In recent years, the idea that video game is just hobby has lost strength, especially when we talk about children’s games. Parents, teachers and psychologists are increasingly aware of the educational and social potential of games.
And no wonder, modern digital games offer cognitive challenges, stimulate creativity, promote problem solving, and even develop social skills.
But of course, not every game is suitable for children. Therefore, it is important to make good choices. Running away from the obvious and going beyond the simple absence of violence, we have selected six of the best child games available today.
These are titles that delight, teach and help in the development of the kids in a playful and safe way. Some are already used even in classrooms, while others serve as a starting point for family conversations or to build something together.
The 6 best children’s games
Minecraft
You can’t talk about child games without mentioning “minecraft”. Launched in 2011, the game is a true phenomenon and for good reasons. With a “square” look that has become a trademark, he puts children in an open world where they can build, explore and survive.
The great asset of “Minecraft” is creative freedom. Children can create cities, castles, robots or even replicas of historical monuments. This encourages spatial reasoning, problem solving and even basic programming, Redstone mode and resources such as Minecraft Education Edition, used in schools around the world.
In addition, “Minecraft” allows you to play in cooperative mode, strengthening social skills and teamwork. The game also has a peaceful mode, without enemies, ideal for younger children.
- Benefits: Creativity, problem solving, collaboration and logical thinking.
- Platforms:
- Java Edition: PC (Windows, MacOS and Linux).
- Bedrock Edition: PC (Windows and Chromebook), Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Mobile (iOS and Android).
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons
“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is the digital equivalent of a quiet afternoon in the backyard. In the game, the child administers a paradise island, takes care of the neighbors (which are cute and friendly animals), flower plants, fishing, decorates his home and participates in seasonal events.
The game encourages positive routines, patience and planning. There is no hurry: time in the game follows real time, which teaches the child to deal with the days, with the wait and the constancy of small tasks.
It also promotes empathy, as the characters show emotions, ask for help and react to the player’s actions. The soft soundtrack and the total absence of violence make it an excellent choice for moments of relaxation and emotional learning.
- Benefits: Planning, empathy, sense of responsibility and emotional regulation.
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
LEGO BUILDER’S JOURNEY
Lego franchise games are usually synonymous with action and humor, but “Lego Builder’s Journey” goes beyond. It is a puzzle with charming look, where the player must solve construction challenges in minimalist and highly artistic scenarios.
The calm pace and intuitive design make the game perfect for children who like to think, set up and experiment. There is no text, dialogues or haste, the focus is on solving problems creatively, something essential for the development of logical reasoning.
In addition, the game explores topics such as growth, journey and overcoming obstacles, all subtly and contemplatively. It is a great introduction to the world of digital puzzles.
- Benefits: Logical reasoning, critical thinking, creativity and focus.
- Platforms: iOS, PC (macos and windows), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Scribblenauts unlimited
“Scribblenauts Unlimited” is a true vocabulary class and problem solving disguised of game. The child controls Maxwell, a boy with a magical notebook capable of materializing anything he writing. Want an astronaut dinosaur to help save a cat? Just write. The game accepts thousands of creative words and combinations.
Each phase has a small challenge that can be resolved with creativity and good ideas. With this, the child learns not only to write better but also to think “outside the box.”
It is one of the few games that mixes playfulness with direct stimulation with written language, which can be especially useful for children in the phase of literacy or vocabulary expansion.
- Benefits: Vocabulary, creativity, problem solving and writing.
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Mobile (iOS and Android).
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
“Captain Toad” is an adventure and puzzle game in which the player needs to guide the charismatic Toad (and his companion Toadette) for small three -dimensional phases full of secrets, traps and obstacles. The difference here is the rhythm: as the protagonist does not jump, each step needs to be calculated.
Ideal for children from the age of 6, the game challenges spatial reasoning and planning capacity. The phases are short, which avoids frustrations, and the difficulty progresses very well calibrated.
Visually charming and with captivating characters, “Captain Toad” is an excellent introduction to light strategy concepts and puzzle solution in a safe and playful environment.
- Benefits: Planning, spatial vision, patience and strategy.
- Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Let’s Go
The Pokémon franchise is already known for mixing charisma with affordable mechanics. But “Let’s Go Pikachu” and “Let’s Go Eevee” are the perfect versions for children who are starting in the RPG universe. With colorful graphics, simplified gameplay and interaction with monsters, the game encourages care, observation and strategic thinking.
The child needs to explore environments, capture Pokémon, form balanced teams and face light challenges. At the same time, he learns to deal with victories and losses in a playful and quiet way.
Another plus point: the emphasis on the bond with the partner Pokémon (Pikachu or Eevee) stimulates empathy and a sense of responsibility, as if it were a virtual pet.
- Benefits: Light strategy, decision making, empathy, reading and memory.
- Platform: Nintendo Switch.