Playing games online is a great way to maintain social connections with friends and family while we’re not catching up with them at home or out and about.
While we’ve been at home a lot more Baby 2.0 has become really engaged with Minecraft while Lady AB has enjoyed Animal Crossing (available via Nintendo Switch). Both kids have been playing Words with Friends with grandparents.
Here are some of my other suggestions for free online games that are suitable for kids to play with friends and family.
Remember some ground rules are essential to play safely, with dignity and end the gaming time happily.
- Establish a time that any online games will be played for;
- Some online games will have invitations to spend money – so agree on a zero-spend limit or a budget before any play commences;
- Agree who your kids with play with online, and educate them why it’s not ok to ever share any personal information; and
- Agree that you will oversee online gaming.
If you need it, further advice on online gaming is available from the eSafety Commissioner.
1. Uno!
You can play the popular card game Uno! online. It is available for iOS and Android, and is free to download, but does offer in-app purchases.
Up to 4 players can participate in a game.
2. Words With Friends and Words with Friends 2
Words with Friends and Words with Friends 2 (available for iOS and Android) are similar to Scrabble, except you play online with a friend, or a stranger. Like Scrabble, it is more suited to older children who are literate and confident with spelling.
Words can be played rapidly after one another, or with longer gaps if either party is busy – so a game could last for days!
3. Cube Slam
Cube Slam is an arcade type game created by Google within the Chrome browser where you pass a cube in between yourself and the other player or yourself and a bear.
To play with someone else you have to send them the link which they can then enter into their browser and join you in the game. The graphics are simple but effective, and as you progress through the levels the game will get harder with obstacles in your (and your opponent’s) course.
4. Boggle With Friends
Play the classic game Boggle with friends or family online (game play with unknown opponents is also possible), or play solo to practice your skills. Available for iOS and Android.
5. Prodigy
Maths games that are educational too. Prodigy gives kids the opportunity to learn from games targeted to their skill level. When playing in Home mode, you can select the world you want to play in and meet friends there.
6. Mario Kart Tour
Even if you don’t have a Nintendo console, you can play Mario Kart Tour on iOS or Android. You need a Nintendo account to access, but it’s free to play once you set that up (in app purchases offered).
When you have unlocked at least one cup within the game, you can switch to multiplayer mode and then send and receive friend requests. Mario Kart has been popular for decades – and it’s so much fun you can easily see why!
Related: LEGO Mario review
7. Exploding Kittens
The popular card came (that was the most funded game in Kickstarter history), Exploding Kittens, is available as an app too! You can play with friends and family using their own device in the same room, or you can play with friends, family or strangers online.
The point of the game is to avoid picking an Exploding Kitten card, or to diffuse the Exploding Kitten when you get one by using other cards such as belly rubs and catnip sandwiches. It is a strategy game, and is recommended for kids from approximately 10 years old up. Although most adults enjoy it too!
As you can play with strangers, this one will need some parental supervision, but is a light hearted but competitive game.
8. Roblox
Roblox is an online game, available on multiple platforms, with many different rooms (or mini games) that are mainly user generated content. It is best for older kids, and while it does have some inappropriate content, there are redeeming features.
For example, users can create their own rooms, therefore developing and practicing coding skills and allowing creativity. You can create an Under 13s account, however this will turn off the chat feature, which may defeat the purpose of playing with friends or family members.
Roblox play should be carefully monitored my parents, however it may be an enjoyable choice to play with other tech savvy people.
9. Minecraft
Minecraft is a very popular game on multiple platforms with a relatively simple aim – to build things in your world/s with a range of blocks. This can be as simple or complicated as the user likes, thus making it appealing for a range of ages and skill levels.
You can join other players on the same wireless network, or you can play online with friends, family or strangers. Playing online needs to be carefully monitored for this reason, but can be rewarding to share creations.
Eye Spy
Eye Spy can be played even with small children, and doesn’t require any software on either end. Simply establish the rules and start playing. With pre-school aged kids, you can choose to use a colour or a sound for the clue.
