Games for ages Under 5

Short, shared and simple. Best played side by side with you.

Before you start

The World Health Organization and the Australian and UK governments advise no screen time for babies and toddlers under 2, apart from things like video calls with family, and no more than an hour a day from age 2 to 5, with less being better. Playing together is better than playing alone.
Look for games with no reading, no losing and no online play. A second controller lets you play along and help.
Keep it to a few minutes at a time. Let them lead and press the buttons.
No game on this site is rated for under-6s by Common Sense Media. These are the gentlest, and are best played with you beside them.

Sources: who.int, health.gov.au, beststartinlife.gov.uk.

Games for this age

Level 1 · GentleMario Kart 8 Deluxe

A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

Racing with Mario characters, with items you can throw to knock out other drivers.

Why they love it

Items make the races unpredictable, so it is not always the fastest driver who wins.

What to know

It has driving helps called Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate. Switch them on for little ones, and for yourself.
Online racing is optional.

Could you join in?

Very easy to join. Switch on the driving helps and race each other.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E · Europe (PEGI) 3 · Common Sense Media 7+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Which track is your favourite?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com

See the full game page

Level 1 · GentleJust Dance 2025 Edition

A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

Copy the dancer on screen to your favourite songs.

Why they love it

It is silly, active and good for a family laugh.

What to know

Up to six can play, locally or online.
Extra songs come from a paid subscription called Just Dance+, with a free first month.
The game is rated for mild lyrics.
A newer edition, Just Dance 2026, is out.

Could you join in?

Easy and fun for everyone. Join in even if you think you cannot dance.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E10+ · Europe (PEGI) 3.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox.

Ask them: “Which song should we do first?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com, news.ubisoft.com

See the full game page

Level 1 · GentleSuper Mario Party Jamboree

A good one to play togetherCan be played online

What it is

A board game with lots of quick mini games between turns.

Why they love it

It is a party game where anyone can win.

What to know

Up to four can play on one Switch, or up to twenty online with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
It has more than 110 mini games.

Could you join in?

A good one for a family evening. Mini games are quick to learn.

Age ratings: US (ESRB) E · Europe (PEGI) 3 · Common Sense Media 6+.

Plays on: Nintendo Switch.

Ask them: “Which mini game is your favourite?”

Checked 4 October 2026. Sources: nintendo.com

See the full game page