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When it comes to games for kids, there are a lot of mixed opinions out there about what’s appropriate for what age, when and how often they should be playing, which features of a game might be harmful, and more. At the end of the day, everyone just has to use their own best judgement when choosing what to offer the kid in their life.
Thankfully, you’re not entirely alone. We’re here to help you out! This article has collected some of the very best kids games – 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 Kids Age 2-4+
Mario Kart Tour
| ESRB Rating | E for Everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS, Android |
Mario Kart Tour provides a fun and easy way to play some your favorite Mario Kart tracks on your phone or tablet! In addition, there are tracks inspired by real-world locations, including New York, Paris, Vancouver, Tokyo, and more!
Mario Kart games have straightforward controls, making the transition to a mobile screen completely natural. Depending on your preference, you can play it in either landscape or portrait mode. Plus, since Nintendo will soon allow us to use JoyCons on mobile, you could even play with those!
It’s great for kids because play sessions don’t need to be too long – just the length of the track!
Pokemon: Magikarp Jump
| ESRB Rating | E for Everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS, Android |
Pokemon: Magikarp Jump is a game about catching Magikarp, a fish Pokemon, and building up a collection. There are tons of special variations of Magikarp to collect – including the Shiny golden Magikarp – so you’ll quickly become attached to your batch.
The real test, though, is how well you can train them. The Magikarp train so that they can compete in jumping competitions. Whoever jumps the highest will win! Compete against other people’s Magikarps and become the best Magikarp trainer you can be!
Video Games For Kids Age 5-7+
Minecraft
| ESRB Rating | E10+ for Everyone ten and up |
|---|---|
| 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 humankind, and that includes mobile. While it can feel a little crowded due to the necessity of fitting a lot of buttons and information on a small screen, it still fills you with that intoxicating excitement that Minecraft seems to have mastered.
Basically everything that you love about regular Minecraft can also be found here; it receives all the same big updates as the regular game. A major advantage for kids is that it can be saved and turned off at any time, making it easy to get in and out of for long play sessions or short ones.
PAC-MAN
| ESRB Rating | E for Everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS, Android |
The company behind Pac-Man has wasted no time finding ways to spice up and revitalize this classic game. The PAC-MAN mobile app does just that, adding a story mode and new powerups to the original formula.
There’s a reason that Pac-Man was so popular; despite its deceptively simple design, it totally absorbs you and feels like an edge-of-your-seat experience while you’re playing. However, each round is still relatively short, making it perfect for the mobile experience.
Video Games For Kids Age 8-9+
Pokemon Cafe Remix
| ESRB Rating | E for Everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Other Platforms | Nintendo Switch |
Pokemon Cafe Remix asks you to run a little cafe where you bake special Pokemon-themed recipes for your customers! This may bring back memories of games like Diner Dash, but it’s not nearly as intense as that. Basically, there are little puzzle minigames that serve to “cook” each recipe.
On top of the cooking, you can have Pokemon on staff to help you! You can dress them in special chef’s outfits and attempt little challenges with them to help them grow. As you expand the cafe, new Pokemon will begin to visit.
Stardew Valley
| ESRB Rating | E10+ for Everyone ten and up |
|---|---|
| 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 beloved by many. It can be played on most gaming consoles, as well as on mobile! You’ll spend your time in-game revitalizing the old farm that your grandfather left you when he died.
The locals of Stardew Valley and the nearby Pelican Town are happy and welcoming (mostly), so you can get to know each of them and even fall in love! The relationships you build with the characters can be just as enjoyable as farming, mining, and fighting monsters.
Video Games For Kids Age 10-12+
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
| ESRB Rating | E for Everyone |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS, Android |
Animal Crossing games are undeniably incredible and have developed a massive following over the years, but it’s hard to deny that they take an awful big time 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 there is still some waiting required, it’s proportionally a lot less, and there’s plenty to do while you’re waiting. This game includes all our favourite things about Animal Crossing, including decorating various personalized areas, shopping with the local animals, getting to know animals who 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!
SimCity BuildIt
| ESRB Rating | E10+ for Everyone ten and up |
|---|---|
| Mobile Platforms | iOS, Android |
As you may have guessed from the title, SimCity BuildIt is a city management game. You’ll build up your own city from scratch, keeping in mind things like your road patterns and local jobs!
It’s really rewarding to watch your development come into a life of its own, and your city feels very personal to you. There’s even multiplayer aspects to the game, like the fact that you can send disasters (for example, UFOs) to other people’s cities.
