Best Nintendo Switch Games For Kids: Fun & Safe Picks

Hey guys! Looking for some awesome Nintendo Switch games for kids? You've come to the right place! Finding the perfect games for your little ones can be a bit of a minefield, right? You want something fun, engaging, and, most importantly, age-appropriate. That's why I've put together this guide to the best Nintendo Switch games for kids, covering a variety of genres and age ranges.

Why Nintendo Switch is Great for Kids

The Nintendo Switch is an amazing console for kids for so many reasons. First off, its versatility is a major win. You can play it on the big screen at home, or detach the Joy-Cons and take the fun on the road. This is perfect for long car rides or waiting at appointments. The pick-up-and-play nature of many Switch games also makes it super accessible for younger players. They don't need to invest hours to feel like they're making progress. Plus, Nintendo has always been great about creating family-friendly content, so you know you're in good hands. When we talk about Nintendo Switch games for kids, we're talking about experiences that are designed with them in mind.

Another reason the Switch is a hit with kids is its durable design. Let's face it, kids aren't always the gentlest with their belongings! The Switch can withstand its fair share of bumps and tumbles (though I wouldn't recommend testing that theory!). The Joy-Cons are also relatively easy to replace if one goes missing or gets damaged. Beyond the hardware, the software is also a huge draw. Nintendo offers a vast library of games suitable for all ages, from puzzle games that stimulate young minds to action-packed adventures that encourage physical activity. It's also worth mentioning Nintendo's parental control features, which allow you to manage what your child can access and how long they can play. This gives parents peace of mind and helps maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.

Top Nintendo Switch Games for Younger Kids (Ages 3-6)

Let's dive into some specific Nintendo Switch games for kids, starting with the younger crowd (ages 3-6). These games are designed to be easy to pick up and play, with simple controls and colorful graphics.

Paw Patrol: Grand Prix

Is your kiddo a Paw Patrol fanatic? Then they'll absolutely love Paw Patrol: Grand Prix! This kart racing game is perfect for little ones, with simple controls, automatic acceleration, and plenty of familiar faces from Adventure Bay. They can race as their favorite pups, collect power-ups, and compete in fun and easy races. The best part? It's designed to be forgiving, so even if they crash a lot, they'll still have a blast.

The game features a variety of tracks inspired by the Paw Patrol universe, from Adventure Bay to Jake's Mountain. Each track is designed to be visually appealing and engaging for young children, with bright colors and playful obstacles. The game also includes a split-screen mode, so you can play alongside your child and share in the fun. One of the standout features of Paw Patrol: Grand Prix is its accessibility. The controls are easy to learn, and the game provides helpful prompts and tutorials to guide young players. The automatic acceleration feature eliminates the need for constant button pressing, allowing kids to focus on steering and using power-ups. The game also includes options to adjust the difficulty level, ensuring that it remains challenging but not frustrating for players of all skill levels. This is a fantastic introduction to the racing genre for young gamers.

Peppa Pig: World Adventures

Oink oink! Join Peppa Pig on a global adventure in Peppa Pig: World Adventures. This charming game lets kids create their own character and explore various locations with Peppa and her friends. They can visit iconic landmarks, participate in fun activities, and even try on different outfits. It's a delightful and educational experience that encourages creativity and imagination. Peppa Pig: World Adventures is all about simple gameplay and interactive storytelling, making it an ideal choice for preschoolers.

The game's narrative is structured around Peppa's travels to different countries, each offering unique cultural experiences. Kids can visit Italy, France, and even Hollywood, participating in activities that reflect the local customs and traditions. For example, in Italy, they might learn to make pizza, while in France, they could visit the Eiffel Tower. These activities are designed to be both entertaining and educational, introducing children to different cultures in a fun and engaging way. The game also emphasizes social interaction, encouraging kids to interact with Peppa and her friends, as well as other characters they meet along the way. This helps develop their social skills and emotional intelligence. Moreover, Peppa Pig: World Adventures is designed to be a safe and secure gaming environment for young children, with no in-app purchases or inappropriate content. Parents can rest assured that their kids are enjoying a wholesome and enriching experience. The game also includes customizable options that allow parents to tailor the gameplay to their child's preferences, ensuring that they remain engaged and entertained.

Great Nintendo Switch Games for Elementary Schoolers (Ages 7-10)

Now, let's move on to some Nintendo Switch games for kids in the 7-10 age range. These games offer a bit more challenge and complexity, while still being appropriate and enjoyable for this age group.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner, regardless of age! It's a classic kart racing game with tons of characters, tracks, and customization options. Kids will love racing as Mario, Luigi, and their friends, and the easy-to-learn controls make it accessible for even younger players. Plus, with local and online multiplayer, they can race against their friends and family for endless hours of fun.

The game's vibrant graphics and upbeat music create an immersive and exciting experience for players of all ages. The tracks are diverse and imaginative, ranging from underwater courses to gravity-defying circuits. The power-ups add an element of surprise and strategy to the races, as players can use them to gain an advantage over their opponents. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also features a variety of game modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trial, and Battle Mode, offering something for everyone. The Grand Prix mode allows players to compete in a series of races against AI opponents, while the Time Trial mode challenges them to beat their best times on each track. Battle Mode offers a range of competitive games, such as Balloon Battle and Coin Runners, providing a fun and engaging alternative to traditional racing. With its endless replayability and family-friendly appeal, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the latest side-scrolling adventure starring everyone's favorite plumber! This game introduces Wonder Flowers, which can transform the game world in unexpected and hilarious ways. Kids will love exploring the vibrant levels, collecting power-ups, and rescuing the Flower Kingdom from Bowser's latest scheme. With its colorful graphics, creative level design, and accessible gameplay, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fantastic choice for elementary schoolers. It's a great way to introduce them to the world of Super Mario and get them hooked on platforming adventures.

The game's Wonder Flowers add a unique and unpredictable element to the gameplay, as they can trigger a variety of transformations and effects. For example, a Wonder Flower might turn Mario into an elephant, allow him to float through the air, or even change the perspective of the level. These transformations not only add to the visual spectacle of the game but also create new gameplay opportunities and challenges. The game also features a variety of new power-ups, such as the Elephant Fruit, which gives Mario the ability to smash through obstacles and defeat enemies with his trunk. These power-ups add to the game's sense of fun and creativity, encouraging players to experiment and discover new ways to overcome challenges. Super Mario Bros. Wonder also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up and explore the game's levels together. This encourages cooperation and communication, as players work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, vibrant graphics, and accessible controls, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a must-have for fans of the Super Mario series and a great introduction to the world of platforming adventures for younger players.

Creative and Educational Nintendo Switch Games for Kids

Beyond action and adventure, the Nintendo Switch games for kids also offers a range of creative and educational experiences. These games can help kids develop problem-solving skills, spark their imagination, and even learn about different subjects.

Minecraft

Minecraft is a global phenomenon for a reason! This sandbox game lets kids build anything they can imagine, from simple houses to elaborate castles. They can explore vast worlds, gather resources, craft items, and even fight monsters. Minecraft encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. It's a game that kids can play for hours on end, always discovering something new. Plus, with its cross-platform compatibility, they can even play with their friends on other devices.

The game's open-ended nature allows players to express their creativity and imagination in countless ways. They can build anything they can dream up, from simple structures to complex machines. The game also encourages problem-solving, as players must figure out how to gather resources, craft items, and survive in a hostile environment. Minecraft also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to collaborate on projects and explore the game's world together. This encourages teamwork and communication, as players work together to achieve common goals. The game also includes a variety of biomes, each offering unique resources and challenges. This encourages players to explore the game's world and discover new and exciting things. With its endless possibilities and engaging gameplay, Minecraft is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

LEGO Games (e.g., LEGO Harry Potter, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes)

LEGO games are always a hit with kids! They combine the fun of LEGOs with the excitement of popular franchises like Harry Potter and Marvel Super Heroes. These games feature cooperative gameplay, humorous storylines, and plenty of collectibles. Kids will love exploring their favorite worlds in LEGO form, solving puzzles, and battling villains. The LEGO games are also great for developing problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, they're a blast to play with a friend or family member in co-op mode. When discussing Nintendo Switch games for kids, LEGO titles always come up due to their wide appeal and family-friendly gameplay.

The games' humorous storylines and engaging characters add to their appeal, making them a fun and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. The cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork and communication, as players work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. The games also feature a variety of collectibles, adding to their replayability and encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of the game's world. The LEGO games also offer a variety of challenges, from solving puzzles to battling villains, keeping players engaged and entertained. With their family-friendly gameplay, humorous storylines, and cooperative gameplay, LEGO games are a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels. They offer a fun and engaging way to explore popular franchises and develop problem-solving skills.

Tips for Choosing the Right Games

Choosing the right Nintendo Switch games for kids involves more than just picking the ones that look the most fun. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices:

• Consider the age rating: Pay attention to the ESRB rating on the game box or in the Nintendo eShop. This will give you an idea of the game's content and whether it's appropriate for your child's age.
• Read reviews: Check out reviews from other parents and gamers to get a better sense of the game's gameplay, difficulty, and overall quality.
• Watch gameplay videos: Watching gameplay videos on YouTube or other platforms can give you a good idea of what the game is like and whether your child will enjoy it.
• Think about your child's interests: Does your child love animals, superheroes, or building things? Choose games that align with their interests to keep them engaged.
• Try demos: Some games offer demos that you can download and play for free. This is a great way to try out a game before you buy it.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect Nintendo Switch games for kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering your child's age, interests, and skill level, you can choose games that will provide hours of entertainment and learning. So, go ahead and explore the wonderful world of Nintendo Switch games and find some new favorites for your little ones! Have fun gaming, everyone!