Best Simulation Games That Let You Raise Children

Family-Friendly Life Sims

• The Sims 4: Deep family gameplay with childhood milestones, skills, personalities.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Adopt a baby villager and watch them grow.
• My Time at Portia: Build a family in a post-apocalyptic town; children grow into adults.
• Stardew Valley: Have children who appear at festivals and help minimally.

Games Focused on Child-Rearing Mechanics

• SimCity (series): Indirect influence via city policies, schools, zoning.
• LittleBigPlanet 3: Care for baby Sackboy in platforming levels.
• The Game of Life (board game): Classic life simulation including family.

Parental Considerations

• Check age ratings and content descriptors.
• Play together for shared experience and discussion.
• Set healthy time limits.

Enjoy the virtual parenting journey!