Buying a video game for a child can be a tricky proposition. In the modern world many kids already know about video games, but the most popular titles aren't always the most suitable. So how do you know which games are appropriate for kids?
In this article, we share the 10 best child-friendly games on console and PC available to buy online in the UK on Amazon, Argos and eBay. So whether you're looking for a world building creativity, a computer-based puzzle game that's suitable for a 7 year old, or the top titles on the Nintendo Switch, in this article we show you how to choose!
From picking the right console or format, to deciding what kind of game will suit a child's particular interests and age, picking a suitable video game be difficult. That's why we've written this easy-to-follow guide, that breaks down everything you need to know. From formats, to co-operative family fun - our article has you covered!
The first thing you'll need to decide is what system they're going to be playing the game on. The easiest way to get a child started on a game is through a console attached to your home TV. The two that dominate the market right now are the PS4 and the Xbox One, but if you've got a higher budget, the PS5 and the Xbox X will have the newest titles available.
Consoles are a great way to start playing games. You just plug them in to your TV, put the disc in or download the game and away you go. However, some games will need extra peripherals, and you'll likely have to buy extra controllers if you want to play co-op or versus modes.
PC editions of popular titles offer more customisation with extra features like boosted graphics and player-created mods that can change the gaming experience. That said, setting them up on a PC isn't as easy, and a keyboard and mouse isn't as intuitive for some kids to use.
Lastly, we'd be amiss to not shout out handheld consoles such as the Nintendo Switch. This console can be played with or without a TV, and uses a split controller setup to allow up to four players to join in on the fun. Nintendo is also widely known for creating some of the very best child-friendly games out there, with many of the top titles for kids exclusively available on the Switch.
When deciding on what genre to pick, consider your child's interests. The best catch-all games for kids, which almost any personality type can enjoy, are usually open-ended world building games. They pack in all ways sorts of ways to create and move through virtual worlds, without kids feeling restricted or punished for taking the wrong path.
On the other hand, a story-based adventure game can provide a sense of challenge and teach determination, persistence and delayed gratification to kids. Be warned though, repeatedly failing levels in games can be frustrating for some kids. If your child gets angry or gives up easily, a more relaxing adventure title might be the answer.
Some children, especially as they get towards their early teens, will love a competitive game that lets them master skills until they're better than their friends or family. A competitive kid-friendly combat, shooter or tournament game might be the one in this case!
Playing a game together is a great co-operative learning experience, especially for younger children under the age of 10. Local co-op games that let you play through the story or multiplayer of a game together while sitting in the same room as the child, are a fantastic to get multiple generations involved in a shared goal.
Party games often let you play with four or more people at once, making them great for getting the whole family involved. These usually have a less complex story, instead focusing on creating an experience everyone can enjoy.
Just be aware that finding offline multiplayer games available on a PC can be quite difficult. so you'll find that most local co-op games are on console.
It's not always easy to tell whether a game is kid-friendly just by looking at the cover. For example, cartoony graphics are rarely a guarantee of child appropriate game content. Luckily in the UK, we're part of the PEGI or Pan European Game Information system. This lets you know what sort of content to expect within the game before you buy it.
These ratings go from PEGI 3, which are considered suitable for all ages, all the way up to PEGI 18 games that should only be played by adults. When buying for a child, we recommend sticking to PEGI 12 games and below. Although, it's always best to choose a rating closest to your child's actual age.
You should be able to find the rating on the front of the game case. Some older games, or older editions, might not have it on the front case, but an age rating will be present somewhere. So make sure to check to avoid picking a title with graphic or inappropriate content for youngsters.
Now that you know what sort of video games are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained, it's time to share our ranking of the top 10 best in the UK! We've included a variety titles for all ages, on both console and PC.
£38.00
Format | PC |
---|---|
Genre | Simulation, world building |
Difficulty | Medium |
Local Co-Op | No |
PEGI Rating | 3 |
£20.79
Format | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
---|---|
Genre | World building |
Difficulty | Easy |
Local Co-Op | No |
PEGI Rating | 12 |
£26.95
Format | PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure, platform |
Difficulty | Medium |
Local Co-Op | No |
PEGI Rating | 7 |
£24.99
Format | PS4 |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure |
Difficulty | Medium |
Local Co-Op | No |
PEGI Rating | 7 |
£38.50
Format | Nintendo Switch |
---|---|
Genre | Puzzler, party game |
Difficulty | Easy |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 4 players |
PEGI Rating | 3 |
£35.00
Format | PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X |
---|---|
Genre | Party game, puzzler |
Difficulty | Easy |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 2 players |
PEGI Rating | 3 |
£37.99
Format | Nintendo Switch |
---|---|
Genre | Cartoon shooting |
Difficulty | Medium |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 4 players |
PEGI Rating | 7 |
£13.49
Format | PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure, puzzle, platform |
Difficulty | Medium |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 2 players |
PEGI Rating | 7 |
£29.88
Format | PS4, PC, Switch, Xbox One |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure, world building |
Difficulty | Easy |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 4 players |
PEGI Rating | 7 |
£39.99
Format | Nintendo Switch |
---|---|
Genre | Adventure, platform |
Difficulty | Medium |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 4 players |
PEGI Rating | 7 |
Image | 1 ![]() Nintendo | 2 ![]() Mojang | 3 ![]() Warner Brother Games | 4 ![]() Nintendo | 5 ![]() Team 17 | 6 ![]() Look Games | 7 ![]() Sony | 8 ![]() Activison | 9 ![]() EA | 10 ![]() Atari |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury | Minecraft | Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 | Splatoon 2 | Overcooked: All You Can Eat | Snipper Clips Plus | Journey: Collector's Edition | Spyro Reignited Trilogy | The Sims 4 | Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 |
Features | Absolute Perfection in This Updated Classic From the Kids' Game Masters | Create Your Own Virtual Worlds | Combining Beloved Franchises in a Super-Playable Title | A Non-Violent Paint-Based Shooter for Co-Op or Versus Play | A Crazy Cooking Smash With Settings for Players of All Abilities | Super Innovative Cut and Paste Art Puzzle Party Game | One of the Most Magical and Calming Video Game Adventures Ever Made | Three 2000s Classics Remastered into One | An Incredibly Popular Kid-Friendly Life Simulator | Classic Build Your-Own Theme Park Game From 2004 |
Price | £39.99 | £29.88 | £13.49 | £37.99 | £35.00 | £38.50 | £24.99 | £26.95 | £20.79 | £38.00 |
Format | Nintendo Switch | PS4, PC, Switch, Xbox One | PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch | PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox X | Nintendo Switch | PS4 | PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | PC, PS4, Xbox One | PC |
Genre | Adventure, platform | Adventure, world building | Adventure, puzzle, platform | Cartoon shooting | Party game, puzzler | Puzzler, party game | Adventure | Adventure, platform | World building | Simulation, world building |
Difficulty | Medium | Easy | Medium | Medium | Easy | Easy | Medium | Medium | Easy | Medium |
Local Co-Op | Yes, 4 players | Yes, 4 players | Yes, 2 players | Yes, 4 players | Yes, 2 players | Yes, 4 players | No | No | No | No |
PEGI Rating | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 3 |
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Still looking for more video games to keep the kids entertained? Whether you're searching for the latest releases on the Nintendo Switch, or are looking to cut down on screen time with a board game the whole family can enjoy, we've found a few more articles to help you source the perfect pastimes for young gamers to get stuck into!
From simple party games for all the family, to older kid-friendly solo adventures, we've covered as many styles of video games for kids as we could within this list. Even if our recommendations didn't uncover the perfect title for the child in your life, you've hopefully now got the resources you need to pick the right one. As the kids say online nowadays, GG easy!
Author: David Weir
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