are motivating for little demons, but they vary wildly from exceptionally easy to near impossible for the age they’re aiming at. It might be a little concession to achievement hunters, and yes – you can get 700G or so within an hour, and 820G if you’re willing to use Wikipedia for the quiz sections. A few games also have rough edges, latency and imprecisions that cause a few headaches.

I’d also like to challenge the game’s assertion that this is aimed at 3-18 year olds. If you’re looking at buying this for anyone over the age of 12, I’d have second thoughts. There just isn’t enough content for them here: there is a smattering of quizzes, but the real sweet spot is 3-8. It’s no bad thing, as it means a wealth of content for that bracket, but it’ll be unsatisfying for anyone older. 

Your appreciation for this collection will depend a lot on your circumstances. It’s priced high in comparison to other platforms (£10.74 on launch), particularly mobile, and the simplicity of tapping and swiping is probably more suitable for a child too. That might seem a dealbreaker, but this is a great gateway to getting your little’un on a controller, and that price could fall in future sales. Just keep it in mind when considering if this package is for you.

The collection could easily have been a scattering of shovelware, taking advantage of Xbox lovers who want to bring their kids in on the act. Heaven knows; there isn’t any competition. But while the presentation is a little bland and the price tag is north of the value it offers, Educational Games for Children on Xbox One has been made with real care. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love it.

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Xbox One Games for Kids

Xbox One has plenty of offerings for adult gamers, but are there any good games for kids? You betcha. Whether your kid is into sports , action/adventure, or strategy games, we've got you covered with this list of our favorite top-rated titles for kids of all ages. Some of these popular picks are edgier than others, so be prepared to discuss how violence is depicted. You're sure to find an age-appropriate choice in a genre that fits your gamer's interests. Who knows? You might even find a few new personal favorites to play with your family.

Gigantosaurus

Charming, smile-worthy adventure for young players.

Fruit Ninja Kinect 2

Family-friendly party game promotes socializing, exercise.

Charming pinball-like puzzle game, now with 4-player mode.

Pong goes full fantasy in a fun but repetitive adventure.

A Boy and His Blob (2016)

Heartwarming tale of friendship, teamwork, and hugs.

Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved

Become a wizardly conductor in music game; some iffy lyrics.

Forza Horizon 4 Lego Speed Champions

Fun, cartoonish add-on to an already solid racing game.

Forza Motorsport 7

Exceptional racing sim takes the checkered flag.

Fun arcade-style off-road racing game for all ages.

Infinite Minigolf

Big fun to be had, made in this mini-sized golf game.

Lumines Remastered

Classic puzzle game buzzes with new immersive play feature.

Madden NFL 20

Superstars stand out in focused, dynamic on-field play.

Mega Man Legacy Collection

Collection of challenging classic games is fun for everyone.

Mega Man Legacy Collection 2

Set of action games boosts difficulty, adds new challenges.

Monopoly Family Fun Pack

Fun version of the iconic board game -- with extra modes.

Fun co-op sim is appropriate for all ages, skill levels.

NBA 2K Playgrounds 2

All-ages arcade slam dunk for basketball fans.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix

Enjoyable kart racing game based on popular shows.

Overcooked! 2

Culinary chaos makes for a buffet of food-themed fun.

PGA Tour 2K21

Golf simulator with course editor fosters interest in sport.

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Best Xbox Kids Games 2024

These are our top picks for the best Xbox kids games, suitable for families and children of all ages!

Minecraft Dungeons

Kingdom Hearts III

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Sonic Mania

Stardew Valley

New Super Lucky's Tale

Slime Rancher 2

Unravel Two

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Beacon Pines

Let's Build a Zoo

My Friend Peppa Pig

Mineko’s Night Market

Coral Island

Devcats games

Paleo Pines

Party Animals

Sea of Thieves

Psychonauts 2

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

PAW Patrol games

Bluey: The Videogame

DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue

Greetings and welcome to our in-depth guide of the best Xbox games for kids. Ever since the dawn of their creation, Xbox consoles have featured an extravagant library of videogames aimed at gamers of all ages. Whether it’s an AAA-budget action-adventure title or a charming, cozy indie farming simulator, Xbox games have something for everyone. In addition, if your young kids happen to stumble upon a violent game rated for adult audiences, you can activate the Xbox’s parental controls to protect them from being harmed mentally.

With that being said, it can be difficult for parents to decide which videogame is appropriate for their children as there are so many high-quality games to choose from. To help you make an informed decision, we at Windows Central have rounded up all the best Xbox games aimed at kids that are both family-friendly and enjoyable to play.

This list will also include titles meant for older kids. However, younger kids can still play as long as they receive adult supervision during their playthrough. With introductions out of the way, here is our list of the best Xbox kids games that you can buy right now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox Game Pass.

When Minecraft was first released in 2011, no one could have predicted it would become one of the best-selling videogame franchises of all time. This survival adventure game captured the imagination of gamers across the globe by allowing them to play however they desired in a massive, procedurally-generated world.

You can journey into the wilderness and delve into the dangerous realm of the Nether to slay the Nether Dragon in survival mode. Or enjoy some relaxation in creative mode and build whatever you want, whether cities, statues, houses, mountains, farms, and much more. You can partake in both modes, solo or with your friends and family, as Minecraft features online multiplayer and cross-platform support across Xbox consoles, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming.

While the learning curve can be daunting for beginners, it is well worth the effort as the sheer amount of creativity you can get away with building structures is virtually limitless.

Minecraft is a timeless survival game where you can explore and craft to your heart’s content. Travel with your friends to explore treacherous, uncharted lands for valuable resources to build impeccable weaponry and defeat all manner of scary monsters. Then craft the perfect town, city, monument, or whatever your heart desires and show off your creativity to the world.

Buy at: Amazon | Xbox

If you and your kids like the world of Minecraft but prefer combating its rogue’s gallery of villains and beasts instead of crafting, look no further than Minecraft Dungeons. This game is an action-RPG spin-off of Minecraft where you must save the world from being taken over by the evil Arch-Illager.

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Inspired by classic dungeon crawlers like Diablo, Minecraft Dungeons stands on its two blocky feet with superb presentation, an easy-to-learn and polished combat system, and tons of gear and loot to collect and power up your character with. What’s even better is that Minecraft Dungeons features offline and online multiplayer with cross-platform support so you and your kids can team up to bring down the Arch-Illager together.

Check out our Minecraft Dungeons review to learn about this action-packed take on Minecraft.

The Arch-Illager and his army of skeletons, zombies, Creepers, and more are poised to take over the world and only you can stop him. Embark on an epic journey through the Minecraft world, defeat hordes of deadly foes using mighty weapons, and loot dungeons for rare magical treasures to help you save the day.

Kingdom Hearts III is the third mainline entry of Kingdom Hearts. This long-running video game franchise blends together the fantastical worlds of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series with that of iconic Disney and Pixar movies. The story of Kingdom Hearts follows Sora, a boy traveling with Donald Duck and Goofy on a quest to save the Disney Worlds from demonic monsters called the Heartless, notorious Disney villains, and mysterious masterminds such as Organization XIII and Master Xehanort.

Kingdom Hearts III is the long-awaited conclusion of an ongoing story arc that has been building up for decades, where all the major heroes and villains come together for one epic final battle. This game features a beginner-friendly yet in-depth combat system where you use the power of Sora’s Keyblade to unleash a grand spectacle of magical attacks to lay waste on the hordes of Heartless.

Disney fans, both young and old-school, will love how their favorite Disney and Pixar movies are presented in this game. Exploring worlds based on Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Pirates of the Caribbean, Hercules, Tangled, Big Hero 6, and Frozen will invoke nostalgic memories and make you feel like you have been transported into your favorite Disney films.

After many years of waiting and anticipation, Kingdom Hearts III is finally here. Help Sora, Donald, and Goofy overcome their greatest trial yet as they attempt to save the Disney Worlds from being destroyed by the evil Heartless, Disney villains, and the wicked Master Xehanort.

Among Us is a trendy social deduction game that took the internet by storm for its addicting gameplay, somewhat dark humor, and engaging social interactions with players online. The premise is that the crew of a spaceship is trying to repair their vessel, but two members of their group are imposters who intend to murder everyone on board. The crew members must repair the ship and oust the imposters during board meetings before the imposters destroy the boat or kill everybody off.

Among Us is a great hit with both older kids and adults alike. Getting a group of up to 15 players together online and deducing who is lying or telling the truth is a fantastic experience you won’t find anywhere else. And if you feel like giving your kids extra protection online, Among Us has parental control features to filter chat rooms of inappropriate words.

You and your crew are trapped in space with a broken ship and murderous imposters masquerading as one of your crewmates. Use your deduction skills to suss out the traitors before it is too late in Among Us.

Buy at: Xbox

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a collection of remastered editions of the Spyro the Dragon trilogy, a series of classic platformers initially released for the PlayStation 1. In these games, you play Spyro the Dragon, a wise-cracking dragon who goes on adventures with his best friend, Sparx the Dragonfly, to explore magical kingdoms, meet quirky characters, and battle evil-doers.

The Reignited Trilogy takes the presentation of the original games and gives them a shiny new coat of paint with overhauled HD graphics, new voicework, and a revamped soundtrack. The gameplay remains unchanged, yet it still holds up to this day with tight controls, engaging platforming levels, fun boss battles, and gorgeous worlds to explore that look better than ever, thanks to the remastered graphics.

If you were a fan of the original Spyro the Dragon games back in the 1990s or if you’re looking for a good gateway game to introduce your kids to the platforming genre, you can’t go wrong with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

Relive the classic adventures of Spyro the Dragon in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. This collection contains Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage, and Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon, all remastered with HD visuals but still retaining the same addictive platforming gameplay that made Spyro a household name back in the day.

Long ago, there was a time when SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog franchise was on top of the world. The original Sonic games on the SEGA Genesis gave Nintendo’s Mario series a run for its money. They led the charge of the console wars between SEGA and Nintendo during the 1990s. However, when Sonic shifted from 2D to 3D on the Dreamcast, the games wildly shifted in terms of quality, and fans felt they lost what made the original Genesis games special.

Fortunately, their wish to return to Sonic’s roots would eventually be granted in Sonic Mania. This 2D platformer pays homage to the retro 2D Sonic games while standing on its own merits. It has a beautiful 2D art style that replicates the 16-bit graphics of the Genesis, a cast of fun playable characters, each with unique playstyles, superbly designed platforming levels that reward speed and patience, and challenging boss fights that will test your mettle. On top of that, this game features a two-player co-op mode where you and your kid can play together and save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman.

If you’re a long-time Sonic fan pining for the good old days of the SEGA Genesis games, or you are looking for an excellent platformer to introduce your kids to Sonic the Hedgehog, then Sonic Mania Plus is a no-brainer.

Celebrate the legacy of SEGA’s mascot with Sonic Mania Plus. This 2D platforming Sonic game returns the series to its 16-bit Genesis roots with retro-inspired HD visuals, multiple fun characters to play as, and stunning levels to speed your way across.

Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator game with gorgeous 2D pixel artwork that will teach your kids how to manage resources while making learning fun. You play as a farmer who has just moved into the peaceful town of Stardew Valley to inherit a farm from his grandfather. However, this land has seen better days, so it is up to you to revitalize the farm and aid the community of Stardew Valley to help the town become a prosperous and wonderful place to live in.

The open-ended gameplay of Stardew Valley is relaxing and engaging as your tasks range from cultivating crops and livestock to exploring monster-infested caves for long-lost treasures. You can also go to the town to sell your wares and crops and interact with the townsfolk to develop relationships with them. If you feel your kid might struggle to build a farm on their own, you can help them through the game’s online co-op multiplayer feature, where you can work together to make Stardew Valley a better place.

Set out to become the world’s greatest farmer in Stardew Valley. Raise adorable farm animals, grow the finest crops, and help the townsfolk of Stardew Valley bring their beloved to a new age of prosperity.

New Super Lucky’s Tale is a 3D platformer where you play as Lucky Swiftail, a fox on a quest to stop the evil cat wizard Jinx from using the power of the Book of Ages to take over the world. This game is a short but sweet adventure where you jump and dig through a wacky and vibrant world filled with hijinks, danger, and wonder.

New Super Lucky’s Tale’s platforming gameplay is polished and satisfying, it has a cast of funny characters to meet, eye-catching visuals, and tons of interesting hidden collectibles to find that will keep your kids occupied for hours.

Assume the role of Lucky Twiftail and help your sister Lyra retrieve the Book of Ages before the evil wizard Jinx uses it to conquer the world. Embark on a grand adventure in the many worlds within the Book of Ages, and hop, skip, and dig your way through dangers and bad guys to defeat Jinx.

Slime Rancher 2 is the sequel to the award-winning indie adventure game Slime Rancher. You play as Beatrix LeBeau, a space rancher who travels across the stars to wrangle in cute alien slimes and raise them on her ranch. Continuing her adventures from the previous game, Beatrix journeys to a new frontier called Rainbow Island, where ancient technology, unidentified energy sources, and new slime species are waiting to be discovered.

This game builds upon the gameplay foundations set by its predecessor by having more varied slimes to catch, a new land with many mysteries to solve, and new facilities and tools that will aid your sliming farming efforts. Moreover, Slime Rancher 2 is continually being supported with free updates, adding more slimes, new areas to explore, and new gameplay mechanics to enrich the slime-catching experience.

Beatrix LeBeau is back to catch more slimes in Slime Rancher 2. Travel to Rainbow Island and discover a new land filled with breathtaking landscapes, ancient secrets to uncover, and unique species of cute slimes to round up for your ranch.

Unravel Two is a heart-warming platformer that tells the tale of tiny creatures made of string called Yarnys. You play as one of these Yarny who is on a journey to find their way back home after they have been swept away by a terrible storm. Aided by another Yarny, you will traverse through a precarious land where you will have to work together to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles to find your home.

Unravel Two features intense platforming and puzzle-solving gameplay with tight controls, well-executed level design, and an excellent presentation. While your kids will enjoy the single-player campaign, this game shines in its split-screen, two-player co-op mode, where you and your child can play together and have more fun conquering the odds.

Help the Yarny find its way home in Unravel Two. Experience a heart-warming adventure where you travel through a larger-than-life world filled with dangerous hazards and obstacles that can be tackled alone or with your family in a two-player co-op.

Roblox is a popular creative platform where players can create an avatar, interact with millions of players in a virtual world, and craft their own video games which others can play. The games you can create in Roblox can be anything from action to social simulators.

Notable examples include the ‘cops & robbers’ style action game Jailbreak, where you can play as escaped convicts or as the police trying to apprehend the criminals. There’s the theme park simulator, Theme Park Tycoon 2, where you build and manage an amusement park. And there’s a social roleplaying game called Adopt Me! where you make a home, adopt and raise animals, and/or hang out with your friends by partying and going on camping trips.

If your child isn’t into creating games, they can still enjoy playing hundreds of player-made games, as Roblox features a large and passionate community of players where everyone can create and share their fun ideas. It also features in-depth parental settings so you can set the parameters on what Roblox games are appropriate for your child and what kinds of people they’re allowed to socialize with online.

Try your hand at creating video games and showing them off to the world in Roblox. Do you want to create action, adventure, racing, or even social games? All these and more are possible on this popular creative platform.

The Gunk is an action-adventure game where you play as Rani, a space scavenger traveling the galaxy with her partner Beck, for resources to help them survive in the cold depths of space. During one of their expeditions, they discover a world rich with resources, but it is infested with Gunk - a parasite slime that devours anything it comes into contact with. It is up to you and Beck to use your advanced technology to clean this world of Gunk, extract the resources and find out where the Gunk initially came from.

The Gunk is a fantastic game featuring puzzles that will test your problem-solving skills and a strikingly beautiful world that becomes more gorgeous as you clear it of Gunk. The story is just as top-notch, with endearing characters you want to succeed and a memorable plot that will teach your children the importance of taking care of the environment and how precious life can be.

However, parents should be aware that this game is aimed at older kids and contains a few instances of mild swearing that may offend younger ears.

Travel to a distant world and save it from total devastation in The Gunk. Use your mechanical arm to suck up the parasite Gunk, explore a world filled with ancient mysteries, and learn valuable life lessons on taking precious care of your world.

The LEGO Star Wars games take the world-renowned Star Wars movies and retells them with a comedic twist that both pokes fun at and pays loving homage to the franchise. The latest game in the series, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga , is the most significant entry to date as it takes players on a wild journey through every mainline Star Wars film reimagined through the charming lens of LEGO.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a fantastic game for Star Wars fans of any age. It is packed with stellar writing and humor, a simple yet satisfying combat system, and hundreds of unlockable characters and ships to find and play as. There is even a local, split-screen, 2-player co-op mode where you can team up with your kids and save the galaxy from the evil Empire.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Relive your favorite Star Wars movies retold with LEGO in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Play as hundreds of iconic Star Wars heroes and villains, and blast your way through action-packed set pieces inspired by the films, alone or with your friends in a two-player co-op.

Disney Dreamlight Valley is an early-access life simulator where you can interact and go on adventures with your favorite Disney and Pixar characters. The game takes place in Dreamlight Valley, a peaceful land where everyone lived in tranquillity until an evil force known as the ‘Forgetting’ came and ruined everything. The 'Forgetting' has trapped the inhabitants inside the Dream Castle using Night Thorns and is sucking Dreamlight Valley of all life and magic. Now, it is up to you to free the Disney and Pixar characters, save Dreamlight Valley from the 'Forgetting,' and restore this idyllic land to its former glory.

This game is a surprise hit for farming simulator fans as it mixes elements of the genre, like farming, fishing, and town-building, with elements of adventure games, such as puzzle challenges and exploring lush locales for hidden secrets. It also features an in-depth narrative where you take on quests for various Disney/Pixar heroes and villains to stop the 'Forgetting.' 

As an early-access title, this game is being updated regularly with new content bringing more characters to converse with and new lands to journey through. If you and your kids are Disney/Pixar fans and want a game where you can kick back and relax in a virtual Disneyland, then Disney Dreamlight Valley is for you.

Travel to a realm inspired by your childhood favorite Disney and Pixar movies in Disney Dreamlight Valley. Have engaging conversations with famous characters, save Dreamlight Valley from the dark and mysterious ‘Forgetting,’ and rebuild the valley from the ground up to turn it into a magical paradise.

Beacon Pines is an indie adventure game set in a storybook where you play as both the reader and the main character, Luka. One day while playing with his friends, Luka discovers something strange happening at an abandoned warehouse, and no one in their hometown other than his friends seems to notice. So, they decide to sneak in and investigate but little do these kids know that what they find will change their lives forever.

This game has fascinating gameplay mechanics where you, as the reader, can rewrite the story's outcome by filling in blank spaces with words that will determine where the narrative goes. And the story of Beacon Pines will tug at the heartstrings of older kids and teens as it is a coming-of-age tale that deals with heavy topics like the loss of family members and how to come to terms with it.

Rewrite destiny and solve dark mysteries in Beacon Pines. In this coming-of-age tale, help Luka and his friends solve the strange incidents happening in his town, find new friends, and collect words that could change the course of his life.

Let’s Build a Zoo is a theme park simulator game where you are put in charge of managing a zoo. Most management simulators can be complicated for beginners to learn but Let’s Build a Zoo does a great job of simplifying the micromanaging so that it is more accessible for kids while still offering complex systems and options for fans of the genre.

In addition to micromanaging the staff, finances, and facilities, you will be importing, caring for, and breeding exotic animals to display to the general public. However, Let’s Build a Zoo spices things up by employing morality choices that keep replay value and general gameplay fresh. You can be a moral, upstanding manager that cares about his animal exhibits or an evil manager that illegally employs scientists to combine the DNA of various animals to create brand-new mutant hybrids to shock and amaze your customers for a quick buck.

Become the ultimate zoo tycoon manager in Let’s Build a Zoo. Build and manage an extravagant zoo packed with rare animals imported from around the world or hire scientists to create thousands of mutant animal hybrids by splicing their DNA together.

My Friend Peppa Pig is a narrative-focused adventure game based on the popular British TV show Peppa Pig. This game is an excellent title for little kids as it is filled with fun mini-games, and the player can walk around and interact with every character and the environment. In addition, the voice actors from the show reprise their roles for My Friend Peppa Pig to help immerse your kids and make them feel like they’re taking part in an episode of the show.

Create a character and go on fun adventures with Peppa Pig in My Friend Peppa Pig. Meet and greet new friends, explore the town, and partake in fun activities and games for all the family.

Mineko’s Night Market is a cozy, social-adventure game that’s rated ‘E’ and available on Xbox Game Pass. In it, you play a young girl named Mineko who just moved into a rural Japanese-inspired village with her family. Sadly though, the town has seen better days as it struggling to make profits due to being situated in the middle of nowhere. Your goal in this game is to help this town get back on its feet by taking on jobs, befriending the locals, and uncovering the mystery behind the village’s legendary Sun Cat, Nikko.

Mineko is a charming, cute, and heartwarming videogame that will entertain your kids for hours with a plethora of fun activities while introducing them to Japanese culture. Explore the town to discover whimsical quests, solve complicated puzzles, play dozens of mini-games, and help the town prepare its upcoming Night Market to rake in the profits.

Mineko's Night Market

Help your new town prosper and make new friends in Mineko’s Night Market. Play dozens of mini-games, complete tasks for your neighborhood, explore the land and pet many, many cats.

Coral Island is a farming simulator similar to Stardew, except you get to create your farm on a tropical island and interact with mermaids from an underwater kingdom! You play as a farmer who recently moved from their home city of Pokyo to begin a new life and career on Coral Island. Set out to create your dream farm by managing your crops and livestock, exploring the island for valuable resources, and forge strong bonds with the island’s inhabitants to help you achieve your goals.

Coral Island is rich with content and quests that will engross your kids for days on end. They can also customize their character body types and a giant wardrobe of outfits to express themselves while playing. In addition, players can also pursue touching romantic relationships with some of the locals and even get married so that they will help build the player’s dream farm together.

Do note that this game is rated E10+ due to the romance options and references to alcohol.

Embark on a grand journey to create the ultimate dream farm in Coral Farm. Explore a tropical paradise, make friends with a cast of interesting characters, and help the local town thrive by taking part in community projects.

Devcats Games is a small indie studio that creates cute, short but sweet games centered around cats. Their Xbox titles include A Building Full of Cats, A Castle Full of Cats, and Sudocats. They are super cheap to purchase, very chill, and easy to play.

The best part about these games is that they benefit cats in real life as the proceeds from purchasing games from Devcat will go directly towards supporting cat rescues. So not only are these games 'purrfect' for little kids who love cats, but they are also great for adult cat lovers who wish help to save real-life cats find a new home.

A Castle Full of Cats

Brave the depths of a mysterious and spooky castle, and free over 500 cats from a terrible curse in this cute Hidden Object game with Metroidvania elements.

A Building Full of Cats

Stray cats have taken up residence in an abandoned building with nowhere to go. Help these cats find a new home by searching the building and petting them once you have spotted them.

Sudocats is a collection of cat-themed puzzle games where you can have fun and relax with the family. These games include 4x4, 6x6 or 9x9 puzzles, and classic Sudoku.

Paleo Pines is an indie farming simulator game where you get to build a farm on an island filled with adorable dinosaurs. Embark on your Jurassic adventure to befriend all the dinosaurs and use their special skills to help you create a peaceful dino-themed ranch.

This game is a must-have title for fans of family-friendly farming simulators. It features a wholesome storyline of friendship and wonder, a large gallery of creatively designed dinosaurs to meet, and a vibrant, beautiful world to explore. 

If you wish to learn about why this game is fitting for the whole family, check out our Paleo Pines Xbox review .

Discover a joyous world where mankind and dinosaurs work together in harmony in Paleo Pines. Make friends with a colorful cast of characters and dinosaurs, build a sanctuary where dinosaurs can find a new home, and uncover this world's mysterious secrets.

Jusant is a peaceful, atmospheric puzzle-adventure game created by the developers of the award-winning Life is Strange series. Unlike Life is Strange which is aimed at older audiences for its mature story, gamers of all ages can enjoy Jusant as it is rated E for Everyone.

Accompanied by a water elemental creature named Ballast, you are on a journey to climb to the top of a mysterious tower that reaches up to the heavens and uncover its secrets. Jusant is a beautiful game that will put your kids in a state of calm bliss with its gorgeous art design, relaxing well-executed puzzles and climbing segments, and engaging, magical story told purely through gameplay without any dialogue.

If you wish to learn more about this title, check out our review of Jusant .

Embark on a spiritually enlightening journey to reach the top of a seemingly endless tower and solve its mysteries in Jusant. Take in breathtaking environments, witness a beautiful story unfold, and solve puzzles to uncover the tower’s myriad of secrets.

Fall Guys is one of the hottest online multiplayer party games on the market, bringing smiles and laughter the world over for its over-the-top, Wipeout-style challenges and cute, cartoony aesthetics. Take control of adorable, bean contestants and make a mad dash across ridiculous obstacle courses to reach goal and claim the crown.

This game is an absolute treat for the whole family to play. It has tight and precise controls, a huge variety of exciting and challenging obstacle courses to play in, and features full cross-progression and cross-platform support across Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles, and PC via the Epic Game Store and Steam. And on top of that, it’s free-to-play and constantly receiving updates to keep the game fresh.

Run, Jump, and leap across the wildest obstacle courses known to man to claim the crown and have a blast while doing it in Fall Guys.

Free at: Xbox

Party Animals is a physics-based party-game brawler where you take control of cute plush animals and hilariously beat the snot of each other until there’s only one victor. While the control may be sluggish at times and the user interface can use some improvement, Party Animals makes up for it with plenty of fun qualities.

It’s got an adorable cast of characters, and a healthy diversity of arenas to fight in, and it's available on Xbox Game Pass. In addition, Party Animals supports online and offline co-op multiplayer so parents and their kids can team up to beat the competition.

If you want to learn about this goofy and fun party game, check out our review for Party Animals .

Grab a bat and smack your rivals off the arena to be king of the party in Party Animals. 

Grounded is a survival game developed by Obsidian, the creators of beloved RPGs like Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and the Outer Worlds. You play as a group of kids who’ve been shrunk down to the size of ants and now must learn how to survive and escape the wilderness of a backyard before they get eaten by giant spiders.

Grounded is a great introduction to the survival genre for older kids thanks to its in-depth and balanced gameplay, massive open world to explore with tons of cool wildlife to hunt, intriguing story, and solid online multiplayer. Also, if your kids suffer from arachnophobia, you can activate the game’s Arachnophobia Mode to make spiders appear less scary so they can enjoy the game without being terrified.

If you want to learn more about one of the biggest games to hit Xbox Game Pass, check out our review of Grounded .

Experience what it would be like to live a bug’s life in Grounded. You can learn how to be the ultimate survivor and hunt down giant insects alone or with your friends in 4-player online co-op.

Sea of Thieves is an online multiplayer adventure where you play as pirates sailing the seven seas to become the ultimate legendary pirate. This game was originally intimidating for newcomers and little kids to play due to its hostile PVP elements. However, thanks to the Safer Seas update, parents can now take their kids to private servers so they can enjoy all the game’s PVE elements without the fear of being attacked by hostile pirate players.

Sea of Thieves has a gigantic ocean of fun content to discover. They can travel to uncharted islands to uncover long-lost treasure, earn riches by hunting down undead pirates, and partake in epic story campaigns that include crossovers with famous pirate-themed franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and the Monkey Island series.

Set sail for adventure and become a legendary pirate in Sea of Thieves. With the Safer Seas, the whole family can enjoy the wonders of this gigantic world at their own pace without fear of being robbed by invading players.

Fortnite needs no introduction. It’s one of, if not, THE most popular free-to-play games on the planet for its addictive gameplay loop, eye-catching visuals, and mountains of collaborations with celebrities, movies, comics, TV shows, and videogames.

The game also features a variety of fun gameplay modes. First off is Fortnite’s iconic Battle Royale mode where 100 players must hunt each other down until only one is left standing. Then there’s the Save the World co-op mode where players must together to build fortifications and defend objectives from hordes of monsters.

Finally, there’s the recently added, LEGO Fortnite mode. This is a Minecraft-esque game mode where play as LEGO characters, survive the harsh wilderness, and create literally whatever their imagination can come up with like real LEGO.

With the addition of LEGO Fortnite, Fortnite isn’t just an awesome game for older kids anymore, it can now be played by all age demographics. The older kids and adults can get stuck in the competitive Battle Royale and Save the World modes, while younger kids can relax and play with their parents in the easy-going LEGO Fortnite mode.

Drop in on the biggest gaming phenomena and create, battle, and play in Epic Games’ Fortnite. Whether you’re aiming for the top of the leaderboards in Battle Royale mode, slaying monsters with your friends in Save the World mode or chilling out with your little kids in LEGO Fortnite mode, this game has something for everyone.

Psychonauts 2 is a 3D platformer and is the long-awaited sequel to one of the original Xbox’s cult-classic titles, Psychonauts. You play as Raz, a young psychic training to become a secret agent while also working to save the world from an evil cult trying to revive the world’s most powerful and evil psychic, Maligula.

The 15-year wait for this title paid off in spades and Psychonauts 2 is one of the finest Xbox games this generation. It’s got wild and imaginative level design, an impeccable art style, polished platforming gameplay, a cast of likable characters, hilarious and clever writing, and a heartwarming story that tackles themes of mental health that will resonate with older kids growing up.

Check out our review of Psychonauts 2 if you want to learn more about this literally mind-blowing game.

Become a psychic secret agent and stop the Deluginists from resurrecting an evil psychic villain in Psychonauts 2. Learn to how wield psychic powers, delve into troubled minds, and help unfortunate souls overcome their inner demons and mental traumas.

Buy at: Xbox | GreenManGaming (Xbox)

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a racing game based on the long-running Hot Wheels toy car franchise. This game builds upon the foundations of its highly acclaimed predecessor by improving the controls and graphics, featuring over 130 vehicles to customize and drive in, including new physics-defying racetracks to compete in, and introducing an expansive single-player story mode.

In addition to the traditional racing mode, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged has a new Waypoint mode which has players go off the map to clear checkpoints by utilizing new movement mechanics to overcome obstacles. If and your kids are fans of racing and Hot Wheels, don’t miss out on this trail-blazing title.

Hit the turbo boost on your Hot Wheels car and race to the finish line in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged. Challenge your rival in two-player split-screen local multiplayer races or take on the world in online racing tournaments.

PAW Patrol is an immensely popular kids' show and toy line about a group of emergency service puppies protecting the town of Adventure Bay from danger.  The show has also produced a line of entertaining video games to introduce really little kids to the video game industry.

Some of PAW Patrol's finest games on Xbox Game Pass include PAW Patrol: Grand Prix, a racing title that teaches little kids how to handle an Xbox controller, and assisted driving to help them learn how to play racing games. Kids can take on their friends and family in 2-player or 4-player split-screen racing matches and play as their favorite pups from the show to claim the championship Pup Cup.

Then there is PAW Patrol Mighty Pups save Adventure Bay, a 3D platformer akin to Spyro the Dragon where the pups must use superpowers to repair Adventure Bay from being damaged by a meteor strike and protect it from evildoers. It’s an enjoyable platformer for beginners with fun powers to play with and in-depth puzzles that will teach little kids problem-solving skills.

And then we have PAW Patrol World, an action-adventure game where the pups travel the world to take dangerous rescue missions and save the day. This game features an original PAW Patrol story with flashbacks to the TV show, a huge roster of fan-favorite PAW Patrol pups to play as, fun missions to complete, and a mountain of hidden collectibles to find that will keep your kids busy for hours on end.

PAW: Patrol: Grand Prix

Put the paw pedal to the metal and burn rubber to become Adventure Bay’s top racer in PAW Patrol: Grand Prix. Challenge your friends in exciting race circuits with up to four players while avoiding stage hazards set by the villainous Mayor Humdinger.

PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay

Suit up to save the day in Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay. Little kids can take the challenges of being a superhero alone or bring their parents along into the 2-player co-op mode to double the fun.

PAW Patrol World

The PAW Patrol travels the world to stop Mayor Humdinger from causing chaos in his new super blimp in PAW Patrol World. Pre-schoolers can stop the machinations of the evil mayor alone or with their parents in 2-player co-op so the whole family can have fun saving the world together.

Bluey is a popular kids' cartoon about the titular puppy going on adventures to learn about the world with her family. Bluey: The Videogame is an adventure game that allows players to play as Bluey and explore the world of the show across four cozy storylines.

This game is a well-done adaptation of the show that faithfully translates the art style, characters, and narrative life lessons in videogame form. The game has simple controls that are comfy to use for little kids, it has a plethora of entertaining mini-games inspired by the show, there are lots of hidden secrets and collectibles to find, and the game features 4-player local co-op so parents can play the story mode together with their kids.

Join Bluey and her loveable family on exciting adventures for the first time ever in Bluey: The Videogame. Solve intricate puzzles, learn valuable life lessons, and recreate iconic moments from the TV show in single-player or in 4-player local.

DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue is a platformer based on DreamWorks’ Troll Doll franchise. In this game, kids can play as Poppy, Branch, and more of their favorite Trolls to save Troll Kingdom’s musical harmony from being ruined by an evil mastermind.

DreamWorks Trolls franchise has made a comeback recently with the third movie, Trolls Band Together, releasing in theatres in 2023. So, if your little kid is a fan of DreamWorks’ Troll movies and Troll Dolls, this game will make a welcome companion piece. It’s got vibrant and eye-pleasing graphics, four-player co-op, a wealth of musical mini-games, an easy-to-use combat system, and a soundtrack with songs ripped straight from the movies that fans will love.

Hop, skip, smash, and dance to save the Troll Kingdom in DreamWorks Trolls Remix Rescue. Take on the challenges of the Troll Kingdom’s musical mini-games or with the whole family in 4-player co-op.

Understanding ESRB labels

As you can see, there is a wide selection of games for all the family to enjoy on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X , and Xbox Series S . However. there is something important all parents should be aware of when purchasing games for their children – the ESRB labels. Created n September 16, 1997, by the Entertainment Software Rating Board organization, ESRB labels are part of an age rating system designed to help consumers determine what video games are age appropriate.

Depending on the content found within a game, there are five types of labels for different age groups:

• 'E' for Everyone : The ‘E’ label means the game is appropriate for everyone of all ages. The game’s content may contain scenes of minimal or mild cartoon or/and fantasy violence. It may also contain infrequent use of mild language.
• Everyone 10+ :The ‘E 10+’ label means the game is appropriate for everyone 10 years old and over. The game’s content may contain more instances of cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence. It may also contain mild language and/or minimal instances of suggestive themes.
• Teen : The ‘Teen’ label means the game is suitable for people aged 13 years and above. The game’s content may contain several instances of violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.
• Mature 17+ : The ‘Mature 17+’ label means the game is only suitable for people 17 years old and older. The game may contain intense scenes of violence, blood, and gore. It may also contain sexual content and frequent usage of strong language.
• Adults Only +18 : The ‘Adults Only +18’ label means the game is only suitable for adults aged 18 and up. The game may contain prolonged scenes of intense violence, blood, gore, sexual content, and/or gambling that requires using real-world currency.

There are two extra labels for games that have not been given an official age rating by the ESRB.

• Rating Pending : The ‘Rating Pending’ label means the game has not yet received its final ESRB rating. This label appears on advertisements, promotional, and marketing material related to a physical copy of the game (e.g., the box the game comes in) that is expected to carry an ESRB label. Once the game’s official ESRB label has been assigned and announced, this label will be removed and replaced.
• Rating Pending - Likely Mature 17+ : The ‘Rating Pending – Likely Mature 17+’ label means the game has not yet received its final ESRB rating but is likely expected to be rated Mature 17+. This label appears on advertisements, promotional, and marketing material related to a physical copy of the game (e.g., the box the game comes in) that is expected to carry an ESRB label. Once the game’s official ESRB label has been assigned and announced, this label will be removed and replaced.

Understanding the ESRB labels will help you choose which games best suit your child. You can learn more information on the Entertainment Software Rating Board organization on the ESRB website .

Which Xbox games will you get for your kids?

As you read this, the Xbox’s massive library is receiving more and more kid-friendly videogames as time progresses. Many of these games like Minecraft, have gone on to become some of the best Xbox games on the market and be included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate . This is a premium subscription service similar to Netflix that allows gamers, and their children access to hundreds of their favorite titles on all Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming .

If you have any personal recommendations for the best Xbox kids games, leave your suggestions on our X/Twitter account ( @WinC_Gaming ) and we will add them to the list in the future.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the ultimate subscription deal in gaming — allowing you and your family free access to hundreds of the greatest Xbox games across all Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile devices for a small monthly fee. 

Buy from: Amazon

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is! 

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