Every gamer starts somewhere, and finding the right first game for a child is more than just picking something colorful. A great introductory game should be easy to grasp, fun to play, and, ideally, something that sparks creativity or a love for interactive storytelling.
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Parents wanting to play kid-friendly video games with their children should try the following cool co-op games.
Whether it's a game that encourages exploration, gentle problem-solving, or simple, joyful chaos, the right pick can turn a child's first gaming experience into a lifelong passion. And these 7 game excel at this task.
7 Katamari Damacy Reroll
Rolling Up A Lifetime Of Fun
Katamari Damacy Reroll
- Released
- December 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
If there’s a better way to introduce a child to the sheer absurdity of video games, it hasn’t been invented yet. Katamari Damacy Reroll is a game where players roll a sticky ball (a "Katamari") around, picking up objects until it’s big enough to collect entire buildings, continents, and eventually planets. The premise is delightfully nonsensical: the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys the stars, so his tiny son, the Prince, has to rebuild them using whatever he can roll up on Earth.
What makes Katamari Damacy Reroll a great first game is its simplicity. The twin-stick controls may take a few minutes to get used to, but there are no complex mechanics to master—just push forward and collect things. There’s no failure state, no time-consuming tutorials, and no punishment for mistakes, making it a low-pressure experience. The vibrant, blocky art style and charmingly offbeat soundtrack also make it one of the most joyfully weird games ever created. Rated E for Everyone, Katamari Damacy Reroll is perfect for kids who just want to mess around and have fun without worrying about scores, stats, or anything remotely stressful.
6 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Where Every Race Feels Like A Celebration
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Released
- April 27, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Racing
Even kids who’ve never held a controller before can jump into Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and have a great time. The game takes everything that made previous Mario Kart titles great and refines it to perfection. With dozens of characters, colorful tracks, and just the right amount of chaos, it’s the kind of game where finishing last doesn’t feel so bad when you just got to throw a giant banana peel at your friend.
For younger players, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers Smart Steering, an optional feature that prevents them from driving off the track. Coupled with Auto-Accelerate, these settings make it easy for kids to enjoy races without struggling to stay on the road. And since the game has a mix of single-player, local multiplayer, and online modes, it can grow with them.
It’s rated E for Everyone, and since the worst thing that can happen is getting hit by a blue shell at the last second, it’s one of the most frustration-free competitive games out there.
5 Super Mario 3D World
A Whimsical Playground Of Possibilities
Super Mario 3D World
- Released
- November 22, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone: Mild Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
- Platform(s)
- Switch, Nintendo Wii U
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Few franchises are as beginner-friendly as Super Mario, and Super Mario 3D World is one of the best places to start. It combines the charm of classic 2D Mario games with the freedom of 3D exploration, offering bite-sized levels that are packed with secrets, power-ups, and, most importantly, adorable cat costumes.
The game is designed with accessibility in mind. Players who struggle with a level can use the Super Leaf to become invincible, and the multiplayer mode allows family members to hop in and help at any time. The simple controls, bright visuals, and consistently creative level design make it engaging without being overwhelming.
Rated E for Everyone, Super Mario 3D World is a fantastic way for kids to develop platforming skills while having fun in a world that’s as colorful as it is forgiving.
4 Disney Dreamlight Valley
A Disney Dream Come True
Disney Dreamlight Valley
- Released
- December 5, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone / In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Gameloft
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, iOS
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation, Casual
For kids who love Disney movies more than high-speed kart races, Disney Dreamlight Valley is the perfect introduction to gaming. It’s essentially Animal Crossing meets Kingdom Hearts—a cozy life-sim where players get to befriend Disney characters, complete quests, and restore magic to a once-thriving village.
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Unlike some farming and life-sim games that require rigid time management, Disney Dreamlight Valley lets players move at their own pace. Tasks like fishing, cooking, and decorating are all easy to pick up, and the presence of familiar Disney characters makes everything feel like a warm hug. Since there are no high-stakes challenges or time limits, it’s a great game for young kids who just want to explore and interact with their favorite animated friends.
The game is rated E, with its biggest challenge being deciding whether to hang out with Goofy or build a pumpkin carriage with Cinderella first.
3 Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The First Game Character Of Many Gamers 20 Years Ago, Now Back With A Fresh Coat Of Paint
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
- Released
- November 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
- Developer(s)
- Toys for Bob
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Spyro the Dragon has been a staple of childhood gaming since the late ‘90s, and the Reignited Trilogy is the best way to introduce a new generation to the little purple dragon. This collection remasters the first three Spyro games, keeping the original level design intact while giving it a gorgeous visual overhaul.
What makes Spyro Reignited Trilogy an ideal first game is its simplicity. The controls are intuitive, with Spyro’s moveset focused on jumping, gliding, and headbutting enemies. The difficulty ramps up gradually, and there are no frustrating mechanics to discourage young players. While combat exists, it’s cartoonish and non-threatening—more about knocking enemies over than anything remotely violent.
Rated E10+, it’s slightly more action-focused than some of the other games on this list, but it’s still a fantastic pick for kids ready to take on their first real adventure.
2 Lego city undercover
A LEGO Game With True Open-World Freedom
Lego City Undercover
- Released
- March 18, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor
- Developer(s)
- TT Games, TT Fusion
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Action, Platformer, Fighting
Most LEGO games are great for kids, but LEGO City Undercover stands out by being an open-world experience that feels like a kid-friendly version of Grand Theft Auto. Instead of stealing cars and causing mayhem, players take on the role of Chase McCain, an undercover cop solving crimes, chasing bad guys, and disguising himself as everything from a firefighter to a miner.
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The game’s humor is perfect for kids and parents alike, packed with silly jokes and movie references. Its open-world design encourages exploration, but the missions are structured in a way that makes it easy to follow. Like all LEGO games, failure is never punishing—characters simply respawn with no real consequences.
Rated E10+, LEGO City Undercover offers hours of lighthearted fun, proving that a game can be both an open-world adventure and completely kid-friendly.
1 Minecraft
More Than Just A Game
Minecraft
- Released
- November 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Mojang
- Platform(s)
- 3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
There’s no better first game than Minecraft. It’s not just about playing—it’s about creating, exploring, and learning in a way that few other games can match. Kids can build anything they imagine, from a tiny house to an entire city, and with multiple modes available, they can choose to survive against monsters or just relax in a limitless sandbox.
The beauty of Minecraft is its accessibility. The blocky visuals are simple but iconic, and the gameplay is as easy or complex as a player wants it to be. Younger kids can start in Creative Mode, where they have unlimited resources and no enemies, while older ones can try Survival Mode to gather materials and craft their own adventure.
Rated E10+, Minecraft has become more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and even teamwork. It’s the perfect introduction to gaming, and for many kids, it’s the first step into a world of limitless possibilities.