As a kid, I loved computer games. We didn’t have a game console at my house until I reached middle school, but we did have a computer (one that had actual graphics on it, rather than just green glowing text and a blinking cursor!) by the time I reached second grade.
The computer lived in the basement, and I remember shivering in the chill of the summertime air conditioning, embarking on new adventures. It was so hard to tear me away from Lemmings, Indy 500, Monkey Island, SimCity 2000 and Spooky Teaches Typing.
The same was true at school, where I played Math Blaster and Oregon Trail, and created storyscapes using Dreamweaver that I could print out on the dot matrix printer. Sometimes I played computer games at the library too, like the Magic School Bus and Carmen Sandiego. I just couldn’t get enough.
Kids today have more options (a lot more!) in terms of digital media and games, tapping away on smartphone and tablet touchscreens or sitting on the living room rug, eyes glued to the TV with a controller in hand. Even so, PC and Mac games (and Linux games, too!) are still in demand, both on and offline.
Check out the following list of the top 5 computer games that I think are the most fun for kids to play right now:
Grow Home is an adventure game that’s both cute and cool. You play BUD, a robot trying to save his planet. The thing is, he lives in a mostly vertical world of islands and you’ll have to climb your way to the top, collecting flowers and seeds, exploring caves, and riding fast-moving vines along the way. This game is available for PC via Steam download.
In case you haven’t heard about it already, Steam is a fantastic website where you can find and download a variety of family-friendly games. On the site you can also search for your favorite types of games, watch preview videos, read reviews, check on system requirements, and sometimes try demos before you buy (some games are free as well!). There are always new games to try on Steam, and it’s a great way to access popular AAA games as well as indie games.
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ABCYa.com provides a huge variety of educational games that were created by teachers. They’re sorted by grade, from Pre-K through grade 5. You’ll find a variety of topics as well, from math and English to social studies and art, plus strategy games and holiday-themed activities.
These games are available online via Mac or PC, or on your tablet or smartphone. Kids can play online, with no download required. Ads keep portions of the site free to use, but if you’d like full access to the games library with the option to go ad-free, subscriptions are available for $2.99 per month. This will give your kids access to over 100 games, and more games are added to the site all the time.
Crayon Physics Deluxe is an amazing 2D physics puzzle game that allows your kids to draw their way to the next level, and learn a little bit about physics while they’re at it. It has the look of crayon on paper, and the shapes that are drawn on screen can fall, roll, rotate, spin, and more.
This game is all about creativity, and its sandbox format gives players a lot of freedom. Crayon Physics is available for download on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux. You’ll find a free demo there, as well as a video of the gameplay.
Perils of Man is a fun point-and-click adventure puzzle game for kids 8 and up. A smart and strong female protagonist named Ana Eberling attempts to uncover her family’s secrets, and she just might be a hero. This game is available for download for Mac from Steam.
Buy Perils of Man on itunes
Cities: Skylines is a new take on a childhood favorite of mine. This is a family-friendly city simulation game in which you get to build your own city from the ground up. It’s available for Mac, PC and Linux via Steam download.
As the mayor, you are responsible for everything from utilities and transportation infrastructure to health and rescue services, commercial and residential districts, and more. Set it up and watch it go! Well, it won’t be that easy…
Whether you’re looking for an educational game in a particular subject, a game with a strong female character, or something that will get your kids’ imaginations going, there are many fantastic options out there right now.
If you ask me, the best part is that these games can be fun for the whole family. Hopefully, this collection of games will give you and your kids something new to bond over and to discuss at the dinner table.
Looking for even more game-spiration? Search for computer games for kids right here on rememberstuff.me and save your kids’ favorites using the Remember Stuff app!
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