Finding the best video games for 10 year olds can be tricky. You want something fun that sparks their imagination but also keeps things safe and age-appropriate. Thankfully, there are tons of amazing options out there that can entertain, teach problem-solving, and even encourage creativity. Not all video games are just about entertainment. Many help kids develop hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, teamwork, and even storytelling skills. Whether your 10-year-old dreams of building massive worlds, solving puzzles, or racing friends in thrilling competitions, there’s a game out there for them. Let’s explore the best video games for 10-year-olds, from creative sandboxes and exciting adventures to educational yet entertaining options.
Best Video Games for 10-Year-Olds: What to Look For in Games for 10-Year-Olds
- When picking a game for kids, it’s important to remember a few key factors:
- Age Appropriateness: Games should be free of inappropriate content like violence or overly complex mechanics.
- Engagement: Games that encourage curiosity, creativity, or collaboration work wonderfully for this age group.
- Ease of Access: Look for games that are available on platforms you already own—like consoles, PCs, or mobile devices.
- Multiplayer Options: Many kids love playing with friends or siblings, so consider games with cooperative or multiplayer modes.
Now, let’s dive into some highly recommended video games for this age group.
Top Video Games for 10-Year-Olds
1. Minecraft
Genre: Sandbox / Creative Building
Why It Rocks: Minecraft is a beloved game for kids of all ages, and among the best video games for 10 year olds. It’s perfect because it combines creativity, problem-solving, and exploration into one open-world experience.
- Sandbox Gameplay.
- Creative Mode.
- Survival Mode.
Kids can build anything they imagine, explore unique biomes, or team up with friends in multiplayer mode. The game’s simple block-building mechanics make it accessible, while its endless possibilities keep kids engaged for hours.
Parental Notes: The game includes both creative (no danger) and survival (light combat) modes. Parents can enable peaceful mode to eliminate enemies entirely. Minecraft also has a multiplayer feature, so kids should play on trusted servers or under supervision.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Genre: Life Simulation
Why It Rocks: This relaxing and imaginative game lets kids create their own island paradise while completing tasks, making friends, and personalizing their homes and spaces. It’s perfect for encouraging creativity and resource management.
- Island Getaway.
- Customization.
- Animal Villagers.
With seasonal events and interactive exploration, Animal Crossing keeps kids immersed in a positive, pressure-free world that grows over time.
Parental Notes: This game is available on Nintendo Switch. There’s no violence, and the interactions are family-friendly, making it fantastic for parents worried about content.
3. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Genre: Action / Adventure
Why It Rocks: Combine the timeless appeal of LEGO with the epic Star Wars universe, and you’ve got a winning formula. Among the best video games for 10 year olds, this game blends humor, adventure, and puzzles in an action-packed way that’s perfect for budding adventurers.
- Complete Skywalker Saga.
- Open World Exploration.
- Hundreds of Characters.
Players can explore planets, relive iconic Star Wars moments, and solve fun challenges—all while building with LEGO blocks along the way.
Parental Notes: The game features light, cartoonish combat but no graphic violence. It’s available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
4. Super Mario Odyssey
Genre: Platformer / Adventure
The game Super Mario Odyssey offers a vibrant adventure that guides Mario through different unique kingdoms during his mission to rescue Princess Peach. The game includes thrilling puzzle elements and valuable treasures, as well as clever exploration aids throughout your gameplay.
- Cappy’s Abilities.
- Non-Linear Gameplay.
- Variety of Kingdoms.
Through its simple interface, the game provides clear controls while its enjoyable worlds stay engaging to children while staying simple to master. Players can discover platformer games that are accessible because of this game.
Parents can purchase Parental Notes to access Nintendo Switch and enjoy this game, which contains no inappropriate content and supports cooperative gameplay in which one player controls Mario while the other handles Cappy.
5. Among Us
Genre: Social Deduction / Party Game
Teamwork and communication skills develop during multiplayer gameplay in this zany, laughing-assisted detective game that suits youth aged 10 perfectly. As one of the best video games for 10 year olds, multiple players must do tasks together in a fictional spaceship to identify the disguised impostor.
- Social Deduction.
- Teamwork.
- Impostor Abilities.
The game lets players stay engaged in team-based activities both offline and online, which helps children improve their thinking and verbal abilities.
The game features text chat functionality that parents have full control to either disable or monitor. Its cartoon-themed graphics create an adapted appearance suitable for young viewers. The game is accessible on multiple platforms together with mobile devices.
6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Genre: Racing
Every child loves fast-paced races, which consist of fantasy tracks and useful game enhancements. The racing game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe holds a position among the best games of its type because it has simple controls and keeps players engaged forever.
- Kart Racing.
- Drifting and Mini-Turbo.
- Multiple Game Modes.
Family members can participate in split-screen competitions followed by online racing opportunities that connect players with friends. This game provides wild and action-packed entertainment combined with frenetic fun and chaotic gameplay.
The Nintendo Switch version of this game provides a fun, competition-based experience that lacks any violent content.
Read More: best video games for 7 year olds
7. Terraria
Genre: Adventure / Sandbox
Why It Rocks: Think of Terraria as a 2D version of Minecraft but with more emphasis on combat, exploration, and resource management. As one of the best video games for 10 year olds, kids can mine, build, and defend their worlds from mini-boss battles and challenges.
- 2D Sandbox Adventure.
- Mining and Crafting.
- Building and Construction.
The pixel art style is charming, and the depth of the game allows for hours of creativity and engagement.
Parental Notes: This game includes mild combat but nothing graphic. It’s available on a variety of platforms, making it highly accessible.
8. Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
Genre: Tower Defense / Action
This enjoyable game places plants against zombies in strategic and entertaining battles, which makes it a delight to play. Through quirky plants managed by kids, the game recreates the classic tower-defense genre into a comical zombie fighting experience.
- Third-Person Shooter.
- Character Classes.
- PvP Multiplayer.
Through its cooperative modes, the game creates enjoyable sibling and friend partnerships that help build teamwork practices within their shared game experience.
Some combat exists within the game yet remains safe because all combat actions have cartoon-style visual effects and no frightening components. Available on multiple platforms.
Plants vs. Zombies on SteamPowered
9. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Genre: RPG / Adventure
The iconic Pokémon games reach their highest point with this latest release, which delivers an exceptional gameplay experience for children. As one of the best video games for 10 year olds, kids gain the freedom to roam through open areas for Pokémon catching and will discover mysteries while enjoying story-based gameplay.
- Open World Exploration.
- New Gameplay Mechanics.
- Unique Visual Style.
The gameplay structure, which mixes discovery and combat, provides new role-playing gamers with a complete gaming experience.
The Nintendo Switch users can access the turn-based cartoon battle game Parental Notes. The themes in this game stay gentle without any inappropriate elements.
10. Just Dance 2024
Genre: Rhythm / Party Game
This gaming masterpiece serves as an absolute must-have because dancing is its main asset, and addresses both dance-loving and active youngsters. This game contains numerous child-friendly musical tracks and basic dance motions that match on-screen cues.
- New Tracks.
- Gameplay Modes.
- Kids Mode.
The game works well when played alone and with family members because it combines physical movements with entertainment value.
Parents can find Parental Notes on most consoles with a family-oriented playlist, although parental approval should be obtained after previewing each song separately.
11. Roblox
Genre: Multiplayer / Creative Platform
Why It Rocks: Roblox is more than a game—it’s an endless library of games made by players. Its diverse offerings, from obstacle courses to tycoon simulations, make it one of the best video games for 10 year olds, thriving on creativity while encouraging kids to try new genres.
- User-Generated Content.
- Massive Library of Games.
- Customization.
It’s perfect for kids who love building their own worlds or playing prebuilt games with friends.
Parental Notes: Roblox includes user-generated content, so setting parental controls is crucial to ensure safe play. Available across multiple platforms.
12. Splatoon 3
Genre: Action / Multiplayer
Why It Rocks: Colorful and fast-paced, Splatoon 3 turns action gaming on its head by having teams play with ink instead of traditional weapons. Kids aim to splatter turf with their team’s color, combining strategy and creativity.
- Turf War.
- New Weapons.
- Salmon Run.
The fun visuals and unique mechanics make this game exciting without being overly competitive.
Parental Notes: Available on Nintendo Switch. Mild cartoon action is present, but it’s completely non-violent.
Unlock Gaming Fun for Your 10-Year-Old
Gaming for 10-year-olds doesn’t have to involve staring blankly at a screen—it can be a powerful way to inspire creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and foster social interaction. From fun, family-friendly adventures like Animal Crossing to exciting building options like Minecraft, there’s a game out there for every personality and interest.
Conclusion
Remember to check age ratings, set parental controls when needed, and focus on games that match their interests. Whether they prefer colorful action or thoughtful exploration, this list—featuring some of the best video games for 10 year olds—is sure to bring plenty of laughter, excitement, and learning to their gaming time. Let’s level up your 10-year-old’s gaming experience together!
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Are these games suitable for multiplayer play?
Many of them, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Among Us, include multiplayer modes that are great for playing with friends or family.
How can I ensure my child’s safety in online multiplayer games?
Set up parental controls, establish rules for talking with others online, and choose games with supervised servers or private multiplayer modes.
Are video games good for developing creativity?
Absolutely! Games like Minecraft and Roblox are fantastic for fostering creativity through building and design.
Do these games require expensive hardware?
Most of the games on this list are accessible on either consoles, PCs, or even mobile devices, so no high-end hardware is necessary.
