LEGO video games have been the standard "first controller" experience for over two decades. There’s a reason for that. They are built on a foundation of slapstick humor, forgiving mechanics, and couch co-op.

In most of these games, your character doesn't "die" in a way that forces a "Game Over" screen. You just shatter into a few pieces, lose some "studs" (the in-game currency), and respawn exactly where you were. For a six-year-old who is still mastering the difference between the "X" and "O" buttons, this is the difference between a fun afternoon and a total meltdown.

But the landscape has changed. We’ve moved past the era where every LEGO game was just a linear path through a movie plot. Now we have open-world survival, tactical puzzles, and even high-speed racing. According to our community data, about 65% of elementary-age gamers have played at least one LEGO title in the last year, but the "right" one depends entirely on where your kid is at developmentally.

At this age, the goal is autonomy without frustration. You want games that allow them to explore without getting stuck in a menu or a complex dialogue tree.

This is arguably the best "sandbox" game for little kids. They play as Chase McCain, a police officer in a massive city. They can drive cars, fly helicopters, and change into different outfits to get new powers. It’s funny, the voice acting is great, and there’s no pressure to follow the story if they just want to drive a tractor into a fountain for an hour.

If your kid is obsessed with the Avengers, this is the one. The roster of characters is huge (over 100), and the open-world version of Manhattan is a blast to fly through as Iron Man or swing through as Spider-Man. Note: The sequel, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2, is also good but slightly more complex with its "time-travel" hub world.

Check out our guide on the best first video games for kids

This is the prime demographic for LEGO games. Kids at this age have the fine motor skills for platforming and the attention span for the light puzzle-solving these games require.

This is the "magnum opus." It’s not just a remaster of old games; it’s a ground-up reimagining. It’s huge—maybe too huge for some—but for a Star Wars fan, it’s a dream. It’s also one of the best-looking LEGO games ever made.

This is a newer entry and a bit of a departure. It takes the world of Horizon Zero Dawn (which is a T-rated game for older teens) and "LEGO-fies" it into a bright, funny, 10-hour adventure. It’s more linear than the Star Wars games, which actually makes it a great "bridge" game for kids who get overwhelmed by too many choices. Plus, the robot dinosaurs are cool. Full stop.

If you’re doing the Harry Potter books as a family, this is a perfect companion. It covers all seven years at Hogwarts. It’s a bit older, so the camera angles can be janky (fair warning: you will likely be called in to help them navigate a jumping puzzle at some point), but the atmosphere is spot on.

Once kids hit middle school, the "traditional" LEGO games might start to feel "too babyish" (their words, not mine). This is where the gameplay needs to get more competitive or more creative.

This isn't a standalone disc you buy at the store; it lives inside the Fortnite app. It is a survival-crafting game. You drop into a world, harvest wood and stone, build a village, and fight off skeletons at night.

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If your kid likes Mario Kart, they’ll like this. It’s a racing game where your car transforms from a street racer to an off-roader to a boat depending on the terrain. The building mechanic is actually quite robust—they can spend hours in the "garage" designing their own vehicles. Warning: This game is notorious for pushing "Battle Passes" and microtransactions. It’s a fun game, but the monetization is aggressive.

Most LEGO games are the "safe" choice in gaming, but there are a few things to watch out for:

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If you want to actually understand your kid’s digital life, pick up the second controller.

LEGO games are designed for this. They have a "drop-in/drop-out" feature. You can help them through a tough boss fight or a confusing puzzle, and then literally just turn off your controller and walk away to finish dinner. It’s the lowest-stakes way to bond over a screen.

Also, don't be surprised if your kid starts quoting the games. The humor is very "meta"—they often poke fun at the movies they are based on. It’s actually pretty clever writing that works for both kids and adults (a rare feat in kid-targeted media).

LEGO games are generally a "Yes" for intentional parents. They encourage problem-solving, reward exploration, and—most importantly—they don't take themselves too seriously.

If you have a younger child, stick to LEGO City Undercover. If you have an older kid who wants to build with friends, look into LEGO Fortnite but keep an eye on the shop. And if you just want a game the whole family can enjoy on a Friday night, you can’t go wrong with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.

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