It's Sunday, you're home, you're sick of the same old board games and you don't know what to do with your kids? Well, video games can always be an option.

Video games have always been a big part of my life. I was introduced to them by no other than my mother when she bought herself a puzzle game on one of the state-of-the-art video game consoles of the time: the GameBoy Colour. I fondly remember the many hours spent playing with my family and friends – racing games, trivia games, adventure games, even dancing games, you name it.

Video games can be a source of great fun with which you can create amazing memories your kids will remember for a long time to come.

A brief note on gaming addiction

Before diving into the heart of this article, it's important to acknowledge that screen and video game addiction is a real concern. The important thing is to strike a balance between digital consumption and other activities.

That said, there are a couple of key things to keep in mind when exposing your children to video games and here are signs to watch for if you're concerned about potential addiction:

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Lack of concentration at school and at home
  • Loss of interest with non gaming-related activities and withdrawal from family and friends
  • Extreme mood changes

If you believe your child might be showcasing any of these symptoms in relation to games, the Luxembourgish non-profit association Suchtberodung Online has recently launched a platform to offer help combat addictions of various types, including video games. The first consultation is free, completely anonymous and confidential.

It's important for parents to be aware that some experts advise against exposing children under the age of six to screens – whether that's tablets, smartphones, televisions, computers, or gaming consoles.

Read also – Boys and video games: A wake-up call for parents

Read also – 'Building walls, breaking habits: Why it's finally time I quit Fortnite'

Video games suitable for young children 

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
One of the most iconic and fun racing games out there. Great for solo or co-op play, and perfect for all ages. Yes, even adults!
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Age rating: 3+

Mario Party Superstars
Sticking with the Mario theme, Mario Party Superstars is a fantastic pick for families and friends. Played like a digital board game, players take turns and compete in a variety of fun mini-games. Team up with your kids or challenge them – it's a blast either way.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Age rating: 3+

Hot Wheels Unleashed
Looking for another racing game? Well then, Hot Wheels unleashed might be for you. In this fast-paced racing game, parents and kids will have a brilliant time racing each other, and I'm sure many parents will have fond memories of playing with their own hot wheels cars that are probably laying somewhere in the basement.
Available on: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Age rating: 3+

Animal Crossing: New Horizons
A gentle, charming game where kids learn about nature, resources, and social interaction, all while designing their dream island. A great wind-down for parents too.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Age rating: 3+

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
It doesn't get more environmentally conscious than this. In Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, a young girl has just one week to save a nature reserve from being destroyed by a shady corporation. Armed with a camera, a petition, and a toolkit, she sets out to protect the island's wildlife. It's a gentle, exploration-based game that’s perfect for animal-loving kids. Editor's note: we have a fair degree of confidence that this game isn't solely included due to sharing a name with the author.
Available on: PlayStation, PC
Age rating: 3+

Games suitable for older children

Lego Video Game Series
Who doesn't love Legos? (And if they say they don't, they're probably lying.) The Lego video game series lets you play as iconic pop culture characters in fun, puzzle-filled 3D adventures. With clever level design and great co-op options, it's a perfect pick for family gaming.
Available on: Most major consoles, PC
Age rating: 7+

Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Parents might remember Spyro, the purple dragon, and his dragonfly sidekick going on adventures to save the realm and other dragons. This remastered trilogy brings those classic games back with updated visuals. This trilogy is an excellent choice for kids who love dragons and imaginative worlds. Trust me, back in the day my little brother was obsessed with all things dragon, and he was completely hooked on this game.
Available on: All major consoles, PC
Age rating: 7+

Zelda Breath of the Wild 
The Legend of Zelda series is one of the most iconic in gaming history. So popular, in fact, that a live-action adaptation is reportedly in the works with Sony Pictures. With so many titles in the franchise, it can be tricky to know where to start, but Breath of the Wild is a fantastic modern entry point. This open-world adventure lets players explore freely, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and uncovering secrets as they work to save the kingdom. Critically acclaimed and considered one of Nintendo's greatest achievements, it's an excellent choice for older children who want to immerse themselves in a creative world and truly feel like a legendary hero.
Available on: Nintendo Switch 
Age rating: 12+

Ori and the Blind Forest 
The first thing to mention about this game is that it is breathtaking, with its hand-painted visuals and fully orchestrated soundtrack. Ori and the Blind Forest tells the emotional story of a young orphan destined for heroism as he sets out to save his forest after a series of heartbreaking events. Many people I know have called it one of the best games they've ever played. Just a heads-up: the difficulty ramps up in the later levels, so it might be a bit challenging for children who are new to video games.
Available on: Nintendo Switch, PC and Xbox One
Age rating: 7+

Minecraft 
Last but certainly not least: everyone's favourite building game. Minecraft is a wonderful sandbox experience where players can build just about anything they dream up while gathering resources, crafting tools, fending off quirky little enemies, and exploring a vast, ever-changing world. It's the ultimate creative playground that encourages problem-solving, exploration, and experimentation. Your child can play solo, or join friends and family on multiplayer adventures. Some final advice from me: don't forget to disable online mode if your child plays unsupervised, and to choose the right playing mode depending on their age and maturity (creative mode or survival mode).   
Available on: Almost every major gaming platform
Age rating: 7+