12 Games to play with kids during the summer holidays

Summer's here, the (grand)kids are home, and you need entertainment that won't drive everyone crazy. With the holidays just around the corner, why lose them to endless hours of Roblox when you could be creating gaming memories together? Here are 12 games that'll keep the whole family engaged and laughing—from energetic preschoolers to cool teens.

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1. Mario Kart World

Nintendo's newest kart racer is an instant summer holiday classic for one simple reason: absolute chaos that gets everyone laughing, regardless of age! Up to 4 players can race together on one system in split-screen mode, and the game includes brilliant little sibling-friendly features that keep everyone in the action regardless of skill level. The traditional Mario Kart mayhem of banana peels and turtle shells creates those memorable moments where Dad gets taken out by the youngest player right before the finish line.
The new unlockable costumes add an extra layer of motivation - kids will gleefully race "just one more time" to unlock Cowboy Mario or Farmer Peach. The open world design means even when someone falls behind, they can explore and find shortcuts for the next race.

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Price: $79.99 standalone (or $50 extra in Switch 2 bundle)
Players: 1-4 local split-screen, up to 24 online
Age Range: E for Everyone

Buy Mario Kart World (Switch 2) on Amazon

2. Minecraft

This brilliant building block game promises hours of fun with the kids. Creating worlds and stories with tons of add-ons and DLCs means the sky truly is the limit. What makes Minecraft perfect for family play is its Creative Mode, where kids can build without any danger, while older children and adults can tackle Survival Mode together. The game encourages creativity, problem-solving, and even basic programming concepts through Redstone circuits.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Mobile
Price: $29.99 (varies by platform)
Players: 1-4 (local split-screen), up to 8 online
Age Range: 7+

3. Sea of Thieves

This might come as a surprise, since the online mode "High Seas" is infamous for chaos and its rough nature (it is a simulation of pirate life after all), but the Rare Studios title is actually a lot of fun to play with kids.
Due to its comic style, even younger children will be excited to dive into pirate life. There is quite nothing like steering the ship to the next adventure, while the little ones sit in the crow's nest and shout excitedly when they discover another vessel on the horizon. The fundamentally playful approach of the game allows them to discover the world at their own pace. I recommend using "Safer Seas" mode for a more relaxed experience without other players.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Price: $39.99 (or included with Xbox Game Pass)
Players: 1-4 online (each needs their own system)
Age Range: 10+

4. Minecraft Dungeons

A child-friendly Diablo clone that can be challenging even for adults. This dungeon crawler takes the Minecraft aesthetic and applies it to an action-RPG format with tons of fun and lots of customization options. The lack of complex skill trees makes it accessible for younger players, while the increasing difficulty levels and loot system keep it engaging for everyone. Local co-op means the whole family can adventure together on the couch.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Price: $19.99 (or included with Xbox Game Pass)
Players: 1-4 (local and online)
Age Range: 7+

5. Untitled Goose Game

A charming simulation game where two players become geese to wreak absolute havoc. This brilliant little game of mischief has become an evergreen of cheeky fun in our house. The puzzles are clever but not frustrating, and watching kids figure out how to steal the groundskeeper's keys or make the boy buy back his own toy never gets old. The recent addition of two-player co-op doubles the chaos and the giggles.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Players: 1-2 (local co-op)
Age Range: 6+

6. Goat Simulator 3

Similar to Untitled Goose Game, the aim is to wreak havoc—this time in an open world setting and as a goat. The humor is a bit darker and there is a level of mild violence, so it's probably better suited for older children. But the sheer chaos you can unleash will have them giggling and bursting with laughter for hours. The physics-based mayhem and ridiculous missions (like becoming the goat queen) make this a perfect game for kids who love silly humor.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $29.99
Players: 1-4 (local and online)
Age Range: 10+

7. Astro Bot / Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Sony's Playroom with the Astro Bots was an essential part of PS4 history, showcasing what the PS4 was able to do in combination with the camera and the new DualShock controllers. Astro Bot Rescue Mission (PSVR) and Astro Bot (PS5) continue this tradition. These platformers are packed with charm, clever level design, and references that'll make gaming parents smile. The controls are intuitive enough for young kids while the later levels provide real challenge.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 (VR), PlayStation 5
Price: $59.99 (Astro Bot), $19.99 (Rescue Mission)
Players: 1 (with audience participation)
Age Range: 5+

8. Bluey: The Videogame

Bluey: The Videogame has the same charm as the TV series and can be played by two players as a co-op adventure. While the mechanics are very simple and the game as a whole is structured as an interactive episode of the Bluey series, it is an excellent choice for younger children and Bluey fans alike. The game captures the show's emphasis on imaginative play and family bonding, making it perfect for adults playing with their little ones.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $39.99
Players: 1-2 (local co-op)
Age Range: 3-8

9. Super Mario Party Jamboree

The ingenious idea of Super Mario Party is simple: an interactive board game with characters from the Super Mario universe. The newest iteration comes with more mini-games and boards than ever before. It can be played by 4 players at the same time and uses the Joy-Con's motion controls for all sorts of crazy mini-games. This is an evergreen in our house and can brighten up any rainy afternoon. The variety of games means there's something for every skill level.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Price: $59.99
Players: 1-4 (local), up to 20 online
Age Range: 6+

10. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Overcooked is a funky restaurant simulation with lots of wacky humor. Up to four players chop, cook, plate, and serve dishes. While the difficulty level can go up pretty quickly, the main challenge is to stay within the time limit and optimize processes in a playful way. The crazy settings combined with all sorts of mishaps that can happen ensures that no play session will ever get boring. The "All You Can Eat" edition includes both games plus all DLCs.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $39.99
Players: 1-4 (local and online)
Age Range: 8+

11. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

The ultimate relaxation game where players develop their own island paradise at their own pace. Animal Crossing is perfect for kids because there's no way to fail—you simply live, decorate, fish, catch bugs, and make friends with adorable animal neighbors. The real-time gameplay means something new happens every day, keeping kids coming back. Parents love it because it teaches responsibility (paying off your house loan to Tom Nook!), social skills (keep thy neighbour happy with a birthday gift!) and creativity through island design. The multiplayer allows family members to share an island or visit each other's creations.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Price: $59.99
Players: 1-4 on same island, up to 8 visiting players
Age Range: 5+

12. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

This massive collection covers all nine main Star Wars films in classic LEGO fashion. The humor is kid-friendly (and often hilarious for adults), death means you just pop back together, and the co-op gameplay is perfectly designed for different skill levels playing together. With hundreds of characters to unlock and planets to explore, it'll keep kids busy for the entire summer. The game brilliantly balances nostalgia for parents who grew up with Star Wars and accessibility for kids just discovering the galaxy far, far away.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $59.99 (frequently on sale)
Players: 1-2 (local co-op)
Age Range: 7+

Bonus: Free and Budget Alternatives

Fall Guys

The free alternative to Mario Party that took the world by storm! Up to 60 players compete in ridiculous obstacle courses and mini-games until one winner remains. The colorful, bean-shaped characters and slapstick physics make failure just as fun as winning. While it's online-only, the rounds are quick enough that kids can take turns and watching is almost as entertaining as playing. The lack of voice chat keeps it kid-safe.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: Free-to-play
Players: 1 (online with up to 60 players per match)
Age Range: 7+

Rocket League

Soccer meets driving in this free sports phenomenon. Cars score goals — it's that simple and brilliant. The concept is instantly understandable for kids, but the skill ceiling is astronomical, meaning parents might actually lose (legitimately) to their children after a few weeks. The matches are only 5 minutes long, perfect for short attention spans, and the ranking system ensures you're matched with similar skill levels.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: Free-to-play
Players: 1-4 (local split-screen), up to 8 online
Age Range: 6+

Moving Out 2

If Overcooked stresses your family out, try this more forgiving alternative. You're furniture movers with one goal: get everything onto the truck. How you do it is up to you—throw it out windows, work together, or create elaborate furniture-flinging contraptions. The game encourages creative problem-solving over precision, and there's no timer pressure unless you want it. Failed attempts are hilarious rather than frustrating.

Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Price: $24.99
Players: 1-4 (local co-op)
Age Range: 7+

General Tips for Gaming with Kids

1. Set Time Limits: Even the best games need boundaries. Use built-in parental controls or a simple timer.
2. Play Together: These games are more fun when you're involved. Don't just supervise—grab a controller!
3. Rotate Choices: Let each family member pick the game for a session to keep everyone engaged.
4. Embrace the Chaos: Kids don't play games "correctly"—and that's part of the fun. Let them explore and experiment.
5. Use Difficulty Settings: Most modern games have accessibility options. Don't be afraid to make things easier for younger players.

What are your family's favorite games for the holidays? Share your recommendations in the comments below!