👨👧The Best Games to Play With Your Kids
Playing with your kids works best when the game does not punish the weaker player. The list below is sorted by age band, and every game supports two or more people on the same screen.
We have flagged which ones have no fail state at all — useful for young children — and which need reading ability.
Ages 3-6: no fail states
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (2023)
- Switch
Four-player platforming where a young child can float over most hazards. Nobody can lose for long.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Characters respawn instantly with a small stud penalty, so a child can experiment freely. Nine films of content.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)
- Switch
Four-player 2D Mario with bubble characters that cannot be knocked out, plus easier Yoshi and Nabbit options for young players.
Minecraft (Creative mode) (2011)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
- Mobile
Split-screen building with no enemies in creative mode. The most open-ended thing you can share with a small child.
Snipperclips (2017)
- Switch
Shape-cutting puzzles with two-button controls. Genuinely funny for both of you.
Ages 7-11: real games you both enjoy
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)
- Switch
Smart steering and auto-accelerate let a seven-year-old finish a race, while drifting keeps it interesting for you.
Stardew Valley (2016)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
- Mobile
A shared farm with reading involved but no combat required. Great for teaching patience and planning.
Overcooked! 2 (2018)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Genuine teamwork under time pressure, in five-minute levels. Expect shouting, mostly the good kind.
Rayman Legends (2013)
- PC
- PS4
- Xbox
- Switch
Drop-in platforming where a struggling player can be revived instantly. The music levels are a highlight for any age.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)
- Switch
A shared island with no threat of any kind. Best played in short daily sessions rather than long ones.
Portal 2 co-op (2011)
- PC
- Xbox
- Switch (cloud)
Excellent for an older child who likes puzzles — it teaches spatial reasoning without any violence.
Ages 12+: play as equals
It Takes Two (2021)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Built for two, with mechanics that change constantly so neither of you dominates. Mild cartoon peril only.
Minecraft (Survival) (2011)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
- Mobile
Shared survival with real stakes and long-term projects. The best excuse for a weekly ritual.
Rocket League (2015)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox
- Switch
Car football with a five-minute match length and a skill ceiling you will never both reach. Free to play with split screen.
Splatoon 3 (2022)
- Switch
A shooter with no gore, where covering the floor in paint matters more than eliminations. Ideal for a first competitive game.
Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox Series X|S
For teens who play D&D — full split-screen co-op with a mature rating, so check the content first.
Gear that fits this list
Affiliate · Amazon
ZAMPAM 2 Pack Wireless SNES Controllers, 2.4GHz USB Gamepads for PC | Plug & Play Works with Nintendo Switch 1, PC, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, Recalbox and more，Not Switch 2
$34.99
Check price on Amazon
KDD Headphone & Controller Stand with Wireless Charging - Rotatable Headset Stand with 9 Light Modes - Controller Holder with 2 USB and Type C Ports - for Gamers Desktop Accessories
$29.95
Check price on Amazon
8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC, Apple, Steam & Android, Black | TMR Joysticks, Hall/Tactile Triggers, 8Speed 2.4G, 1000Hz Polling Rate, Motion Control, RGB Fire Ring, Charging Dock
$59.99
Check price on Amazon
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 / Switch Lite/OLED Model - Pokémon Pikachu Retro - White - Gamepad, game controller, Officially Licensed
$59.99
Check price on Amazon
WUSUTE One More Game or Go to Sleep Gamer Decision Coin, Gifts for Gamer Boyfriend, Husband, Men, Gaming Accessories for Men, Game Gifts for Christmas, Valentine's Day, His Birthday
$8.38
Check price on Amazon
8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller for Switch 2, Switch & Windows,Black | TMR Joysticks, Switchable Hall Effect/Tactile Triggers, Charging Dock, Vibration and Motion Control, 2 Pro-level back buttons
$56.99
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Prices as of Oct 27, 2026, 4:34 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Shopping for someone? See our gift guide for gamers.
Keep exploring
Frequently asked questions
Get the Mind Skills Arcade app
Free brain games for memory, logic, math and focus, from the makers of this game finder. Plays offline.
Free · iPhone & Android · no account