Let’s be honest: not all kids’ games are fun — especially for the adult in the room who actually knows how to press “jump” at the right time.
I’m Rowan – lifelong gamer, full-time dad, and part-time controller referee. And today, I’m sharing five Nintendo Switch games that are:
- Actually fun for adults
- Playable by kids under 10
- Chaos-friendly (i.e., no rage quits required)
Let’s jump in (yes, I made a platformer pun).
1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
“Blue shells, bonding, and a lot of yelling.”
This is hands-down our go-to family game. It’s easy enough for a 6-year-old, but still fun for us grown-up racers who take shortcuts very seriously.
- ✅ Split-screen up to 4 players
- ✅ “Smart Steering” helps younger kids stay on the track
- ✅ Endless replayability
👉 Grab Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Amazon
2. Super Mario Odyssey
“Cappy saves the day… and dad’s patience.”
This one’s great for:
- Kids who like exploration
- Parents who don’t want to hand over full control yet
You can play co-op mode, where your kid controls the hat (Cappy) and you control Mario. It’s perfect for easing them into gaming while still keeping it collaborative.
👉 Check out Mario Odyssey here
3. LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2
“Smashing stuff = bonding.”
LEGO games are the underrated MVPs of family gaming. They’re funny, simple, and forgiving — no lives, no time limits, and all the smashing you could want.
Even better? Drop-in/drop-out co-op, so younger kids can join without ruining your 100% completion dreams (which are probably already ruined, let’s be honest).
4. Minecraft (Creative Mode)
“No creepers, just creativity.”
I let my kids start Minecraft in Creative Mode, and it was a parenting game-changer.
No enemies, no stress — just building, flying, and showing me a new room in their castle every 8 minutes.
Perfect for quiet mornings or when you need screen time that actually feels educational.
5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
“Test your teamwork. Or your blood pressure.”
Okay. This one’s not relaxing. But it is hilarious.
In Overcooked, you and your kid(s) run a chaotic kitchen, trying to serve dishes without setting the place on fire. It’s madness — but it’s also team-building disguised as game night.
- Best for ages 7+
- Requires basic reading + multitasking
- Expect yelling like: “Where’s the soup!?” and “DAD, YOU’RE BURNING THE ONIONS!”
Pro Dad Tips:
- Use parental controls to set daily Switch limits (it’ll save your sanity)
- Invest in a second controller – even if your second kid “just wants to watch”
- Always save a game for just you (mine’s Metroid Dread — no kids allowed)
Final Thoughts
These games let me bond with my boys without grinding my teeth or reading tiny dialogue boxes for them.
If you’re a parent looking to game with your kids without losing your mind, this is your starter pack.
Got a favorite family game I missed? Drop it in the comments or hit me up on YouTube — I’m always looking for new ways to keep the peace (and the Joy-Cons charged).
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