Xbox Game Pass has a huge library of games for all age groups. But which titles are best and most suitable for the younger audience? Are you an overwhelmed parent or just young at heart? Let’s see the XboxEra list of 10 of the Best Family and Kids Games on Xbox Game Pass.
We have checked out all these games, and made sure that they are appropriate for children, lighthearted and beginner friendly. Some are more puzzle oriented, and others encourage creativity – but most of all, they are fun.
Disclaimer: This list comprises some of our highlights, is definitely not exhaustive, and is in no particular order!
If you disagree with our list, then feel free to check out our awesome Xbox Game Pass app, DayOne. You can track, rate and search for all the best Family and Kids games on the service, and pick your preferred title. Jump in!
1. Bluey: The VideoGame
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple of years, you will have heard of Bluey. The hit Australian Kids TV show is now a global phenomenon, and this family of cartoon dogs now has it’s own video game. Released at the end of 2023, Bluey: The VideoGame is simple enough for younger children to grasp, and has a ‘collect-a-thon’ mechanic which kids will love. Staying true to the show, there are also ‘lessons’ to be learned during play and the game is full of the heart-warming moments you would come to expect if you’re a fan of the TV show. More experienced gamers may find it a little repetitive, but we think this title definitely captured the essence of Bluey. Check out the full XboxEra review here.
2. Little Kitty, Big City
This purrrr-fect game leapt onto Xbox Game Pass in April 2024, and players take on the role of an adorable black cat who accidentally takes a tumble out of their apartment and then has to find their way home, whilst collecting ‘shinies’ and gaining skills. This game doesn’t take long at all to complete, particularly if you just follow the main story – but there are a few side quests to bulk it out if you like a bit more meat on your bones. You can read our full review here, and I’ll leave you with this quote from our reviews editor, Jesse: “Little Kitty, Big City is a short and sweet experience, much like this review. Full of charm and heart, it’s well worth checking out Day One on Xbox Game Pass whether you’re a cat person or not.”
3. PowerWash Simulator
Although it has been on Xbox Game Pass for a while, PowerWash Simulator is a classic for all ages. Grab a hose and some soap, and clean to your heart’s content – sounds simple, right? Just be careful you don’t powerwash too hard, or run out of water, and you can turn what would be a chore in real life into something fun that will keep you enthralled for hours. Who knows? Maybe it will even inspire your kids to do some real-life cleaning?! We can but hope. The XboxEra full review for PowerWash simulator can be found here.
4. House Flipper
Fancy yourself as a bit of an interior designer? Do you love making things good and then pretty? Well if so, House Flipper will tick all your boxes. Giving off super-chill vibes, players start by cleaning and repairing a space before decorating and installing furniture. Your projects will get bigger the further along you get, and the feeling of satisfaction from getting the job done well is hard to beat. If playing on Console, sometimes the controls are a little frustrating, but overall House Flipper is a solid option for all ages. Read the XboxEra review here.
5. Donut County
Although it released in 2021, Donut County is still a popular game with both kids and adults alike. A fun and easy to learn puzzle game where the premise is simple; keep expanding your donut hole as it consumes bigger and bigger items. Donut County is engaging from start to finish, and is another shortish offering ensuring no-one is going to get bored. Per our review: “f you are looking for a short, relaxing and visually pleasing game then Donut County is one to try. The humour is on point and the short intermezzo’s of story between levels means both story and gameplay never overstay their welcome.” Check out the full XboxEra review here.
6. Tempopo
When Hana loses her flowers, she must enlist the help of the enchanted Tempopo to return them to their rightful home. A puzzler with varying levels of challenge, this colourful and super cute game is appealing to all ages and will charm it’s way into your heart.
7. Goat Simulator: Remastered
Goat Simulator is actually the GOAT. Proving so popular it has now been remastered, you can now cause absolute carnage as Pilgor the Goat in even more visual glory. Headbutt and jump around ruining whatever you can get your horns on is the order of the day here, and the enduring appeal of this game to absolutely everyone definitely doesn’t seem to be wearing off. A great laugh for the whole family.
8. Minecraft Legends
I’m not even sure I need to say much here – Kids LOVE Minecraft. Minecraft Legends however is a slightly different take on the classic game, becoming a real-time strategy adventure. More suited to older kids and slightly more experienced gamers due to the challenge level, Minecraft Legends still involves the usual crafting and fun you would expect. Our Editor-in- Chief Jon had this to say about it: “Minecraft Legends wasn’t a game I was particularly excited about, mostly due to its strategy leanings. However, it’s always nice to be surprised, and there’s a lot of fun to be had, particularly with friends online. The single player can be as chill as you’d like it to be, but PVP is absolute panic inducing carnage in the best kind of way.” Read the Full XboxEra review here.
9. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Patrick Star Game
Everyone’s favourite starfish is the star of the show here and you can explore the whole of the SpongeBob universe, from the Krusty Krab to Bikini Bottom. The aim of the game is to create Patrick’s ultimate playground, and you can use pretty much anything you can find to achieve this. A fun and silly creative game for all ages, If you are a fan of the Franchise, you’ll love this.
10. My Friendly Neighborhood
OK, ok. It’s not really a kid’s game, despite appearances. Think Resident Evil crossed with the Muppets. If you have an older child that wants to get into more scary stuff and thinks they can handle it, then My Friendly Neighborhood might be a way in. There are puzzles, a bit of combat and some gore-less horror elements. This is a classic survival game which is a definite step up for a young gamer wishing to get a bit more hardcore.
And there we have it. 10 of our favourites, encompassing a huge range of skill-sets and genres. Will you be checking any of these out for your sproglets? Let us know in our Xboxera Community Forum, or head over to our Discord server. Happy gaming!
