When it comes to online multiplayer gaming, kids can find a diverse range of online games that blend strategy, education, and, of course, lots of fun. From crafting imaginative landscapes to collaboratively solving intricate puzzles, the digital domain offers a variety of options tailored to engage and captivate children.
This selection of online games ensures that young players can freely explore, learn, and connect while enjoying the reassurance of robust security measures. With each game presenting its unique world and mechanics, kids can develop creativity and teamwork skills, all within a protected virtual environment that prioritizes their safety and enjoyment.
Updated December 26, 2023 by Rie Takumi: Finding a safe, yet fun, online multiplayer game for kids can be challenging. Children typically want to play whatever their friends are playing. If that happens to be a game that's a little too much for a kid's maturity, parents normally course correct or take precautions. Thankfully, there are enough online multiplayer games for kids that have built-in precautions to protect kids. Most titles have their dedicated website and set of rules. Some of these games are even educational, hearkening back to edutainment games like Jump Start and Math Blaster. Even games meant for older kids aged 13 and up can be modified for their safety. Voice chat can be turned off and microtransactions can be regulated.
12 Animal Jam Classic
Unrated (Standalone Website)
Animal Jam Classic immerses players in a virtual world where they embody animals, explore ecosystems, and engage in educational games. It is one of the few multiplayer games hosted on a website that features animals as playable characters, after the closure of games such as Club Penguin, Bin Weevils, and Panfu.
Its robust chat filters and safety features offer a secure platform for exploration. By blending entertainment with learning, Animal Jam Classic provides an enriching multiplayer experience for curious minds.
11 Maple Story
Unrated (Standalone Website)
Maple Story, originating in 2003, is a vibrant multiplayer online role-playing game set in the whimsical land of Maple World. Players embark on quests, battle monsters, and meet friends in a colorful 2D environment.
Parental controls allow for safe chatting and interactions, ensuring a protected journey. With its fantasy world and camaraderie, Maple Story is an immersive choice for young adventurers.
10 MovieStarPlanet 2
Unrated (Standalone Website)
MovieStarPlanet 2 is an engaging platform for budding fashionistas and performers. Players create avatars, design outfits, and create movies, nurturing their creativity. Its communication features include pre-approved phrases, guaranteeing a safe environment.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, MovieStarPlanet 2's lively community and self-expression options make it an exciting choice for young stars.
9 Webkinz
Unrated (Standalone Website)
Webkinz is a virtual world that seamlessly blends entertainment with education. Players adopt adorable virtual pets, customizing their habitats and engaging in games to earn KinzCash.
With comprehensive parental controls, this game assures a safe environment - plus, educational quizzes promote learning. Originally launched in 2005, Webkinz's enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of creativity and learning, making it a great choice for young players.
8 Poptropica
Unrated (Standalone Website)
Poptropica is a captivating online universe where players explore diverse islands, solve puzzles, and interact with quirky characters. Its multiplayer features encourage social interaction and cooperation, fostering creativity and problem-solving. With strict chat filters and pre-set messages, parents can rest assured.
Made by Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of Wimpy Kid series, Poptropica has evolved into an ever-expanding world of exploration and imagination, making it a safe and entertaining choice for kids.
7 Roblox
Unrated (Standalone Website)
Roblox stands as a creation playground that allows players to build their games and experiences. This fosters innovation and collaborative play. Its parental controls enable customizable chat settings and content restrictions.
Launched in 2006, Roblox has grown into a sprawling metaverse where players can let their imaginations run wild, making it a dynamic choice for creative minds. Most of the games are fine for all ages, although parents should double-check the titles their kids are playing since they cover a spectrum of genres.
6 Fortnite
78 Metascore (Based on 78 Critic Reviews)
By turning voice chat off and limiting spending on cosmetics, Fortnite could be a kid’s first battle royale game. As with any other battle royale, players hunt down other players using guns and tools they pick up around the map. The catch is that players can build a fort or any other structure to protect themselves from harm.
However, even that is just scratching the surface of this now multi-media franchise. Collaborations with artists and other brands can make way for new, optional modes. Things like Lego Fortnite and concerts featuring real-life artists refresh the game for kids who need something new.
5 Fall Guys
81 Metascore (Based on 53 Critic Reviews)
Fall Guys, introduced in 2020, delivers a hilarious and chaotic multiplayer experience that's perfect for kids seeking fun and laughter. In this zany battle royale game, players control jellybean-like characters as they navigate whimsical obstacle courses and compete in mini-games.
Parents will be pleased to know that Fall Guys maintains a family-friendly environment, with its focus on lighthearted competition and minimal violence. While the game doesn't have a direct chat system, players can use pre-set emotes and simple interactions to communicate with others.
4 Terraria
81 Metascore (Based on 39 Critic Reviews)
Terraria, introduced in 2011, transports players into an expansive 2D sandbox filled with exploration and adventure. The multiplayer mode allows collaborative building and battling monstrous foes.
Parents can guide their children's interactions through privacy settings, ensuring a secure experience. With its mix of action, crafting, and discovery, Terraria remains an exciting multiplayer game for young explorers.
3 Minecraft
82 Metascore (Based on 63 Critic Reviews)
Minecraft, an iconic game launched in 2011, lets players construct limitless worlds, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Multiplayer mode invites collaboration and teamwork while parental controls ensure a secure environment.
With chat and multiplayer settings easily adjustable, parents can tailor the experience to their child's age and maturity level on both Bedrock and Java editions, making Minecraft a cornerstone in kid-friendly multiplayer gaming.
2 Among Us
85 Metascore (Based on 9 Critic Reviews)
Among Us, which became a viral hit during lockdown, is a thrilling and strategic multiplayer game where players work together on a spaceship, while some are impostors trying to sabotage the mission. It encourages deduction and social interaction.
After a 2021 update, the game asks for the player’s age when opened, which will then limit chat phrases if you are under 18. As it’s easy for this to be falsely inputted, it's wise for parents to guide their children's interactions. Among Us provides suspenseful gameplay and deception mechanics making it an engaging experience for young sleuths.
1 Rocket League
85 Metascore (Based on 50 Critic Reviews)
Rocket League is for kids 13 and up, but under parental supervision, younger kids can play as well. Voice chat can be turned off to keep kids safe from unwanted chatter. Spending on customization can be limited as well.
As for the game itself, it’s simply football with cars. Players drive down a wide field to get their ball in the opponent’s net. Other cars can disrupt the player’s car or their teammate’s, or outright steal the ball from their possession.