15 Fun Family Games for Parents & Little Ones

Top 15 Family-Friendly Games for Kiwi Households

Finding video games that the whole family can enjoy together can be a bit of a mission. You want something that’s fun for the little ones, but doesn’t bore the adults to tears. Plus, you're probably keen to avoid those super competitive online games that require lightning reflexes and a PhD in strategy. Well, good news! A recent compilation has surfaced, highlighting 15 top-notch titles perfect for parents and kids to dive into, all with a focus on creativity, cooperation, and good old-fashioned shared screen time.

These games have been carefully selected, boasting an ESRB rating of 'E' for Everyone or 'E10+' for Everyone 10 and up. Crucially, they all offer cooperative or shared play options. The selection criteria also factored in critical acclaim and how accessible they are for younger gamers. Forget the cutthroat online arenas; these games are all about building, exploring, and tackling challenges as a team.

Here's a rundown of the top picks:

• Super Mario Party Jamboree This game is essentially a digital board game night. The mini-games are quick, a bit zany, and simple enough for younger kids to grasp without needing lengthy explanations. Parents can jump straight in, and the competitive spirit is more lighthearted than cutthroat.

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Younger players will be captivated by the vibrant tracks and fun power-ups. Adults will find plenty to love too, thanks to its classic competitive charm. For those struggling to keep up, there are assisted steering options that help younger children stay on the track without disrupting the flow of the race.

• Minecraft It's hard to introduce Minecraft to anyone these days. Whether you're a family of master builders constructing magnificent digital homes or farmers tending to virtual livestock, the freedom to do whatever you please is unparalleled. A heads-up for parents: the game does feature some hostile creatures that appear at night, which might be a bit startling for very young children.

• LEGO Horizon Adventures Combining light action with signature LEGO humour, this title offers a fantastic co-op experience. Families can team up to solve puzzles, explore beautifully rendered worlds, and progress through the narrative together, fostering a collaborative rather than competitive spirit.

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury The main levels in this Mario adventure are designed to be accessible for children, while also offering enough cleverness and charm to keep adults thoroughly engaged. It’s a forgiving and amusing game, even if a player occasionally takes an unplanned tumble off a platform.

• Untitled Goose Game In this quirky title, players take on the role of a mischievous goose, causing a bit of harmless chaos throughout a charming village. The cooperative mode allows parents and children to work together to achieve their feathered objectives, and the overall lighthearted premise keeps the mood consistently playful.

• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker This game is a delightful puzzle-solving adventure for parents and kids. Each level is compact but packed with ingenious design and hidden secrets. It's a brilliant way for younger players to build confidence in their problem-solving skills, while remaining an enjoyable and rewarding experience for adults.

• Rocket League Matches in Rocket League are fast-paced, exciting, and easy for younger children to get the hang of quickly. The short match durations and the shared objective of hitting the ball mean all players stay engaged, regardless of their skill level. While online multiplayer modes feature voice chat, parents might prefer to stick to local play for younger children.

• Overcooked Whether it's the frantic chopping of ingredients, the urgent washing of dishes, or the desperate attempts to prevent the kitchen from descending into culinary chaos, every player has a vital role to play in Overcooked. The cooperative nature of the game ensures everyone is actively involved throughout each session.

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons This game offers a wonderfully relaxed pace for families. Parents and kids can spend their time decorating homes, catching insects, planting flowers, and slowly but surely building their own unique island paradise together. It's a calm, wholesome experience, perfect for quieter family gaming sessions.

• Snipperclips Don't let its simple appearance fool you; Snipperclips requires clear communication between players to solve increasingly complex shape-based puzzles. It’s as much an exercise in teamwork and communication as it is in pure problem-solving.

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land Kirby games are renowned for their accessibility to younger players, offering a forgiving difficulty curve and a cheerful, optimistic tone. Children can explore at their own pace, and parents can easily jump in to offer assistance in the co-op mode.

• Pokémon Go This is one game that gets the family out and about. Parents and kids can embark on adventures together, walking around their local neighbourhoods to catch Pokémon, visit PokéStops, and explore their surroundings like a crack team of virtual explorers. It feels more like an active outdoor pursuit than traditional sedentary gaming.

• LEGO Party LEGO Party is a visually appealing and incredibly easy-to-understand game for younger players. The minigames rotate frequently, keeping things fresh and engaging so they don’t become monotonous. Even losing feels less serious thanks to the signature LEGO humour. This is a strong contender for your family’s after-dinner entertainment routine.

• Disney Illusion Island This platforming adventure features beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and is primarily aimed at younger audiences. However, it incorporates cooperative mechanics and engaging puzzle-solving elements that are enjoyable for players of all ages, making it a solid choice for family fun.

With so many fantastic options available, the only question left is: which of these digital adventures will be your family’s next pick?

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