From pediatricians to psychologists, experts agree that spending quality time is among the best “investments” a parent can make for their children. It’s also, perhaps, the most difficult to pull off. Between parents’ work responsibilities and their child’s school, sports and activities schedules, time for parents to bond with their children can slip away.
One of the most common ways kids spend their free time is by playing video games. From the Atari of the early 1980s to today’s PlayStation 5, video games have only improved with their increasingly sophisticated stories to stunning graphics, making it difficult to peel kids away from their screens. In an effort to spend time with their children, many parents are taking an interest in their children’s video games and playing them alongside their kids.
Highlighted below are seven popular video games that you can play with your kids. With high-speed fiber internet from GRM Networks, these video games can be enjoyed seamlessly and without lag or interruption.
- Minecraft
Minecraft, the enormously popular building and crafting game, is an open-world sandbox setting that gives children and their parents the opportunity to create and improve entire worlds together, with deep, intricate and rich details. Minecraft is available to play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox.
- Terraria
Comparable to Minecraft in many ways, but perhaps somewhat more goal-and-mission-oriented, the popular Terraria is another vast building, exploration and crafting game that can be played by multiple people. Like other “sandbox” games, Terraria is open-world, letting players explore more freely than other types of games. No two games are exactly alike, enhancing its replay value, while giving parents plenty of time to master the game alongside their kids as they wind their way through it. Terraria is playable on your PC, Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.
- Super Mario Odyssey
Many parents will fondly remember the Super Mario Bros. game series from their own childhoods. Not only has the series stood the test of time, but it has expanded immensely over the decades. Super Mario Odyssey continues Mario’s adventures through many perils on a magical airship called the Odyssey. In this game, Mario makes use of a sentient hat named “Cappy.” Super Mario Odyssey won Best Family Game in 2017 by The Game Awards, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. The game is available on Nintendo Switch and is perfect for a parent to play with their children.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, players race go-karts across a wide variety of locations and terrains; but be warned, the game is so fun to both kids and their parents, many find it hard to put down the controllers. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played on Nintendo Switch and has an online play option as well.
- Rocket League
Rocket League, an exceptionally popular game over the past few years, offers a stouter automobile challenge. This game is an eccentric perfect mix of sports, specifically soccer and car racing. One of the more competitive games on this list, Rocket League is free to play on just about every major platform, including consoles, PCs and even Macs.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Another hugely popular game many parents have heard about is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Using animals to build a human-like settlement and society, players enjoy an easy-going and pleasant game that helps develop decision-making, organizational and social skills. Unlike other games on this list, it’s actually quite relaxing. Playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a nice way to unwind after a long day. The fifth entry in the Animal Crossing series, New Horizons, won The Game Award’s 2020 Best Family Game award and is available on Nintendo Switch.
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
This game combines two legendary names in family entertainment: LEGO and Star Wars. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is part of a large series of LEGO-themed video games based on movies that also includes the Harry Potter series. The Skywalker Saga is an especially solid choice for parents to play with their kids because Star Wars bridges the generation gap letting grown-ups and kids share the sweeping epic and beloved characters of Star Wars in an interactive way. This edition follows the entire nine-film series and is playable on Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox and PCs.
One of the most valuable goals a parent can achieve is to spend quality time with their children. We hope this list of seven great games—and our super-fast internet service to power them—will help make it a bit easier.