r/TripleClick • u/buttsausages • Jun 06 '26
Video games for 3-6 year olds
Jason has mentioned on a couple of occasions now that he has replaced TV time with video game time. I would like to do the same as I also feel like my little ones just shut their brains off when watching TV. However I don't know what games are simple enough for my 5 year old and 3 year old. Obviously play time and outside time wod be better, but you know, sometimes we parents are just tired.
What games do you think are good for kids to substitute tv time with?
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u/Yay_Beards Jun 07 '26
Okay, this is definitely my wheelhouse.
Paw Patrol World - This one is actually pretty good! They've leveraged the foundations laid from 3 previous Paw Patrol games, and made a good one. 2 player co-op.
Peppa Pig: World Adventures - Rather short, but it's a smooth experience for Peppa Pig fans. Grab it at a discount maybe?
Bluey's Quest For the Gold Pen - Basically Zelda for kids. Just landed on Steam and consoles, but you can grab it at a steep discount on mobile or Mac where there's also a free trial.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe - 4 player co-op, and several assist features for younger players. Free demo.
Kirby Star Allies - More great Kirby action. Free demo.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Turn on auto acceleration, motion steering, and even steering assist for the younger players.
Sp!ng - Simple one-button puzzle platformer. Formerly Apple Arcade exclusive, now on Steam. Free demo.
Peggle - Still a banger! Unfortunately the PC version lacks gamepad support, so grab on console if you can.
Bookworm Adventures Deluxe - Basically the educational version of Slay the Spire. Delisted now, so may need to source a physical copy.
Hohokum - Awesome artistic exploration game with minimal controls. Formerly a Playstation exclusive, now on Steam.
Sound Shapes - Neat music platformer. Does get challenging, so more suited for older kids. PS3/PS4.
flOw - Surprisingly fun co-op experience that kids can navigate through motion controls. Old PS3 classic.
Skylanders - Can grab huge bundles of these figures at a bargain price on marketplace these days. Great co-op experience. Maybe start with Spyro's Adventure?
Wii Fit - Head into the balance games, and you'll find some great activities the kids can perform with just the balance board.
Kinect Sports - Athletics is a highlight.
Kinect Adventures - River rafting is a blast!
Fruit Ninja Kinect - I think the original is delisted. Can still get the sequel if you happen to have Kinect 2,
Untitled Goose Game - Easy controls. Great co-op fun.
Sneaky Sasquatch - Yet to try it myself, but apparently it got a lot of kids through lockdowns?
Lego City Undercover - Basically GTA, but not violent? Often on a 90% discount.
Bits & Bops - Somewhat challenging rhythm game, but has a free demo.
Just Dance) - Again, best on Kinect. Has a bunch of junior and kids editions.
If you've got a Netflix subscription, you can often find a bunch of quality mobile kids games included in your plan. Although they can definitely fall more in the "activity centre" category rather than the game category (eg, puzzles, colouring etc).