The Best PC Games For Kids

The landscape of PC gaming for younger audiences has evolved into a diverse ecosystem of educational tools, creative sandboxes, and cooperative adventures. Modern titles focus on fostering problem-solving skills and creativity while providing safe, engaging environments for children to explore. This list highlights some of the most acclaimed titles available on Windows and macOS that cater to various age groups and interests. From building block worlds to complex physics puzzles, these games represent the highest standards of quality in family-friendly entertainment.

‘Minecraft’ (2011)

‘Minecraft’ was developed by Mojang Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. This sandbox adventure allows players to build complex structures using various blocks in a vast, procedurally generated world. It offers a creative mode for infinite building and a survival mode where players gather resources and fight off nocturnal creatures. The game emphasizes exploration and problem-solving, making it a popular educational tool in many classrooms worldwide. Its open-ended nature encourages creativity without the constraints of a linear narrative.

‘Roblox’ (2006)

‘Roblox’ was developed and published by Roblox Corporation. This platform allows users to program games and play a massive variety of experiences created by other community members. It hosts user-created games in many genres, such as racing simulations, role-playing adventures, and obstacle courses. ‘Roblox’ is free to play, though it features a virtual currency called Robux for in-game purchases and cosmetic items. It serves as both a gaming engine and a social network for young creators to share their work.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

‘Stardew Valley’ was developed by ConcernedApe and originally published by Chucklefish. In this farming simulation game, players inherit their grandfather’s old farm plot and work to restore it to its former glory. Activities include planting crops, raising livestock, and building relationships with the residents of Pelican Town. The game features a relaxing soundtrack and a pixel-art aesthetic that appeals to players of all ages. It also supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing children to manage their farms alongside friends or family members.

‘Fall Guys’ (2020)

‘Fall Guys’ was developed by Mediatonic and is currently published by Epic Games. This platform battle royale game features colorful, bean-shaped characters competing in a series of chaotic obstacle courses. Players must run, jump, and dive through various rounds to be the last one standing and claim the crown. The game is known for its bright visuals and physics-based humor that makes losing feel less frustrating. It regularly introduces new seasonal content and licensed costumes to keep the gameplay experience fresh for its audience.

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

‘Rocket League’ was developed and published by Psyonix. This title combines soccer with vehicular mayhem, tasking players with hitting a giant ball into the opponent’s goal using rocket-powered cars. It features a robust physics engine that allows for spectacular aerial maneuvers and high-speed chases. Players can customize their vehicles with thousands of different item combinations to express their personal style. The game supports cross-platform play, making it easy for kids to play with friends on different systems.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

‘The Sims 4’ was developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. This life simulation game gives players the power to create and control people in a virtual world. Users can design houses, manage careers, and guide their characters through various life stages and social interactions. The game encourages storytelling and architectural creativity through its deep Build Mode and Create-a-Sim tools. Since its release, it has received numerous expansion packs that add pets, seasonal weather, and new career paths.

‘Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

‘Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ was developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games. This action-adventure game covers the events of all nine films in the ‘Star Wars’ mainline series with a signature sense of Lego humor. Players can take control of hundreds of characters and pilot iconic vehicles across various planets. The game features cooperative play, allowing two people to solve puzzles and engage in combat together. It is widely praised for its expansive open-world hubs and faithful recreation of the cinematic universe.

‘Terraria’ (2011)

‘Terraria’ was developed by Re-Logic and has been updated consistently since its initial release. This 2D sandbox game focuses on exploration, crafting, and combat within a procedurally generated world. Players can dig deep underground to find rare ores or build massive fortresses to defend against various bosses. The game offers a high degree of freedom, allowing players to choose between peaceful building or intense action. It supports large-scale multiplayer, making it a great choice for social gaming sessions.

‘Overcooked! All You Can Eat’ (2020)

‘Overcooked! All You Can Eat’ was developed by Ghost Town Games and published by Team17. This definitive edition includes all content from the first two games in the series, remastered with modern visuals. Players must work together in chaotic kitchens to prepare and serve food orders under a strict time limit. The game emphasizes communication and teamwork as kitchens constantly change or present dangerous hazards. It is frequently cited as one of the best local cooperative experiences for families.

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

‘Portal 2’ was developed and published by Valve. This first-person puzzle game challenges players to navigate through a series of test chambers using a device that creates interconnected portals. The game features a critically acclaimed single-player campaign and a separate cooperative mode for two players. It introduces complex physics mechanics involving lasers, tractor beams, and momentum-altering gels. The witty dialogue and clever level design make it an engaging experience that stimulates critical thinking.

‘Sonic Frontiers’ (2022)

‘Sonic Frontiers’ was developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. This title marks a departure for the series by introducing “open-zone” gameplay where Sonic can run freely across massive islands. Players solve puzzles, collect items, and battle giant robotic enemies to progress through the story. The game retains the high-speed platforming the franchise is known for while adding new RPG-like progression systems. It offers a sense of grand exploration that is accessible to younger fans of the blue hedgehog.

‘Untitled Goose Game’ (2019)

‘Untitled Goose Game’ was developed by House House and published by Panic Inc. Players take control of a mischievous goose whose goal is to bother the residents of a small English village. The game provides a checklist of tasks, such as stealing a gardener’s keys or trapping someone in a phone booth. Its slapstick humor and simple controls make it highly accessible for younger children. A cooperative mode was added later, allowing two players to cause chaos as a pair of geese.

‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ (2018)

‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ was developed by Toys for Bob and published by Activision. This collection features full remakes of the first three ‘Spyro’ games originally released on the PlayStation. Players control a small purple dragon as he explores vibrant worlds, rescues fellow dragons, and collects gems. The remasters updated the graphics and controls to modern standards while keeping the original level layouts intact. It serves as an excellent introduction to the 3D platforming genre for a new generation.

‘Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’ (2017)

‘Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy’ was developed by Vicarious Visions and published by Activision. Like the ‘Spyro’ collection, this title remakes the first three games in the ‘Crash Bandicoot’ series with high-definition assets. Players navigate through challenging linear levels filled with crates, enemies, and hidden secrets. The game requires precise jumping and timing, offering a satisfying challenge for older children. Its vibrant colors and expressive character animations give it the feel of a playable Saturday morning cartoon.

‘A Hat in Time’ (2017)

‘A Hat in Time’ was developed by Gears for Breakfast and published by Humble Games. This “cute-as-heck” 3D platformer follows a space-traveling girl who must recover her lost Time Pieces. The game features several distinct worlds, each with its own unique gameplay mechanics and charming characters. Players can craft various hats that grant special abilities, such as sprinting or brewing explosive potions. It draws inspiration from classic platformers while maintaining a modern sense of polish and creativity.

‘Plants vs. Zombies’ (2009)

‘Plants vs. Zombies’ was developed by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts. In this tower defense game, players must protect their home from a mob of fun-loving zombies by planting various types of greenery. Each plant has unique defensive or offensive capabilities, such as pea-shooters or exploding cherries. The game features a lengthy campaign mode along with various mini-games and puzzles. Its simple drag-and-drop mechanics and humorous premise have made it a staple of casual PC gaming.

‘Chicory: A Colorful Tale’ (2021)

‘Chicory: A Colorful Tale’ was developed by Greg Lobanov and published by Finji. This top-down adventure game is set in a world where all the color has vanished, and the player must use a magic brush to restore it. Players can draw on anything in the environment, solving puzzles and helping NPCs through creative expression. The game explores themes of self-doubt and creativity in a way that is accessible and meaningful for children. It also includes a cooperative mode where a second player can help paint the world.

‘Human: Fall Flat’ (2016)

‘Human: Fall Flat’ was developed by No Brakes Games and published by Curve Games. This physics-based puzzle platformer features wobbly characters who must navigate surreal dreamscapes. The challenge comes from the intentional clumsiness of the controls, which often leads to hilarious results. Players must grab, pull, and climb their way through levels that encourage experimental solutions. The game supports online multiplayer, often resulting in chaotic and funny interactions between friends.

‘Scribblenauts Unlimited’ (2012)

‘Scribblenauts Unlimited’ was developed by 5th Cell and published by Warner Bros. Games. This unique puzzle game encourages players to use their imagination by typing in the names of objects to bring them to life. By adding adjectives, players can modify the behavior and appearance of the things they create. The protagonist, Maxwell, must solve various challenges to collect “Starites” and help his family. It is an excellent game for improving vocabulary and creative thinking in a digital environment.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated’ (2020)

‘SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated’ was developed by Purple Lamp and published by THQ Nordic. This remake of the 2003 cult classic allows players to take control of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy. The goal is to save Bikini Bottom from an army of rampant robots created by the villainous Plankton. The game features updated visuals and a restored multiplayer mode that was absent from the original release. Its faithful recreation of the show’s voice acting and humor makes it a hit with fans.

‘Planet Coaster’ (2016)

‘Planet Coaster’ was developed and published by Frontier Developments. This construction and management simulation allows players to design and run their very own theme park. It features incredibly deep customization tools, letting users build coasters piece-by-piece and design every detail of the scenery. Players must manage finances, staff, and guest happiness to ensure their park is a success. The game fosters architectural creativity and basic management skills in an engaging, colorful package.

‘Alba: A Wildlife Adventure’ (2020)

‘Alba: A Wildlife Adventure’ was developed by ustwo games and published by PID Games. The story follows a young girl visiting her grandparents on a Mediterranean island where she decides to start a wildlife rescue league. Players explore the island, take photos of rare animals, and clean up the environment to save the local nature reserve. The game promotes environmental activism and kindness through its gentle narrative. It features a beautiful art style and a relaxing gameplay loop that is perfect for younger children.

‘PowerWash Simulator’ (2022)

‘PowerWash Simulator’ was developed by FuturLab and published by Square Enix. This oddly satisfying game tasks players with cleaning various objects and environments using a high-pressure water sprayer. From dirty vans to entire playgrounds, the goal is to remove every speck of grime to make things look new again. The gameplay is meditative and lacks any stress or time pressure, making it a great “cool down” game. It also features cooperative play, allowing a group of friends to clean large structures together.

‘Bugsnax’ (2020)

‘Bugsnax’ was developed and published by Young Horses. In this adventure game, players travel to Snaktooth Island, where half-bug, half-snack creatures live. Players must use various traps and gadgets to capture over 100 different species of ‘Bugsnax’ and feed them to the local residents. As the characters eat the creatures, their body parts transform into the snacks they consumed. The game features a surprisingly deep story and a cast of memorable, diverse characters.

‘Disney Dreamlight Valley’ (2023)

‘Disney Dreamlight Valley’ was developed and published by Gameloft. This life-simulation adventure game lets players live alongside iconic Disney and Pixar characters in a magical valley. Players can garden, fish, and decorate their homes while completing quests to help their neighbors regain their memories. The game is constantly updated with new characters and realms based on popular films. It offers a safe social environment where fans of Disney can engage with their favorite stories in a persistent world.

‘Kerbal Space Program’ (2015)

‘Kerbal Space Program’ was developed by Squad and published by Private Division. This flight simulation game allows players to direct a nascent space program for an alien race known as Kerbals. Users must design and build spacecraft based on realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics to reach the stars. While the math behind the physics is complex, the game’s trial-and-error approach makes learning about rocket science fun. It is highly regarded as one of the most educational games ever made for the PC.

‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ (2020)

‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ was developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. This visually stunning platform-adventure game follows the spirit Ori on a quest to save a friend and heal a dying forest. It features fluid movement mechanics and challenging combat that requires timing and precision. The hand-painted art style and orchestral score create a cinematic experience rarely seen in independent games. While some segments are difficult, the game’s beauty and emotional story make it a rewarding experience for older kids.

Please share your thoughts and your favorite childhood PC memories in the comments.