educational games for 9 year old boy

Games for 9-Year-Olds

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Interactive Games Catalog for 9-Year-Olds

Embark on an exciting adventure with our vibrant collection of games, meticulously designed for 9-year-olds! Dive into a world where every game promises an engaging, educational, and interactive experience. From puzzles that challenge the mind to adventures that spark creativity, our games are perfect for young explorers eager to learn and have fun. With several titles already available for instant play and others soon to be launched on the web, our games are accessible from anywhere, anytime. Get ready to watch your child navigate through enchanting worlds, all while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Perfect for every 9-year-old adventurer out there!

In an era where the digital world is more accessible to children than ever before, finding the right kind of engaging and educational content can be a challenge for parents and educators. This is particularly true for 9-year-olds, who are at a crucial developmental stage, balancing the fine line between play and the beginning of more structured learning. Recognizing this, our games are specifically designed with this age group in mind, ensuring that they're not only fun but also immensely beneficial for their growth and learning.

Our collection of games for 9-year-olds is crafted to cater to the unique needs and interests of children in this age bracket. At 9, children are curious, imaginative, and ready to absorb information in creative ways. Our games tap into these characteristics, offering a platform that's both interactive and educational. By engaging with our content, children are introduced to a world where learning feels like play, making the acquisition of new knowledge and skills an enjoyable and memorable experience.

One of the key advantages of our games is their interactive nature. Interactive games have been shown to enhance problem-solving skills, as they often challenge players to think critically and make decisions based on logic and reasoning. For 9-year-olds, who are developing these essential life skills, our games provide a safe and supportive environment to experiment, learn from mistakes, and improve. Whether it's navigating through puzzles, engaging in story-driven adventures, or collaborating with peers in multiplayer modes, children are given numerous opportunities to develop critical thinking and social skills.

Moreover, as we prepare to make these games available to play on the web too, accessibility becomes even less of a barrier. Children, regardless of their geographical location or device preference, will soon have the opportunity to dive into our digital worlds. This expansion means that our educational content can reach a wider audience, making learning accessible to every 9-year-old with internet access.

The benefits of our games extend beyond cognitive development. Emotional intelligence, an essential component of a child's social development, is also nurtured through our game environments. By navigating through stories and interacting with characters, children learn about empathy, resilience, and the importance of making ethical decisions. These experiences are invaluable as they translate into real-world scenarios, helping children to better understand and navigate their social environments.

Furthermore, our games are designed to be inclusive, promoting diversity and acceptance. Through storytelling and character design, we introduce 9-year-olds to a variety of cultures, perspectives, and life situations. This exposure is crucial in fostering a sense of empathy and global awareness from a young age, preparing them to be open-minded and compassionate individuals in an increasingly interconnected world.

In conclusion, our games are more than just digital entertainment; they are tools for learning, growth, and development tailored specifically for 9-year-olds. By blending educational content with interactive and engaging gameplay, we provide a platform where children can learn, develop essential life skills, and have fun all at the same time. As we look towards making our games accessible on the web, our commitment to supporting the holistic development of children remains our paramount goal.

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Educational Games

9 year old games.

✅  Educational games for 9 year olds online. Free online educational activities, 9 year old games for teaching and learning. 

Best Games for 9-Year-Olds

Kids Movies Hangman

Mental Calculation Mini-Games

Fast Typing

Multiplication Tables Pacman

Ratio Blaster: Finding Equal Ratios

TIMES TABLES JIGSAWS from 1 to 12

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Related Categories

14 Best STEM Toys for 9 to 10- Year-Olds

Krystal DeVille

May 7, 2024

A great STEM toy spurs the imagination and keeps your kids entertained.

Learning never needs to feel like a chore. And these educational toys are certainly going to impress even the hardest kids to please! 

Looking for the perfect STEM gift for a nine-year-old for the holidays or their birthday? Well, we’ve searched for educational toys and games that are STEM-related and applicable to what your 4th-5th grade students are learning in school.

Improve their math skills, science knowledge, and challenge them with puzzles, robots, and some games with the following STEM toys for 9 and 10-year-olds.

Table of Contents

Say hello to your new favorite robot! Cozmo has got personality, that’s for certain. But besides being cute (and scaring the dog), Cozmo is great to get the imagination of your young programmers stirring. See everything you can code in Cozmo Code Lab with their suggested lessons and activities. View the price on Amazon .

Focus Skills: Learn to Code

2. Gravity Maze

Gravity Maze is one of my favorite puzzle toys available! This toy is exactly what your nine-year-old needs to build on their critical thinking skills.

These towers are visually stimulating and challenge kids to use their logic for the maze that carries the marble to the Target Tower. What is great about this toy is that you receive 60 challenges with levels going from beginner to expert. You can buy this best-seller at a reasonable price on Amazon and it is well worth the purchase. View the price on Amazon .

Focus Skills: Logic & Engineering

3. KEVA Brain Builders Game

This toy is great for elementary school-aged students. It challenges them to think outside the box and create 3D constructions.

This fits the ‘E’ in STEM and gives kids the opportunity to problem-solve. They can begin developing simple architectural skills to turn a drawing into reality! View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Engineering & Design

A fascinating STEM kit that teaches kids about renewable energy. You grow your own living fuel cell from mud. That’s right. Mud! This is perfect for kids at this age to teach them a curriculum related to energy and microbial growth. The best part is that kids can track their MudWatt’s growth on the corresponding App for smartphones and tablets. View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Environmental Science

5. SmartLab Squishy Human Body

This is a fun and educational toy for kids this age learning about anatomy and the human body. Kids can learn about the different organs and their functions in the body. It comes with an educational book to teach about digestion, but kids also get a look at other body systems such as the skeletal, muscular, circulatory system, etc. View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Biology

6. Wonder Workshop Dash Robot

It fits the ‘T’ in STEM! A very cool advanced little robot that you can connect to your smartphone. This is another one to learn how to code. This is a great technological toy for eight-year-olds to advance their coding skills and more. This is fun! Design paths for Dash, watch him move around, and make noises. Even more importantly, this is a stepping stone for your child’s programming skills. View the price on Amazon. 

Focus Skills: Programming

7. Snap Circuits Jr.

Best toy for electrical  engineering, that is! 

The Snap Circuits Jr. is a great STEM toy for young kids starting to learn about circuits and how electricity works. It includes 101 projects in an easy-to-read guide book with diagrams. Beginning with a basic light switch circuit, your child will love putting together these projects.

This hands-on learning experience will teach them about currents and how switches work. Projects make fun alarm sounds, music, lights, a fan that spins, and can even turn into a “flying saucer!” It also includes projects that are multi-player games, such as a racing game that utilizes electricity to spin a pointer. Snapping together these pieces on the board is a fun accomplishment for anyone!

We love this toy so much; it is featured on our list of best STEM toys for 8-year-olds too! It’s age-appropriate for 8 & up. View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Electricity & Engineering

8. Math for Love Prime Club

This is a math board game designed for kids at this age. Roll the dice and pick up prime cards. Remember what a prime number is? (Clue: It can only be divided by 1 and itself.) This is great practice for kids to do their mathematical operations while competing and having fun! View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Math

9. Code Master Programming Logic Game

While Dash Robot is my go-to for learning programming, sometimes its also important to take a step back from technology and simply master the thinking process and logic behind programming. (Plus, we like to encourage a healthy relationship with technology at STEM Education Guide! So this is great for some off-screen time.) 

This is the perfect game for kids at this age to work on their coding skills if they see a future in technology. Kids have the option to play this game alone or work with others. It is a great way to improve their logic skills by starting with the basics and building upon that. There are 10 maps with 60 levels. Get ready to be challenged! View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Coding

10. Green Science Weather Station Kit

Inspire a future meteorologist with this STEM gift. Set it up in the backyard and start reporting on the weather.

This is perfect too for the kids that are natural performers. What’s more fun than learning about the weather and then giving the family their evening weather report? View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills:  Meteorology

11. Foundation Chemistry Kit: Dozens of STEM Experiments

Yellow Scope has come out with some awesome STEM toys designed for girls.

This Beakers & Bubbles chemistry kit is awesome! There are so many careers that are within STEM that we forget about – like cosmetic science! There’s a lot of chemistry that goes into the make-up, hair, and body products we love. View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills:  Chemistry

12. Makey Makey

Activities are endless with a Makey Makey. Create your own game or turn a banana into a remote control. You can read more about some of our favorite Makey Makey activities here . This is a great toy for learning about electric circuits and what is conductive as well. View the price on Amazon.

Focus Skills: Programming & Creativity

13. A+ Kids Chemistry by Playz

This kid includes 32 experiments and a lab guide. I love STEM toys that  explain  the processes and skills taught through the kit, making this one a great option! Know a 9-year-old who loves creating experiments? This is a great toy! View the price on Amazon.

14. Brain Quest Smart Game

An entertaining multi-player game challenges kids with trivia questions from multiple subjects, including science and math in STEM. For 2-4 players ranging from age 6-12. Each question is by age, so there are no unfair advantages. This isn’t exclusively STEM. It covers art, reading, and geography too! But it’s one of the best educational games out there! View the price on Amazon.

Wrapping Up

With these fun STEM toys, learning will never be a bore. Kids can begin practicing programming with a robot or engineering with creative building sets. What is your 9-year-olds favorite STEM toy that we should try next? Let us know!

Author: Krystal DeVille

Title: stem education guide founder, expertise: homeschooling, kids education, parenting.

Krystal DeVille is an accomplished journalist and homeschooling mother who created STEM Education Guide, a site that revolutionizes learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for children. It makes complex subjects engaging and understandable with innovative, hands-on approaches.

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25 of the Best Indoor Games for Kids Aged 8-12 Years

March 10, 2020

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Sick of hearing “I’m bored!” from your older kids? Entertaining tweens indoors can be challenging, as they tend to turn their noses up at all suggestions that don’t involve technology! So if you’re looking for alternatives to plugged in activities, here are 25 of the best indoor games for kids aged 8-12 yrs, that will be sure to keep everyone happy!

The kids will be driving you and each other crazy in no time if they’re feeling cooped up, so get them started with one of these indoor games for kids and then listen for the laughter!

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Best Indoor Games for Kids

#1. what am i eating.

My tween loves playing this game with his friends. They blindfold one person and raid the cupboards to find items for them to taste. Things like honey, soy sauce, mustard, frozen pea, marshmallow etc. all work well.

The blindfolded person must try and guess what they have been given to taste. Make sure you check for food allergies before playing this game. And it is probably best to supervise the food choices!

#2. He Said She Said

A fun way to get the kids’ imaginations going.

Each person gets a piece of paper and a pen/pencil. They write the first few lines of a story, fold the page until the last line or last few words of the previous person’s story is only visible, and pass the paper over the to next person, who writes the next few lines, and so on until the page comes back to the original author.

Since each child cannot see all of the previous person’s story, they must write their lines based on one sentence/word. The resulting mixed-up stories will invariably bring much laughter.

#3. Play Alphabet Chat

Challenge each other to talk for a minute each without using words beginning with an agreed letter of the alphabet.

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#4. Create a Secret Code

Make your own secret code up and write a message to your friends that they have to decode.  The Pigpen cipher uses symbols in place of the letters.

#5. Murder in the Dark

One of the best indoor games for kids is ‘Murder in the Dark’! This game is best done at night so that it’s dark when the lights are turned off. Have the kids sit in a circle and close their eyes. You gently tap one child on the shoulder, and they are the murderer. Everyone opens their eyes and you pick a detective.

• The detective leaves the room and waits outside until 5 seconds after they hear a scream.
• The lights are turned off and the other players must mix and mingle around the room. The murderer must tap their victim on the shoulder and whisper into their ear, I am the murderer and you are now dead. The victim must give a blood curdling scream and collapse to the floor.
• Everyone except the murderer, must stand still. Only the murderer can quietly move away, if they choose too.
• The detective enters the room 5 seconds after the scream and turns on the lights.The detective looks at the victim and starts to question everyone in order to identify the murderer. Only the murderer can tell a lie. Everyone else MUST tell the truth.
• Once the detective has decided who they think the murderer is they must touch the accused murderer on the shoulder and announce I am arresting you for the murder of John Smith (name the victim).
• If the detective is right then the murderer can confess. If the detective is wrong then the true murderer can reveal themselves.

#6. Build a Bridge

Set up in teams to build a bridge out of straws that is strong enough to hold 100 pennies. Or build a bridge out of popsicle sticks and other materials.

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#7. Paper Aeroplane Race

All you need to make paper aeroplanes is paper and pens for decorating.

First fold your paper aeroplane and then the kids can draw the pilots at the front and the passengers looking out of the windows. Have Paper Aeroplane races and see whose gets furthest.

#8. Sock Wars

For this game you will need 10-20 socks rolled up into balls:

• Divide the room into two equal halves, and place the socks on the line in the middle (you could use masking tape to mark). Divide all the kids into two equal teams.
• When the game starts, the object of the game is to get as many socks onto the other teams side of the room before time is up.
• Team members must stay on their side of the room and toss the socks over to the other sides.
• A team member cannot hold onto a sock for more than 10 seconds before having to throw it.
• You could also add in beach balls of varying sizes with the socks, for variety.

#9. Flying Carpet

Each child, or group of children, stands on a rug or cushion in the middle of the floor. This is their ‘flying carpet’ the only problem is, it is upside down! The object of this game is to turn the ‘flying carpet’ over without stepping off it. If you step on the floor you are out!

More difficult than it sounds!

#10. Murderer Wink

Similar to Murder in the Dark, but with a winking murderer.

• Sit all the children in a circle and get them to close their eyes.
• Pick one player, or 2 if you have a really large group, to be the murderer, by touching them on their shoulder.
• Then get everyone to open their eyes and pick a detective.
• The ‘murderer’ must catch another players eye and wink quickly at them. If you are winked at you die, in a really dramatic fashion of course!
• The detective must try and guess who the murderer is.
• The murderer keeps winking at people until they are all out or they have been caught.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:   20 Great Childhood Games to Play Together

#11. Two Truths and a Lie

Creative indoor games for kids, that don’t require any props of equipment, are always a good idea. To play this game, each person shares three statements, one of which is false and two of which are true. Everyone else has to guess which is the lie.

#12. Balloon Ping-Pong

All you need is some balloons and either table-tennis bats, or make your own bats using paper plates and sticks for handles.

Clear some space in the hall and off they go.

#13. Geography Game

The first person starts with a geographic place name and the next person has to think of a place name that starts with the last letter of the previous place.

For example: BlackrocK – KilbeggaN – NicE – EdinburgH…and so on. See how far round the world you can get!

This also makes a great car game for kids , particularly if they use places they see along the journey.

#14. Play The Minister’s Cat

An old Victorian game where you have to think of adjectives to describe the Minister’s Cat in alphabetical order, e.g. start with “The minister’s cat is an adorable cat”.  The next person says e.g. “The minister’s cat is an adorable cat and a bouncy cat” and so on.

#15. Indoor Obstacle Course (with a twist)

Set up some obstacles in the room. Blindfold one player and the rest of the players must lead them through the obstacle course by telling them the way to go. Left to avoid a chair, right 2 steps to avoid a table. etc.

For bigger groups, split them into pairs and let each playing take a turn at leading and navigating.

Don’t Miss…

When you go past the Pass the Parcel stage, you need games that will keep the 8-12 year olds engaged and interested. These highly entertaining party games for tweens  are tried-and-tested for party success!

#16. Beetle

Beetle is a drawing game which you play with dice. Each beetle body part has a number associated with it, and that number must be rolled before can draw that particular body part.

• 6 – Head – one needed
• 5 – Body – one needed
• 4 – Tail – one needed
• 3 – Leg – four needed
• 2 – antenna – two needed
• 1 – eye – two needed

Winner is person who gets their beetle drawn first.

#17. Twenty Questions

One person thinks of a thing or a person and the others have to guess what it is but are only allowed to ask questions that get a Yes or a No. The others must guess by the 20th question. First one to guess gets to pick the next item to be guessed.

#18. Sardines

Sardines gives a twist to the classic game of hide and seek. Instead of one person seeking and everyone else hiding, one person hides and everyone else seeks.

Once one of the seekers finds the person hiding, they must hide with that person. This continues until there is only one person left seeking, and everyone else is crammed together like sardines in the hiding place. The last person to find everyone else now becomes the new hider for the next round.

#19. Make Up Limericks

Have a go at making up limericks, a limerick has five lines; the first, second, and fifth rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth rhyme with each other. Give the kids a theme, or first line to get them going.

Here’s one by Edward Lear:

There was an Old Man with a beard Who said, ‘It is just as I feared! Two Owls and a Hen, Four Larks and a Wren, Have all built their nests in my beard!’

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#20. Build it High

Using marshmallows and wooden skewers or uncooked spaghetti see who can build the highest stack. You may need a few packets of marshmallows for this game as, if they build it well, they may be able to join several skewers together. To win, the stacks must stay up without help!

While you have the marshmallows out, what about learning how to make a marshmallow catapult ?

#21. Chinese Whispers

Kids get such a kick from this, and works well for all ages – the more kids you have for this, the better.

Sit the kids in a circle, and you tell the first child a sentence of sufficient length, which they then whisper into the next child’s ear and so on. See how much the sentence has changed by the time it comes back to the start.

#22. Stop the Bus

• Each person has a piece of paper and draws on columns for these headings Girls Name, Boys Name, Animal, Food/Drink, Place.
• One person says the alphabet silently in their head, then another says “Stop the Bus” and that letter is the initial for the words in each category. e.g. Say the letter is D –  Categories could be Dora, David, Dog, Dates, Denmark.
• When everyone has finished you add up their scores for that round, awarding 10 points for a unique answer (one no one else has), and 5 points for a duplicate answer.
• You can come up with new categories as well to play against.

#23. Try to Skip 100 Times Without Stopping

Get the skipping rope out and have a go at skipping 100 times without stopping. Manage that? Aim for 200 now. Check what the world record is for the most skips in 1 minute  – can you beat it?!

#24. Charades

Classic indoor games for kids never get boring!

Charades can be played with any type of word or phrase, but with kids you may find that movie titles, television programmes and popular tween literature work best.

#25. Hang Man

Hang man is a great game that you can play at home or in restaurants. All you need is a pencil and paper.

• Write down a word, with each letter of the word represented by dashes
• Everyone else tried to guess what letters might be in the word – if they guess a correct letter , that is then inserted into the correct position, if they don’t guess correctly, start to draw the stick man.
• Proceed like so until the word is guessed correctly in time, or the little stickman has been hanged.

#26. Freecell

A variation of the extremely popular Solitaire, Freecell is a fast-paced and engaging game the is a great brain enrichment activity for your 8-12 year olds.

• Played online, the site features a breakdown of the history and rules of Freecell
• The main difference between Freecell and Solitaire is Freecell is played with all cards facing up.

#27. Hearts

This classic card game will teach your child how important a good strategy is, especially in card games. The card-swapping Hearts is available in single and multiplayer modes.

• Played online, the site also features a the history of Hearts
• Hearts also features different variations of the game

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Best Apps for Kids Ages 9-12

The best mobile apps for tweens can provide a rich world of entertainment for growing minds. Our app reviews will guide you toward the best apps for this age group, and steer you away from the ones that aren't worth your time. This is a great time to be the training wheels for your kid as they learn to use smartphones responsibly. Plus, you want their screen use to provide the best experiences possible, since there's a lot of cool stuff out there for them to try. Look for apps that give kids experiences they can't have off-screen. And, ideally, encourage learning from those experiences as much as possible. Review our app tips for more advice, and check out some other top picks for even more fabulous apps for your kids.

Adventures of Poco Eco - Lost Sounds

A meditative musical journey through a lush neon wonderland.

Alto's Adventure

Stunning graphics bring snowboarding to endless runners.

Box Island - Award Winning Coding Adventure

Cute coding adventure introduces logic of computer science.

Kahoot! Geometry by DragonBox

Innovative geometry app integrates learning with play.

The Infinite Arcade by Tinybop

Design, play, and improve your own arcade games.

Inventioneers Full Version

Excellent physics puzzler emphasizes engineering practices.

Marble Math

Marble mazes make for fun math practice.

Monster Heart Medic

Fab medical sim promotes heart-healthy living.

Arloon Geometry

Shape up spatial skills with augmented reality tool.

Challenging puzzler teaches kids to think like programmers.

A Dark Room

Terrifically imaginative game uses text, not graphics.

Powerful sequencer lets kids create pro-quality recordings.

Lumino City

Stunning visuals and tough puzzles delight and challenge.

Monster Physics

Colorful graphics, fun missions engage as kids experiment.

The Orchestra

Stellar videos, interactive features make beautiful music.

Swift Playgrounds

Learning feels like play in sleek, approachable coder.

Thomas Was Alone

Completely charming -- and funny -- puzzle game.

Brainfeed - Educational Videos for Kids

Curated learning videos still best after parental preview.

Plentiful, fun, fantastic, and free language lessons.

HappiMe for Young People

Brain-centered mindfulness helps kids learn positivity.

Other great lists from our editors

• Best Apps for Kids Age 5–8
• Best Apps for Kids Age 13–17
• 5 Ways to Curb Kids' In-App Purchases on the iPhone
• 7 Apps to Help Your Kid Be More Responsible
• How to Download Kids' Apps Smarter (and Cheaper)

• Prodigy Math

Prodigy English

• Is a Premium Membership Worth It?
• Promote a Growth Mindset
• Help Your Child Who's Struggling with Math
• Parent's Guide to Prodigy
• Assessments
• Math Curriculum Coverage
• English Curriculum Coverage
• Game Portal

The 22 Best Free Games for Kids to Play Online in 2023

Written by Laney Kennedy

Help your child practice math and have fun with Prodigy Math.

• Parent Resources

Free educational games for kids

• Free math games for kids

Free coding & design games for kids

Free tv-related games for kids, free creative games for kids, free multiplayer games for kids.

“When can I use the tablet?”

“Do you have games on your phone?”

“Can I please have [insert latest video game trend here]?”

These days, we have endless technology at our fingertips. Screen time is a huge commodity in most households, and your kids are likely no exception. 

With so many options, it can be hard to know which games to get for your kids -- or how to budget for them. That’s why we did the work for you. 

We found 22 of the best free games for kids online that are safe, appropriate, and loved by kids! There’s no need to worry or break the bank because these games have you covered!

Choose any of the popular games from the list below to help you save more money and keep your kids entertained.

These four free learning games for kids focus on reading, writing, typing, science and more! 

With these fun and interactive games, you can help your child learn at home. You can also use it as an opportunity to spend quality time together and stay involved in your child’s education . 

Home Base by Scholastic

This role-playing game takes kids on a lively adventure that brings popular books and characters to the digital world. 

Featuring tons of games and exciting explorations, Home Base will encourage a love of reading by reminding kids about their favorite books, and maybe even introducing some new ones! 

Available on:  Web, Apple App Store, Google Play

Recommended age:  4+

Additional paid features?  No

This free typing game takes kids on a wild adventure, filled with lots of fun activities to help them boost their typing skills. 

From elementary to high school age, Typetastic has something for every kid who wants to learn or practice typing. 

Soon, they might even be on their way to breaking world records !

Available on:  Web, Amazon Appstore

Recommended age:  4 - 18

Additional paid features?  Paid upgrades for teacher accounts (free 60-day trials available). 

With more than 400 educational games -- covering topics in language, math, art, strategy and more -- kids will surely find a game they love, in a subject they want to learn. 

While kids have a blast playing ABCya games, parents can rest assured they’re safe and secure. Plus, they’ll build the relevant skills they need to succeed at school. It’s a win-win-win!

Available on:  Web, Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore

Recommended age:  4 - 12

Additional paid features?  Optional  Premium Subscriptions  to remove ads, gain complete mobile access and add multiple devices.

National Geographic Kids  

Bringing the hugely popular magazine online, National Geographic Kids offers adventure games and quizzes that educate kids all about animals, science, history and geography -- to name a few.

Not only is it informative, it’s also tons of fun! If you want a case of the giggles, try the “funny fill-in” section, where kids can choose random words and create wacky stories.

Available on:  Web

Recommended age:  6+

Free math games for kids 

These two free games for kids are also educational, but focus specifically on math . 

Online math games are perfect if your child is struggling with math or loves the subject and wants to keep practicing!

Prodigy Math 

More than 50 million teachers and students around the world love Prodigy -- the engaging math game that makes learning fun ! 

Kids create their own custom wizards, explore fantasy worlds and compete in math battles with friends -- all while answering curriculum-aligned questions to give them more math practice.

Plus, as they earn XP and level up, they can unlock gear, get rewards and rescue powerful pets they can use in battles. So, whether they want to dress-up as the ultimate wizard, go on epic quests or simply collect as many magical pets as possible, Prodigy Math is ready for them!

Parents love Prodigy because:

• It’s a productive use of screen time. Kids are having fun online while boosting their math skills!
• It keeps children wanting to learn and can help them become  lifelong learners .
• It can help you  improve your child’s math skills  and stay actively involved in their education.
• It’s  adaptive  and  personalized , so every child has an opportunity to succeed. 

Plus, with your Parent Account, you can track your child's learning with a parent dashboard and reports.

Create or sign in to your parent account today!

Recommended age:  6 - 14

Additional paid features?  Optional  Membership  with extra features and rewards for players -- all educational content is always free.  

It’s easy to get kids (and adults) hooked on this fun math puzzle . 

The object of the game is to move tiles on a grid, putting equal tiles together so they can merge into one tile with double the value. Players then continue increasing tile values to work their way to the prized “2048” tile -- without running out of space on the grid. It’ll get your child’s logical brain working while they have fun!

Available on:  Web, Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Microsoft Store

Recommended age:  12+

Your child's math adventure awaits!

Inspire your child to love learning math with Prodigy Math. Watch as they cast spells, catch pets and complete quests – all while learning key math skills!

These three free educational games for kids focus on computer science and design. 

You can use these games to help your kids learn how to create their own video game or program from start to finish!

Gamestar Mechanic

Young gamers will love this mechanical-minded platform that teaches kids how to design their own video games !

Gamestar Mechanic features fun quests, informative courses and a unique design tool so players are equipped with everything they need to become real game designers.

Recommended age:  10+ For younger children, try  Gamestar Mechanic Jr  on PBS Kids. 

Additional paid features?  Optional upgrade to  Addisons Complete Quest.

Start building computer science skills early with this pre-coding game!

The game offers 2 modes: Classic and Competition. In either mode, kids take cars through fun racing tracks while also developing basic coding skills. To get each car to the end of the track, players must use careful observation and logic to figure out how to direct them there. 

Available on:  Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore

Recommended age:  8 and under

Additional paid features?  Offers in-app purchases.

Nancy Drew: Codes & Clues 

Mix foundational coding with compelling mysteries and a familiar female character. Add a cute robot puppy, and what do you get? Nancy Drew: Codes & Clues!

This exciting game teaches basic coding skills -- kids program their own robot puppy to help Nancy Drew solve the big mystery. Players also get to choose disguises and search for various clues as the story progresses. It’ll leave your mini detectives on the edge of their seats!

Recommended age:  5 - 8

Additional paid features?  Offers in-app purchases.

These six free games for kids all come from TV networks or feature elements of popular kids shows. 

This means your kids can interact with their favorite TV characters or explore their favorite fictional worlds! 

The TV network that brought us Sesame Street, Curious George and The Cat in the Hat just got even better!

PBS KIDS games cover 29 different topics (such as math, ABCs, feelings or music). While playing, kids get to interact with all their favorite PBS characters, from Elmo to Arthur and beyond!

Available on:  Web, Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Microsoft Store

Recommended age:  2 - 11

Additional paid features?  No

Whether your child wants to solve a tough puzzle or go back in time with a retro arcade game, CBC Kids has you covered.  

This Canadian TV network not only airs great kids shows, it also offers tons of games -- including crosswords, puzzles and card games. There’s something for every interest!

Recommended age:  2+

Nickelodeon

Free games featuring Spongebob? Sign us up!

Nickelodeon offers so many fun shows with hilarious characters. Now kids can keep the fun going away from the TV screen with the network’s online games. They’re guaranteed to stay entertained and laughing while they play Nickelodeon games!

Additional paid features?  No 

Cartoon Network  

With these games, kids can dive into adventurous fictional worlds straight out of shows they love, like The Powerpuff Girls and Adventure Time.

Cartoon Network has tons of games to choose from on its website.. Plus, you can download individual games and play them over and over on mobile!

Available on:  Web, plus individual games on Apple App Store and Google Play

Recommended age:  6+ (varies by game) 

Additional paid features?  Some games offer in-app purchases

Tons of different game categories (like racing, trivia, fashion and coloring, to name a few) + all the best Disney characters = a smash hit for any kid.

The incredible collection of games speaks for itself. Disney LOL will surely keep your children busy and happy for hours!

Available on:  Web, plus individual games on Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore and Microsoft Store

Recommended age:  4+ (varies by game) 

Budge World

Budge World describes itself as “one app featuring all your kids’ favorite characters.” 

Judging by its selection, we have to agree. Characters include Barbie, My Little Pony, Thomas & Friends and many more.

The game introduces a one-of-a-kind virtual world, where players can customize their own environments and play with various Budge World custom characters, called “Budgers.” 

Bonus: the platform also includes a recent feature that helps kids learn to code!

Recommended age:  All ages

Additional paid features?  Optional Subscription to remove ads and gain full access to all content

These three free games for kids will bring out children's artistic and creative sides. 

If your child loves creative subjects like writing, designing, building or drawing, then any one of these games will be a hit in your house! 

Toontastic 3D

This creative game from Google was built for storytellers.

 Imaginative kids who have an interest in writing, music, movies, art etc. are encouraged to sign up and start designing 3D cartoons and stories to share with family and friends!

Available on:  Apple App Store, Google Play

Recommended age:  6 - 12

Quick, Draw!

Here’s what Google had to say about this creative experiment on its website: 

Over 15 million players have contributed millions of drawings playing Quick, Draw! These doodles are a unique data set that can help developers train new neural networks, help researchers see patterns in how people around the world draw, and help artists create things we haven’t begun to think of.

Essentially, players are actively contributing to machine learning research. At the same time,  they’re having lots of fun seeing if the computer can guess what they’re drawing!

Recommended age:  Not listed

The classic brand so many of us grew up with is still a popular choice among children everywhere. And with its web games, LEGO is reaching online audiences to encourage more future builders through play!

In addition to the website, you can also download more specialized apps, like:

• LEGO Juniors
• LEGO DC Super Heroes Chase    
• LEGO DUPLO Train
• LEGO City game

Available on:  Web, plus individual games on Apple App Store and Google Play

Recommended age:  4+   

One of the new games added to this list, Prodigy English is a sandbox game that helps kids build their reading and language skills – all while they build their own world of fun!

In this game, players gather resources and use them to craft objects they can place in their very own village. This growing game includes regular new content, like the recent addition of pets for your player to care for and keep them company!

Like Prodigy Math, Prodigy English is powered by an adaptive algorithm that helps kids get targeted skill practice on their biggest areas of opportunity.

Plus, grown-ups can join in the fun with their own parent account, which lets you see how they're progressing in their reading and language skills.

Recommended age:  6 - 11

Additional paid features?  Optional  Membership  with extra features and rewards for players -- all educational content is free.  

These three free games for kids will help your child meet and interact with friends online in a safe way.They’ll be perfect if your child loves socializing with friends, or just wants to explore new and exciting online worlds!

This game takes kids on a virtual journey where they’ll explore new worlds, complete quests, create custom characters and interact with other players all around the world!

Poptropica puts safety at the forefront of their business. This is why they created a safe communication system, where players can only interact using scripted chat.

Recommended age:  6 - 15

Additional paid features?  Optional  Membership  with extra features and rewards

This one is a kid favorite, and parents will love it just as much.

The company’s mission is to “bring the world together through play.” This explains why they built a platform where anyone can join a growing community to play with friends, discover 3D worlds and use their imaginations to build and create anything they can think of!

Available on:  Web, Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Microsoft Store, Xbox One

Recommended age:  10 +

Additional paid features?  Offers in-app purchases

With Animal Jam, players can customize animal characters and pets, and meet new friends within the game, while also learning about nature!

This role-playing game is full of educational content, fun mini games and plenty of adorable animals! It also provides tools to help parents stay involved in what their kids are up to. 

If Animal Jam is a hit in your house, you can also try its mobile app:

Animal Jam - Play Wild!

Available on:  Web, desktop apps for Mac and PC , Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore

Recommended age:  9+

Additional paid features?  Optional  membership  for extra items, offers in-app purchases

Free games for kids: final thoughts

While online games aren’t the only form of play, the right amount of screen time can be great for kids’ development. 

Any of the free games from this list will help you save money and ensure your child is having safe, productive fun. You can also use them for joint media engagement , to bond with your children and help them build important skills.

Stay involved while your child plays games with a Prodigy parent account!

If your child is playing a Prodigy Math or Prodigy English, you'll be able to stay involved and see how they're progressing in math or English with a parent account.

See how the parent account works below!

Create or log in to your parent account to get started. 

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30 Best Educational iPad Games for Kids in 2024 (Free and Paid)

Learn while you play!

Tablets are a regular part of most kids’ routines these days, and teachers and parents can use that to their advantage. There are a lot of terrific iPad games for kids that are designed for learning but disguised as fun! Here are some of the best that cover reading, math, science, social studies, and more for kids of a variety of ages.

Free iPad Games for Kids

The earlier kids start to learn new languages, the better. When we’re young, our brains are more receptive to learning language in general. Duolingo no longer has a specific version just for kids (though they do have a reading program; see below). But the general app itself is still great for kids by upper elementary or so. It’s completely free, and offers more than 40 languages to explore. Teachers should check out Duolingo for Schools , too.

Duolingo ABC

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 1

The foreign language learning company has brought its same philosophy to teaching kids how to read. The entirely free lessons focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and reading comprehension, all the skills emergent readers need. The lessons increase in difficulty as children progress, with tailored reviews to help kids strengthen skills they struggle with. It’s aligned with Common Core standards too.

PBS Kids Games

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 2

You know you can trust PBS to provide safe, fun, and educational iPad games for kids. Their collection features stars from popular shows like Daniel Tiger and the Wild Kratts, with hundreds of games on just about every subject. This is one iPad app every parent and teacher needs, especially since it’s all entirely free (and available in Spanish too!).

iCivics Games

Ages: Middle and High School

iCivics has a suite of terrific social studies games that kids will truly enjoy playing. They’ll feel like they’re right in the action as they try to get a new law ratified, run in an election, or try a case in court. These apps are all free, and their website has lots of excellent accompanying resources for teachers.

Bedtime Math

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 3

Bedtime stories are a longstanding tradition, but what about bedtime math? That’s what this free app, along with its accompanying books , aims to do. Each day, the app adds a new fun math problem for parents and kids to do together. (Teachers could also use them as daily problems in the classroom.) Each math problem has three levels of difficulty, and many offer challenge questions too.

Little Alchemy 2

Ages: K to 12

Starting with just a few basic elements (air, earth, fire, and water), players mix these to create dozens of new items, both real and imaginary. For instance, mix water and earth to get clay, then mix clay and fire to make bricks, add brick to brick to build a wall, and so on. This robust free game is completely engrossing, and it encourages both creativity and logical thinking.

World Geography Quiz Game

Ages: Grades 3 to 12

This isn’t one of those iPad games for kids full of animated characters and flashy graphics. It’s a straight-up geography quiz game and a very good one. Kids who are into maps and globes will enjoy checking their knowledge of flags, capital cities, statistics, and much more. The game is free to download and play; you have the option to buy “hints,” but they’re not necessary to enjoy the fun.

Sushi Monster

Ages: Grades 2 to 6

Looking for a fun way to practice math facts? Check out this free app! Sushi Monster is hungry. Feed him the sushi plates to make the correct goal number and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Lyrical Letters

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 12

Combine music with spelling and vocabulary in this charming game, enjoyable for anyone at any age. Listen to the sequence of notes, then play them back to spell the right word. You can also simply play around with the keyboard and synthesizer functions, composing tunes just for fun. Lyrical Letters is free to download and play; you can remove the in-game ads for $1.99.

Ages: Grade 4 and up

Build vocabulary and work on spelling with this innovative word game. As you connect letters to make a word, they disappear from the board, collapsing others around them. New letters are always rising from the bottom, though, so you’ll have to think quickly to stop them from reaching the top and ending the game. The game is free to download, but many reviewers note that it’s ad-heavy; pay $4.99 to unlock the full version.

More Great Educational iPad Games for Kids

Think of this collection of iPad games for kids as your personal set of Montessori activities on the go. From busy boards and blocks to music sequencers and a marble machine, the youngest learners will find plenty to keep them engaged as they develop key skills. Pok Pok is subscription-based ($6.99/month or $45.99/year), with a free 7-day trial.

Hands-On Equations

Ages: Grades 4+

The Hands-On Equations iPad games teach algebra skills in a fun and engaging way. There are three levels available, plus Hands-On Equations Lite, a free version you can try to see if you like it. Level 1 covers the basics of equations, while 2 and 3 build up the difficulty to include order of operations and negative numbers. Levels 1, 2, and 3 range in price from $2.99 to $3.99 each.

Endless Alphabet

Ages: Pre-K

This iPad game has been around for awhile, but parents and kids both continue to love it. Kids build their vocabulary and alphabet knowledge through interactive games and fun animations. They’ll also enjoy the adorable monsters that join in on the game! Get Endless Alphabet for a one-time purchase price of $8.99.

ABCmouse is one of the most popular educational iPad games for kids who are learning to read, count, and more. They offer thousands of learning activities across the curriculum, including hundreds in Spanish. It requires a subscription ($12.99/month or $45/year), but you can try it for free for 30 days to see if you like it.

Adventure Academy

Ages: Grades 3 to 8

Adventure Academy is ABCmouse’s older cousin. Upper elementary and middle school students can learn math, science, language arts, and more. They’ll create their own avatar and make their way around a fully interactive school environment, learning as they go. It has the same subscription rates as ABCmouse ($12.99/month or $45/year).

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Ages: Pre-K to Kindergarten

Everyone’s favorite caterpillar is now available in an app! Play games to match colors and shapes, put together puzzles, and learn to take care of plants and animals. The app is free to download, but it costs $4.99 to unlock all of the available activities.

Ages: Grades 1 to 5

Solve math problems and try to get five Bingo Bugs in a row. Be careful, though, because wrong answers will affect your end score. High scores earn you your very own Bingo Bugs for your collection! There are five modes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and mixed. Math Bingo costs $2.99 to download and play.

Ages: Grades 3 and up

Everything you love about Mad Libs in an app! Kids will get sneaky practice in learning the parts of speech, while creating zany stories that make everyone laugh. You get a limited number of Mad Libs for free, with the ability to buy more packages starting at $1.99.

Sight Words Ninja

Ages: Grades 1 to 4

This is such a fun way to practice sight words! As various words appear on the screen, slice through the target word as fast as you can to score points. At only $1.99, this game is a terrific bargain and one that students will beg to play.

Wee ones will love helping Tim and his family as they learn colors and shapes. The game is available in multiple languages, so you can also use it to help kids learn basic words in Spanish, French, and more. Dino Tim is free to download and $2.99 to unlock all content.

Presidents vs. Aliens

Ages: Grade 3 and up

Learn more about U.S. presidents while you battle aliens in this silly but informative game. As you answer the questions and beat each level, you add a new president to your collection. Then, you can fling these presidents at the aliens to help defend the planet! The app costs $1.99 to download but has no in-game ads and doesn’t require any additional purchases to play. Kids will need to be able to read to play on their own.

Ages: K to Grade 4

This subscription-based iPad game for kids promises to make learning math fun and engaging. Kids set out on missions to earn monsters by solving math puzzles. This is a program that can grow with any child, starting with very basic counting skills and building through to multiplication and division. After a 7-day free trial, the program costs $7.99 a month or $49.99 annually.

Where’s My Water?

Ages: Kindergarten and Up

Swampy lives in the sewers under the city, but he loves to stay clean! His shower is constantly getting stopped up, though, so kids need` to dig through the dirt and avoid obstacles to guide the fresh water to Swampy. This game is a lot of fun, but it’s based on real physics and the movement of water, so they’ll learn while they play. This Disney game costs $1.99 to download and includes additional storylines for purchase.

Stack the States 2

Ages: Grade 3 and Up

Learn U.S. geography the fun way by answering questions and building your own collection of states. Kids master state capitals, cities, landmarks, flags, and more. The app costs $2.99 to download and play, with no ads or other in-app purchases to worry about.

Teach Your Monster to Read

They say the best way to learn something is to teach it to another. That’s the idea behind this popular iPad game, where kids “teach” a monster to read while learning the skills themselves. It covers early reading skills, from letter recognition through phonics and word-building. Download and play for $8.99.

Monster Physics

Kids who love to tinker will get a real kick out of this game. They can design and build their own inventions, then see how (and if!) they would work in the real world. There are 50 different missions for them to invent and conquer alongside their own monster avatar. At only $1.99 to download, with no in-game ads, this one is definitely worth a look.

Cut the Rope

Ages: Kindergarten and up

This game has been around for a while, but it’s popular for a reason. The concept is simple: arrange the objects on the screen and then cut the rope to release the candy into the hungry monster’s mouth. The laws of physics apply here, so kids will learn without even knowing it. The levels get progressively more challenging as you play. Cut the Rope costs $1.99 to download, with the ability to buy hints, solutions, and more puzzles in the app.

Slice Fractions

Ages: Grades 1 to 6

Learn fractions in an interactive environment as you slice through ice and lava to clear the mammoth’s path. There’s no reading involved in this game, so kids can focus purely on numbers and fractions. Slice Fractions costs $3.99 to download and play.

Ages: Grades 2 to 12

You don’t need any coding experience to play this game; you’ll learn as you go. Solve puzzles by guiding a robot to light up tiles with basic commands. Multiple players can save their progress on the same device, so this one’s great for classrooms or families. Some reading is required, but otherwise, even little ones can play on their own. Lightbot costs $2.99 to download and play, without the need for in-app purchases.

Reading Raven

This well-reviewed app teaches basic reading and writing skills, starting with letter recognition and tracing. As their skills advance, so do the challenges, until they’re able to practice reading aloud using voice recording. Reading Raven is a one-time cost of $3.99 to download and play, with no in-game ads.

Did we miss one of your favorite iPad games for kids? Come share your thoughts in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, our favorite online games that are fun and educational too ., you might also like.

55 Career Day Ideas, Tips, and Activities for All Ages

Encourage kids to consider a wide variety of careers for the future. Continue Reading

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Simon Hill Gear Team

28 Smart STEM Toys for the Techie Kids in Your Life

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Colorful Construction Clixo Rainbow Pack Read more

Marble-Powered Computer Turing Tumble Read more

Coding Car QUBS Cody Block Read more

Lego Robots Lego Spike Prime Robot Read more

Anyone who has ever watched a toddler methodically take apart a Tupperware drawer should know that many children are natural-born engineers. Your only job as a parent is to nurture their creativity … and clean up the mess afterward. Between us—product reviewer Scott Gilbertson, editor Adrienne So, and I—we have seven kids. This, honestly, is the most fun part of my job—calling in STEM toys for my kids and I to test together and recommend to you. It hardly feels like work at all.

Wrap up a few of these STEM toys (also called STEAM toys; we love you too, Arts!) and books for your future scientist to blow up, burn up, or dismantle. Hopefully, they'll thank you for the early encouragement when they're older. Be sure to check out our many other buying guides , including Our Favorite Subscription Boxes for Kids and How to Build the Lego Collection of Your Dreams .

Updated November 2023: We added Clixo Kits and Kanoodle Pyramid, and updated prices throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Colorful Construction

Construction kits are compelling no matter your age, and my entire family found Clixo’s colorful, versatile, snap-together magnetic pieces irresistible. You can build three-dimensional shapes from these flexible pieces by connecting the magnetic ends and bending them the way you want (my youngest made a cat, my teen made a crown). These durable and washable pieces stack neatly to pack away. We love that you don’t need a flat surface to build because it means you can play with these kits anywhere. If you prefer a themed pack, we also liked the Mars Rover Pack ($45) and the Ocean Creatures Pack ($45) , and both sets feature glow-in-the-dark pieces. The kits are recommended for kids aged 4 and up. —Simon Hill

Marble-Powered Computer

Turing Tumble is a wonderful way to teach kids coding fundamentals. It combines the simple pleasure of marble runs with a beautifully illustrated sci-fi comic book packed with challenging puzzles. The board resembles a pachinko game, and you have to slot in different pieces to divert the blue and red balls and get the required pattern at the bottom. My 9-year-old spent hours working through the puzzles, reconfiguring this marble-powered computer. As the challenges grew tougher, the whole family joined in to find solutions. Well-designed, satisfying, and rewarding, this is a good pick for kids 8 and up. —Simon Hill

Teaching basic coding concepts to young kids is a challenge. To do it without a screen is even tougher. But QUBS has come up with an elegant solution. These beech wood blocks look like buildings, but each has a symbol relating to a command (turn left, turn right, U-turn, repeat the last command, stop, record path, play path). When kids put the magnetic top on the red car, it begins to drive. Using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, the car reads the commands on the blocks. There’s a lovely guidebook that includes stories and activities, but the best thing about this Montessori-inspired wooden toy is that kids can dive in and learn how it works through play. —Simon Hill

Lego Robots

Lego Education's Spike Prime building set is a complete DIY robot-building classroom in a box. Literally. Prior to the abrupt rise in distance learning several years ago, Lego marketed this primarily to schools. It comes with its own lesson plans, but don't let the seriousness fool you—my kids love this set and went from never having used it to programming their own robots (using the drag-and-drop Scratch programming language) in a couple of afternoons.

Lego keeps updating Spike Prime too. Recently it released a new series of plans for bots that track exercise and help kids learn about motion and energy transfer. —Scott Gilbertson

Carlton Reid

Lauren Goode

Brenda Stolyar

Reece Rogers

Make Music From Colors

Sphero acquired STEAM toy company LittleBits in 2019. Sphero's toys are always so cute, I want to eat them whole; I particularly liked the Sphero RVR ($279) . But for sheer aesthetic pleasure, it's hard to compete with the Specdrums.

These tiny, pocketable rings turn all the colored surfaces around you into a potential musical instrument, and turn anyone into an amateur DJ. Use the app to assign sounds to colors or vice versa. When you tap on different colors, you can hear the different tones. Anyone from toddlers on up can play with these and find them vastly entertaining. You can also buy a one-ring set for $25 . —Adrienne So

Coding Ball

The Sphero Edu app is packed with computer science lessons and activities for different age groups. Bolt has an 8 x 8 LED board on top, various sensors inside (compass, light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer), and supports infrared communication. My wife is a teacher and uses this in the classroom to teach basic coding skills, giving students (9 year old and up) challenges like navigating a maze. She says many kids grasp the concepts much faster than they might with a book or screen, because they can see the Bolt moving in physical space. —Simon Hill

Endless Building Fun

The return on investment with Magna-Tiles staggers me. It's been years , and at 6 and 8 years old, my children can still occupy themselves with these for hours. Translucent Magna-Tiles click together to form both two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects. Younger kids can make a house with a backyard and fences, or ice cream cones. With an older kid, the sky is the limit—or, rather, your credit card is, since there are wheelbarrows full of expansion sets you can buy. My daughter can currently build a full village in an afternoon for her stuffed animals.

If these are too pricey, there are alternatives that work just as well, like Picasso Tiles, which are $20 for 60 pieces . —Adrienne So

Tacto uses physical pieces to turn your iPad, Android, or Fire tablet into a game board. Tacto Chess teaches the basics, from how the pieces move to strategies for victory. The animated app boasts friendly voice acting and stories to draw kids in. There are also chess puzzles to solve and a move predictor, and your child can play against AI or another person. Both my kids (9 and 12) have enjoyed some time with this, so it works well for different ages and abilities, but it was a little fiddly to get pieces to register on the iPad Mini, so a larger tablet is advisable. Other Tacto packs cover dinosaurs , classic board games , coding , lasers , and electronics . —Simon Hill

Underwater Vistas

Chronicle Books' gorgeous picture book tells the story of Ken Nedimyer, an environmental scientist, live rock farmer, and fish collector who founded the Coral Restoration Foundation .

The book weaves together details of Nedimyer's biography with facts about coral reefs—I did not know that corals spawn like fish do—and luminous underwater landscapes and depictions of scuba diving. It makes environmental preservation and following your passions look both doable and fun. —Adrienne So

Table Tiles

The Osmo tablet accessory and gaming platform for kids merges the physical and digital worlds in a way few toys manage. Your kids can tackle solving puzzles and playing word games with blocks and tiles you move around on the table in front of them. The Osmo hardware captures what they're doing and translates it into actions on the screen.

Osmo recently launched several new titles, including a math-related dragon game that's been a hit in our house. Give the hardware requirements a close look to be sure your iPad or Fire tablet is compatible. —Scott Gilbertson

Construction Capers

My entire household found this magnetic construction set irresistible, and there has been a new 3D structure on the coffee table every morning. The kit comprises glow-in-the-dark magnetic rods (crafted from recycled plastic), steel spheres, and plastic bases in different shapes. You also get storage boxes to put everything away in. There’s a guide in the box with a few suggested structures, but creating your own is a big part of the appeal. There are sets of various sizes suitable for kids 3 and up. —Simon Hill

Women in STEM

These beautifully illustrated cards depict legendary women who made significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There’s a focus on Black and Indigenous women of color, because they are woefully underrepresented in most STEM discussions. Stylized portraits are combined with interesting brief biographies that recount their journeys and highlight their achievements. There are also thoughtful questions to provoke conversation and debate, which makes the deck a useful teaching resource for teens. But it is on the pricey side.

The makers, the Represented Collective, also offer puzzles for younger kids. We tried Nakira’s World Nature Hike ($24) , a jigsaw with two pairs of decoder glasses and a puzzle book. Youngsters will enjoy examining the nature scene, and the booklet has links to culturally relevant reading and offers an introduction to Ojibwe vocabulary. —Simon Hill

Color Chemistry

Everyone who has come across a Crayola crayon has probably melted one, whether accidentally or on purpose. Crayola's Color Chemistry set includes enough brightly colored Crayola ingredients for 16 activities out of the box, and up to 50 with common household ingredients. Exploding volcanoes and colorful quicksand are just a few of the eye-catching experiments that you can look forward to trying. —Adrienne So

Remote-Controlled Robot

This super-cute robot looks like it rolled straight out of a Pixar movie. With a big, expressive eye atop three balls, it zips around with real personality, which helps it successfully combine play and learning in a way that every STEM toy aims for but many fall short of. Dash has lived with us for several years now. It’s a durable toy that works on a simple level like a remote-controlled car, but it also ties in with various apps to play games, solve puzzles, and create programs. Lego connectors for Dash’s head add to the creative possibilities. Wonder Workshop also offers some optional accessories. —Simon Hill

A Twist on a Classic

No one needs a Bluetooth-enabled Rubik's Cube, but once you get your hands on a GoCube you probably won't be able to put it down. Smart sensors inside the beautiful, glowing cube connect to a companion app on your phone and sense where each block is positioned. You can learn algorithms and strategies that will help you get your solve-time down. And if you give everyone you know a GoCube, you can also stage live competitions with friends and family! —Adrienne So

Sand Castles

My kids love this moldable sand and have happily spent countless hours over the years making tabletop structures. It behaves like wet sand and never dries out, so you can shape it with your hands or use tools and molds to make castles. It comes in many colors and clumps together easily but doesn’t stick to your hands or surfaces. While it’s generally easy to clean up, it’s a good idea to confine play to a tray or table and supervise your kids, or you may end up picking tiny bits of pink sand out of your carpet. —Simon Hill

Unlimited Books

No parent has ever complained that their child was reading too much. You might think that Amazon's Kindle Kids a regular Kindle Paperwhite , but it includes a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+ (formerly FreeTime Unlimited), a two-year replacement guarantee, and, yes, a cute cover.

Not only does Amazon Kids+ give your child access to more than a thousand kid-friendly books in both English and Spanish, as well as Audible titles, I found it easy to whitelist even more free titles (free books!) from my local library using Amazon's parent dashboard. You can also highlight or look up difficult words, or add them to a Vocabulary Builder tool. Testing this Kindle is the first time I've gotten my 5-year-old interested in longer chapter books, so I'd give it a ringing endorsement based on that alone. —Adrienne So

Real Coding

Many STEM toys dumb down programming tasks, and that can limit their usefulness. The kits from Let’s Start Coding reject that approach, offering hands-on time with electronic components and challenging kids to dive straight in and create programs in C++. The Ultimate Kit includes 23 separate parts, including an LCD screen, speaker, LED strip, various sensors, and more. There are more than 100 projects to embark on, with example code that kids can tweak and helpful, if somewhat dry, walkthrough videos.

My kids required some encouragement and supervision with this, and I think the suggested age of 8 years and up is low. Perhaps more important than age is a genuine interest in hardware and coding. But there’s satisfaction in successfully controlling hardware components. A Windows, Mac, or Chromebook desktop or laptop is required to use the free software. Younger kids may be better starting with a smaller, more focused kit like Code Rocket ($70) . —Simon Hill

Unlock the Rocks

The best toys are the ones that aren't toys at all. This year, my children became extremely interested in fossils and geology. We've been taking walks in the woods or at the beach, putting promising specimens in our pockets. We often keep the rock tumbler running for weeks (outside, because it's a little noisy), changing out the grit and watching as rough rubble eventually reveals itself as sparkly quartz or agate. If you're feeling ambitious, you can also throw in a rock guide and plan a rock-hunting trip. —Adrienne So

Colorful Clay

Part of exploring the world is feeling the world, digging in the dirt as it were, but if you don't have a yard or live near a park, you can bring some of that same spirit of exploration inside with polymer clay.

This is the mold-and-bake clay you might have used growing up. It just has a fancy new name. The things your kids create might not always hold up, but that too is a learning process—after her doll's table fell apart several times, my daughter asked if I could reinforce the legs with wire.

Other fun sculpting options include modeling clay ($10) and good old-fashioned Play-Doh ($21) . —Scott Gilbertson

Odds and Ends

Most kids love construction kits, and the OffBits combine special components with standard hardware bits you might have lying around the house, like nuts and screws. Each kit boasts a special assembly tool and a robot, creature, or vehicle to build. My daughter enjoyed putting the UnicornBit together, and kids are encouraged to get creative in their approach and adapt designs to suit them. The only roadblock we ran into was that some pieces were tough to connect, requiring some adult muscle, and others felt loose, but the end result was charming. OffBits offers various kits (mostly for kids ages 6 and up), but with small pieces and tricky assembly, we advise adult supervision. —Simon Hill

Fantastic Stickers

I know what you're thinking: Painting with stickers sounds kind of lame. But trust me, kids love these books. There's something about the balance of fun and meticulous concentration that draws children in. These are also a fun and mess-free activity for traveling with younger children. If your child isn't a dinosaur fan, there are plenty of other options, including unicorns , undersea animals , bugs , and more. —Adrienne So

Creative Cardboard

If you already have a Nintendo Switch, you must try Nintendo Labo ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ). These clever kits composed of corrugated cardboard sheets and stickers must be assembled so you can play related games with your creations on the Switch console. Beyond the challenges and mini-games, you can dip into the software and learn how each kit works. You can even set up your own rules, reprogramming your creations in the Toy-Con Garage by dragging and dropping blocks to create simple inputs and outputs. We like the Vehicle Kit best, but there are several alternatives. —Simon Hill

Yeasty Goodness

We've tested many gift subscription kits , but my 5-year-old declared this baking kit to be the most fun of all. We've talked about yeast, watched carbon dioxide fill up balloons ("We're eating fungi farts!"), talked about the different states of matter while making butter, kneaded dough, and finally, had cinnamon toast for a snack. It requires a lot of parental supervision over a lengthy period of time, but I also liked that she now has her own separate measuring cups and tools and can quit stealing mine. —Adrienne So

Tetris-Style Teaser

Can you fit these Tetris-pieces into a three-dimensional puzzle board? My 11-year-old loved this logic puzzle, though she found the 2D puzzles too easy. Luckily, there are 100 3D puzzles that require spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills to beat. They get tougher as you progress, but never too hard. This puzzle kit is recommended for kids aged 8 and up, but some younger kids could have fun with it, too. Kanoodle does also offer a bunch of other brain teasing puzzles specifically for younger kids. —Simon Hill

A Crayon Replacement

Tempera paint sticks are like oversized crayons, but instead of wax, your kids smear tempera paint around. Don't worry, it dries quickly (in about a minute and a half), and it's easy to clean off most surfaces. It's all the fun of painting, but there are no brushes or other mess to clean when your kids are done. There are sets of all sizes. We started with this 12-piece set but have since expanded to a 32-color set ($28) . —Scott Gilbertson

World of Learning

Budding adventurers can learn about countries around the world with this interactive globe. Using a companion app on a tablet, your child can scan the included globe and get augmented reality pop-ups that trigger fact files on famous monuments, animals, cuisines, and more. My 9-year-old had some fun with this but felt the goofy voices were more suitable for younger kids. (PlayShifu recommends it for ages 4 to 10.) The globe feels cheap, and the AR pop-ups tend to clip through it, but this is a novel way to learn more about the world. Shifu offers two alternative globes covering dinosaurs and the planet Mars . —Simon Hill

Coding Cutie

It’s amazing how bleeps and bloops, colored LEDs, and cute animations lend personality to a tiny robot. The Ozobot Evo is like a mini R2D2 your kids can control. There are a couple of ways to program the Ozobot Evo. It follows black lines drawn on paper and changes the color of its lights to match the colors drawn. Blocks of varied colors also act as codes to trigger animations, change speed, or perform another action (a workbook explains). Ozobot is an easy, screen-free introduction to coding principles for younger kids. Older kids can try Ozobot Blockly, a typical drag-and-drop coding language that lets them build simple programs quickly.

My 10-year-old enjoyed playing with this for a while, but I agree with  our original review that the Ozobot Evo would work best in the classroom. Ozobot offers handy teaching resources, and the Evo makes for an engaging problem-solving activity for small groups. —Simon Hill

Scott Gilbertson

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7 Educational Nintendo Switch Games That Kids Will Love

These video games encourage children to think critically, strategically, and creatively.

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Parents / Alli Waataja

Gaming has become a huge part of 21st-century life. The world of esports is continuously growing, with many gamers proving successful in turning their long-time passion for virtual competition into flourishing careers and sources of income . Though it can be easy to chalk children's gaming up to something that's lighthearted and only for playtime, there are potential benefits to gaming , and almost any video game will force players to think strategically and activate their problem-solving skills. If you're looking for a Nintendo Switch game for your child that incorporates more traditionally educational components, we've rounded up some of the best options.

While there may be something new to learn from any video game, some admittedly have a more overt educational purpose than others. They can help players develop new skills, interests, and knowledge that can prove useful outside of gameplay.

There are Nintendo Switch games like Game Builder Garage designed to teach players about programming, and also multiplayer brain teaser games like Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain that allow players to competitively flex their logical thinking skills among friends and family. And don't underestimate the educational power of role-playing games (RPGs). There are plenty of RPGs for the Nintendo Switch that will teach players about lifestyles that are different from their own and provide facts about different environments throughout the game. Some RPGs may also require players to manage virtual, in-game money, as well as perform other tasks that rely on everyday math skills.

Nintendo Game Builder Garage

Nintendo big brain academy: brain vs. brain, nintendo clubhouse games: 51 worldwide classics, animal crossing: new horizons, nintendo labo variety kit, super mario maker 2, nintendo pikmin 3 deluxe.

Playing video games is fun, but learning how to make video games is fun too. Game Builder Garage has two modes: Interactive Lessons and Free Programming. In the Interactive Lessons mode, your child will follow fun, interactive lessons and learn about game design from the perspective of Nintendo game-makers. The lessons will walk your child through building seven different games (via highly visual and easy-to-follow directions), allowing them to see what the gamer sees on screen and the programmer sees behind the scenes throughout each stage of the creation process. Free Programming mode allows them to apply their new knowledge from the lesson and create games of their own. ESBR Game Rating : Everyone.

This is a brain teaser game that has a multiplayer and a single-player mode. The single-player mode allows your child to practice brain teasers by themselves, while the multiplayer mode challenges friends and family to see who can correctly solve the puzzle fastest. One of the best things about this game is that you can set individual difficulty levels for the players. You can set the game to an easier mode for a young child and a more difficult model for an adult. That means people of all ages can play together and the game will be fair, making it a great game for families to learn new things together. ESBR: Everyone.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics allows you to play different board games, card games, and other traditional types of games virtually. As they master each game, your child will become well-versed in the strategies and principles behind them. The video game includes games popular to an array of different cultures and countries, making it a great way to combine cultural exploration, strategic thinking skills, and a fun gaming experience. Some of the games available to play are Chess, Shogi, Hanafuda, Chinese Checkers, and Hare and Hounds. ESBR: Everyone.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most popular games for the Nintendo Switch. In the game, your child will create and design their own island. As they explore the island, they'll learn about different aspects of the world through the different challenges offered in the gameplay. For instance, your child can discover insects, fish, and fossils (all of which have a real-world basis), and bring them to the island's museum. When they donate the items, the owl in charge of the museum will teach them about what they brought. Your child will also have to work to distinguish between real and counterfeit pieces when curating the museum's art gallery, so there are opportunities to learn about works of art too. ESBR: Everyone.

If you have a kiddo who is always creating and building something, or want to encourage them to do so, you'll want to consider Nintendo Labo Variety Kit . The kit includes five IRL, tangible cardboard toys that your child will need to construct: two remote-control cars, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike, and a piano. Rather than following a set of paper instructions, the game will walk your child through the process of building a functional version of each toy. Once the building process is finished, real-life and virtual worlds collide as the cardboard creations are incorporated into gameplay , with each toy having its own place to hold the Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Cons. For instance, the Switch will sit above the keys on the piano, and when you press on the cardboard keys, the Switch will make music. Your child essentially helps design components for the game, making this kit great for tying STEM concepts and creative thinking into playtime. There's also a Nintendo Labo Vehicle Drive Kit , Robot Kit , and VR Kit . ESRB: Everyone 10+.

Courtesy of Amazon

This is another game that allows your child to take on the role of game creator, though with a Super Mario-focus. Super Mario Maker 2 will have your kiddo creating side-scrolling platformers (in the traditional Super Mario style) featuring none other than Mario himself. With all the items available to use during the game-creation process, such as those classic coins, Super Leafs, and Fire Flowers, and all the different gaming concepts available for your child to tinker with, it's a great game for players to explore their own imagination. Your child can play the games they make, but they can also take on the challenge of the ready-to-play courses available in single-player Story Mode. ESBR: Everyone.

Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a strategy and puzzle game with charming visuals. The game follows three explorers from a starving home planet who land on planet PNF-404 in hopes of finding food. In the game, your child will lead plant-like creatures called Pikmin, who will help the explorers combat enemies, explore the planet, and find food. Your child will have to work with their team of Pikmin and think creatively if they hope to overcome the obstacles they'll face on planet PNF-404. The game also offers a Story and Mission mode that allows your kiddo to play with friends, which further adds to the game's collaborative nature, teaching lessons in teamwork. ESRB: Everyone 10+.

Sarah Toscano is a writer and current Henry Luce Foundation fellow. When not writing or working on her fellowship, some of Toscano's hobbies include longboarding, watching anime, playing video games, and eating new desserts.

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35 Best Gifts for 9-Year-Old Boys

Including toys, STEM sets and cool sports gear.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Still, you want to buy something that's of a high quality, that's safe to play with and that kids like and will come back to again and again. That's where the Good Housekeeping Institute comes in. It evaluates toys all year long, first with experts who look at the safety and construction, then with actual kids who assess the fun factor. (The best of the best become Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winners.) The kids tell the Good Housekeeping Institute what's hot, what they liked and what they gave up on after five minutes. To their picks, we added in some best-sellers and editor's selects to come up with the best toys and gifts for 9-year-old boys in 2023 .

• The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom , $16 at amazon.com
• Educational Insights BrainBolt Handheld Electronic Memory Game , $22 at amazon.com
• Fire-Breathing Bowser , $24 at amazon.com
• Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser Race Car , $38 at amazon.com
• Sphero Mini , $50 at amazon.com

This year, they love toys and gifts that let them put things together and take them apart again. Fidget toys are still big, as are games or anything Nintendo-related. But, no matter what they're into, there's sure to be something on this list for them.

Looking for more great gifts ? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:

Best Gifts for 9-Year-Olds | Best Gifts for 9-Year-Old Girls

Walkie-Talkies Set

At this age, walkie-talkies offer kids a little independence while still allowing you to know where they are . There are two in a set here, so you can hold onto one while they have the other. Ages 4+

LED Basketball Hoop/Rim Lights

Amazon reviewers say the lights are easy to install and sturdy. With 16 different color options (which you can change with the remote), it's a great gift if they are playing in a backyard. No age recommendation given.

Electronic Piggy Banks

Traditional piggy banks aren't an option at this age because they just aren't "cool." But an electronic version, that can hold all of their money and keep it safe with a special code , will do the trick to help teach them about the importance of money.

Spin Flip Puzzle

Part brainteaser, part fidget toy, they have to flip, spin and slide the rings all around to complete both puzzles. Ages 8+

Fire-Breathing Bowser

Forget Mario — Bowser was the true star of The Super Mario Bros. Movie . And while this figure doesn't sing "Peaches," it does have real mist that emanates from its mouth, which glows a fiery red. Even when it's not in use, it stands 7" tall and has 15 points of articulation, so it looks great posed on a shelf! Ages 3+

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Toy Awards

LEGO Minecraft 'The End' Arena

Bring Minecraft adventures into the (screen-free) real world with this set, which features an Ender Dragon statue that shoots lava blocks from its mouth and into a lava pit. The set also comes with figures of an End warrior, a dragon archer, an Enderman and a Shulker for more imaginative play. Ages 8+

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom

Kid testers for the Good Housekeeping Institute loved this graphic novel, especially the variety of the panels, which kept them interested. “I like the art style, the characters, and how funny the book is,” one 11-year-old reviewer said. Ages 8 – 12

RELATED: The Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Book Awards

Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad

If he likes to draw, this is just what he'll need to make pictures with more depth. First, he can layer and arrange the included images on top of each other and trace them, then he can color in his design. It comes with more than 100 tracing sheets, plus a graphite pencil for tracing, colored pencils for filling in the image and a board that lights up so he can see what he's tracing better. Ages 6+

theFube Fidget Cube

This is the ultimate fidget toy in one small package. Its six sides have buttons to push, gears to spin, a joystick to swirl and surfaces to knead, plus you can turn on or off the clicking sound. It's a great one to keep at his desk while he's trying to concentrate! Ages 6+

Zero Gravity Laser Race Car

Any remote-controlled car can tear down the sidewalk, but this one can actually drive up walls and even onto the ceiling ! Point the laser anywhere and the car will follow, even if it seems to defy gravity. Ages 8+

GlowCity Light-Up Football

He'll be able to practice his touchdown passes long after sundown with this football, which uses two LED lights to stay illuminated. Just tap the football to watch it glow, and the lights shut off automatically when not in use. You can also get him a soccer ball , volleyball , tetherball or basketball to go with it. Ages 3+

Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Honestly, this is a gift for the whole family. He can play his music, games or tablet as loud as he likes with these headphones. They also connect to devices wirelessly, and fold up into a small carrying case. No age recommendation given

Beyblade Burst QuadStrike Light Ignite Battle Set

Beyblades have never looked better: Flick on this stadium's blacklights, and the Beyblades show off their glowing colors. The set also comes with two tops, two launchers and a pair of armor tips. Ages 8+

BrainBolt Genius

How good is their memory? How fast are their fingers? This game tests both recall and reflexes in one, fun package. The game lights up a series of colored lights, and players have to try to repeat the sequence. One Good Housekeeping Institute parent tester loved how it encouraged her kids to do independent play. Ages 7+

Dorm Bean Bag Chair

We've come a long way since bean bag chairs were just blobs that just sat there on the floor. He'll love lounging in this one, which comes with a back and arms, plus a handle so he can drag it around his room. Best yet: It even has a drink holder and a pocket where he can stash his books and magazines! It also comes in a few different colors. No age recommendation given

Kids as young as 4 can get the hang of flying this drone — it's operated with hand controls, not a remote — but older ones like grabbing the "trick stick" and getting it to do stunts. Good Housekeeping Institute testers also appreciated that this is much more affordable than other drones, but noted that more expensive ones might be sturdier. Ages 4+

RELATED: The Best Drones for Kids

Green Science Solar Robot Kit

Kids can learn about STEM concepts like engineering and robotics while getting a lesson in sustainable energy when they make their own solar robot. When they finish this kit, they'll have made a robot that can walk on its own, powered by the sun's rays. There are also ideas for how to use recycled materials (like cardboard) to turn the robot into a monster or a dinosaur. Ages 5+

Crocs Sonic the Hedgehog Clogs

They won't make him as fast as Sonic, but these Crocs are certainly in style! And, since the clog color scheme is mostly red and white, it could work with other Jibbitz charms , too. (Maybe he'd like a Super Mario set?) They also come in larger sizes . Sizes up to Big Kid 6

Sphero Mini

With this robot the size of a ping pong ball, kids can play games, learn to code and drive around your house . He can also use the Sphero app and the included cones and bowling pins to build an obstacle course for his robot. There's also the option to purchase the Sphero Mini Activity Kit , which comes with a 28-piece construction set in addition to the robot. They come in a variety of different colors, but the shells are all interchangeable, so you can purchase new shell colors separately. Ages 8+

Taco vs Burrito Card Game

This is one of those family card games that's easy to learn, and easy to pick up or put down as needed. The goal is to build the tastiest taco or burrito — the one worth the most points — but action cards keep the gameplay "spicy." It's designed to be played in just 15 minutes, so it's the perfect after-dinner activity. Ages 7+

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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The Best Board Games for Kids, According to Experts

Whether you’ve got antsy kids at home or in the classroom, a good board game can keep the little ones entertained for hours — not to mention help strengthen their critical-thinking skills. So while we’ve written before about all sorts of games and activities in the past — including the best four-player board games , two-player board games , and board games for adults — here, we’ve rounded up the 21 best board games for kids.

Best strategy board game for kids

Ticket to Ride is an adventure-style game in which players attempt to cross the country and connect cities by building train routes. Suitable for ages 8 and up, it is easy to pick up “but also offers a level of strategy and tactics just deep enough for competitive gamers to return to time and again,” says Ian Ross, who runs the popular Instagram page Board Games As Art .

Best pick-and-pass-style card game for kids

For a lightning-quick, pick-and-pass-style card game, Lauren Bilanko, a co-owner of Twenty Sided Store , suggests Sushi Go! , which she says is very easy to learn but still fun enough to play over and over again. The gameplay is simple: collect cards to create collections of dishes for different point values, and whoever scores the most points wins.

Best farming-style board game for kids

Illustrator Stephen Walsh told us about this “really sweet” game about competitive panda husbandry that’s a favorite of his kids. It asks players to cultivate land plots and grow three species of bamboo for pandas. Walsh describes it as the “perfect Christmas Day game” to break out when you want something family-friendly and cheerful. The game takes about 45 minutes to play and is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Best building-focused board game for kids

Most ’90s kids will remember this classic, which is suitable for children ages 4 and up and can accommodate two to four players. “Nothing could beat being a kid and unboxing this game to build a wacky Rube Goldberg machine,” says board-game designer Rob Sparks .

Best family-friendly word-association board game

In our roundup of the best board games to break out during parties, five of our experts praised Just One . “Hands down, Just One is our favorite new party game,” says Kelsey Demers, who runs the board-game blog the Tabletop Family . “It’s simple to play, a breeze to teach, and utterly addictive.” The game won the prestigious 2019 Spiel des Jahres, or German Game of the Year, which evaluates board games based on their game concept, rule structure, layout, and design. The main objective, as the title suggests, is for players to help their teammates guess a word by suggesting “just one” word as a hint. Which sounds easy enough, but, as Matthews warns, “Watch out, duplicate words cancel each other out,” so you need to be creative. A right answer scores your team one point, while a wrong answer docks two points, with the ultimate goal being to get as many points out of 13 as possible. This game takes about 20 minutes to play and is suitable for up to seven players.

Best storytelling board game for kids

Walsh describes Dixit as “a great icebreaker of a game, fantastic for getting everyone interacting.” Great for kids with strong imaginations, it begins with one player being designated the storyteller; that player makes up a sentence based on the image on one of the cards in their hand. Then each player selects the card in their hand that best matches the sentence and gives it to the storyteller. The storyteller shuffles the cards and presents them to the other players, who place bets on which is the original card with the winners gaining points for correct guesses. As an added bonus, “the card artwork is beautiful, imaginative, and sometimes a little surreal,” Walsh says.

Best bingo-style board game for kids

Recommended by longtime Manhattan nanny Kasia Dabrowska, this bingo-esque game is easy to teach kids because the name of the game is speed-spotting familiar items like a dog, bird, or baseball bat. Strategist contributor and father of two Steven John also keeps it in rotation with his family.

Best whodunit-style board game for kids

“ Outfoxed has more replay value than I have ever experienced in a child’s board game,” says John. For months after first getting the game, his then-5-and-a-half-year-old requested a round nearly every single day, he adds. A classic whodunit, the game’s kids discover a series of clues and a group of suspects, zeroing in on the guilty fox through a process of elimination.

Best nostalgic board game for kids

Similar to Mousetrap , Operation was beloved by ’90s kids. Walsh told us that while he loved this game when he was young, he also enjoyed playing it when he was older with his friends after a night out. The whole family can sit down and operate on Cavity Sam to remove his various ailments — including his wishbone, charley horse, and Adam’s apple — without setting off the buzzer.

Best balancing board game for kids

For kids who love to build things, this game asks players to build a shifting tower by adding pieces. The game can accommodate up to four players, which encourages socialization and “very important” peer interaction, explains child therapist Glenda Stoller, co-founder of Village Parenting NYC .

Best board game kids can play with friends

Colleen Russo Johnson , a children’s-tech and media expert, recommends this remix of the original Connect 4 game, which requires a bit more strategy. In addition to placing their pieces in a slot, players must spin the corresponding column, which keeps gameplay interesting.

Best card-slash-board game for kids

“I was really surprised at how it held up,” says clinical child psychologist George Sachs . Fourth-grade teacher Courtney Caulfield adds that the kids in her class also love the throwback. “They like it because they can play with friends,” she says. “And it usually makes them think.”

Best active board game for kids

Anya Kamenetz , mother of two and author of The Art of Screen Time , recommends the fast-paced Exploding Kittens game Throw Throw Burrito , “which is a fun combination of goofiness and actual strategy.” Gameplay is only 15 minutes and can accommodate two to six players. Toy blogger and reviewer Lori Jepsen of Toysenberry is also a fan. “ “I mean, what’s not to love about throwing burritos at your siblings or parents or spouse?”

Best party game for kids

According to Strategist contributor and dad David Pogue , “this is the greatest game ” that all ages can play. The rules of this spy-themed favorite are very similar to the basic elements of charades, with players dividing into two teams with one designated spymaster, who provides clues. By guessing the words correctly, players unveil the other teams’ agents. The first to unmask all of its opponents’ spies wins. Pogue calls it “truly hilarious and satisfying,” and though the designer has it labeled for kids 10 and up, Pogue notes that “ Codenames is super-fun with younger kids because they make fantastically imaginative connections between the words.”

Best board game for kids who like breaking rules

This edition of Monopoly is designed for cheaters: The goal is to see how many rules you can bend or break in order to win. “Isn’t that the way every kid plays all the time anyway?” says Zibby Owens, mother of four and host of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books . The game “encourages secret bank thefts, secret property swipes, and serious consequences if caught,” Owens adds.

Best fast-paced game for kids

Ideal for kids ages 10 and up, this fast-paced board game’s main objective is to be the first to help all of your aliens escape into outer space via drone. Suitable for two to four players, “it’s the first game I’ve ever seen with a real flying drone,” says Adrienne Appell of the Toy Association , who recommends it because it “combines different kinds of play for a lot of fun.”

Best planning board game for kids

This farm-animal-themed board game “challenges kids to really think about each move,” says NAPPA Awards director Elena Epstein. The game’s main objective had kids create a layout for a series of cows, pigs, and other farm animals that must be kept separated using a limited number of fences, which tests a child’s logic, spatial reasoning, and planning skills. “Kids feel a lot of pride as they figure out each level,” Epstein says.

Best tic-tac-toe–inspired board game

This tic-tac-toe inspired board game is “visually appealing” and “complex,” according to Sophia W., a nanny for the New York–based SmartSitting agency. Even better, Sophia says, “It’s well suited for gifted and special-needs children, as the colors stimulate kids who think visually.”

Best 3-D board game for kids

This 3-D Tetris game, recommended by Ali Mierzejewski, the editor-in-chief of the Toy Insider, works much like the original version of the game except you’re competing against other players using one pot of physical pieces. “You have to be strategic about what pieces you need and try to predict what the other players will need while playing. It’s a really fun way to update the classic video game,” she says.

Best dice board game for kids

A tried-and-true for a reason, Yahtzee is “easy to teach, with minimal setup, and suitable for any number of players,” says Sparks. “This absolute classic will have players pushing their luck to roll high-scoring combinations of dice.” Most important, Yahtzee is fast-paced, so it will keep kids engaged throughout the gameplay.

Best cooperative survival-style board game for kids

Collaborative games are great because they teach kids teamwork skills as they work together toward a common objective. Caitlin Meister, founder of the Greer Meister Group , a private-tutoring and educational -consulting practice in Brooklyn, recommends Forbidden Island , in which players have to work together to get off an island before it sinks into the ocean. “You reassemble the board each time by laying out tiles, so it doesn’t get boring,” she says. It has plenty of replay value.

Best board game for little kids

If you’re struggling to find games for very little kids, try Monkey Around . “It’s like Twister for toddlers,” explains Holly Magelof, toy buyer for the Dolphin Bookshop , which she says is very popular among the toddler set. “You see the kids wiggling and giggling — it’s consistently a best seller.”

Best challenging board game for kids

“My 4-year-old, a huge fan of Richard Scarry books, loves playing this game,” says Strategist writer Lauren Ro, whose son Augie received the gift for his latest birthday. It’s sure to be a hit for any kids who demand a Scarry book before bed since it’s basically the board-game version of Busytown. The objective seems simple: Players work together to race to the island before the picnicking pigs eat all their food. But, Ro says, “it’s actually pretty challenging, even for adults” because, depending on what you spin, you either advance or go on a scavenger hunt to collect different objects on the highly detailed, six-foot board. “Augie relishes the challenge and gets really excited each time he plays,” she adds.

Best travel-size board game for kids

Spot It! is a matching card game in which kids try to find two identical images between two cards first. Since it’s small enough to fit in your hand, it’s a great game to keep in your purse for doctors’ waiting rooms or long car rides. This one is animal-themed, but the game comes in a bunch of different variations, including favorite IP like Frozen and Paw Patrol .

Best math-focused board game

For something more educational, try this math game that was featured in our gift guide for 8-year-olds. To win a card, players have to get to the center number by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing the five other numbers on the card (each number can be used only once). The first player to collect five cards is crowned the winner. While the game is designed for kids ages 8 to 12, each player starts the game by choosing their own level of difficulty, meaning kids of different skill sets can all play together.

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The best PC games for kids

As video games continue to evolve and mature, it can sometimes be difficult to find a fun, family-friendly PC game. Fast-paced shooters and brooding RPGs have dominated the spotlight as of late, but that doesn’t mean lighthearted adventures have completely vanished from the marketplace. In fact, there are hundreds of highly rated, family-friendly titles that everyone can enjoy.

From Minecraft and Fortnite to Planet Zoo and more, here are the best PC games for kids. Whether you’re looking for an educational simulation or an outlet for creativity, these popular video games are bound to be a hit with kids of all ages.

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Jesse Lennox loves writing, games, and complaining about not having time to write and play games. He knows the names of more Japanese game devs than his own neighbors, and has a way better knowledge of the game industry at large than anything going on in "real" current events. You can catch him defending the plot of Kingdom Hearts and geeking out over awesome combo videos in character action games any day of the week. Connect with Jesse on LinkdIn.

The latest Sony PlayStation 5 is packed with power and while it took a little while to really take off, now that we're a few years down the line, things have improved considerably when it comes to the library. Of course, not everybody has picked up one of the consoles, and if you've been waiting for the best time to pick one up, there are quite a few good deals you can take advantage of. You can also check out some other great gaming console deals if you're not set on the PS5, or if you already have one, check out these excellent PS5 game deals. Sony PlayStation 5 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 bundle — $450, was $600

If you’re looking to get your hands on a PlayStation 5 console with a game to get you going, try this bundle with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. This console features the PlayStation 5’s slim design, yet still has 1TB of solid state storage built in. It also comes with one DualSense Wireless Controller, and of course, a digital voucher for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

The market for gaming laptops has become massive in the last few years, with some of the best gaming laptops competing with the best gaming desktops in terms of specs. While it's true that there are certainly thermal limits to laptops when it comes to gaming, if you're willing to pay top dollar, you can play some of the best PC games out there on a gaming laptop with relative ease. Not only that, but a lot of the big brands out there have excellent deals for you to take advantage of, including Lenovo laptop deals, Acer laptop deals, Dell laptop deals, and HP laptop deals. As such, we've collected some of our favorite deals across the board for you to save you the hassle, and we've even rounded up some alternative laptop deals for you as well. Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop -- $751, was $950

The Acer Nitro 5 is a good gaming laptop to consider if you’re looking for some value. It has internal hardware that’s hard to find at such a great price, including a 12th-generation Intel processor with eight cores, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, which is an entry-level GPU. These work together to make your gaming experience immersive and smooth, and a 512GB solid-state drive makes for a lot of space to store your favorite PC games. You also get an impressive 17.3-inch screen that runs at FHD and a 144Hz refresh rate, although the RTX 3050 might struggle with that without graphical setting compromises.

If you're on the hunt for monitor deals to pair with a top-of-the-line gaming PC, you're going to want a display like the Alienware AW2524H gaming monitor. If you're interested, it's currently on sale from Dell at $200 off, which brings its price down to just $500 from $700. It's still relatively expensive after the discount, but it's a reasonable price for a screen with a 500Hz refresh rate. However, since this is a clearance sale, there's a chance that stocks run out sooner than you think, so proceed with the purchase immediately if you want to pocket the savings.

Why you should buy the Alienware AW2524H gaming monitor The Alienware AW2524H gaming monitor features a 500Hz refresh rate on its 25-inch display, which is pretty amazing. Our computer monitor buying guide explains refresh rate as how often the images on the screen are updated, and it recommends a range of 120Hz to 144Hz. At 500Hz, this gaming monitor gives you a new image every 2 milliseconds, for an extremely smooth experience while you're playing video games. This also gives you an advantage over your opponents in multiplayer matches as input lag is diminished, giving you a better chance to react to what's happening in the game.

The 12 Best Kids Games on Steam

Kids’ games are usually simple, educational , whimsical, but more importantly, PG-friendly. There are a ton of games that meet these criteria, and we have listed all the best kids games on Steam in no particular order.

These games range from all types of genres like tower defense games , casual games , simulation games, and a whole lot more.

Almost every game will be different and you will surely find a game that your kid will enjoy without worrying if it is unsafe for a kid or too complicated.

Bloons TD 6

Bloons TD 6 is a great way to teach their children the wonderful experience of playing tower defense.

Developed and published by Ninja Kiwi, the game was released in December 2018 and received overwhelmingly positive reviews on the Steam store.

Kids can play it solo or with up to three of their friends through an online co-op. Bloons TD 6’s art is cartoonish but sharp and full of fun details that can cater to both young and old.

Flashy and colorful effects from various skills and explosions will flood the screen as you do your best to defend your realm from every balloon.

Bloons TD 6’s tower defense gameplay is very deep and well-executed. It features twenty-two different (monkey) tower types, thirteen unique heroes, and fifty-six handmade maps that will generate endless combinations and playing time.

Beneath the game’s kiddie appeal is a content-filled tower defense experience that makes popping balloons fun and addicting. Bloons TD 6 is one of the best children’s games on Steam that is enjoyable to both the parent and their kids.

Fall Guys is a ridiculous and masterfully-executed multiplayer platform game that exceeds childish yet timeless fun. Developed by Mediatonic, the game was released in August 2020 and was met with very positive reviews.

It is a family-friendly online game that pits you with countless other goofy cartoon avatars in a silly race of survival from obstacles and challenges that become more and more chaotic every round.

Only one player will survive among up to sixty different gamers, and the winner is rewarded with the pride of overcoming some of the most challenging and ridiculous obstacles ever played by humans.

Fall Guys can be overwhelming for younger kids below nine years old due to mild cartoon violence and semi-scary drops to the abyss.

The game is also a great way for youngsters to appreciate and experience gravity and physics as they play and see their characters tossed and flying through the air.

Fall Guys is an instant classic and will be forever recognized as a game that brings out the kid in all of us through pure fun.

LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga

LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga is an iconic Star Wars LEGO game that features the whole nine-episode movie series. Developed by Traveller’s Tales, the game was released in April 2022 and received very positive reviews from the steam store.

It is a single-player 3D adventure game that is filled with so much content and Star Wars lore that it is a great way to introduce this legendary story to your children.

Adding to this mix is the timeless LEGO universe that has both young and old addicted to its unique and classic charm.

LEGO® Star Wars™: The Skywalker Saga is an almost faithful representation of the entire main Star Wars story with a dash of LEGO fun and silliness.

Despite the childish look, the game is beautiful and full of exhilarating action and character build customization.

You get to play as over three hundred different characters and travel across twenty-three different planets using over a hundred unique vehicles.

Swing and slash your lightsaber or engage in epic space dogfights; the game is an immersive Star Wars LEGO experience that kids will surely enjoy.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a beautiful experience, a game that teaches about nature through the lens of an adventurous young girl visiting her grandparents on a majestic island.

Developed and published by ustwo games, the game was released in December 2020 and has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews in the team store.

It is a single-player story-filled family-friendly game that creates an immersive world that is visually impressive and memorable, especially for kids.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure succeeds in combining cuteness with quality story-telling, and the game paints a sobering yet inspiring reality of nature and how we, as humans, affect it in our everyday lives.

The island is a joy to explore as the lush sceneries contrast well against areas littered with unsightly trash.

Along the way, countless opportunities to help the island and its animal inhabitants pop up as part of the adventure.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a family-friendly game that is full of heart and memorable lessons that make it a must-buy for parents who wish to teach their kids on how to love our world.

Wobbledogs is a fun and quirky 3D virtual pet simulation that can both engage and relax players of all ages. Developed by Animal Uprising, the game was released in March 2022 and has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from the steam store.

It is a single-player kid-friendly life simulation game that allows you to create your own pet while loosely using a dog as its base.

As you progress in the game, your “dog” changes or evolves into unique and silly forms, and the change will depend on what they eat or how their environment is set up.

Wobbledogs is a refreshing and unique experience as the player interacts with their own genetically fascinating pet using an interesting in-game mechanic where the animal’s gut can be filled with different food, thus determining their specific mutations.

You are also encouraged to build the perfect habitat to encourage their unique growth, and you can find various items to decorate their home with.

Wobbledogs is a gem of a game filled with charm and opportunities for children to experiment and vaguely learn about the concept of mutation while having mindless fun.

Webbed is a charming 2D indie game that follows the life of a small spider with a big appetite for adventure.

Developed and published by Sbug Games, it was released in September 2021 and was reviewed with an overwhelmingly positive rating on the Steam website.

The art is full of cel-shaded charm that is appealing to both young and old. Webbed follows the story of an energetic spider and her mission to save her love from being eaten by a bird.

Webbed builds an immersive world through insectoid eyes, and one of the most fun features of the game is how you can swing and web-spin your way across the entire screen to the next area.

The web-swinging mechanic is simple, effective, and quite fun as you fling yourself all over the forest and encounter different friends or foes.

The game looks simple, but the gameplay is superb despite having a relatively short story. Cute and unforgettable, Webbed is something parents should check out for their kids.

Machinarium

Machinarium is a point-and-click adventure game set in a distinct and unique cyberpunk world. Developed and published by Amanita Design, it was released in October 2009 and has fared with overwhelmingly positive reviews from the Steam store.

Family-friendly and light, the game sets you on the capable feet of Josef, a robot whose current mission is to save his girlfriend from a group of robot thugs.

You play by pointing your mouse cursor over specific items or areas in the beautifully drawn world of Machinarium in the hopes of triggering certain events or actions to solve the puzzle.

Rustic, dusty, and a bit gloomy, the world of Machinarium is filled with other robots, yet it still feels very human and has a lot of heart.

The short yet satisfying plot is communicated not through walls of text dialogue but rather through symbols and images.

The game is a great learning tool for kids to hone their focus, planning, and overall critical thinking as they find ways to solve every unique puzzle Machinarium throws at them. This game is a highly-satisfying experience that will stretch any player’s imagination and creativity.

Island Saver

Island Saver is one of the most colorful, family-friendly games available right now. Developed by Stormcloud Games Limited, it was released in May 2020 and was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from the steam store.

The game sets you on a wild and action-filled adventure to save a group of islands from one of the most real problems our world faces today, human litter and waste.

You are given an amazing weapon, the Trashblaster, to defeat monster globs or clean up trash along the beach, effectively making cleaning up fun.

Island Saver’s world is full of colors and cartoon relief, and it will definitely appeal to a younger audience. They are given the opportunity to play around and learn about different ecosystems; jungles, deserts, and beaches.

There are over forty-two local animals to save and then eventually ride on. Island Saver is a game full of fun and life and is very appropriate for the younger gamers to build their appreciation of nature and our role in protecting it.

Unravel Two

Unravel Two is a beautiful and refreshing take on simple platform gaming but introduces a lot of heart and humanity in its immersive story. Developed by Coldwood Interactive, the game was released in June 2018 and has garnered very positive reviews from Steam.

The game follows a thread-like creature called Yarny and its adventure in scaling through various obstacles and puzzles while uncovering deep game lore that can be appreciated by both young and old.

Being a sequel, Unravel Two doubles down on this experience and opens up the option of creating your own Yarny and playing with another person in a local co-op.

Unravel Two is a game of friendship, and the story and gameplay encourage teamwork and playing with other people.

Enjoying this experience with a partner or your kids is highly recommended to unlock the full potential of the well-designed gameplay of the game.

It’s always better to share the awe of traversing through the game’s lush and immersive world based on Scandinavian landscapes.

Unravel Two sounds as good as it looks while also being masterful in spinning a heartwarming story full of symbolism and personifications that may fly over the younger gamers.

Despite this, it’s still a great platform for kids to develop courage and sharp thinking while enjoying.

Brick Rigs is an interesting take on open-world building games where you are given the freedom to craft your own vehicle using LEGO-like bricks and then proceed to do whatever you want with your creation.

Developed and published by Lukas Rustemeyer, the game was released in November 2016 and received very positive reviews from the steam store.

The two main mechanics of the game is both vehicle creation and destruction as you experience the convincing in-game destruction physics as you crash your colorful car into a not-so-colorful lamp post.

Brick Rigs is very kid-friendly and is a great way for them to develop their creativity and building skills as they make their own car.

The other half of the fun is doing whatever they want with their car as they drive across a vast and open world filled with fun opportunities to destroy their creation.

Like real-life LEGOs, there are people who enjoy dismantling their works rather than building them, and Brick Rigs offers other modes online to play with your car or plane with other people on the server.

This game is a must-buy just for being able to offer the unique experience of breaking your block creations in a comically realistic fashion.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated

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Developed%20by%20Purple%20Lamp,%20the%20game%20was%20released%20in%20June%202020%20and%20has%20met%20overwhelmingly%20positive%20reviews%20on%20Steam.%20

The%20game%20once%20again%20puts%20you%20in%20the%20clunk%20and%20goofy%20shoes%20of%20SpongeBob%20Squarepants%20or%20his%20other%20two%20friends,%20Patrick%20and%20Sandy.%20Primarily%20a%20platform%20game,%20Battle%20for%20Bikini%20Bottom%20is%20a%20fun%20and%20wholesome%20experience%20that%20kids%20will%20definitely%20enjoy.

SpongeBob%20SquarePants:%20Battle%20for%20Bikini%20Bottom%20succeeds%20not%20just%20because%20of%20the%20heavy%20name%20the%20game%20carries%20but%20rather%20it%20is%20also%20with%20how%20it%20executes%20and%20simulates%20the%20fun%20and%20goofy%20experience%20of%20being%20a%20Bikini%20Bottom%20character.%20

Full%20of%20color%20and%20iconic%20SpongeBob%20humor,%20the%20game%20offers%20refined%20platforming%20action%20mixed%20with%20inevitable%20nostalgia%20for%20the%20popular%20tv%20show.%20

SpongeBob%20SquarePants:%20Battle%20for%20Bikini%20Bottom%20is%20a%20great%20entry%20for%20your%20kids%20to%20know%20more%20about%20this%20beloved%20franchise,%20and%20you%20will%20miss%20out%20on%20a%20lot%20by%20not%20getting%20this.

The%20Jackbox%20Party%20Pack%207

The Jackbox Party Pack 7 is a fun-filled package of a game that is definitely a great bang for your buck. Developed and published by Jackbox Games Inc., the game was released in October 2020 and enjoyed overwhelmingly positive reviews from Steam users.

It is intended as a multiplayer game that would fit with any fun party occasion. Playing with other players can either be through local split-screen or through online multiplayer modes.

The Jackbox Party Pack 7 consists of five unique and silly games that will test both your knowledge and patience as you battle it out with your friends and family.

The games are called Quiplash, The Devil and the details, Champ’d, Talking Points, and Blather Round. Each game has its own quirky mechanic and min-max number of players per round.

From word vomit-type games to self-drawn figures fighting to the end, The Jackbox Party Pack 7 is an all-around entertainment platform that is best shared with family and friends of all ages.

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Best kids games for Amazon Fire HD tablets 2024

Some games take better advantage of the tablet screen.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Subway Surfers

MouseBotMouseBot

Angry Birds Transformers

Wild Kratts World Adventure

MARVEL Strike Force

Disney Magic Kingdoms: Build Your Own Magical Park

Beach Buggy Racing 2

Crossy Road

Amazon Fire Tablets are perfect for a lot of things. Whether it's watching movies or being productive on your device, one thing that kids love most about using a tablet is playing games. 

The Amazon Appstore has a lot of great options, but there are also plenty of not-so-great choices. These are the best kids games for Amazon Fire HD tablets, whether for a Fire HD 7, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro , or other Fire HD tablet, — there's lots of fun to be had.

Minecraft is one of the world's most popular games today, even after its official release in 2011. Since then, the game has expanded onto nearly every platform, including Amazon Fire Tablets . The sheer scope of the game and limitless avenues for creativity makes it a great game for kids to explore and build.

The open world is filled with your imagination in building anything and everything from pixelated-looking block pieces. Depending on which of the four modes you are playing in, the creative process is a bit different. In Survival Mode, you explore the world, looking for various resources needed to build items you want, like structures and weapons. In addition, there are some creatures like zombies and creepers to be aware of.

Creative Mode is there to let you build anything you can imagine with unlimited resources, and no fear of being attacked by the creatures. Adventure mode lets you build worlds for others to explore, or you yourself can wander through other player's creations. The fourth mode is Spectator, where you are free to view creations from others while being invisible.

Minecraft has a social aspect to it, as it can be played with others online, so that's something to keep in mind as your child gets involved. Minecraft has some impressive creations, like full recreations of popular buildings from movies or structures found in the real world. Minecraft can allow anyone to explore their creativity and learn problem-solving skills.

Kids can explore creations made by other players or create their own world by exploring the massive open-world harvesting resources to bring anything imaginable to life on the Fire Tablet

Buy from: Amazon

Whether your child became a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog from 2020's movie, or because you're a fan of the classic Sega games, it's hard not to love the blue speedster. While the original Sonic the Hedgehog game is available on the Amazon Fire tablet as well, the sequel makes this list because of the extra fun it brings.

In Sonic The Hedgehog 2, we still get plenty of Sonic himself, but we also get the chance to play as two of his buddies in Tails and Knuckles in this reimagining of the original game that was released all the way back in 1992. Speeding through the levels on your tablet to defeat the evil Dr. Eggman is so much fun — one of my son's absolute favorite to play on his Fire Kids tablet.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is remastered for mobile so that everything works wonderfully. In addition to ensuring the game plays well, there are also new levels, a Boss Attack mode, and new enemies to battle. Playing this classic Sega game and listening to the fun sounds as you speed around collecting rings and bouncing around is as fun now as it was in 1992.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 

Battle the evil Dr. Eggman in this re-mastered version of the 1992 classic. Speed through new levels and enemies with Sonic or his friends — Tails and Knuckles — to win the day.

One of the first games my son played on his Fire tablet was Subway Surfers, and after a couple of years, it's still one of his favorites. The fun environments and characters to the prizes and perks that can be earned through gameplay keep the game fresh each time it's played.

Start off playing this endless runner-style game as Jake, running from the trainyards inspector and his dog — Jake's been decorating the train cars. Dashing along the tracks to avoid capture and dodging the trains along the way — you have to jump over and slide under signs while trying to gather coins to earn prizes.

Reaching various score levels and coins collected earns you fun new customizations, accessories like skateboards, and paint-powered jetpacks, along with unlocking new characters Tricky and Fresh. The gameplay is controlled by swiping in up, down, left, and right to move your character around to escape being caught or running into signs.

Jump, slide, surf, and fly around the train yard as Jake, Tricky, or Fresh to avoid being caught by the inspector. Collect coins along the way to earn fun accessories and customizations to keep your character looking their best while dodging capture.

Get from: Amazon

MouseBot is a fun platform game in which you control a robotic mouse-like car through a series of mazes that get more exciting and complicated with each completed attempt. But these are just your typical boring mazes, where you wander around until you find the exit.

During your quest to escape from over 80 different challenges created by the scientists at CatLabs, you'll have to watch out for different obstacles. These roadblocks can take many forms, including lasers, crushing grinders, acid pools, and more.

Aside from trying to escape the maze, you'll also be working to ultimately gain more cheese and clues to gain MouseBot's freedom. This is one of my kids' favorites and provides plenty of fun and entertainment as they use planning, reflexes, and imagination to complete each maze.

Navigate MouseBot through a series of fun and exciting mazes constructed by the scientists in CatLab. Dodge mines, lasers, traps, and more to find cheese and escape.

Merging the fun characters from Angry Birds games with exciting and classic characters of the Transformers universe results in an all-new game style to the Angry Birds franchise. 

Breaking from the recognizable aim and slingshot gameplay of the past, Angry Birds Transformers is an action-packed game that keeps familiar elements from the original games and melds it with a new style for a game that keeps you ready for more.

Eggs on Piggy Island have been transformed into crazy evil robots by the Eggspark that is demolishing the island, and the only hope to save it are the Autobirds. With Red as Optimus Prime, Chuck as Bumblebee, and many more, you'll blast away in a side-scrolling 3D battle to save everyone from the Deceptihogs.

You'll be able to transform into cars, trucks, planes, and even a tank to avoid being crushed by falling debris. As you gain new heroes and battle new baddies, there's the opportunity to unlock upgrades for your character's weapons and abilities. So, fuel up because it's time to ROLL OUT!

The Decepihogs have arrived, and the Eggspark is creating evil robots on Piggy Island. As the Autobirds, you'll have the best of the best with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and more in the battle to save the island in this 3D adventure.

Wild Kratts World Adventure is a game that is fun to play and is full of amazing animal facts. Like the TV show, the Kratt Brothers are here to keep you on the creature trail while you play and learn about creature powers through 60 different levels.

With so much to explore and learn, there's excitement at every turn. Playing through six different Creature Power games, like climbing with a spider monkey, tapping with woodpeckers, swimming with dolphins, and so much more, your child will find new animal facts while having fun. There's so much to learn with over 120 stickers and Wow Facts to be found throughout the game.

Designed with children age 4-8 in mind, the interactive game allows them to tap and tilt the Fire tablet to navigate the animal worlds. Along with all of the fun learning and playing experiences, there are also creating opportunities to be found. For example, kids can create their own creature power selfies using the camera on the tablet and merging it with the animals in the game.

Explore 60 different game levels focused around six creature powers of the frogfish, spider monkey, and more. Learn amazing things about the animals with over 120 stickers and Wow Facts.

Earth is under attack, and it will take the entire Marvel universe to save it. But, by teaming up the most powerful Super Heroes and Super Villians, there might be a chance at victory. This game is full of all of our favorite characters ready to pair up using each one's unique abilities to fight off the evil threatening Earth.

Console-like graphics on tablets like the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro combine with cinematic gameplay to immerse you in the MARVEL world as you assemble your squad for each battle. By strategically picking which characters to pair up to best utilize their powers, defeating the enemy is assured. As you progress through the game, you'll be able to upgrade your Super Heroes and Super-Villains to prepare for the ultimate test.

With characters like Iron Man, Groot, Venom, Loki, and so many more at your disposal to create the best team possible — Earth's enemies won't stand a chance. The battle awaits. Build your squad and prepare for action!

Assemble your MARVEL Super Heroes and Super Villians squad to build the ultimate team to save the Earth from attack.

Disney fans of all ages will love this game where you are the center of the park, and the Magic Kingdom is at your fingertips. With characters spanning over 90 years of Disney and some of the most beloved attractions from the real parks, the only limitation is your imagination.

You can collect over 200 of the most popular Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. Explore over 1,500 exciting quests with Ariel, Moana, Ralph, Dumbo, R2-D2, and so many more. Include all of your favorite characters in the park that you get to design. With over 170 attractions to choose from, like Space Mountain and the Haunted Manion, you can decorate your park any way you choose. Even host the fan-favorite parade with fireworks!

A Disney adventure wouldn't be complete without a villain to defeat. So keep your park safe from Maleficent and her evil curse, battle against Ursula, Scar, and more. The game is regularly updated with new attractions, characters, and events, so your imagination never has to slow down.

Whether you are going on an adventure through one of the 1,500 available quests or building and defending your own theme park from villains like Jafar, you'll have the world of Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars to keep your imagination going.

Beach Buggy Racing 2 brings racing excitement to a fun new game with winding tracks and helpful powerups. But you aren't alone in the race; you get to build your racing team, upgrade your ride, and battle across tracks with dragons, pirates, aliens, and more.

There are over 40 different cars to pick from in your quest to win the Beach Buggy Racing League championship. Find powerups along your races to give your team the edge with options like chain lightning, donut tires, killer bees, and more.

Aside from racing, new game modes offer daily drifting and obstacle course challenges to keep things fresh and exciting. So, hop in your ride, customize the look, and be ready to power up and hit the beach.

Beach Buggy Racing 2 brings new exciting tracks, challenges, and powerups to make this one of the most entertaining games you can play on the Amazon Fire Kids tablets.

A simple game that is perfect for kids of all ages, Crossy Road takes the formula that made Frogger so popular and dresses it up in a visually appealing art style. Players have to navigate a character across the road by tapping the screen, dodging traffic and various other obstacles in order to get as far as possible while attempting to improve on high scores.

Players are also rewarded more the further they get, and can unlock new characters as they progress. It's a simple gameplay loop that kids will be easily hooked on, and the cartoonish visuals, and overall simplicity of the game make it one that parents can feel comfortable letting their kids play. Plus, it's free to play!

With a gameplay loop that updates a classic game, and with an art style and progression that will appeal to kids of all ages, Crossy Road is a great choice, and will keep your kids busy for a while.

Get From: Amazon

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Keeping your kids occupied

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Amazon Fire HD tablets are a great way to get your kids gaming, with a bigger screen than a phone and a whole range of excellent titles. One of the most recommendable games on this list is Minecraft, one of the most popular titles in the world, and for good reason. It's simple to learn building mechanics, which can easily draw you in, but its learning curve and depth can keep any creative child invested for a long time.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a timeless classic and another of the best titles on this list. The mobile remaster means that it will look far better on an Amazon Fire HD tablet than it did when originally released, and the added mode makes it more worthwhile than ever before. It's also a game that the parents can get nostalgic about while the kids play, an added bonus.

Each game on this list is extremely recommendable, though, and can offer your child a great taste of gaming on a bigger screen. While some games available on the store could be unsuitable, we think these are among the best that the Amazon store has to offer and will give your child hours of enjoyment. 

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