Top Video Game Picks for 6-Year-Old Kids
What makes the best video games for kids, and how can parents choose the right ones for their 6-year-old children? There are many video games for 6 year olds out there. Finding the right one can be tough.
James Gee wrote a highly influential book about the positive effects of video game playing on Literacy and Learning and this is a must read for all parents who are concerned about their children’s game playing. As such, the goal is to pick games that are fun and also teach something.
A colorful and vibrant scene depicting a variety of playful video game controllers and characters, featuring cartoonish animals, whimsical landscapes, and engaging gameplay elements. The setting is bright and cheerful, with soft edges and a kid-friendly atmosphere, showcasing interactive elements like puzzles and adventures ideal for 6-year-olds.
Parents want their kids to have fun playing video games. They also want to make sure the games are safe and teach something. In this guide, we'll look at the top video game picks for 6-year-old kids.
We'll focus on games that are both fun and educational. This will help parents make good choices when picking the best video games for kids.
Understanding Video Games for 6 Year Olds
Video games for 6-year-olds are diverse, each with its own benefits. Educational games help with thinking skills, while fun games boost creativity. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Disney Dreamlight Valley teach 6-year-olds problem-solving and creativity through interactive, imaginative gameplay.
Problem-Solving:
Both games present kids with challenges to overcome and goals to accomplish. In Disney Dreamlight Valley, they help Disney characters solve problems like rebuilding homes or lifting magical curses, teaching kids to break tasks into steps and think critically. In Animal Crossing, kids must manage resources like bells and materials to fulfill villagers’ requests, encouraging them to plan and prioritize tasks. Time-sensitive activities, like planting crops or waiting for construction, also help children learn patience and time management. Exploration plays a key role in both games, as kids experiment with tools and discover creative solutions.
Creativity:
Both games foster self-expression and imagination. Kids can design homes, landscapes, and outfits in Animal Crossing, while Disney Dreamlight Valley lets them customize towns with Disney-inspired decor. Crafting systems in both games encourage experimentation and resourcefulness. Interactions with characters also promote empathy and creative thinking, as kids engage in meaningful storytelling and collaborative problem-solving.
Through structured challenges and open-ended play, these games provide a fun and engaging way for young kids to build critical thinking and artistic skills, inspiring their creativity and resilience.
A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed video games are good for kids' brains. Kids who play games do better in tests than those who don't. This shows games can be a great learning tool for 6-year-olds.
Choosing games for 6-year-olds needs careful thought. Games like Super Mario Maker 2 are good for kids' brains.
Super Mario Maker 2 teaches 6-year-olds valuable skills like creativity, problem-solving, and persistence. By designing their own levels, kids explore creativity and learn how to test and refine their ideas, developing logical thinking and an understanding of cause and effect. Playing and solving others’ levels boosts critical thinking as they analyze and overcome challenges. The game encourages resilience, as kids learn to embrace trial and error while iterating on their designs. Sharing their creations fosters pride and collaboration, teaching them to value feedback. Overall, it’s a fun and interactive way for kids to grow their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Knowing about different games helps parents pick the best ones for their kids. This ensures kids have fun and learn at the same time. With the right mix of educational and fun games, kids can grow and enjoy gaming in a healthy way.
Best Educational Video Games for Primary School Kids
Parents often search for games that are both fun and educational for their kids. Games for 6 year olds can introduce them to gaming while teaching important skills. These games make learning fun and help kids improve in math, reading, and social skills.
Disney Illusion Island builds confidence in young children. It is a game that both parents and children will love playing together. One parent reported,
“Wow, I’m really impressed with how well thought out the assist and accessibility mechanics are. For each individual player you can set up things like invulnerability from damage, increased jump height and distance, making timing-based mechanics slower or more generous, etc. If we hit a tricky section, my character can drop a rope for her character to climb up to me. And if all else fails, if our characters get too far apart she’ll teleport to me.
All of these support mechanics really helped her stick to it and gain confidence and skills with the platforming mechanics. We had such a fantastic time together, we had an almost two hour long play session. It helps that the platforming is really tight and feels great, the metroidvania/exploration stuff is solid, the art and animation and music are all high quality, so it’s not just fun for her I was genuinely compelled to keep going too.”
A colorful and engaging scene featuring various educational video game consoles, controllers, and playful icons representing different genres, such as puzzles, adventure, and creativity.
Games like Kerbal Space Program and Eloh teach physics and STEM subjects, great for science and math fans. Kerbal Space Program and Eloh teach physics and STEM concepts in engaging, hands-on ways that make learning interactive and fun.
Kerbal Space Program
This game immerses players in the principles of rocket science and space exploration. Players design, build, and launch spacecraft, learning through trial and error about physics concepts like thrust, gravity, and orbital mechanics. To achieve successful launches and missions, players must calculate fuel needs, manage aerodynamics, and understand how forces like drag and gravity affect their spacecraft. The game’s realistic physics engine makes experimentation a key part of learning, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving as players refine their designs and adapt to challenges like unstable rockets or failed landings. It’s a practical introduction to STEM topics like engineering, physics, and mathematics. Some kids really have a great time with it as young as 5 years old and others struggle with it. Watch your child and see what they do with it. Their reaction will let you know if the game is appropriate for
Eloh
Eloh teaches physics concepts in a more accessible, puzzle-based format. Players manipulate sound waves to hit targets by placing and rotating blocks that act as reflectors or redirectors. This fosters an understanding of angles, reflection, and wave dynamics in a visually engaging way. The game encourages creativity, logical reasoning, and experimentation, as players must test and adjust their solutions to progress through increasingly complex levels.
Together, these games make STEM subjects approachable and fun, providing hands-on opportunities to experiment with and apply physics and problem-solving skills in unique and rewarding ways.
Popular Nintendo Switch Games for Young Children
The Nintendo Switch is a hit with kids and parents. It's versatile and has many games. For 6-year-olds, it has Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These games are fun and great for young kids.
A vibrant and playful scene featuring a colorful Nintendo Switch console with whimsical game cartridges scattered around, showcasing characters from popular children's games like cute animals, friendly monsters, and vibrant landscapes, all set in a cozy living room filled with soft pillows and plush toys.
Kids love Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for their creativity, excitement, and accessibility.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, kids enjoy the freedom to design their islands, decorate homes, and befriend quirky animal villagers. Its relaxed pace, endless customization, and colorful visuals make it a favorite for kids who love creating their own world.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land captures kids’ attention with Kirby’s cute design and exciting 3D platforming. The manageable challenges, fun copy abilities, and vibrant levels keep younger players entertained while offering enough variety to stay engaging.
Super Mario Odyssey thrills kids with its grand adventure across colorful, imaginative kingdoms. The innovative gameplay with Cappy, allowing players to possess enemies and objects, is endlessly fun. Kids enjoy exploring and finding secrets like Power Moons, making each kingdom feel like an exciting treasure hunt.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a perfect multiplayer game for kids, featuring fun, competitive races with their favorite Nintendo characters. The accessible controls, vibrant tracks, and wacky power-ups create endless entertainment, especially when played with friends or family.
These games blend creativity, adventure, and fun, offering something for every type of young gamer.
The Switch is loved for its portability and ease of use. It's perfect for families. It also has online multiplayer, so kids can play with friends and family.
The Nintendo Switch is a great choice for families. It's versatile, educational, and fun. Whether you're looking for games for 6-year-olds or the best for kids, the Switch is a smart investment for any family.
Conclusion: Creating a Positive Gaming Experience for Your Child
Parents can make gaming a positive experience for their kids by choosing wisely. Look for games that are educational, safe, and fun. These games can help kids solve problems, make friends, and even remember things better.
Encourage games that teach and challenge, but also let them have fun sometimes. By being involved and setting rules, parents can help their kids enjoy gaming without the risks. With the right approach, gaming can be a great way to help kids grow and learn.
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