Best Xbox Game Pass Games For Kids (February 2024)

Xbox Game Pass is arguably the premier gaming service available on the market today, and though it largely caters to an adult audience, there are quite a few titles available in its vast library that are appealing to a younger audience. In fact, there’s a pretty vast selection of titles that kids of all ages are sure to find hours of enjoyment in.

From brain-teasing puzzle-platformers to creatively stimulating sandbox titles, the bestchildren’s games on Xbox Game Pass cover a wide spectrum of genres and gameplay styles. There should be something for just about everyone. Quite a few of the following titles feature cooperative play in one capacity or another, allowing parents and siblings to dive into the fun too.

Updated February 13, 2024 by Mark Sammut: January and February 2024 have been big months for Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s subscription service welcomed Palworld, Persona 3 Reload, and Resident Evil 2, all of which are fantastic games that appeal to an older audience. Out of those, only Palworld might be OK for kids, but it is not a great option either. Thankfully, the platform has plenty of good picks as well.

Forager

Metascore: 78 (PC)

Those looking for a fun, open-ended single-player adventure should check out Forager. This adorable 2D pixelated top-down title has players interacting with an expansive world as they see fit. There are many dungeons to explore, enemies to defeat, items to unlock, puzzles to solve, and things to build. Players can move at their own pace and decide what is most important to them. With so much to see and do, it can keep kids engaged for hours upon hours.

They can even build their own base, decorating and designing it as they see fit. It will allow them to upgrade their items, construct even better things, and progress further through this engaging release.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Metascore: 90 (PC)

A dog acquires a magical paintbrush and goes on a quest to bring color to the world. Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a tale for all ages, and that goes beyond just an adherence to a family-friendly presentation designed for accessibility. Kids will find a joyful and beautiful experience that rewards their creative impulses. They will meet captivating characters who tell endearing and funny stories. They will take on spectacular bosses capable of testing everything they have learned throughout their journey, all the while avoiding a grueling difficulty spike.

Meanwhile, older players and parents will notice themes of self-doubt and self-expression. They might recognize that Chicory’s fantastic universe shares many similarities with the real world, highlighting societal norms and values that might not be all that positive.

Roboquest

Metascore: 85

Xbox Game Pass is not lacking in first-person shooters, but games like Halo, Payday 3, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide are not exactly suitable for very young players. While among the most popular in gaming, the genre is synonymous with an older audience, and titles that buck this trend are not extremely common. Gunfire Reborn used to be a great FPS for younger Game Pass users, but that game is no longer on the service; thankfully, Roboquest should be able to fill in that void. The two projects are similar in that they are roguelites that focus on frantic action and deliver some continuity between runs, so death does not result in wasted time.

As the title suggests, Roboquest features robots as not only playable characters but also enemies, and players will consistently expand their selection of options as they play. The game dishes out rewards generously, with most runs at least providing some resources that can be used for upgrades. In terms of the gunplay, Roboquest hits the mark with responsive controls and a run n’ gun mentality. Playthroughs can get fairly difficult, although they are not typically all that frustrating.

Story Of Seasons: Friends Of Mineral Town

Metascore: 72

Farming sims are generally safe bets for young players, at least in terms of tone and content. However, the genre has gradually grown more complex over the last few decades, and projects like Stardew Valley dive so deeply into the “farming” part that they can be overwhelming. A remake of a GBA Harvest Moon classic, Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town’s handheld origins shine through its bare bones and straightforward mechanics. For sim veterans, the game’s streamlined nature could be regarded as a con; for kids taking their first steps onto a farm, Friends of Mineral Town is just about perfect.

Naturally, the game devotes most of its days to farm management, which is simplistic but enjoyable. However, as suggested by its title, Friends of Mineral Town’s NPCs are its strongest feature. Along with just mingling, players can even romance the locals and start a family, a mechanic the game handles in as wholesome a way as possible.

Hot Wheels Unleashed

Metascore: 72

Arcade racers are generally a fantastic pick for younger players, provided they are interested in these sorts of projects. Hot Wheels Unleashed takes things a step further by literally revolving around toys. While licensed games have a less-than-stellar reputation, Milestone’s release raises above that infamy by offering beautiful visuals, fun controls, an expansive roster of cars, and impressive customization.

Milestone’s background in simulation racers shines through Hot Wheels Unleashed‘s gameplay and physics, both of which are fairly precise for an arcade-style release. That said, the game is still a good entry point into the genre for new players.

Super Mega Baseball 4

Metascore: 69

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has a pretty robust selection of sports games thanks to the membership including EA Play. While the latest entries are usually not available as they are added toward the end of their lifespans, players can get their fix of soccer, basketball, hockey, or football by indulging in the older releases that are on the subscription service. Technically, these games are all appropriate for children since their core gameplay is generally family friendly, even if they tend to lean into sim rather than arcade territory. However, these games all prioritize their online modes, which are better left for older players.

Fortunately, Super Mega Baseball 4 is the perfect alternative, not just for kids but also players who want something a touch more streamlined. Metalhead Studio has crafted an accessible sports game that harbors back to classic releases of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, all the while still offering quite a bit of depth. The latter largely comes in the form of customization, a mode that is so robust that it puts to shame many similar offerings contained within bigger AAA projects. On the field, matches play out as a hodgepodge of mini-games and arcade action, which is more fun than it sounds.

Steamworld Build

Metascore: 80

SteamWorld loves nothing more than to try new genres, and nearly always to great success. While it might not go down as the franchise’s masterpiece as it does not quite reach the same heights as Dig or Heist, SteamWorld Build is nevertheless an impressive package. As the title suggests, the 2023 release is a city-builder, one that puts players in charge of a frontier town stuck on a planet that has seen better days.

Mechanically, Build primarily focuses on streamlining the genre’s traditional tropes, crafting an experience that caters to new (or young) players who might not be accustomed to city-builders. That’s not to say the game brings nothing fresh to the plate, as its setting and mining section are both unique, but it plays as expected.

Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery

Metascore: 83 (Switch)

Originally released as three short games, Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery is a cute and clever adventure game that has enough positives in its favor to keep both children and adults entertained. That said, the storytelling leans more toward the former demographic, particularly when it comes to its characters. As the title suggests, players are cast as a detective who just happens to be a frog, and they investigate three cases throughout the campaign. While the mysteries themselves are endearing but nothing too special, they are littered with funny and lively personalities who would not look out of place in a storybook or a children’s TV show.

Gameplay-wise, Frog Detective does not have too much to offer since it is very stripped-down. At times, the game has elements of a visual novel, although there is a decent amount of interactivity. Older players might wish they could explore this world more thoroughly, but younger children might appreciate the more streamlined experience.

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan

Metascore: 85

Those looking for a fun and engaging RPG adventure that is suitable for the whole family need to look no further than Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan. This colorful release features a large world filled with locations to explore and collectible creatures to discover. In a variation of turn-based combat, players will find themselves attempting to communicate with their enemies to de-escalate conflicts. It also features platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics.

Rainbow Billy‘s world is a sight to behold, and the story is imaginative. The eponymous boy must face off against the Leviathan, a process that requires bringing color back to the world.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Metascore: 82

Players who have fond memories of the LEGO Star Wars games will have an absolute blast with The Skywalker Saga, while young children can create some new memories with the license. This blockular, cartoony take on the modern trilogy features a wide cast of LEGO-fied characters in a fun and funny adventure across the galaxy. The combat is fun and the cooperative play means that kids and adults can play together through each mission.

There are tons of things to unlock, and the humorous storyline is perfect for the whole family. The game is rated E10+ for its cartoon mischief and violence, but this Game Pass kids game is a rather wholesome adventure, especially for those who love the Star Wars series.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Metascore: N/A

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

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

Viva Pinata Games

Metascore: 84 (Viva Pinata)

The Viva Pinata games are quite aged at this point, having dropped in 2006 and 2008, but they were also part of the Rare Replay bundle back in 2015. Although Disney Dreamlight Valley boasts upgraded graphics and mechanics that are in line with other AAA titles in the modern era, Viva Pinata and its sequel exude some serious magic that helps differentiate them from the rest of the pack.

The games may be a little rough around the edges compared to other “farming simulators” but they are a fantastic family game that will have kids laughing as they care for a large stable of curious and colorful Pinata creatures.

Forza Horizon 5

Metascore: 92

Xbox Game Pass has Forza Horizon 4 and 5, both of which are fantastic driving games for young players. Unlike the mainline Motorsport series, Forza Horizon is a pure arcade racer that blends realistic open-worlds with over-the-top stunts that could make Fast and Furious blush. The fourth entry is set in and around Scotland’s Edinburgh, which is a great setting by any metric; however, its successor’s Mexico playground offers more visual variety due to its diverse biomes.

While still offering a reasonable challenge for experienced players, Forza Horizon 5 is good for all ages. Kids can have a blast just exploring the large map, as they complete absurd jumps and unlock new shiny cars to play around with. The game does not have much of a story, and it generally opts for a cheesy tone.

Gang Beasts

Metascore: 67

Gang Beasts embraces silliness with every fiber of its gelatinous body. After picking a skin for their characters, players are dropped in small stages where the goal is to be the last one standing, which generally involves pushing, punching, and throwing everyone else off the side of a building or into a meat grinder.

Even though sessions can get competitive, the characters’ absurd movements and the party game’s general wackiness reduce any frustration inspired by a loss. Ultimately, it is difficult to stay angry when a defeat plays out like a slapstick comedy sketch.

Costume Quest

Metascore: 74

Halloween is a big 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 and magic of the holiday. Set on Halloween night, children will go on an adventure to rescue their kidnapped sibling, a journey that involves collecting costumes to use in turn-based battles.

Costume Quest comes from the same developer behind Psychonauts, and that peculiar Double Fine humor 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.

A Short Hike

Metascore: 82

Who does not enjoy traveling through a picturesque park? A Short Hike follows Claire, a bird who has a lot on her mind, to the point that she finds it difficult to leave her worries aside and just enjoy the Hawk Peak Provincial Park’s natural beauty. As she is awaiting an important call, Claire decides to head to the park’s summit to find a signal, but it is up to the player to decide whether this journey should come with a few tangents.

A Short Hike might be a bit too laid-back to hold everyone’s attention, especially those who prefer linear experiences packed with action and story beats. Claire’s path is left open, and players must want to venture off the standard route to find everything the park has to offer.

Minecraft

Metascore: 88

Minecraft straddles a fine line between child-friendliness and 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 and build without limitation.

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

Minecraft Dungeons

Metascore: 74

Sticking with Mojang’s juggernaut franchise for a bit longer, Minecraft Dungeons is a spin-off that foregoes the mainline entry’s focus on building and sandbox exploration in favor of traditional dungeon crawling. The game takes inspiration from classics like Diablo, although the 2020 release is very much designed to be family-friendly. One way the RPG accomplishes this is through the elimination of classes, allowing players to just pick their favorite equipment without having to worry about build types.

Minecraft Dungeons‘ stripped-down nature will likely not keep the attention of dungeon crawler veterans, especially ones who prefer their games to offer a significant challenge. However, the title is perfect for kids who are taking their first steps into this often time-consuming genre. Minecraft Dungeons also supports 4-player local and online co-op, so the entire family can play together.

Minecraft Legends

Metascore: 71

Minecraft seems to be aiming to become the definitive gateway franchise, with Minecraft Legends doing for strategy games what Dungeons did for dungeon crawlers. Like the latter, the former simplifies its genre’s staples to provide an accessible package that leans into co-op, albeit only of the online variety. While a stripped-down approach fits dungeon crawlers better than the strategy genre, Minecraft Legends is still a decent game that should keep young players entertained, particularly if they are fans of the main title.

The Overworld is under siege from the Nether, causing Piglins to spread across the land. Players must lead a small army into battle, clearing enemies as they try to repel the approaching forces. Blending strategy and action, Minecraft Legends offers a short and sweet adventure with gorgeous visuals and solid gameplay.

Cassette Beasts

Metascore: 84

Pokemon casts a wide shadow over the gaming industry, and Game Freak’s franchise has served up entry-level RPGs for more than two decades. As the games are part of Nintendo’s ecosystem, Xbox owners need to look elsewhere to get their fill of monster-taming goodness. Game Pass has Persona and Soul Hackers 2, both of which are not suitable for young children; thankfully, a new contender has entered the fray in the form of Cassette Beasts. The indie project takes inspiration from Pokemon without being a straight-up recreation; in fact, the game has more than enough new ideas to differentiate it from most other entries in the subgenre.

Players wash up on a strange island removed from reality. After a tutorial, they quickly join the Rangers who are tasked with helping the locals, dealing with bloodsucking real estate agents, and exploring the area. Featuring enjoyable turn-based combat built around an AP system, the campaign does a good job of easing players into its rhythm, while still offering a fairly challenging experience. Along with offering plenty of monsters to catch (or record), Cassette Beasts also has a fusion system that can be used in battle.

Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2

Metascore: 80

Plants vs. Zombies had a fairly active 2010s, but the franchise has yet to make an appearance in the current decade. While waiting for Plants vs. Zombies 3 to become a reality, players (and children) can jump into the previous titles, most of which are on Xbox Game Pass. While Battle for Neighborville is the most recent project, Garden Warfare 2 is generally regarded as the license’s high point. Unlike the strategy-driven main titles, the Garden Warfare games are third-person shooters; that said, they still center around defending locations.

Released in 2016, Garden Warfare 2 was a visual treat at the time thanks to its animated character designs and colorful backdrops. Even all these years later, the game is still pleasing to the eyes. While not overly deep or complicated, the combat system is also pretty good and satisfying. Garden Warfare 2 is built upon classes, with both Plants and Zombies having a small but versatile selection at their disposal. While prioritizing multiplayer, the title does allow most modes to be played solo, replacing other players with AI. There is even something resembling a story mode, although it is not especially great.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Metascore: 87

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

While certainly one of the better Game Pass games for kids, this title is quite difficult, and 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 and other iconic villains from the franchise.

My Time At Portia

Metascore: 73

My Time at Portia is not perfect, but the game gets enough right to warrant a mention. Pathea’s project shows that a post-apocalypse setting can be bright and cheery, as the story takes place after the fall of civilization as humanity tries to start fresh. The player’s goal is to build a town, which generally involves collecting plenty of resources and fostering friendships with the NPCs.

My Time at Portia is slow-moving, to the point of potential frustration. However, its world is a fun one to get lost in. The graphics are lovely, and the gameplay is simple but satisfying.

New Super Lucky’s Tale

Metascore: 80

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 and 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.

The Xbox is not associated with platformers, and 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. The game will likely impress both young children and older players who are fans of platformers.

My Friend Peppa Pig

Metascore: N/A

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 and 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.

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure

Metascore: 68

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.

The platforming is not too intense, and 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

Metascore: 71

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 and some of its ideas along with criticism for its repetitive nature and convoluted mechanics.

Flawed as the game is, Blinx is by no means terrible, and its time manipulation central gimmick is genuinely interesting, even if it does not come 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

Metascore: N/A

With a successful series and 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.

As the heroic pups, children can take part in some simple platforming and 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 will almost certainly please young children who also watch the show.

Disneyland Adventures

Metascore: 73

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

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

Banjo-Kazooie

Metascore: 77

Banjo-Kazooie’s timeless platforming adventure may look a bit dated by today’s graphical standards, but the iconic bear-and-bird duo are as lovable today as they were two decades ago. The straightforward 3D platforming and collectathon gameplay elements are accessible for children of all ages, and 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!

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

Ben 10: Power Trip

Metascore: N/A

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 and 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 and, 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

Metascore: 73

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 and physics-based puzzles utilizing the game’s purposefully hilarious physics engine.

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

Astroneer

Metascore: 73

Astroneer drops players on an alien planet and 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.

Players will craft and build a wide range of items and 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, and 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.

Unravel

Metascore: 75

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.

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.

Burnout Paradise Remastered

Metascore: 79

Similar to Forza Horizon, Burnout Paradise is an arcade racing game set in an open-world. Originally debuting in 2008, Criterion’s project garnered a remaster in 2018, with the latter being the version on Xbox Game Pass. Aging beautifully in basically every area, Burnout Paradise is just as fun today as it was during its original run. Like the other entries in this series, the game is notorious for its crashes; when a car winds up in a head-on collision, the action slows down to show off that moment in all of its destructive brilliance. These moments are always a sight to behold, and while the game has somewhat realistic visuals, these moments are over-the-top enough to be disconnected from reality.

Beyond crashes, Burnout Paradise delivers accessible and tight controls, along with an intricately created map that will slowly become second nature as players get used to its winding roads. In terms of race types and modes, the game offers quite a range of options to ensure players do not get bored with the gameplay loop that quickly.

Slime Rancher 2

Metascore: N/A

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 and add to their collection. The game has quite a bit of depth courtesy of building and farming mechanics, along with a sense of mystery surrounding the setting, Rainbow Island.

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 expands and improves on its predecessor.