In today’s digital age, video games have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment among children. However, as a parent or educator, it’s essential to find games that not only provide fun and entertainment but also offer educational value and promote cognitive development. For 5thgrade children, striking a balance between engaging gameplay and educational content is crucial. In this article, we present 21 of the best games for kids in 5th grade, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching gaming experience.
21 Best Games for Kids in 5th Grade
Minecraft
Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios, is a sandbox game that has taken the gaming world by storm. With its limitless possibilities and openended gameplay, Minecraft provides a unique environment for creativity, critical thinking, and problemsolving. Players are immersed in a virtual world where they can build, explore, and interact with various elements. Whether constructing elaborate structures, embarking on epic adventures, or engaging in collaborative projects, Minecraft allows 5thgrade children to unleash their imagination, develop spatial awareness, and enhance their cognitive abilities.
LEGO Games
The LEGO franchise, developed by TT Games, has successfully blended the world of physical construction with digital gameplay. LEGO games like LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, LEGO Harry Potter, and many others provide exciting adventures, puzzlesolving challenges, and cooperative gameplay. By incorporating beloved characters and building challenges, LEGO games promote problemsolving skills, creativity, and teamwork. In these games, children can explore immersive worlds, engage in exciting quests, and unleash their creativity by building and rebuilding using virtual LEGO bricks.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, developed by Nintendo, offers a delightful and immersive life simulation experience. Players find themselves on a deserted island, where they can shape and customize their own personal paradise. This game encourages 5thgrade children to express their creativity, manage resources, and develop a sense of responsibility. With its realtime gameplay mechanics, players can engage in daily activities, interact with anthropomorphic animal villagers, and participate in seasonal events. Animal Crossing: New Horizons fosters social interactions, time management skills, and an appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, developed by Nintendo, is a fun and exhilarating racing game that features iconic Nintendo characters. This game offers exciting race tracks, powerups, and a variety of game modes suitable for players of all skill levels. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides 5thgrade children with an opportunity to develop handeye coordination, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship. Whether competing against friends or computercontrolled opponents, the game offers an exciting and engaging experience that is both enjoyable and challenging.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
The Pokémon franchise, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, has captivated audiences for decades. Pokémon Sword and Shield continue this legacy by immersing players in an epic journey to become Pokémon trainers. The games take place in the Galar region, a vibrant world filled with diverse Pokémon species. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, 5thgrade children embark on an adventure to capture, train, and battle Pokémon. Along the way, they learn about strategic thinking, teamwork, and exploration. The games encourage players to collect and analyze information, make tactical decisions, and understand the importance of forming a wellbalanced team. Pokémon Sword and Shield provide an engaging and educational experience that combines fun and excitement with valuable life lessons.
Super Mario Odyssey (Approximately
Super Mario Odyssey, developed by Nintendo, is a critically acclaimed platforming adventure that follows the iconic character Mario on his quest to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the dastardly Bowser. This game takes players on a whimsical journey through various imaginative kingdoms, each with its unique challenges and puzzles. Super Mario Odyssey promotes problemsolving skills, spatial awareness, and creative thinking. The game rewards exploration, allowing players to discover hidden secrets and collect Power Moons to power Mario’s airship, the Odyssey. With its vibrant visuals, tight controls, and imaginative level design, Super Mario Odyssey offers a captivating and enjoyable experience for 5thgrade children.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley, developed by ConcernedApe, is a farming and life simulation game that offers a relaxing and immersive experience. In the game, players inherit a dilapidated farm and must cultivate crops, raise livestock, and engage with the local community. Stardew Valley promotes responsibility, time management, and resource allocation. Players must plan their daily activities, tend to their crops and animals, and participate in social events. The game also encourages exploration of the surrounding countryside, where players can discover hidden treasures, encounter unique characters, and unravel the mysteries of the valley. Stardew Valley provides a calming and rewarding experience that allows 5thgrade children to develop a sense of responsibility and an understanding of the rewards of hard work.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, developed by Moon Studios, is a visually stunning platformer that captivates players with its enchanting storyline and breathtaking artwork. The game follows the journey of Ori, a guardian spirit, as they navigate through a beautifully crafted world, encountering various challenges and puzzles. Ori and the Will of the Wisps promotes perseverance, problemsolving, and reflexes. Players must overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, and harness Ori’s unique abilities to progress through the game. With its emotionally resonant narrative and challenging gameplay, Ori and the Will of the Wisps provides an immersive and rewarding experience for 5thgrade children.
Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends, developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, is a whimsical platformer that features colorful visuals, creative level design, and cooperative multiplayer. The game follows Rayman and his friends as they embark on a quest to save the Glade of Dreams from the nefarious Dark Teensies. Rayman Legends promotes teamwork, coordination, and problemsolving as players navigate through imaginative and challenging levels. The game offers a variety of gameplay styles, including platforming, rhythmbased challenges, and multiplayer minigames. With its charming art style, precise controls, and cooperative gameplay, Rayman Legends provides an engaging and enjoyable experience for 5thgrade children.
Overcooked! 2
Overcooked! 2, developed by Ghost Town Games, is a cooperative cooking simulation game that provides a unique and frantic multiplayer experience. Players must work together in chaotic kitchens, preparing meals, and overcoming various obstacles and challenges. Overcooked! 2 promotes teamwork, communication, and time management. As players progress through the game, they encounter increasingly complex recipes and level designs, requiring efficient coordination and strategic planning. The game’s lighthearted and humorous atmosphere adds to the overall enjoyment, making it a great choice for 5thgrade children and their friends or family members.
Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game, developed by House House, offers a delightful and mischievous experience as players take control of a troublemaking goose causing havoc in a peaceful village. The game encourages problem solving, creativity, and a sense of humor. Players must complete various tasks and puzzles using their wits and the goose’s unique abilities. Untitled Goose Game allows 5thgrade children to think outside the box, experiment with different strategies, and explore the boundaries of their mischievous nature in a safe and enjoyable virtual environment.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2, developed by Nintendo, is a vibrant and fastpaced multiplayer shooter that offers exciting teambased battles. In the game, players control squidlike characters called Inklings, who can transform between human and squid forms. Splatoon 2 promotes teamwork, strategic thinking, and coordination as players engage in colorful and chaotic inksplatting matches. The game encourages players to strategize, control territory, and communicate effectively with their teammates. With its unique gameplay mechanics, engaging multiplayer modes, and frequent updates, Splatoon 2 provides an energetic and competitive experience that is suitable for 5thgrade children.
Rocket League
Rocket League, developed by Psyonix, combines the thrill of soccer with the fastpaced action of a racing game. Players control rocketpowered cars as they compete in highflying matches to score goals. Rocket League promotes teamwork, reflexes, and strategic thinking. Players must coordinate with their teammates, anticipate the ball’s trajectory, and perform acrobatic maneuvers to outmaneuver opponents. The game offers a variety of modes, including competitive and casual play, as well as customization options to personalize the cars. Rocket League provides an exciting and adrenalinepumping experience for 5thgrade children who enjoy sports and fastpaced action.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, developed by Vicarious Visions, offers a nostalgic and challenging platforming experience. The trilogy includes remastered versions of the original Crash Bandicoot games, featuring the iconic marsupial Crash Bandicoot on his quest to defeat the villainous Dr. Neo Cortex. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy promotes precision platforming, problemsolving, and perseverance. Players must navigate through intricate levels, overcome obstacles, and defeat enemies using Crash’s abilities. With its challenging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and beloved characters, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy provides a rewarding and nostalgic experience for 5thgrade children.
Just Dance series
The Just Dance series, developed by Ubisoft, offers an interactive and energetic dancing experience for players of all ages. With its diverse collection of popular songs and intuitive motion controls, Just Dance encourages physical activity, rhythm, and coordination. Players follow onscreen choreography, mimicking the dance moves of professional dancers. Just Dance promotes creativity, selfexpression, and a healthy active lifestyle. The game features various modes, including multiplayer options, where players can compete or collaborate with friends or family members. Just Dance provides a fun and engaging way for 5thgrade children to get moving and showcase their dancing skills.
LittleBigPlanet 3
LittleBigPlanet 3, developed by Sumo Digital, is a charming and imaginative platformer that focuses on creativity and usergenerated content. Players control Sackboy, a lovable character made of fabric, as they journey through vibrant and whimsical levels. LittleBigPlanet 3 promotes imagination, problemsolving, and social interaction. Players can create their own levels using an intuitive level editor and share them with the game’s online community. The game encourages collaboration, as players can join forces with friends to tackle challenging levels or
create multiplayer experiences. LittleBigPlanet 3 fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a sense of community, making it an excellent choice for 5thgrade children.
Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Star Allies, developed by HAL Laboratory, features the adorable pink puffball Kirby in a delightful platforming adventure. Kirby can inhale enemies and gain their abilities, adding a unique twist to the gameplay. Kirby Star Allies promotes exploration, teamwork, and problemsolving. Players can recruit various characters as allies, each with their abilities, and combine powers to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. The game offers cooperative multiplayer, allowing friends to join in and play together. Kirby Star Allies provides a fun and accessible experience that encourages creativity and collaboration for 5thgrade children.
Skylanders: Imaginators
Skylanders: Imaginators, developed by Toys for Bob, is a toystolife game that combines physical toy characters with the digital game world. In the game, players can create their unique Skylanders by mixing and matching different body parts, abilities, and powers. Skylanders: Imaginators promotes imagination, customization, and creativity. Players can bring their custom Skylanders to life by placing the physical toy on the Portal of Power, which then appears in the game. The game offers an engaging storyline, cooperative multiplayer, and a vast world to explore. Skylanders: Imaginators provides an interactive and immersive experience that sparks the imagination and allows 5thgrade children to bring their creations to life.
Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Dungeons, developed by Mojang Studios, is an actionadventure game set in the Minecraft universe. Unlike the sandbox nature of the original Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons focuses on dungeon crawling and cooperative gameplay. The game promotes teamwork, problemsolving, and exploration in a familyfriendly setting. Players can embark on exciting quests, battle enemies, and collect loot to improve their character’s abilities. Minecraft Dungeons offers accessible gameplay mechanics, allowing 5thgrade children to enjoy the game with friends or family members. With its charming visuals, cooperative multiplayer, and engaging gameplay, Minecraft Dungeons provides a thrilling and educational experience for young adventurers.
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2
Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2, developed by PopCap Games, is a colorful and lighthearted thirdperson shooter that pits plants against zombies in a battle for the backyard. The game offers fun and engaging multiplayer gameplay, where players can choose to fight as either plants or zombies across various game modes. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 promotes strategy, teamwork, and coordination. Each character class has unique abilities and playstyles, encouraging players to strategize and work together to achieve victory. The game also features a singleplayer mode, allowing players to engage in challenging missions and explore the vibrant world. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 provides an enjoyable and accessible shooter experience for 5thgrade children.
Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank, developed by Insomniac Games, is an actionadventure game featuring the Lombax mechanic Ratchet and his robot companion Clank. The game offers a captivating storyline, exciting gameplay, and a vast array of imaginative weapons and gadgets. Ratchet & Clank promotes problemsolving, exploration, and skill development. Players navigate through diverse worlds, engaging in fastpaced combat, platforming challenges, and puzzlesolving. The game’s humorous writing and charming characters add to the overall enjoyment. Ratchet & Clank provides a thrilling and visually stunning experience that is suitable for 5thgrade children.
Conclusion
Finding the right games for 5thgrade children can be a challenging task, but it’s crucial to strike a balance between entertainment and education. The 21 games listed in this article offer a range of options that provide not only fun and engaging gameplay but also promote valuable skills such as problemsolving, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Whether through sandbox building games like Minecraft, cooperative adventures like LEGO games, or platforming challenges like Super Mario Odyssey, these games provide an opportunity for 5thgrade children to learn and grow while having a great time.
It’s important to note that while these games are recommended for 5thgrade children, parental guidance and monitoring are essential to ensure age appropriate content and limit screen time. By selecting games that align with the child’s interests, educational goals, and values, parents and educators can harness the potential of gaming to enhance children’s learning and development. So, let the gaming adventures begin, and may these 21 best games for kids in 5th grade bring joy, excitement, and valuable lessons to young players.