15 Great Games Parents Need to Play With Their Kids
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1. Madden NFL 15
Whether you’re trying to teach your kids the art of the Cover 2 defense or who the backup QB in Indianapolis is, you can't go wrong with Madden.
2. Lego anything
The Lego series taps into so many great pop culture universes (Batman, Star Wars, The Hobbit), and with terrific co-op you can pop in and out of as needed. Perfect for two players, especially if one needs to keep dropping out to take care of, like, making dinner.
3. Super Smash Bros.
A super fun crossover multiplayer free-for-all from all the Nintendo franchises. Play as Mario, Link, Kirby, and show your kid who’s really boss. (That'll be them, of course.)
4. The Legend of Zelda franchise
If you’re reading this list, then you probably grew up playing Zelda. With the universe expanding, don’t you want your kid to experience Link’s adventures? And watching and advising as they play is the perfect role for the experienced adventurer (aka Mom or Dad).
5. Disney Infinity
It's the perfect mix of sandbox free play, challenging missions, characters everybody knows, and tag-team adventuring. Plus, now with Infinity 2.0...Marvel superheroes!
6. Zoo Tycoon
Do you love the zoo, but fear your kid might fall into the gorilla pit? Well, crisis averted! Zoo Tycoon allows players to see up to 100 wild animals, while teaching them how to run a business. Kinda.
7. Little Big Planet 3
LBP not only encourages problem solving, but also world-building and creativity in a gorgeous puzzle-platform game.
8. Child of Light
Aurora is tasked with fighting the evil Queen of the Night in her quest to return home. Whimsically beautiful platformer for every little princess who wants to save herself.
9. Mario Kart, any of them
Mario Kart is the best way to teach kids to watch out for dangerous objects in the road, like spinning turtles and bananas.
10. NBA 2K15
Like with Madden, the NBA 2K games offer plenty of great teaching moments, like how to box out or the proper way to execute a pick & roll.
11. Tiny Brains
You might need a brain a little bigger if you want to solve these puzzles. Perfect for four players, this indie teaches players to work together to defeat the evil mad scientist.
12. Civilization
History doesn’t have to be taught with a textbook thicker than your child’s torso, it can also be learned through this classic game.
13. Minecraft
Playing Minecraft is like opening up an infinite box of Lego blocks, and with co-op play, you can truly build something amazing together. Or just fight off zombies and Creepers together, your choice.
14. Pokemon Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby
Pokemon has been a mainstay since the Gameboy, and now that the universe is expanding, you can help your kids catch ‘em all. Or more realistically, just pretend to understand what they're talking and try to keep up.
15. Just Dance Kids
Kids just love to see their parents dance, right? It is in no way embarrassing to them. Well, that's not true, but it's still fun!