Finding the perfect video game for a 6-year-old can be quite an adventure. With so many options out there, picking games that are fun, safe, and age-appropriate can feel like a daunting task. We totally get it—not all games are created equal, and at this age, kids are still exploring their motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Video games, when chosen thoughtfully, aren’t just entertaining—they can inspire learning and spark imagination in young minds. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best video games for 6 year olds available across various platforms. From colorful adventures to simple puzzles, our carefully curated list emphasizes games that are both engaging and gentle for little players.
Best Video Games for 6 Year Olds: When picking a game for your 6-year-old, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Age Appropriateness: Always check the PEGI or ESRB rating to ensure the game is suitable for their age.
- Educational Benefits: Look for games that help develop problem-solving, coordination, or creativity.
- Simplicity & Accessibility: Controls should be easy, and instructions should be clear.
- Positive Content: Avoid violence, scary themes, or overly complex gameplay.
- Fun Factor: Bright visuals, lovable characters, and exciting gameplay are key to keeping kids engaged.
Top Picks for Little Gamers: Best Video Games for 6-Year-Olds
1. LEGO Disney•Pixar’s The Incredibles
Genre: Adventure
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Relive the iconic moments.
- LEGO humor and charm.
- Variety of gameplay.
Why Kids Will Love It: Picture this—you team up with your favorite superheroes from The Incredibles and go on fun-filled adventures. This game is bursting with color, fun puzzles, and classic LEGO humor that’ll have your little one giggling nonstop.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: Designed specifically with kids in mind, this is one of the best video games for 6 year olds, featuring non-violent superhero action and simple gameplay mechanics. The cooperative play allows parents and siblings to join in, building teamwork skills.
Why It’s the Best: Packed with light-hearted missions and countless collectibles, it’s a safe and fun option for superhero fans. Kids will also love building LEGO structures during scenes, making the experience more interactive.
2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Genre: Simulation/Creative
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Island Getaway.
- Customize Everything.
- Befriend Adorable Villagers.
Why Kids Will Love It: This game invites your little ones into a vibrant world where they can design their own island paradise. Talking animals, seasonal events, and adorable nature-based tasks make Animal Crossing irresistible to kids.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: Easy-to-understand gameplay lets 6-year-olds explore creativity by building homes, planting flowers, and customizing their islands. It also fosters patience and planning as in-game tasks unfold over time.
Why It’s the Best: Kids will adore the relaxing experience, and parents can rest easy knowing there is zero violence or stressful game mechanics. It’s highly customizable, so kids can personalize their paradise endlessly.
3. Paw Patrol: Grand Prix
Genre: Racing
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Race as Your Favorite Pup.
- Exciting Tracks.
- Power-ups and Boosts.
Why Kids Will Love It: Get ready for high-speed fun with the beloved pups of Adventure Bay! This Mario Kart-style game, one of the best video games for 6 year olds, will thrill fans of Paw Patrol as they race all their favorite characters through colorful tracks.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: Designed for kids, it’s easy to handle with helpful level designs and assists. The game focuses on friendly competition and teamwork rather than stressful challenges.
Why It’s the Best: With its familiar faces and fun racing mechanics, it’s the perfect first racing game for little players eager to test their skills behind the (virtual) wheel.
4. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Genre: Action-Adventure/Platformer
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Classic 3D Mario Action.
- Multiplayer Mayhem.
- New Power-Ups.
Why Kids Will Love It: Everyone loves Mario—and this game offers double the fun! Kids can join their favorite plumber and friends on playful platforming adventures, complete puzzles, and conquer vibrant worlds.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: The controls are simple enough for kids to grasp, and cooperative multiplayer ensures family-friendly fun. The game subtly introduces kids to creative problem-solving and spatial awareness.
Why It’s the Best: The iconic Mario charm, combined with diverse levels and gameplay, makes this a classic for gamers of all ages—especially little ones.
5. Minecraft (Bedrock Edition)
Genre: Sandbox/Creative
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Cross-Platform Play.
- Massive Multiplayer Servers.
- Regular Updates.
Why Kids Will Love It: Let’s face it—kids adore building, and Minecraft, one of the best video games for 6 year olds, is the ultimate building playground. From constructing castles to taming animals, this game gives young minds a canvas as limitless as their imagination.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: The game includes a creative mode with no enemies, making it perfect for 6-year-olds just learning the ropes. It’s great for promoting logic, planning, and hand-eye coordination.
Why It’s the Best: Minecraft has endless replayability, and with parental controls, you can ensure they’re playing the safest way possible. It’s also an excellent game to play together and bond with your little one.
Read more: best video games for 5 year olds
6. Peppa Pig: World Adventures
Genre: Educational/Adventure
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Explore the World with Peppa.
- Create Your Own Family.
- Visit Famous Landmarks.
Why Kids Will Love It: Who wouldn’t want to explore the world with Peppa Pig? Kids can hang out with their beloved characters and visit famous global landmarks while solving light puzzles and meeting new friends.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: Its ultra-simple gameplay and familiar characters make it a perfect match for preschoolers and early school-aged kids. The educational aspect subtly introduces them to geography.
Why It’s the Best: This game feels like an interactive episode of the TV show—a dream come true for Peppa Pig fans who love to learn while having fun.
7. Scribblenauts Unlimited
Genre: Puzzle/Creative
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, 3DS
- Unlimited Creativity.
- Open World Exploration.
- Object Editor.
Youngsters adore Scribblenauts Unlimited, one of the best video games for 6 year olds, because it enables them to generate all their imaginative concepts. The game “Scribblenauts Unlimited” offers puzzles to its young players that they complete through written words to create objects, animals and with vehicles. This game manages to ignite imaginative thinking better than most other games do.
Children face creative challenges in the game because it requires them to develop practical solutions through word manipulation. Its easy gameplay system operates within a colorful world, which makes it simultaneously entertaining for children and educational. The gameplay difficulty suits 6-year-olds perfectly since the challenges reach their interest level without causing excessive frustration.
The game Scribblenauts Unlimited effectively presents children with the understanding that creative thinking serves as a solution for multiple problems through its gameplay format. The game provides excellent language development benefits since it teaches children to explore various words alongside their definitions and actual applications in real situations.
8. Viva Piñata
Genre: Simulation/Adventure
Platforms: Xbox 360
- Romance and Breeding.
- Garden Customization.
- Challenges and Objectives.
The endearing gameplay lets players manage the development of beautiful garden spaces filled with colorful piñatas, which come to life in the virtual world. While increasing the garden size, players can witness their piñatas come alive and look after them until they reach party time celebrations.
The game features elderly piñata population management combined with non-violent features, which perfectly suits children of different ages. Through its principles, the game teaches children fundamental gardening knowledge and teaches them about responsible duty alongside organizational skills. Children remain committed to the game thanks to its basic design elements and lively atmosphere, which rewards them as they grow their piñatas.
The combination of creative elements with strategic gameplay, along with endearing piñatas, stands as the main reason this game achieves its status as one of the best video games for 6 year olds. The valuable lessons about caring for living beings and nature provide important knowledge for developing young minds.
9. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Genre: Racing
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Massive Roster.
- 48 Tracks.
- Different Modes.
Why Kids Will Love It: This game is a racing classic that’s easy for young children to pick up and play. Featuring Mario and other beloved Nintendo characters, players race across whimsical tracks full of surprises and power-ups. The controls are simple, and the action is fast-paced but never too overwhelming for younger players.
Age-Appropriate Features & Benefits: With kid-friendly visuals and plenty of fun, lighthearted racing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a safe and exciting way for children to practice hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and even friendly competition. The game includes assistive features, such as automatic steering and item usage, so younger children can enjoy it without frustration.
Why It’s the Best: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a family-friendly favorite because of its fun, chaotic races and the ability for multiple players to join in. It’s an excellent choice for children who enjoy racing games but need a gentle, non-violent introduction to the genre.
Tips for Healthy Gaming Habits for Young Children
Encourage healthy gaming by setting clear time limits, monitoring the games they play, and joining in whenever possible. Make gaming more rewarding by tying it to positive reinforcement, like earning time for completing chores or homework.
Conclusion
Video games can be an amazing tool for entertainment, learning, and bonding when you choose thoughtfully, especially when considering the best video games for 6 year olds. From educational adventures to endless creativity, these games are perfect for sparking joy and laughter in little gamers. Make sure to check out our full list of video games for six year olds and share these moments of gaming happiness with your child.
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What are your favorite video games for kids? Let us know in the comments!
What’s the safest way for kids to play online games?
Always enable parental controls, ensure they’re playing age-appropriate games, and supervise their online interactions. Platforms like Xbox and Nintendo have built-in safety features, so make use of them.
How much screen time is too much for a 6-year-old?
Experts suggest limiting screen time to 1-2 hours a day for young kids. Make sure gaming is balanced with outdoor play, reading, and other activities.
Can video games be educational for 6-year-olds?
Absolutely! Many games for this age group promote problem-solving, creativity, and hand-eye coordination—some even introduce basic math, reading, or geography concepts subtly through gameplay.
What games offer multiplayer modes so the family can play together?
Titles like Super Mario 3D World, Minecraft, and Paw Patrol: Grand Prix offer fun multiplayer modes, making it easy for families to bond while gaming.
