The Best Kids’ Video Games of 2025
Inspiring the Next Generation of Gamers and Creators
Many of today's blockbuster video games tackle serious themes and aim at mature audiences. Kids are a big part of the gaming community too. Many of us fell in love with games as children, and those games taught us as much as they entertained us. For young players, a good game can open the door to creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling.
This list covers the best kids' video games available today, from PC classics to modern console hits. It's a guide for parents, teachers, and young gamers who want to explore games in a healthy, fun way.
Why Kids' Games Matter
Foundations for Lifelong Learning
Kids' games often mix learning with play. Minecraft teaches resource management and creativity. Kerbal Space Program introduces basic physics in a hands-on, interactive way.
A Gateway to Game Development
For many kids, playing games sparks an interest in making them. hyperPad lets young players take their first steps into game development on iPad. They turn their ideas into playable games by connecting Behaviors, with no programming skills needed.
Social and Emotional Development
Games with cooperative play or shared worlds, like Roblox or Animal Crossing, help kids practice teamwork, empathy, and social skills in moderated spaces.
The Best Kids' Video Games Across Platforms
1. Minecraft (PC, Console, Mobile)
Why It's Great: Minecraft is a global phenomenon that lets kids build entire worlds block by block. Its sandbox gameplay encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Fun Fact: Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time, with over 238 million copies sold.
2. Roblox (PC, Mobile)
Why It's Great: Roblox combines playing games and making them. Kids can play games other people made or design their own. Educational Value: Roblox's creation tools teach basic programming logic, and some schools use it to introduce kids to coding.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
Why It's Great: This life simulation game suits younger players who enjoy building cozy villages and chatting with animal characters. Fun Fact: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Animal Crossing became a virtual hangout for millions worldwide.
4. Kerbal Space Program (PC, Console)
Why It's Great: This game combines space exploration with physics challenges, letting players design and launch rockets. Educational Value: It introduces orbital mechanics and encourages kids to think critically and experiment.
5. Pokémon Series (Nintendo Switch)
Why It's Great: Pokémon games are loved for their mix of adventure, strategy, and collecting. The series has been a favorite with kids since its debut in the 1990s. Fun Fact: Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, with over $100 billion USD in revenue.
6. Splatoon 3 (Nintendo Switch)
Why It's Great: This colorful, team-based shooter swaps traditional violence for ink-slinging fun. That makes it kid-friendly while still offering competitive gameplay. Pro Tip: The single-player mode is a good introduction before jumping into online multiplayer.
7. Stardew Valley (PC, Console, Mobile)
Why It's Great: This farming simulator teaches responsibility and long-term planning as players manage farms, relationships, and community projects.
Why iPad Games and Game Development Platforms Like hyperPad Are Ideal for Kids
Accessible and Portable
The iPad's touchscreen and portability make it a good device for younger kids. Parents can manage screen time and content settings to keep play safe.
Educational Potential
Beyond playing games, kids can make their own with hyperPad. They drag, drop, and connect Behaviors instead of typing code, so they can design interactive experiences and try out their own ideas.
Introducing Game Dev Skills Early
Learning game development builds confidence and problem-solving skills. With hyperPad, kids can take their first steps toward a creative career and have fun along the way.
Encourage Creativity Through Gaming
Games can be a springboard for learning, creativity, and future skills. Whether kids are exploring worlds in Minecraft, solving puzzles in Stardew Valley, or designing their first game on hyperPad, they're building skills they can use later.
Parents, teachers, and caregivers can help kids balance fun and growth by choosing games and tools that spark curiosity. Today's young gamers could be tomorrow's game developers.
Play a few of these games with your kids, then introduce them to making their own. You might be raising the next big name in games!
Try hyperPad Starter free. When you want more projects and App Store export, upgrade to hyperPad for a one-time USD $14.99. You keep 100% of your revenue.
