Video games can be so much more than a “babysitter” for your kids while you do the dishes. They’re a great opportunity for you to interact with your kids, to start conversations and strengthen bonds.
The trick is finding games that appeal to both kids and adults. And don’t forget to check the ESRB rating on any game you let your little ones play. All five games we list here are rated either E for everybody, or E10+, which means the game has been deemed appropriate for kids aged 10 and up.
1. 'Lego Star Wars II' Parents will enjoy playing out the "Star Wars" movies they’ve loved since they were kids themselves. And the little ones get to play in a sci-fi world made out of little plastic blocks – a place where people aren’t killed, they simply break apart. This game is rated E10+ by the ESRB, which means it’s been deemed appropriate for kids 10 years and older. Add in the superb multiplayer mode that makes players work together instead of against each other and you have a great game for parents to play with their kids. Plus – it has lightsabers! 2. 'Wii Sports' We would never condone hitting your children under any circumstance. Unless, of course, you’re playing "Wii Sports." In that case, punch ‘em right in the face – virtually, that is! But beware: They’re likely to pummel you right back! Boxing is just one of five sports you can play in this series of games that really get you up and moving. Using the Wii’s two-piece controller, you’ll actually throw a punch, swing a golf club or throw a baseball. It’s not just a game, it’s exercise. And it’s rated E, for everyone. Plus, "Wii Sports" is the title that comes complimentary when you purchase a new Wii, and we like the "no extra cost" factor. 3. 'Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix' "Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix" is another game that gets you up and moving instead of just sitting on the couch pressing buttons. To play, you’ll dance (or step) on a giant mat in time with the music and with the graphics on the screen. It’s simple to learn, and you’ll have so much fun dancing that you’ll never stop to realize that what you’re actually doing is exercising. The various games in the "Dance Dance Revolution" franchise are full of songs in different musical genres. We picked "Mario Mix" because it’s E-rated – so there’s never a worry about hearing any objectionable lyrics. 4. 'Mario Party 8' "Mario Party" brings board games into the 21st century. Like the traditional table games, you’ll still roll the dice to see how many moves you can take around the board, but now the dice are virtual, and the route you have to take changes during game play. And after everyone has taken a turn, you all play a mini-game. That keeps even the last place contestant feeling like they’re in the heat of the chase. This E-rated game is easy to learn, makes great use of the Wii’s interactive controller, and is fun for the whole family to play. 5. 'Cars' "Cars" is based on the Disney/Pixar cartoon film of the same name, and uses all the same voice actors, so the kids feel like they’re playing the movie. But here’s a little secret they don’t need to know: they’re really playing a NASCAR-like racing game! Unlike harder, button-heavy simulator-style games, kids will have no trouble at all learning how to play "Cars" because of its simplistic controls. And more importantly, accidentally running into things doesn’t cause race-ending damage – the cars in this E-rated game just say "ouch!" and safely bounce away. So go ahead and "trick" your kids with "Cars." They’ll think they’re playing a movie game while you’re happily racing around a track. It’s a win-win!
This one’s a classic, like peanut butter and jelly. After all, who doesn’t love "Star Wars?" And can you name a kid that doesn’t love Legos?