Best Family-Friendly Video Games for All Ages (2024)

There's no single "best" family game—it depends on your family's ages, interests, and gaming experience. Below are top picks organized by play style and age suitability.

Great for All Ages

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch): Accessible racing with colorful tracks and balanced items.
• Overcooked! 2 (Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC): Chaotic cooperative cooking that demands teamwork and communication.
• LEGO Games (various platforms): Humorous, puzzle-filled adventures based on Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, etc.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch): Relaxed life simulation where you build an island community.
• Minecraft (all platforms): Creative sandbox that encourages building, exploration, and collaboration.

Ideal for Younger Kids (Ages 5–10)

• Super Mario Odyssey (Switch): Joyful 3D platformer with inventive worlds and simple controls.
• Kirby Star Allies (Switch): Colorful side-scroller where you befriend enemies to solve puzzles.
• Rayman Legends (multi-platform): Beautiful, rhythm-based platforming with great co-op.
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS4/PS5): Charming 3D platformer built for cooperative play.
• Unravel Two (multi-platform): Puzzle-platformer requiring two players to coordinate yarn-based mechanics.

For Older Kids, Teens & Adults

• It Takes Two (PS4/PS5, Xbox, PC): Inventive co-op adventure about a divorced couple—requires two players.
• A Way Out (PS4, Xbox, PC): Split-screen-only narrative escape game.
• Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (multi-platform): Frantic co-op spaceship shooter.
• Moving Out (Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC): Physics-based moving simulator with hilarious chaos.

Tips for Choosing

• Match interests: Pick a genre everyone enjoys (racing, puzzles, creativity, action).
• Read reviews & watch gameplay: Check family-focused reviews on sites like Common Sense Media.
• Try demos: Many games offer free trials on console stores.
• Prioritize co-op: Shared experiences build communication and teamwork.
• Set ground rules: Agree on playtime limits and sportsmanship before starting.

Explore a few options, and you'll find a game that brings the whole family together.