I have a list of educational video games for kids.
For many kids, video games are more than just fun, they’re a favorite pastime that sparks creativity, problem-solving, and imagination.
As homeschool parents, we can take advantage of this interest by weaving educational video games into our learning routine.
And what is the best part? Many of these games are so engaging that kids don’t even realize they’re learning.
Educational video games blend play with learning in a way that naturally appeals to kids. For homeschool families, they can serve as both a break from textbooks and a powerful teaching tool.
By intentionally selecting games that align with your child’s interests and academic needs, you can transform screen time into meaningful learning.
REDEEMING THE VALUE OF VIDEO GAMES
- Set Learning Goals-Decide whether your child is working on math fluency, history knowledge, or problem-solving skills, then match the game to the goal.
- Play Together- Many games spark great conversations. Join your child in Civilization or Minecraft and talk about the choices they make.
- Track Progress- Use built-in reports (like in Prodigy or TypingClub) or keep a simple journal where your child records what they learn.
- Encourage Creativity- Some games, like Minecraft, invite kids to design projects. Turn their in-game creations into writing prompts or research projects, challenge them to recreate a famous landmark as they play.
“Video games” includes arcade video games, console games, and computer games-LAN games, online games, and browser games).
They also include mobile games on smartphones and tablets as well as virtual reality systems.
I put together a list of video games at the bottom.
MORE GAME IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES
First, look at these other types of educational games.
- 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
- Free First Grade Math Games & Printable Ice Cream Math
- DIY Games For Kids | Free K To 12 Alphabet Games
- DIY Button Whirligig
- Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
- Free Roll-A-Gingerbread House Game For Kids Who Love Games
- Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
- American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study
- French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
- Ancient Greece Go Fish Game
- How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables
Finally, look at this list of educational video games.
VIDEO GAMES FOR KIDS THAT ARE EDUCATIONAL
13 Educational Video Games For Kids
If your child already loves video games, lean into that passion. With the right educational titles, you can turn their enthusiasm into a powerful way to build new skills, spark curiosity, and make homeschooling even more fun.
Kids already love Minecraft for its block-building creativity. The Education Edition adds structured lessons, challenges, and teacher resources that cover topics like renewable energy, ancient civilizations, and coding with block-based programming. Children learn to collaborate, design, and think critically—all while immersed in a world they adore.
Subjects Covered: Science, Math, History, Engineering, Coding
This quirky space flight simulation lets players design and launch rockets, test orbital mechanics, and explore outer space. It teaches kids about thrust, gravity, and fuel efficiency through trial and error. Aspiring scientists and engineers will love experimenting with different spacecraft designs, all while gaining a deeper understanding of real-world physics.
Subjects Covered: Physics, Math, Engineering, Astronomy
A classic favorite, Zoombinis challenges players to guide little blue creatures through puzzles that increase in difficulty. Each puzzle emphasizes logical thinking, pattern recognition, and math-related skills. It’s ideal for elementary and middle school kids who enjoy problem-solving adventures with a touch of humor.
Subjects Covered: Logic, Math,Problem-Solving
This turn-based strategy game invites players to build a civilization from ancient times to the modern age. Along the way, kids learn about world leaders, cultural achievements, diplomacy, and technological advancements. Parents can guide younger learners by discussing real history behind the game’s events and strategies.
Subjects Covered: History, Geography, Critical Thinking, Strategy
CodeCombat is a game where kids learn oding by controlling characters with typed commands. It teaches real programming languages such as Python and JavaScript in a fun, fantasy-style adventure. Instead of boring lessons, kids complete missions, battle enemies, and level up.
Subjects Covered: Coding, Computer Science, Problem-Solving
DragonBox games turn abstract math concepts into interactive puzzles. Games cover topics from algebra to geometry in a way that feels more like play than practice. These apps are excellent for reinforcing math skills without the frustration of traditional worksheets.
Subjects Covered: Math
Typing is an essential modern skill, and these games make practice enjoyable. TypingClub offers structured lessons, while Nitro Type turns typing into a high-speed car race. Both options keep kids motivated while they build fluency on the keyboard.
Subjects Covered: Keyboarding, Typing, Skills
The Oregon Trail puts kids in the shoes of 19th-century pioneers traveling west. Players make choices about supplies, routes, and survival while learning about real historical challenges such as disease, weather, and river crossings. It’s engaging, historically accurate in many ways, and encourages kids to think about the difficulties of frontier life.
Subjects Covered: American History, Geography, Decision-Making
Prodigy combines the fun of role-playing games with math practice. Kids explore magical lands, battle monsters, and complete quests—all while answering math problems tailored to their skill level. Parents can track progress, making it a great supplement to homeschool math programs.
Subjects Covered: Math
This simulation game allows players to create and destroy entire solar systems. Kids can experiment with gravity, planetary collisions, and black holes, learning the mechanics of space along the way. It’s both mesmerizing and highly educational for budding astronomers.
Subjects Covered: Astronomy, Physics
Kids solve puzzles by typing in words that come to life. If a bridge is needed, they can type “bridge.” If they want something silly, like a “flying purple cow,” the game creates it! It encourages creative thinking, vocabulary building, and flexible problem-solving.
Subjects Covered: Vocabulary, Creativity, Problem-Solving
These city-building simulations let kids act as mayors. They get to design roads, manage budgets, balance energy needs, and respond to citizen demands. While it seems like just fun it teaches decision-making, resource management, and how complex systems interact in real life.
Subjects Covered: Economics, Urban Planning, Critical Thinking
This relaxing exploration game lets players dive into oceans, discover sea creatures, and learn about marine ecosystems. Kids get exposure to real-world oceanography concepts while enjoying a calming adventure.
Subjects Covered: Marine Biology, Geography, Environmental Science
