23 best PC games for kids & families to play in 2023
Let your child dive into colorful worlds and unleash their creativity with these top games for kids.
The ever-expanding gaming landscape offers a wide variety of experiences for players of all ages. While many titles cater to seasoned veterans, there's an equally captivating selection for the youngest among us. With that in mind, we're here to highlight the best PC games for kids.
We'll explore a diverse compilation that promises fun and even a touch of education. Whether you're a parent looking to introduce your child to the wonders of gaming or a young adventurer seeking new casual games to play, our curated list has something for everyone.
What do you have to know before buying a game for your child?
As a diverse medium, games explore various issues. Consequently, not all are appropriate for younger players. This is where game age ratings come into play, administered by organizations like PEGI (Pan European Game Information) and ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), providing valuable guidance for parents.
PEGI assigns age categories, content descriptors, and numbers such as "3," "7," and "18" to indicate suitability for different age groups. ESRB uses symbols such as "E" for Everyone and "M" for Mature in addition to content descriptors. Factors such as violence, language, and suggestive themes are considered during the rating process to ensure that the game's content is in line with the age of players.
To help you make informed decisions, GG.deals allows you to sort by game age ratings. For example, you can set the filter to show only PEGI 3 games in just a few clicks. This way, you may easily find the right match for your kids and save yourself the hassle of scrolling through the catalog yourself.
Best Sports PC games for kids
How about some healthy competition? This section includes racing and sports PC games for kids that they can enjoy on their own or with friends.
Hot Wheels Unleashed (included in PC Game Pass)
Do you happen to live in a small apartment with no space for bulky racing tracks? By going for HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED, you'll be able to save space by having a vast collection digitally. It has much more to offer than smooth racing mechanics that aren't too advanced for family-friendly games.
It boasts an extensive line-up of over 60 vehicles that are authentic replicas of real-life toys, each with its own unique features. You can even zoom off in your own dino-themed ride. And if you grow tired of the in-game tracks, get your creative juices flowing with the track editor, which allows you to create custom courses and share them with other players.
Great news! HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED - Game of the Year Edition is available on PC Game Pass, a subscription-based service from Microsoft that allows users to enjoy an ever-growing library of games. If you're interested in joining, check out the best membership deals below.
Forza Horizon 5 (Included with PC Game Pass)
If you're interested in only the best racing PC games for children, then your search ends here. We can't recommend Forza Horizon 5 enough, as it's crème de la crème of an entire genre. It'll take over 100 hours for an adult to obtain 100% completion. Imagine how much your kid can get out of this masterpiece.
Smooth driving experience, over 500 striking shiny cars, the vibrant open-world landscape of Mexico - this title has everything to make a full-grown man jump with excitement. For a young car lover, getting this game can mean the world.
EA SPORTS FC 24
Do you love soccer (or, how it's referred to in the rest of the world, football)? You can ignite the shared passion not only by watching sports on TV and taking them to the stadium. This EA's cash cow series has advanced so much that EA SPORTS FC 24 feels like a real deal, and the controls are extremely intuitive.
With over 19,000+ fully licensed players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30+ leagues, there's a big chance you and your kid will find your favorite striker and your favorite club. Maybe you can even orchestrate a rivalry between your hometown's team and Real Madrid? That's a must-buy for little football fans.
What are the best PC games for very little ones?
Start your offspring's gaming journey early on with these amusing games for little ones. These are filled with colors, beloved characters, and mechanics that are as easy as pie.
My Friend Peppa Pig (Included with PC Game Pass)
Finally, you can meet a protagonist loved by millions of kids worldwide. This installment generated a ton of sarcastic positive reviews from individuals outside of Peppa Pig's target audience. Jokes aside, My Friend Peppa Pig deserves its place among the most fun games for little kids.
It allows a young player to create their own character, explore different locations, interact with Peppa, her family and friends, as well as jump in a mud puddle. With that being said, the mechanics are incredibly straightforward, especially when handled with a controller, which is important for the youngest gamers.
Disney Dreamlight Valley (included in PC Game Pass)
Featuring relaxing, non-violent gameplay, Disney Dreamlight Valley is a no-brainer when it comes to choosing PC games for children. It transports players to a fantastical realm populated by beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Right off the bat, players will be greeted by familiar faces, Scrooge McDuck and Mickey Mouse, that will introduce players to gardening, fishing, and other activities.
Later, Dreamlight Valley starts encouraging you to explore and meet even more beloved Disney characters. Unfortunately, their lives have been disrupted by The Forgetting, a phenomenon that has erased their memories. It's up to you to restore harmony and make this place a paradise once again. With extensive customization options and a wide range of engaging activities, it's a must-play for fans of life sim games, regardless of their age.
Paw Patrol: On A Roll
Millions of viewers adore the cartoon that depicts the adventures of a young boy and his search and rescue pups. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before the franchise to expanded to different means of entertainment.
A player gets to control Chase and other beloved dogs, which makes it a very encouraging option for safe games for kids. The fact that Ryder keeps popping up on the screen and giving instructions further kid-proofs the title. The level design is nothing elaborate, but it still can be a good starting point for the future generation of players.
Non-violent action adventure games / platformers
Fight for good in a child-friendly environment. This is our top pick for non violent games.
Sonic Frontiers
It's impossible to imagine the list of games safe for kids without this franchise. For many adults, the hope for a good Sonic game seemed to be dead. Fortunately, the fond memories of the blue superfast hedgehog were reignited by SEGA with Sonic Frontiers. The series has gone far, with quality 3D graphics and an open world.
There's nothing stopping the protagonist from looking fantastic on computer monitors. The supersonic speed was begging for a vast open space to show its full potential. Hold on tight and prepare for a spectacular run.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (included in PC Game Pass)
We can't recommend this collection enough, even if your kids are not die-hard fans of this space opera. Unlike many PC games for children that try to capitalize on a popular IP, LEGO Star Wars games are known for providing quality gameplay. As a result, they can be enjoyed by all generations. The older games were polished a bit to make the graphics look presentable.
It's worth mentioning that this massive pack includes nine installments that tell the plotline of an entire Star Wars movie series. In addition, you can pick from over 300 iconic characters and ride more than 100 various vehicles. That's a real bargain for such an insane amount of content! It's hard to find better PC games for a family than the ones in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
To be fair, other titles released under the name of the Danish franchise deserve to be distinguished. That's why we have an article about the best LEGO games to play on PC & Steam.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Going for the installments that you know from your own childhood is the most certain way of making sure you're choosing kid friendly games on Steam. And there's no better example than Spyro. This classic platformer gained its popularity thanks to an adorable protagonist, easy-to-learn mechanics, and varied but not too challenging levels.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy has all of these features, plus polished graphics to fit the 2023 standards. For the price given below, you'll get not one but three installments.
Fall Guys
Do you wanna guarantee a fantastic time for your youngsters and their friends? No family PC games are capable of filling the room with laughter as Fall Guys. Just like in other mainstream Battle Royale, the main objective is to be the last person standing. However, this creation of Mediatonic is adored by millions, thanks to easy controls and adorable, colorful graphics.
Like in Takeshi Castle, you must clear a level that resembles an obstacle course. You can try to be a fair player, but most of the time, you'll push rivals off the platforms, which looks hilarious. Not only it's a superb family friendly game, but a great option for party games on PC to try out with friends of all ages. And the best part? It's free on Epic Games Store!
New Super Lucky's Tale (Included with PC Game Pass)
Taking inspiration from classic 3D platformers, New Super Lucky's Tale invites you to join Lucky as he sets out on a grand quest. His goal is to save the Book of Ages from the nefarious Jinx and his Kitty Litter gang.
Along the way, you'll explore colorful, puzzle-packed locations full of enemies and hidden secrets. The game strikes a great balance between accessibility and challenge, making it a fantastic choice for younger gamers.
Best creative games for kids
The main rule - there are no rules! Let the kids' imaginations run wild with these creative titles.
Roblox
Roblox managed to become a phenomenon during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially because it is not a PC game per se. It is a gaming platform where users are free to create and play all sorts of games. Adopt Me!, Pet Simulator X, Royale High, Welcome to Bloxburg... The possibilities are endless!
Nevertheless, it's not just the insane degree of freedom that put Roblox on the map. It's the feeling of being a part of a community. It allowed kids to stay in touch with their classmates and friends and be social even when being social was outright banned. And that is more valuable than how much your menaces spend on Robux, especially since you can save money by viewing cheap Roblox Gift Cards on GG.deals.
Minecraft (included with PC Game Pass)
This sandbox is hands down one of the top PC games for kids that needs no introduction. Fourteen years after its release, it's still played by millions worldwide. But how could a game without a plotline, a structured plan, and elaborate graphics become so well-known and loved by the younger generation?
Its so-called weakness is, in fact, its recipe for its head-spinning success. Bulky pixel graphics ensure the game is playable on low-end laptops. Survival Mode might be a bit much for the little ones with its scary monsters, but Creative Mode is fantastic for their development. Children can create, explore, get hands dirty in the garden, take care of animals, and play in an open world without having to worry about hunger or danger. No structure means no limitations to how the user decides to play it. No plotline implies no finish line, meaning you can play Minecraft forever.
Stardew Valley (included with PC Game Pass)
It's more suited to an older child moving into teens, but we feel like it deserves our whole-hearted recommendation. It's one of those non-violent PC games that are capable of delivering a valuable lesson about life. For example, the world is full of diverse people with various problems, but they can all be interesting in their own unique way. And most importantly, if you wanna be a part of the community and have nice things, you better get to work.
Boy, there's so much to do in this adorable village! You can embark on an exploration, go out fishing, read a bulletin board to find some quests, and so much more! But the most commonly picked activity is attending to your garden. In that regard, you can find plenty of alternatives in our list of best farming games to play on PC & Steam.
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is undeniably one of the most popular casual games on the market. No wonder, as the Sims franchise has been winning over gamers since the early 2000s. Moreover, the latest iteration has been offered at no cost for some time now.
While the base game is completely free, you can choose to enhance your gameplay with DLC packs that bring more color to the lives of your virtual families. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, check out our ranking of the expansions for The Sims 4.
Kids-friendly puzzle & strategy games
It's time for some riddles and puzzles. The following kid friendly games on Steam are excellent for future problem-solvers.
Untitled Goose Game
What would your inner child say if you could play as a naughty goose whose main mission is to ruin everyone's day? If the answer is yes and the apple didn't fall far from the tree, then pick up Untitled Goose Game. It can be enjoyed by one or two people for more effective havoc-wreaking.
Each area gives an environmental puzzle that can be solved by obtaining an object from one of the NPCs. In order to do that, you'll have to interact with the surroundings and honk like there's no tomorrow to trick poor villagers.
Planet Zoo
We're expanding the topic of animals even further. Planet Zoo grants a one-of-a-kind experience that not a single zoological garden in the world can. Obviously, we're talking about managing a zoo! It seamlessly combines entertainment and learning, making it a splendid choice of family PC games.
Access Zoopedia, a comprehensive guide packed with information about different wildlife species and their habitats.Knowing all secrets of keeping animals, workers, and guests happy is crucial for a good, responsible zoo keeper. That's why we strongly recommend trying out the career mode first. After getting a hand on things, a player can get creative in sandbox mode and create a park from scratch.
It Takes Two (included with PC Game Pass)
It's one of the unique titles on the list due to the fact that it fits various genres. For instance, it is purely a co-op game, meaning that the kid will need a gaming partner (we personally recommend someone older family member). There is also a bit of action here and there. However, you will not proceed through the game without solving puzzles.
If you'll get stuck over a particularly tricky one, the game gives plenty of opportunities for rest and fun. You can take a break by inspecting the locations for hidden secrets. In every aspect, whether it's the mesmerizing world of shrunk ragdolls, the touching plot of soon-to-be-divorced parents that are forced to work together, and elaborate levels, this game is a masterpiece.
Unpacking (Included with PC Game Pass)
Continuing with our selection of best PC games for kids, we have Unpacking, which is a nice change from action-packed titles. It offers a relaxing experience as you unbox a girl's belongings at different stages of her life.
From a single bedroom to an entire apartment, you'll travel back in time and learn more about the protagonist along the way. With charming pixel art visuals, soothing music, and calming gameplay, it can help your child unwind after a long day at school.
Fun co-op games for families
Share precious moments with your little one over these incredible co-ops that can teach vital teamwork skills.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Kids also deserve high-quality entertainment content, and that's what Sackboy: A Big Adventure is capable of. It has all components of fun PC games for families. Not only it's considered one of the top 3D platformers, but it also has incredibly-looking graphics.
Rayman Legends
Any list of the top video games for kids would be incomplete without Rayman Legends. It's the latest entry in Michel Ancel's platformer series, where you team up with Rayman and his friends to venture into colorful worlds. From ancient Greece to medieval castles, there's a wide array of visually stunning locations to explore.
Alongside the standard levels, the game also features rhythm-based stages to diversify the gameplay. This keeps things fresh and ensures there's never a dull moment.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated
"Wait a minute, it's a single-player!" - some older players that are familiar with the original might claim. True Battle for Bikini Bottom used to be purely a one-player installment. However, the remastered version has new content added, including a multiplayer mode.
Basically, it's a horde mode, where you and three more players need to brawl with enemies, which looks absolutely adorable. No punches are thrown around. After all, we're writing about non violent games. For example, Patrick Star pushes enemies with his belly, and Squidward attacks with clarinet notes.
Moving Out
It's similar to another well-known co-op title published by Team 17, Overcooked! 2. However, we think that it holds too high of a conflict hazard for family friendly games. Moving Out is less stressful but still offers a list of objectives to keep things competitive.
In Moving Out, you and your teammates can become Furniture Arrangement Relocation Technicians (or F.A.R.T., for short). Work together to move all the necessary items or wreak havoc in other people's houses by throwing furniture right out of the window. The choice is yours.
Now we'd like to hear from you! Did our list encourage you to buy any of these video games for kids? Do you have more suggestions to help out fellow parents or people for little siblings? Is there a title that isn't exactly suitable for a young audience but you'd give it a green light anyways? You can contribute your suggestion in the comment section below!
