Best Xbox Game Pass Kids Games

Disney Dreamlight Valley

This one snuck up on many players & has quickly become one of the most enjoyable experiences of 2022. It’s the perfect game for kids & families alike, thanks to its cavalcade of Disney characters & its colorful, charming visuals. Rated E for Everyone, Disney Dreamlight Valley can be described as a mixture between Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, & The Sims. Players will be able to build their own Disney-esque areas, filling them with decorations, furniture, & more.

This is the perfect title to play together, & even grown-ups should get a kick out of the release, which features a wide array of classic & iconic Disney names.

Viva Pinata

Those that enjoy Disney Dreamlight Valley should also check out Viva Pinata. This release is quite aged at this point, having dropped in 2006, but it was part of the Rare Replay bundle back in 2015. Although Disney Dreamlight Valley boasts upgraded graphics & mechanics that are in line with other AAA titles in the modern era, Viva Pinata exudes some serious charm that helps differentiate it from the rest of the pack. It may be a little rough around the edges compared to other “farming simulators” but it’s a fantastic family game that will have kids laughing as they care for a large stable of curious & colorful Pinata creatures.

Townscaper

Kids & adults alike can take their crack at building their own colorful & uniquely-styled town with Townscaper. This artistically-driven Indie release lets players use a variety of tools to shape a small town from the ground up. There isn’t much management to be done with these locations, instead, Townscaper focuses entirely on the visual aspect of town-building & also infuses small puzzle elements by way of “visual unlocks.” In order to create certain styles, players will need to move specific buildings & decorations near one another or in particular areas. Part of the fun of Townscaper is simply figuring out all the unique & interesting styles that can be built.

Unpacking

There are a lot of great puzzle games to be found on Game Pass but few of them are as unique & charming as Unpacking. This Indie title has players unpacking boxes to place items within the rooms of a home. Each item has its own specific place & it’s up to players to try to figure out exactly how a particular room is “supposed to look.” However, there are also settings that allow players to place items wherever they want, ditching the puzzle aspect & creating a custom room-decorating simulator of sorts. This makes it a great family game that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

Unpacking has Unbelievable visuals & there is even an underlying story that flows through it all. As players complete rooms & arrange items, they will get small glimpses into the life of the people they’re unpacking for.

DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventures of Krypto & Ace

Those that enjoy the DC League of Super Pets (& the recent movie) should check out The Adventures of Krypto & Ace. This “pet rescue” release, based on the film, allows players to choose between the two iconic super pets & take to the skies of Metropolis. It’s an on-the-rails shooter, making it perfect for younger players, or those that aren’t familiar with how most video games control. The action moves on its own, & players will only be responsible for moving their super pet around & shooting at oncoming threats.

Although it features some cartoon violence, it’s a rather wholesome game at its core, with players simply firing lasers & other superhero-esque powers at an array of flying machines & other robotic enemies as they try to save the strays of the city.

Costume Quest

Halloween is a Huge night for kids, but there are not all that many spooky games that target younger players. While far removed from horror, Costume Quest otherwise fully embraces the aesthetic & magic of the holiday. Set on Halloween night, children will go on an adventure to rescue their kidnaped sibling, a journey that involves collecting costumes to use in turn-based battles.

Costume Quest comes from the same developer behind Psychonauts, & that peculiar Double Fine charm is present throughout the short campaign. Parents looking for a game to play with their children that they might also enjoy should check out this RPG.

Tinykin

Those that enjoyed the Pikmin series would definitely enjoy Tinykin, an Indie title that feels similar to the iconic Nintendo-bound puzzle game. Players will take control of Milo, an explorer that finds himself str&ed on a foreign planet & shrunk down to a ridiculously small size.

Here, he befriends an array of tiny creatures that he can then comm& to help him solve puzzles & escape the environment. This is a great game for families to play together, as grown-ups & kids will both enjoy the Gorgeous & happy-go-lucky visual style, as well as the brain-teasing puzzles.

Minecraft

Minecraft straddles a fine line between child-friendliness & complexity that makes it a practical must when it comes to kids’ game libraries. Its Creative Mode might seem like the obvious draw as it allows players to explore the breadth of their imagination & build without limitation.

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However, Survival Mode shouldn’t be overlooked either — beyond the obvious thrill, it encourages creative problem-solving & the difficulty level can be customized to whatever degree of challenge is right & comfortable for the player.

Garden Story

Inspired by old The Legend of Zelda games, Garden Story is impressive considering the RPG was developed by a single person. In this world, players take on the role of Concord, a grape that has been tending the Kindergarden for too long since production of new Greenlings has slowed down due to the Rot. Charged with solving this issue, Concord goes on an adventure that sees him aid four towns.

Garden Story oozes charm, particularly in its visuals & characters. The latter are the stars of the show, each one adding nuance & personality to the campaign. While utilizing quite a few different systems, this indie RPG primarily revolves around combat, which is fine. This is one of the best Xbox Game Pass kids games​​​​​​.

Floppy Knights

Debuting on Xbox Game Pass towards the end of May 2022, Floppy Knights takes children on a fun adventure to protect Phoebe’s neighborhood from invading monsters. Armed with a deck of cards to summon the eponymous floppy knights, players are dropped onto grid-based battlefields filled with things to slay & objectives to complete.

With each passing level, Floppy Knights gradually increases its difficulty while exp&ing the type of goals Phoebe needs to accomplish. At times, the game can get pretty challenging, so younger children might need some help during the campaign’s final few hours.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a throwback to classic beat ’em up arcade games from the ’90s, & it does an impeccable job of modernizing this genre. Offering seven playable characters, each of which are uniquely defined, Shredder’s Revenge guides players through hard-hitting levels filled with references to old TMNT stories & games.

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While certainly one of the better Game Pass games for kids, this title is quite difficult, & some of the campaign’s later stages might be too much for younger players. That said, children are likely to have a blast controlling the Turtles as they take on the Foot Clan & other iconic villains from the franchise.

Spacelines From The Far Out

Added to Xbox Game Pass on June 7, 2022, Spacelines from the Far Out is a strange game to describe. A co-op experience about running an alien airline, this vibrant indie title has procedurally-generated levels, a tongue-in-cheek tone, & a retro aesthetic that is simply delightful.

As a management game, Spacelines from the Far Out might require too much from very young children, but older kids are likely to have a blast playing through this peculiar project. If nothing else, they should get a good laugh out of their time with this co-op title. Xbox Game Pass is made for these types of games that would otherwise fly by unnoticed.

New Super Lucky’s Tale

Super Lucky’s Tale is a middling platformer that garnered extra scrutiny since it launched alongside the Xbox One X. New Super Lucky’s Tale takes 2017’s release & greatly enhances it, crafting an experience that is superior in nearly every way. Along with packaging the levels from the DLC into the campaign, New Super Lucky’s Tale adds camera control, fixing one of the biggest issues in the original version.

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The Xbox is not associated with platformers, & while there are a couple of genre classics on Game Pass, New Super Lucky’s Tale is a fresh option that should not be overlooked. It is an accessible game that will likely impress both young children & older players who are fans of platformers.

Super Mega Baseball 3

MLB The Show is a bit too complicated for young players, so they might need to look elsewhere to get their fill of baseball. Super Mega Baseball 3 is a stellar option for any fan of the sport. Do not be fooled by the exaggerated designs of the character – Super Mega Baseball 3 tries & succeeds in authentically translating the sport into video game form.

This title is surprisingly realistic, all the while offering intuitive controls so that newcomers to baseball (or baseball games) will not feel overwhelmed. Super Mega Baseball 3 is simply a fantastic sports game that could help prepare children for more in-depth projects like MLB The Show 22.

My Friend Peppa Pig

My Friend Peppa Pig is for very young children who happen to watch the show. If someone does not meet those two criteria, they are unlikely to find anything here that will keep them mildly entertained. That said, for what it is, this brief adventure game is pretty good. Kids get to create their own character who goes on to befriend Peppa Pig, essentially allowing them to step into the show’s world.

Visually, My Friend Peppa Pig does a fantastic job of replicating the aesthetic of the source material. Even though the art style is relatively simple, it still looks good. The gameplay consists of exploring famous locations from the series & interacting with the license’s characters, perhaps completing a few puzzles along the way. On paper, this is nothing special, but the execution is quite great.

The Last Kids On Earth And The Staff Of Doom

One of the games added to Xbox Game Pass during February 2022, The Last Kids on Earth & the Staff of Doom is an obvious pick for a children’s game. Based on Max Brallier’s books, which have also spawned an enjoyable Netflix animated series, Staff of Doom puts fans square in the zombie-infested Wakefield as they take on the roles of the fair main kids from the source material.

Staff of Doom is a straightforward dungeon crawler with some light RPG elements. The combat works well enough & should satisfy younger players, especially those who are fond of the books or cartoon.

Pac-Man Museum+

Pac-Man is timeless, & this compilation contains 14 games from across the series. Now, this package is not batting a hundred, & there are certainly a couple of inclusions that are not worth anyone’s time. That said, the strongest entries – Pac-Man, Championship Edition, & Battle Royale – are undeniably fantastic, ranking among the best kids’ games on Xbox Game Pass.

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Pac-Man‘s simplicity is its greatest asset; someone only needs a quick glance at the screen to fully comprehend what they need to do. The 1980 original release is the perfect gateway title for parents looking to introduce their youngsters to the magic of gaming.

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure provides children with a more active gaming experience. The game takes kids on an adventure alongside familiar Disney-Pixar characters, inviting them to explore worlds seen in the company’s iconic films.

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The platforming is not too intense, & it is clear from the get-go that this is a title designed with kids in mind. Parents can’t go wrong with getting their children to play alongside beloved Disney characters on a fun-filled adventure.

Blinx: The Time Sweeper

Microsoft is not known for its mascot platformers, but the company did try to create its own equivalent of Sonic or Mario during the Xbox’s formative years. Blinx: The Time Sweeper came out to a mixed reception, garnering praise for its visuals & some of its ideas along with criticism for its repetitive nature & convoluted mechanics.

Flawed as the game is, Blinx is by no means terrible, & its time manipulation central gimmick is genuinely interesting, even if it does not Advance together that well. Children looking to get into 3D platformer should start with Rare’s titles that are available on Xbox Game Pass, however, Blinx is worth a try later down the line.

PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay

With a successful series & movie behind it, Paw Patrol has established itself as a modern staple of kids’ entertainment. The franchise has proven popular enough to spawn a few games, with PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay being available on Xbox Game Pass.

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As the heroic pups, children can take part in some simple platforming & a collection of mini-games all the while giggling along with the game’s humor. Although it probably won’t hold too much value for older players, PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay is a charming, accessible, & colorful entry-level game that will almost certainly please young children who also watch the show.

PAW Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls is also on Xbox Game Pass.

PAW Patrol: Gr& Prix

Sticking with the heroic puppies for another round, PAW Patrol: Gr& Prix fills a void on Xbox Game Pass: kart racers. The subgenre does not have much representation on Microsoft’s subscription service, so that automatically elevates Gr& Prix. However, a lack of competition is not the only reason behind this recommendation as this racer is a fun title in its own right. Reminiscent of games like Mario Kart, Gr& Prix provides colorful locations, amusing abilities, & decent controls.

Kids familiar with PAW Patrol are destined to have a blast playing this racer, while parents might find themselves enjoying their time with this game more than they anticipated. A charming way to spend a few hours, Gr& Prix is the best PAW Patrol game on Xbox Game Pass.

Windjammers 2

A long-awaited sequel to a ’90s arcade classic, Windjammers 2 is just as fun as its predecessor, & it does it all without greatly changing the core experience. As one of the available colorful characters, players duke it out in a unique game of frisbee, one packed with special moves & a surprising amount of strategy.

Windjammers 2‘s online scene might be a bit much for younger children, but the game comes with a single-player Arcade Mode that should keep someone entertained for an hour or two. With stylish visuals, timeless gameplay, & arcade goodness, Windjammers 2 is a delight for all ages.

Disneyl& Adventures

Sticking with Mickey Mouse, Disneyl& Adventures teleports players to the Happiest Place on Earth, & this time, there are no lines. The Xbox 360 original was a Kinect title, but the Xbox One remaster can be enjoyed with a st&ard controller.

This is an open-world game filled with minigames, so children can experience a relaxing trip through Disneyl&’s areas, jump on a few attractions, & interact with some of the company’s most beloved characters. The game is also packed with content & Disney-themed Easter eggs.

Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie’s timeless platforming adventure may look a bit dated by today’s graphical st&ards, but the iconic bear-&-bird duo are as lovable today as they were two decades ago. The straightforward 3D platforming & collectathon gameplay elements are accessible for children of all ages, & it’s a welcome dose of nostalgia for parents who grew up with the game — they might even remember how to navigate some trickier segments!

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The sequel, Banjo-Tooie, is also a must-play as it exp&s on its predecessor nicely while retaining its charm. Honestly, Rare Replay is filled with great games for kids, along with a few titles for older players like Perfect Dark.

Donut County

As long as the imagination is willing, there is no direction the gaming industry cannot go. Donut Country is about an ever-growing sinkhole that swallows up a town, dropping them beneath the Earth. Framed through the conversations between a human girl & a raccoon, each level tasks players with controlling the hole as they try to solve puzzles while consuming buildings & baffling the world.

This unique gameplay loop is accompanied by quirky characters, a pleasant art style, & decent banter. Donut Country oozes style & personality, & its bizarre sense of humor is likely to tickle children & also adults.

Ben 10: Power Trip

Ben 10: Power Trip is ambitious for a children’s game as it is an open-world, one that allows players to freely explore a reasonably sized map with unique regions filled with side-quests & story missions. As the popular hero, kids will travel through the world searching for Ben’s aliens to unlock new transformations, all of which play differently &, more importantly, are generally fun to control.

While it probably won’t hold much value to older players, even people who grew up with the show, Ben 10: Power Trip is an enjoyable introductory open-world game for young fans of Cartoon Network’s franchise.

Human Fall Flat

Human Fall Flat is a delightful puzzle-platforming romp through a variety of imaginatively designed dreamscapes. In order to navigate the various stages, players must tackle a mixture of logic & physics-based puzzles utilizing the game’s purposefully hilarious physics engine.

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It’s an absolute delight when played cooperatively, allowing parents to journey through the game’s thoughtfully designed levels & puzzle out solutions to obstacles alongside their children.

Rubber B&its

Added to Xbox Game Pass at the beginning of December 2021, Rubber B&its is an indie multiplayer party brawler. Designed to deliver cartoony, family-friendly fun, Rubber B&its boasts charming graphics & three game modes to keep older children (& their parents) entertained.

Multiplayer experiences can be too frustrating for children, but Rubber B&its is an accessible entry for players looking to try out their first online title. The game does have a fair bit of violence, although it is comedic in nature, sort of similar to classic cartoons like Looney Tunes​​​.

Astroneer

Astroneer drops players on an alien planet & asks them to survive, a challenge the game presents without much pressure. Despite having all the elements of a traditional survival game, particularly the focus on resource gathering, Astroneer is far more concerned with what happens after all the materials are collected.

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Players will craft & build a wide range of items & structures as they turn nondescript planets into worlds they can call their own. This sci-fi game seeks to spark the imagination of its players, & it is not punishing whatsoever. Astroneer is the perfect game for children that takes from genres that are typically designed with older players in mind.

Totally Reliable Delivery Service

Oftentimes, just giving kids an open space to explore & mess around is the best form of entertainment. Totally Reliable Delivery Service captures this sentiment perfectly. Players take the role of delivery people who must carry packages from point A to point B. The process of transporting these boxes is where the fun truly lies.

A generous array of vehicles are available for the job, but the hilarious physics of the game make it a comedic & enjoyable trip that kids (& adults) of all ages will love.

Golf With Your Friends

A quiet game of golf might not seem like exciting entertainment for children, but the zaniness of the courses in Golf With Your Friends speaks for itself. Instead of putting golf balls into holes in mundane areas, Golf With Your Friends provides jaw-dropping ramps, whirls, & obstacles for players to navigate, making the experience more hilarious & engaging for a younger audience. Up to four players can try their h& at getting below par.

Unravel

For a calmer, more thoughtful gaming experience, parents would do well to introduce their kids to the quiet adventure game, Unravel. Players take control of a small yarn creature as they must navigate through a gargantuan world.

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Light puzzle-solving is sprinkled throughout Unravel, but it is nothing too challenging. The beauty of Unravel’s easily digestible game length makes it an unforgettable title that won’t represent a significant time expenditure.

Peggle

Nothing hearkens back to childhood games like Peggle does. This engrossing puzzle game tasks players with playing pinball-esque stages, shooting small balls in order to clear out a series of pegs on the screen.

Various characters that can be unlocked allow for different methods of playing the core game, be it shooting multiple balls at once or burning through a wide swath of pegs with a special move. This arcade-style title may not provide an engrossing story, but its replayability is matched only by its approachable nature.

Slime Rancher 2

Available in Game Preview, Slime Rancher 2 is basically in early access, but there is already a lot to enjoy here. Viewed from a first-person perspective, players traverse a fantastical world in search of slimes to capture & add to their collection. The game has quite a bit of depth courtesy of building & farming mechanics, along with a sense of mystery surrounding the setting, Rainbow Isl&.

As the original Slime Rancher is no longer available on Xbox Game Pass, people interested in exploring this world will need to try the sequel. Thankfully, the game largely exp&s & improves on its predecessor.

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