What Games Are Actually Safe for Kids?

When we talk about kids and gaming, there will always be critics who say, “Send them outside!” While playing outdoors is crucial for development, there is no harm in video games when managed correctly. If you aren’t a gamer yourself, you might feel lost: What is safe? What is good? And what will it cost me?

The Gold Standard: The Nintendo Switch My best advice for parents is simple: Get a Nintendo Switch. While other platforms focus on online play, Nintendo still masters the “living room” experience. There is nothing like a family racing together in Mario Kart or jumping through Super Mario levels on the same TV.

The Downside: Nintendo games are the most expensive on the market. While PC and PlayStation games often drop to €15, Nintendo “exclusives” almost never do. Because of this, I want to focus this list on high-quality games that are either free or budget-friendly.

What Makes a Game “Safe”? For this list, “Safe” means:

No brutal violence or swearing.

Options to disable voice and text chat.

No “predatory” monetization (games that force you to pay to win).

The Top Recommendations

1. Rocket League (Free-to-Play) It’s basically soccer with rocket-powered cars. It’s flashy, fast, and kids love it. Best of all? It’s free on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. You can turn off all chat to avoid “online toxicity,” and it features split-screen so you can play with your child.

2. Fall Guys (Free-to-Play) Think of this like a colorful obstacle course. It requires coordination and thinking, but there’s no “penalty” for losing — you just start a new round. It’s purely fun and accessible without spending a cent.

3. Minecraft (The Best Investment) While not free, Minecraft is worth every penny. You have total control: you can turn off enemies (Peaceful Mode) and keep the world private so no strangers can join. It’s essentially “Digital Legos” with limitless opportunities.

4. The “Remastered” Classics (Spyro & Crash Bandicoot) If you were born in the 80s or 90s, you likely played these. They have been beautifully remastered for 2026. They can be challenging, but they encourage problem-solving and “trying again” — great traits for a developing mind.

5. The LEGO Series If you’re tired of stepping on real Legos in your living room, these games are the solution. They are easy to play, funny, and perfect for kids who just want to “roam around and break things” without the stress of difficult quests.

6. Crash Team Racing If you want the fun of Mario Kart but don’t want to pay the “Nintendo price,” this is your best bet. Crash Team Racing is a remastered classic that looks gorgeous on modern consoles.

Why it’s great for kids:

The Learning Curve: Unlike some games that are too easy, CTR actually teaches kids “mechanical skill.” It has a unique boosting system that is very satisfying to learn.

Split-Screen Legends: It supports up to 4 players on one TV. It’s the perfect “family bonding” game where you can all sit on the couch and laugh as you blast each other with power-ups.

Language Friendly: As you mentioned, even if a child doesn’t understand English yet, the gameplay is so intuitive that they can still finish the story mode and have a blast.

Safety: Just like Rocket League, you can keep the experience offline or limited to local play so you never have to worry about your kids talking to strangers.

I hope this article helped you find the perfect game for your home. There is nothing quite like seeing your kids’ faces light up when they finally beat a tough level or win a race. I hope you and your kids enjoy that special family time together on your favorite gaming platform!