May 30, 2023
From pediatricians to psychologists, experts agree that spending quality time is among the best “investments” a parent can make for their children. But it’s also perhaps the most difficult to pull off. Between parents’ work responsibilities and their child’s school, sports, and activities schedules, time for parents to bond with their kids can just slip away.
For the past few generations, one of the most common ways kids spend their free time is by playing video games. And from the Atari of the early 1980’s to the PlayStation 5 of today, they’ve only gotten better. Between their increasingly sophisticated stories to stunning graphics, it can be rather difficult to peel kids away from their screens!
So what if instead of competing with video games for your kids’ attention and time, you joined them—as in playing video games with your kids? Well, many parents are doing just that—and even enjoying the games almost as much as their children are!
Below we highlight seven of our favorite video games that you can play with your kids. And with Alpine Communications’ high-speed fiber internet, you can enjoy these video games seamlessly and without lag or interruption, whether you play on a console like the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, or Xbox, or on your PC or tablet.
Read on to learn more about some of the best video games you and your child can play together!
- Minecraft
First on our list is Minecraft, the enormously popular—and let’s face it, addicting—building game that needs little introduction. Millions of people of all ages cannot get enough of this seemingly simple but enthralling building and crafting game. Its open-world sandbox setting gives children and their parents the opportunity to create and improve entire worlds together, and with deep, intricate, and rich details. Minecraft is available to play on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
- Terraria
Comparable to Minecraft in many ways, but perhaps somewhat more goal-and-mission-oriented, the popular Terraria is another vast building, exploration, and crafting game that can be played by multiple people. Like other “sandbox” games, Terraria is open-world, letting players explore more freely than other types of games. No two games are exactly alike, enhancing its replay value, while giving parents plenty of time to master the game alongside their kids as they wind their way through it. Terraria is playable on your PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.
- Super Mario Odyssey
Many parents will fondly remember the Super Mario Bros. game series from their own childhoods. And the series has not only stood the test of time, but has expanded immensely over the decades. Super Mario Odyssey continues Mario’s adventures through many perils on a magical airship called the Odyssey. This time, Mario makes use of a sentient hat named “Cappy.” Super Mario Odyssey won Best Family Game in 2017 by The Game Awards, one of the industry’s most prestigious honors. The game is available on Nintendo Switch and is perfect for a parent to play with their children.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
If you and your kid can’t get enough of the Mario universe, try out another challenge with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe! After all, is there a better way for you to gleefully compete against your child than in a classic car race? In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you’ll race go-karts across a wide variety of locations and terrains. But be warned: the game is so fun to both kids and their parents, many find it hard to put down the controllers! Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played on Nintendo Switch and has an online play option as well.
- Rocket League
When you’re ready for a stouter automobile challenge, check out Rocket League, an exceptionally popular game over the past few years. Rocket League is an eccentric but surprisingly perfect mix of sports, specifically soccer and car racing. One of the more competitive games on this list, Rocket League is free to play on just about every major platform, including consoles and PCs (and even Macs).
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Another hugely popular game many parents have heard about is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Utilizing animals to build a human-like settlement and society, you and your child can enjoy an easy-going and pleasant game that helps develop decision-making, organizational, and social skills. And unlike other games on this list, it’s actually quite relaxing! Indeed, playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a nice way to unwind with your kids after a long day. The fifth entry in the Animal Crossing series, New Horizons, won The Game Award’s 2020 Best Family Game award and is available on Nintendo Switch.
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Our last game recommendation combines two legendary names in family entertainment: LEGO and Star Wars. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is part of a large series of LEGO-themed video games based on movies that also includes the Harry Potter series. The Skywalker Saga is an especially solid choice for parents to play with their kids because of how Star Wars bridges the generations—and lets grown-ups share the sweeping epic and beloved characters of Star Wars in an interactive way. This edition follows the entire 9-film series and is playable on Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PCs.
Spending quality time with their children is perhaps the most invaluable goal a parent can achieve. We hope our list of seven great games—and our super-fast internet service to power them—will help make it just a bit easier!
To learn more ways that online entertainment can bring families together, follow Alpine Communications’ social pages for more recommendations!
