Xbox Game Pass stands out as a leading gaming service in today’s market, appealing primarily to adults. However, its extensive library also contains numerous titles that are perfect for younger players. Children of all ages can find a diverse range of games that offer engaging entertainment for hours.
The selection of the best children’s games on Xbox Game Pass spans various genres, from challenging puzzle-platformers to imaginative sandbox experiences. Many of these titles even promote cooperative play, making them ideal for family gaming sessions with parents and siblings!
Updated on January 5, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As we welcome the new year, exciting titles are expected to join Game Pass in the coming months. While many of these new additions cater to older players—like Sniper Elite: Resistance and Avowed—there remains a healthy selection suitable for younger audiences. Thankfully, a notable Game Pass kids game was also added toward the end of 2024.
1 Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
A Timeless Kart Racer Packed to the Brim with Content
Many children enjoyed the original Crash Team Racing on PlayStation, and the remastered version, Nitro-Fueled, launched by Activision in 2019, continues to capture the excitement of kart racing. This comprehensive remake features familiar tracks and characters from the entire series, adeptly balancing nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics. Although post-launch monetization faced criticism, Nitro-Fueled is highly recommended for young racing fans looking for engaging experiences on Game Pass.
This remaster retains the beloved Adventure mode, where players navigate through various areas, competing in races and confronting a big boss. The game offers a whimsical storyline and flexible character selection, enhancing the enjoyment of the campaign, which emphasizes skillful sliding and boosting in a vibrant racing environment. Though entirely kid-friendly in content, the game offers a surprisingly challenging experience, even at the easiest difficulty settings.
2 Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Stunning Revival of Three Brilliant Platformers
As one of the most beloved platforming franchises, Spyro the Dragon—originally developed by Insomniac—is now accessible to Xbox and PC players through the Reignited Trilogy. Modernized by Toys for Bob, this compilation beautifully revives three classic games, fully embracing a child-like charm filled with wonder and creativity. Each entry builds on the gameplay foundation set by its predecessor, offering a seamless transition for new players.
Despite its E10+ rating, the Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is an excellent choice for children. The lighthearted stories resonate with young audiences, often featuring nods for older players. Although challenges can arise in certain missions, overall gameplay is manageable for kids, making it a delightful addition to their gaming experience.
3 We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie
Roll, Roll, & Roll Everything
The Katamari series encapsulates whimsical fun. Players take on the role of the Prince of All Cosmos as they navigate through imaginative worlds, gathering objects to create ever-growing spheres. The latest remaster, We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie, revives the PS2 classic with enhanced visuals and a few new levels related to the King’s backstory.
This light-hearted gameplay is particularly well-suited for kids, as its mechanics are easy to grasp and inherently rewarding. As players roll up items, the campaign provides a sense of achievement in their growing collections. This charming experience captivates both children and adults alike, bringing joy to anyone who plays.
4 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Revamped PlayStation Classics Are Now on Xbox Game Pass
Once a flagship mascot for PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot‘s franchise has now joined Xbox through Game Pass after Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard. The N. Sane Trilogy compiles the original PS1 trilogy, and players can now enjoy these revamped classics on their chosen platform.
Quality reigns supreme in the N. Sane Trilogy, as each game has been lovingly reconstructed to align with modern gaming standards while maintaining nostalgic appeal. With colorful visuals and child-friendly gameplay, younger players can embark on engaging adventures. Though some levels may prove challenging, beginners can always start with the easier titles before tackling the more complex challenges later on.
5 Core Keeper
Dig, Dig Some More, and Eventually Build
Core Keeper offers players of all ages the chance for creativity and adventure, although there is a slight learning curve. This survival sandbox game by Pugstorm drops players into an expansive procedurally generated world where exploration and resource gathering are key. In this immersive environment, players can battle enemies, craft tools, and build bases, presenting a fulfilling gameplay loop.
While the initial hours may feel a bit uninspiring, keeping younger players engaged can lead them to discover a game capable of providing endless entertainment and challenges over time.
6 Dungeons Of Hinterberg
A Relaxing Action RPG Dungeon Crawler
While most action RPGs can be too intense or mature for younger audiences, Dungeons of Hinterberg offers an approachable alternative for 2024. Players follow Luisa as she escapes her hectic job for an adventure in the Alps, filled with multiple dungeons to explore and enemies to defeat. Between combat encounters, players also have opportunities to relax and absorb the picturesque environments.
This title does not shy away from providing a deep experience while still being suitable for kids, thanks to its straightforward mechanics and accessibility. Fun exploration and visually stunning worlds ensure that it captures the imagination of children at play.
7 Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
Mascot Fighter With Familiar Cartoon Faces
While similar to Super Smash Bros., Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl faced challenges establishing itself as a worthy title within the franchise fighting genre. Despite its rocky launch in 2021, the sequel has made impressive strides to improve upon its predecessor. It offers balanced gameplay, a lineup of beloved characters, and multiplayer modes that foster fun, casual competition for families and friends.
Though primarily designed for Nickelodeon fans, this accessible fighting game provides an entertaining experience for everyone. The campaign mode, featuring a whimsical storyline, adds an extra layer of enjoyment perfect for short gaming sessions typical of Game Pass usage.
8 Moving Out 2
Co-Op Silliness for the Whole Family
Moving Out 2 provides a fantastic local or online co-op experience on Game Pass, serving as an ideal option for family play. Transforming the tedious task of moving furniture into a lively physics-based party game, it features creative scenarios where movers help navigate their belongings across parallel dimensions.
Although it accommodates players of all ages, Moving Out 2 requires teamwork and strategic thinking to complete objectives, making it a rewarding challenge for families who enjoy cooperative gameplay.
9 Little Kitty, Big City
Become a Cat for a Day
Little Kitty, Big City offers an endearing adventure from the perspective of a cat who has to navigate and explore the world after falling from a great height. Players can indulge in a cute storyline, help the cat solve puzzles, and complete side quests amidst charming visuals, making this game an inviting exploration experience suitable for all ages.
The relaxed nature of this title makes it ideal for young players looking for a gentle escape into a cat’s lifestyle. The heartwarming gameplay, combined with its unconditional charm, creates an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
10 Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends
Charming Restaurant Sim
Rolling Hills presents a unique take on the restaurant simulation genre, specifically designed for young players. Simplifying traditional mechanics, it creates a welcoming environment for kids who are exploring culinary creativity. With charming graphics and an inviting ambiance, players can enjoy a fulfilling gameplay experience, balancing management with light challenges.
The protagonist, a charming Sushi Bot, captures players’ hearts while offering a taste of restaurant life—without overwhelming them with advanced micromanagement features, ensuring a wholesome and enjoyable gaming journey.
11 Lil Gator Game
Child-Like Imagination
Lil Gator Game beautifully captures the essence of childhood imagination. The storyline follows a young gator aiming to recreate adventures with his sister, designed to resonate with children eager for imaginative play. The straightforward adventure incorporates light platforming and puzzle-solving elements, making it an engaging yet simple experience.
While the game can be completed in a single afternoon, its beautifully crafted world encourages exploration and creative play, providing a joyful sandbox for kids to discover.
12 Minecraft
The Ultimate Creative Sandbox
As a cornerstone in children’s gaming, Minecraft strikes an ideal balance between child-friendliness and complexity. Its Creative Mode allows players to unleash their imaginations and construct anything they desire. Conversely, the Survival Mode fosters problem-solving skills while accommodating various difficulties—ensuring a comfortable yet challenging experience for players.
Spin-offs like Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Legends serve as engaging entry points for kids who want to delve into action RPGs and real-time strategy games, respectively. Together, these titles solidify Minecraft as an essential component of any child’s gaming library.
13 Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Charming Third-Person Shooter Spin-Off
The Plants vs. Zombies franchise remains popular on Game Pass, particularly Garden Warfare 2, which showcases a colorful and lively battle between plant heroes and zombie foes in the third-person shooter format. Originally launched in 2016, this game continues to charm players with its appealing visuals and fun multiplayer dynamics, allowing kids to engage in colorful, family-friendly action.
While the focus is on multiplayer excitement, it also supports solo play modes with an element of story—a feature that broadens its appeal, keeping children entertained with engaging gameplay.
14 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Awesome Co-Op Beat ‘Em Up for Children and Veterans
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge revitalizes classic beat ’em up gameplay, offering many familiar characters within a vibrant world filled with nostalgic references. The game features seven playable characters, each designed with charm and character depth.
This title is excellent for young players, though it poses challenges in later stages. Nevertheless, the fun factor makes it a favored option among kids who thrive on action-packed adventures with their favorite turtle heroes.
15 New Super Lucky’s Tale
Classic-Style 3D Platformer
New Super Lucky’s Tale enhances its predecessor, presenting a delightful 3D platforming experience that appeals to all ages. This game incorporates levels from previously released DLC and introduces better camera control, addressing initial criticisms of the original title.
With a cozy atmosphere and inviting visuals, the game resonates well with younger audiences while still engaging older players fond of platformer adventures.
16 Story Of Seasons: Friends Of Mineral Town
Cozy Farming & Life Sim
Farming games often stand out as child-friendly options, and Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town shines by offering a simplified yet enjoyable experience for kids. A remake of a classic GBA title, this game provides straightforward mechanics, appealing to young players looking to dip their toes into farming simulation.
The focus on farm management and relationships with NPCs creates a wholesome environment. Kids can immerse themselves in caring for crops, forming friendships, and perhaps even exploring light romance—all with a gentle touch!
17 Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
A Gorgeous Adaptation of a Staple Toy Franchise
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged offers a dazzling racing experience that invites players to explore the thrilling world of toy cars. Even though Game Pass is packed with racing titles, this game is a standout alternative that appeals to young gamers eager for kart-style racing, showcasing polished controls and inviting kart racing mechanics.
Player-friendly controls ensure that even novice drivers can execute skills with ease. The single-player campaign features a quirky story, drawing players in with a mix of races and character unlocking, providing ample excitement throughout.
18 Super Mega Baseball 4
Accessible Baseball Game with Depth
With the inclusion of EA Play in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, players gain access to a rich selection of sports games. While many older sports titles exist, the Super Mega Baseball 4 stands out as a perfect alternative for kids. It combines an accessible arcade style with the depth of customization, allowing players to adjust their experience while engaging in fast-paced and fun matches.
Drawing inspiration from classic games, this title offers an invigorating and enjoyable experience for players of all ages, ensuring the family can share the excitement of baseball.
19 Steamworld Build
Closest Thing to a Strategy Kids Game
SteamWorld Build invites players into city-building mechanics combined with a charming storyline. While not indicative of the franchise’s finest work, it successfully caters to younger audiences by streamlining strategy tropes while retaining unique features like mining and exploration.
This engaging title balances simplicity with creativity, allowing kids to delve into planning their own frontier town—ensuring accessible yet enriching gameplay.
20 Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery
Cute & Fun Mystery
Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery compiles three whimsical mini-adventures, offering charming storytelling and engaging characters. Players step into the role of a frog detective, unraveling endearing mysteries surrounded by lively personalities—all set to capture the imagination of younger players.
The game currently emphasizes storytelling over complexity, allowing children to navigate simple puzzles while still enjoying moments of interaction. This gentle approach ensures that players remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
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