When it comes to games for kids, there are a lot of mixed opinions. about what is appropriate for what age, when and how often they should play, what features of a game can be harmful, and more. At the end of the day, everyone should use their best judgment when choosing what to offer the child in their life.
Fortunately, you are not completely alone. We are here to help you! This item has compiled some of the best games for kids, including their ESRB ratings, that are available on mobile platforms like phones and tablets. We wish you the best of luck in finding something wonderful.
Video games for children from 2 to 4 years and older
Mario Kart Ride
| ESRB Rating | and for everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
Mario Kart Tour offers a fun and easy way to play some of your favorite Mario Kart tracks on your phone or tablet. Also, there are tracks inspired by places in the real world, including New York, Paris, Vancouver, Tokyo and more!
Mario Kart games have simple controls, making the transition to a mobile screen completely natural. Depending on your preference, you can play it in landscape or portrait mode. Plus, since Nintendo will soon let us use JoyCons on mobile devices, you might even be able to play games with them!
It’s great for kids because gaming sessions don’t need to be too long – only the length of the track!
Pokémon: Leap Magikarp
| ESRB Rating | and for everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
Pokemon: Magikarp Jump is a game about catch Magikarp, a fish Pokémon, and build a collection. There are tons of special Magikarp variations to collect, including the shiny gold Magikarp, so you’ll quickly become attached to your lot.
However, the real test is how well you can train them. The Magikarp train to be able to compete in jumping contests. Whoever jumps the highest wins! Compete against other people’s Magikarps and become the best Magikarps trainer you can be!
Video games for children aged 5 to 7 years or older
Minecraft
| ESRB Rating | E10+ for everyone over ten years old |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
| other platforms | Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, fireOS, Java, Apple TV |
Minecraft is a beloved sandbox adventure game that seems to be available on every platform known to mankind, and that includes mobile devices. While it can feel a bit cluttered due to the need to fit a large number of buttons and information on a small screen, it still fills you with that heady excitement that Minecraft seems to have mastered.
Basically everything you love about normal minecraft can also be found here; gets the same great updates as the regular game. A big plus for kids is that it can be stowed away and turned off at any time, making it easy to jump in and out for long or short play sessions.
PAC-MAN
| ESRB Rating | and for everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
The company behind Pac-Man has wasted no time in finding ways to bring this classic game to life and reinvigorate it. The PAC-MAN mobile app does just that, adding a story mode and new power-ups to the original formula.
There’s a reason Pac-Man was so popular; despite its deceptively simple design, it completely sucks you in and feels like an edge-of-your-seat experience while you play. However, each round is still relatively short, making it perfect for the mobile experience.
Video games for children ages 8 to 9 and older
Pokemon Cafe Remix
| ESRB Rating | and for everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
| other platforms | nintendo switch |
Pokemon Cafe Remix asks you to runs a small cafe where you bake special Pokémon-themed recipes For your customers! This may bring back memories of games like Diner Dash, but it’s not as intense as that. Basically, there are small puzzle mini-games that serve to “cook” each recipe.
above the kitchen, you can have Pokémon on staff to help you! You can dress them up in special chef outfits and try little challenges on them to help them grow. As you expand the cafe, new Pokemon will start visiting you.
stardew valley
| ESRB Rating | E10+ for everyone over ten years old |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
| other platforms | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox Cloud Gaming, macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows |
stardew valley is a cozy indie farming simulator game loved by many. It can be played on most game consoles as well as mobile devices! You will spend your time in the game revitalizing the old farm that your grandfather left you when he died.
The locals of Stardew Valley and nearby Pelican Town are happy and welcoming. (mainly), so you can meet each one of them and even fall in love! The relationships you build with characters can be just as enjoyable as farming, mining, and fighting monsters.
Video games for children aged 10 to 12 years or older
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
| ESRB Rating | and for everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
The Animal Crossing games are undeniably awesome and have developed a huge following over the years. but it is difficult to deny that they assume a great commitment. Most Animal Crossing games require a lot of waiting for things to happen.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp takes that regular experience and condenses it! While some waiting is still required, it’s proportionately much less, and there’s plenty to do while you wait. This game includes all of our favorite things about Animal Crossing, including decorating various custom areas, shopping with the local animals, meeting the animals that live with you, and more!
In fact, this game is so good that when Animal Crossing: New Horizons got its big 2.0 update, some of the features were recognizable from Pocket Camp!
Build SimCity
| ESRB Rating | E10+ for everyone over ten years old |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS-Android |
As you may have guessed from the title, SimCity BuildIt is a city management game. You will build your own city from scratch, taking into account things like road patterns and local jobs!
It’s really gratifying to see how your development takes on a life of its own, and your city feels very personal to you. There are even multiplayer aspects to the game, like the fact that you can send disasters (eg UFOs) to other people’s cities.
