From pediatricians to psychologists, experts agree that spending quality time is among the best “investments” a parent can make for their children. But it’s also perhaps the most difficult to pull off. Between parents’ work responsibilities and their child’s school, sports, and activities schedules, time for parents to bond with their kids can slip away.
For the past few generations, playing video games has been one of the most common ways kids spend their free time. And from the Atari of the early 1980s to the PlayStation 5 of today, they’ve only gotten better. Between their increasingly sophisticated stories and stunning graphics, peeling kids away from their screens can be difficult!
So what if instead of competing with video games for your kids’ attention and time, you joined them instead—as in playing video games with your kids? Well, many parents are doing just that—and even enjoying the games almost as much as their children are!
Below we highlight seven of our favorite video games you can play with your kids. And with S&T’s high-speed internet, you can enjoy these video games seamlessly and without lag or interruption, whether you play on a console like the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox or on your PC or tablet.
Read on to learn about some of the best video games you and your child can play together!
1. Minecraft
First on our list is Minecraft, the enormously popular—and let’s face it, addicting—building game that needs little introduction. Millions of people of all ages cannot get enough of this seemingly simple but enthralling building and crafting game. Its open-world sandbox setting allows children and their parents to create and improve entire worlds together with deep, intricate, and rich details. Minecraft can be played on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and online.
2. Terraria
Comparable to Minecraft in many ways but perhaps somewhat more goal-and-mission-oriented, the popular Terraria is another vast building, exploration, and crafting game that can be played by multiple people. Like other “sandbox” games, Terraria is open-world, letting players explore more freely than different types of games. No two games are exactly alike, enhancing their replay value while giving parents plenty of time to master the game alongside their kids as they wind their way through it. Terraria is playable on your PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.
3. Super Mario Odyssey
Many parents will fondly remember the Super Mario Bros. game series from their childhoods. And the series has not only stood the test of time but has expanded immensely over the decades. Super Mario Odyssey continues Mario’s adventures through many perils on a magical airship called the Odyssey. This time, Mario uses a sentient hat named “Cappy.” The game is available on Nintendo Switch and is perfect for a parent to play with their children. Super Mario Odyssey won Best Family Game in 2017 by The Game Awards, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If you and your kid can’t get enough of the Mario universe, try another challenge with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! After all, is there a better way for you to gleefully compete against your child than in a classic car race? In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you’ll race go-karts across various locations and terrains. But be warned: the game is so fun for kids and their parents that many find it hard to put down the controllers! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played on Nintendo Switch and has an online play option as well.
5. Rocket League
When you’re ready for a stouter automobile challenge, check out Rocket League, a top-rated game over the past few years. Rocket League is an eccentric but surprisingly perfect mix of sports, specifically soccer and car racing. One of the more competitive games on this list, Rocket League is free to play on almost every major platform, including consoles, PCs (and even Macs).
6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Another hugely popular game many parents have heard about is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Utilizing animals to build a human-like settlement and society, you and your child can enjoy an easy-going and enjoyable game that helps develop decision-making, organizational, and social skills. And unlike other games on this list, it’s actually quite relaxing! Indeed, playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an excellent way to unwind with your kids after a long day. The fifth entry in the Animal Crossing series, New Horizons, won The Game Award’s 2020 Best Family Game award and is available on Nintendo Switch.
7. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Our last game recommendation combines two legendary names in family entertainment: LEGO and Star Wars. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is part of an extensive series of LEGO-themed video games based on movies that include the Harry Potter series. The Skywalker Saga is an excellent choice for parents to play with their kids because of how Star Wars bridges the generations—and lets grown-ups share the sweeping epic and beloved characters of Star Wars interactively. This edition follows the entire 9-film series and is playable on Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs.
Spending quality time with their children is perhaps the most invaluable goal a parent can achieve. We hope our list of seven great games—and our super-fast internet service to power them—will help make it a bit easier!
To learn more ways online entertainment can bring families together, follow S&T on Facebook and Instagram for more recommendations!
