Starter Games for Parents to Play with Kids

Last updated: July 20, 2021

It can be loads of fun to play video games with your kid or teen, but finding games that are easy for first-time gamers can be challenging. Here's a great set of starter games with themes and topics that gamers of all skill levels can enjoy, especially parents introducing their kids to gaming. Even if you're shy about your gaming skills, the games on this list can help you learn new techniques and build your confidence. For other great games to play together, check out Party Games for Families and Friends or No-Console-Needed Games for Family Fun!

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Alba: A Wildlife Adventure Poster Image

GAME

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

age 5+

Charming, relaxing adventure game with positive message.

Apple Arcade , Nintendo Switch , Xbox Series X/S (2020)

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Gigantosaurus Poster Image

GAME

Gigantosaurus

age 5+

Charming, smile-worthy adventure for young players.

Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2020)

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GAME

Astro's Playroom

age 6+

Cute, free game showcases the PlayStation 5's features.

PlayStation 5 (2020)

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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Poster Image

GAME

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

age 6+

Cute puzzle-filled adventure for kids and kids at heart.

Nintendo Switch , Nintendo Wii U (2018)

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Crossy Road Castle Poster Image

GAME

Crossy Road Castle

age 6+

Grab coins, dodge hazards with friends in fun action game.

Apple Arcade (2020)

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Super Mario Maker 2 Poster Image

GAME

Super Mario Maker 2

age 6+

Fun, accessible editing tools expose kids to game design.

Nintendo Switch (2019)

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons Poster Image

GAME

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

age 7+

The island life is idyllic in this latest adventure sim.

Nintendo Switch (2020)

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Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Poster Image

GAME

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

age 7+

Family-friendly racer gets large update with bonus content.

Nintendo Switch (2017)

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Butter Royale Poster Image

GAME

Butter Royale

age 8+

Family-friendly battle royale game encourages social play.

Apple Arcade (2020)

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Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics Poster Image

GAME

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

age 8+

Collection of classics promotes friendly social experiences.

Nintendo Switch (2020)

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Dragon Quest Builders 2 Poster Image

GAME

Dragon Quest Builders 2

age 8+

Terrific building game with positive messages and teamwork.

Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S (2021)

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Mario Tennis Aces Poster Image

GAME

Mario Tennis Aces

age 8+

Fun, safe, often surprisingly challenging tennis sim.

Nintendo Switch (2018)

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MLB The Show 21 Poster Image

GAME

MLB The Show 21

age 8+

Popular baseball franchise takes extra bases on new systems.

PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S (2021)

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Moving Out Poster Image

GAME

Moving Out

age 8+

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

Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2020)

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New Pokemon Snap Poster Image

GAME

New Pokemon Snap

age 8+

Wildlife adventure lets you "catch 'em all" in photographs.

Nintendo Switch (2021)

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New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Poster Image

GAME

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

age 8+

Mario & friends bring fast-paced Wii U classics to Switch.

Nintendo Switch (2019)

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Overcooked! 2 Poster Image

GAME

Overcooked! 2

age 8+

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

Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 (2018)

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Split cover of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury shows Mario, Peach, and a number of his outfits on the top, and a grinning Bowser on the bottom

GAME

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

age 8+

Kid-friendly classic gets fun add-ons for a new generation.

Nintendo Switch (2021)

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Super Mario Party Poster Image

GAME

Super Mario Party

age 8+

Brand-new party filled with fun and laughs for all.

Nintendo Switch (2018)

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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Poster Image

GAME

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

age 8+

Cartoonish brawler is largest one yet, and incredibly fun.

Nintendo Switch (2018)

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Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.