Here, we’re going to look at games available on a wide range of devices and consoles that you and your kids can play together. Not all of them might end up a hit, of course, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great time finding the ones you both love.

If you like to play games to keep you occupied in your spare time, and your child has started to pick up a gaming hobby, then what better way to spend time with them, and to ensure that they’re gaming responsibly, than to do it together? Parents and kids from different generations might, of course, have different ideas of what games are a fun way to spend your time, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take the time to find ones that you like to play together.

Get wowed with Super Mario Bros. Wonder

The newest release on this title by far, the brand new game featuring the plucking plumbing brothers (and playable princesses, too!) is sure to be one of the most popular games this season. This is some good, old-fashioned 2D platforming, but not quite as tough-as-nails as the older games used to be, with more of an emphasis on spectacle and, as the name says, wonder. You can play it co-op, and the younger kids in the home can play as characters that can’t take any damage, so they can keep up with you without getting frustrated.

Adventure in a galaxy far, far away with Lego Star Wars

The Lego games are a fantastic pick for all ages, with controls simple and intuitive enough for a kid to pick up quickly, but with secrets and challenges that keep a parent engaged as well. The latest game in the series features characters from all nine of the mainline movies, perfect for any fan, with dozens upon dozens of them bringing unique abilities to help you explore, complete puzzles, and get over some challenging enemies. There’s nothing better for a kid who’s a Star Wars fan.

Get digging with Minecraft

Some young parents old enough to have been playing this in their teens might be surprised to find that it’s still popular with kids today. The hugely influential classic, this game has been receiving updates over the years and is massively moddable, allowing you to do almost anything in it. The addictive loop of mining, collecting materials, and trying to survive the many dangers of the world while building whatever you want is even better when you have someone to collaborate with.

Cause some trouble with Untitled Goose Game

Who doesn’t like to misbehave now and then? Those kids with a mischievous nature in them are bound to have a ton of fun with this goose game, which involves playing as a troublesome bird who is, pretty much, trying to cause as much trouble as possible. It’s a delightfully funny game that players of any age can get, and by playing it with them, you can help with some of the more brainteaser elements on how, exactly, to get up to the most trouble.

Puzzle it out with Merge Fruit 

Puzzle games aren’t often thought of as the most exciting options around, but there’s one that’s recently become all the rage because of how easy it is to pick up and play. While Suika Fruit might be locked to Switch, it has a few alternatives out there like the watermelon game Merge Fruit, which is available on touchscreen devices and PCs. The aim is simple, drop the fruit into fruit of the same color and size, combine them, and watch them get bigger while trying to keep the pile from reaching a line at the top of the screen.

Watch out for traffic on Crossy Road

If your kid is as glued to their smartphone or tablet as some others might be, then another game that might be worth their attention is the highly popular Crossy Road. This free-to-play game does have some payable premiums, so be careful they don’t have the ability to purchase freely on your phone, but the endless road-crossing adventure, as you try to traverse busy motorways and fast-moving rivers has an endlessly replayable quality to it that’s as appealing to adults as it is to kids. Just like with Merge Fruit, it can be fun to take turns competing for a high score if your kid proves a dab hand at it.

Catch ‘em all with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet 

If you have a Switch in the home, then you can’t really go wrong with the latest Pokemon game. A new region, a whole new batch of cute and cool monsters to catch, and an adventure that requires some smarts and curiosity to see it through to the end. Unless you’re battling each other with two copies of the game, it is technically single-player, but it’s very easy to play as the coach, helping your kid learn about different type-advantages and the like, especially if you’re a veteran player, yourself.

Burn some rubber with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

If you have a Switch in the home, then you really owe it to yourself and your family to hop on this, the latest in the Mario Kart series. A ton of bubbly, fun, and colorful characters race around a breathtaking number of gorgeous tracks with a whole bunch of different themes. The racing controls are simple, and the wide selection of items, from shells to bananas to lightning bolts can make for some pretty chaotic fun. Be sure to turn the game speed down to 50cc for those who are just beginners, however.

Or burn some meals in Overcooked

If your child isn’t too young and can understand and pick out how to do somewhat complex, multi-step tasks, then Overcooked might be the perfect thing for you, and it’s available on consoles and PCs. Basically, you play as a couple of line chefs, trying to get food ready in a short amount of time. It might sound simple, but it’s delightfully chaotic and will have you two shouting instructions and communicating like a real team.

Go on a wild adventure with It Takes Two

The themes behind It Takes Two, about a married couple hitting a rocky patch, might be a little mature, but the wild and wacky adventures they go through are bright, colorful, and super fun. What’s more, there are few co-op games that really require both players to pay attention to each other and to really work together to make it work. This also plays into the story of how the two characters mend their relationship, which has some applicability for all ages.

Whatever the latest Just Dance is

It’s hard to keep up with the Just Dance series, given that they’re being released every year, but if you have a Switch, then up to six family members can play this one, with smartphones being able to act as controllers for the latest entry, Just Dance 2023. It’s as simple as it gets: a dance party turned into a game. Follow the moves on screen as best as you can to some modern hits as well as beloved classics. Perfect for Christmas parties with the family.

If your kid’s picking up a gaming hobby, it can be an excellent bonding opportunity for you. Hopefully, the tips above show how that’s the case. Just make sure to check that the game you want is available on a platform that you have it for.