Best Platforming Games For Kids

Getting kids into video games has gotten a lot easier over the years. Many of the best games out there today are more than capable of introducing them to the concept. For many youngsters, the best genre of game to introduce right out of the gate is platformers.

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These games can be both engaging enough to keep a child's attention, and simple enough that they don't throw kids into a state of confusion or frustration. A ton of great platformers have won over the hearts of older gamers and are also perfect for kids to try, especially if they can play alongside a parent or friend.

Updated on October 31, 2023, by Chris Birsner: While they don't come out as frequently as other genres, great platformers are continuing to be put out for a wide audience. However, while some lean into difficulty or even have taken a turn to cater to adults, a vast majority of platformers that have been coming out nowadays are platformers for kids. A great place for parents to look for platformers for kids is on the Nintendo Switch, with many major titles from Nintendo themselves being platformers. However, there are also plenty of great indie games that are worth checking out as well that will be a delight for kids and even for the adults playing with them as well.

12 Mail Mole

Mail Mole is an indie game that hasn't gotten a lot of attention upon release, but it is perfect for a younger demographic to enjoy. Gamers play as Molty, a mole on vacation from his job delivering mail. He gets a call one day to help Carrotland restore some of the power they've lost throughout multiple worlds.

The game features some great platform challenges throughout but is overall rather forgiving in nature. The bright cheeriness of the game's atmosphere is also sure to engage kids as they dig their way to success.

11 Kirby And The Forgotten Land

For years, Kirby has been known for its many 2D action platforming experiences across Nintendo consoles. In 2022, for the first time, the franchise took its dip into 3D platforming with Kirby and the Forgotten Land. After being sucked through a black hole, Kirby explores a whole new world after gaining a unique ability to swallow objects whole and take their form.

There are a lot of options for kids in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, such as being able to play on Spring Breeze mode allowing for fewer enemies and weaker boss fights. In addition, little kids can take on the role of Bandana Waddle Dee, who runs around with a spear while staying by Kirby's side. It's a simple character that is easy for kids to grasp and play around with.

10 Super Lucky's Tale

Specifically targeting all ages, Super Lucky's Tale is an ode to classic 3D platformers with both its level design and its charm. The game stars Lucky the Fox as he looks to rescue the Book of Ages from Jinx, a villain looking to change the world as they know it.

Lucky will need to take on the Kitty Litter, Jinx's kids, and work his way through various puzzles and obstacle courses across the colorful world to reach Jinx. Lucky has the ability to dig, which allows him to explore new worlds and discover side-scrolling levels to challenge the player.

9 Rayman Legends

Rayman has long been one of the more famous platforming mascots out there, with many adventures being released over the course of two and a half decades. The most recent mainline game received just as much adoration as many of the previous entries: Rayman Legends.

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The story revolves around Rayman and his friends as they explore new worlds based on paintings. The 2D sidescroller is perfect for kids who enjoy compelling worlds and goofy characters. This title also has a four-player co-op for those who would like to play with others.

8 Yoshi's Crafted World

Mario's sidekick Yoshi has had plenty of great games with himself in the center. While most platforming fans are fond of the classic Yoshi's Island games, recent games have put this green dinosaur in a softer setting.

One of these games is Yoshi's Crafted World, a game that puts Yoshi in a world made of crafted materials. The game revolves around finding all the gems of the Sundream Stone, which can be used to grant wishes. The game is primarily a sidescroller that uses 3D graphics and has the player move along a 2.5D plane.

7 Sackboy: A Big Adventure

The PlayStation 5 launch saw two wholesome platformers come immediately to the console. One of these games was a full-scale 3D platforming adventure starring Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet. In Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Sackboy is looking to stop the villain Vex from creating a machine that would destroy the world.

The game is loaded with linear 3D levels filled with various collectibles, which can add to the player's wardrobe or help them advance further in the game. All levels can be played in co-op, though some optional levels require co-op to complete.

6 Spongebob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated

After two decades on the air, Spongebob Squarepants continues to entertain kids both on television and in other media. Spongebob has also had plenty of different experiences in the video game world, including the 3D-platforming cult classic remake Spongebob Squarepants: Battle For Bikini Bottom Rehydrated.

The reimagining of this 2003 hit has Spongebob, Patrick, and Sandy set off on an adventure to stop an army of robots Plankton has unleashed. Players can explore different areas of Bikini Bottom while beating up robots and collecting Golden Spatulas.

5 New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Mario is the quintessential platforming superstar, and his games have always been catered to people of all ages. One of the big hits on the Nintendo Switch is a Wii U port, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. The game features dozens of 2D platforming levels that can be played alone or with up to four friends locally.

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Co-op may be the best way to play for kids If they fall behind, they can be put into a bubble and brought back safely to the leading player. That said, the platforming isn't terribly hard and is a nice ode to Mario games of old.

4 Super Mario Bros Wonder

Eleven years after the original release of New Super Mario Bros. U, Nintendo made a brand new 2D experience called Super Mario Bros. Wonder. And while the former is true to what the franchise has always been gameplay-wise, Wonder mixes it up in a way that is more friendly to kids and people of all ages.

With an emphasis on exploration and no time limit, players are able to enjoy moving around a level and picking up Wonder Flowers, which leads to a silly sequence of events that kids should get a kick out of. In addition, characters like Yoshi and Nabbit can be played for those who prefer to not get hit by enemies.

3 Super Mario 3D World

Moving away from the 2D Mario games, the best 3D Mario experience that parents can introduce to their kids is Super Mario 3D World. Available on both Nintendo Switch and Wii U, the adventure uses a similar level-by-level format as most classic 2D Mario games but allows players to move around and use a 3D space.

Similar to New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, any player who falls behind can use a bubble to return to the leading player. Additionally, kids who are struggling will eventually be provided with a Tanooki power-up that makes them immune from enemy attacks.