Games for Kids They Can Play from a Distance

For many kids today, video games are more than just games. They're virtual playgrounds where they can meet up, chat, and hang out with friends. And why should the fun stop when friends are separated for school breaks or family trips? As with all online multiplayer games, there are some risks involved if kids can chat with strangers. For younger kids, you may want to consider parental controls or playing alongside them. But if handled safely, these games offer tons of creative ways to keep in touch and collaborate from a distance. For more fun ways for kids to socialize from afar, try these Watch-Together Apps and Websites.

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Super Mario Bros. Wonder boxshot, featuring elephant Mario emerging from a pipe.
GAME

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

age 7+

Nostalgic game encourages teamwork and sharing.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2023)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Poster Image
GAME

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

age 7+

The island life is idyllic in this latest adventure sim.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2020)
Madden NFL 23 Box Image
GAME

Madden NFL 23

age 8+

Solid on-field action anchored by FieldSense play.

Jackbox Party Starter Cover
GAME

Jackbox Party Starter

age 8+

Re-release of hit party games is more accessible than ever.

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) box image of MLB The Show 24, featuring Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
GAME

MLB The Show 24

age 8+

Family-friendly baseball game adds more history, diversity.

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics Poster Image
GAME

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

age 8+

Collection of classics promotes friendly social experiences.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch (2020)
Minecraft Poster Image
GAME

Minecraft

age 8+

Sandbox-style game with open online play fosters creativity.

Runbow Poster Image
GAME

Runbow

age 9+

Colorfully chaotic party game expanded with bonus content.

Minecraft Dungeons Poster Image
GAME

Minecraft Dungeons

age 10+

Simple dungeon crawler with lots of fighting and teamwork.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2020)
Minecraft Legends box artwork and logo
GAME

Minecraft Legends

age 10+

Complex real-time strategy comes to Minecraft franchise.

Five billboards with different game names stand across a pink and orange sky. "Jackbox Party Pack 9" is above them, written in clouds.
GAME

Jackbox Party Pack 9

age 10+

Full of the usual creative fun with family-friendly options.

Platforms: Windows , Mac , Linux (2022)
Forza Horizon 5 Poster Image
GAME

Forza Horizon 5

age 10+

Accessible open-world racer encourages social gaming.

Platforms: Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S (2021)
The cover art for NHL 24, featuring Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar. The photo shows the skater stopping in his tracks, with ice spraying around him.
GAME

NHL 24

age 10+

Very few new features, but on top of its game in the series.

Basketball player Kobe Bryant wears an LA Lakers jersey as he appears mid dunk.
GAME

NBA 2K24

age 10+

Fun but flawed new edition of NBA game; in-game purchases.

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition Poster Image
GAME

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition

age 10+

Cartoon shooter is loaded with fast-paced, bloodless combat.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2021)
Streets of Rage 4 Poster Image
GAME

Streets of Rage 4

age 10+

Arcade brawler packs fun with its furious cartoon punches.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2020)
The Jackbox Party Pack 6 Poster Image
GAME

The Jackbox Party Pack 6

age 12+

Party game promotes social play but has some mature themes.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2019)
Destiny 2: Forsaken Poster Image
GAME

Destiny 2: Forsaken

age 13+

New content for sci-fi shooter adds more co-op activity.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2018)
Disintegration Poster Image
GAME

Disintegration

age 13+

Hybrid shooter starts off slow, builds impressive gameplay.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2020)
Fortnite Poster Image with three players standing on edge of cliff holding weapons.
GAME

Fortnite

age 13+

Battle it out or use strategy in fantastic action game.

Platforms: Mac , Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2017)