10 family-friendly co-op games to play with the kids
Looking for a great game to play with your family, but want to keep it co-operative and kid-friendly? Whether you’re after silly party chaos or wholesome platforming fun, there’s a wealth of family co-op games to dive into. We’ve handpicked ten of the very best family-friendly co-op games that are perfect for siblings, parents and everyone in between. Expect lots of laughs, a bit of (friendly) chaos, and plenty of great memories.
1. Super Mario Wonder
Mario’s latest 2D adventure is bursting with colour, creativity and charm – and playing with friends or family makes it even better. Up to four players can join in, picking from a selection of familiar faces (and Elephant Mario, of course). It gets a little chaotic when everyone is bouncing around the screen, but that’s part of the fun.
2. LEGO Horizon Adventures
This might be one of the most accessible LEGO games yet, combining the familiar gameplay with a story pulled from Horizon Zero Dawn. Up to two players can work together, taking on robotic creatures and building LEGO sets in a beautifully crafted world that mixes action and humour in perfect harmony.
3. Moving Out 2
Teamwork is key in Moving Out 2, even if you spend half the time laughing at each other’s mistakes. Your job? Move furniture. Fast. Safely. (Kind of.) Up to four players can jump in to carry sofas, dodge obstacles, and toss beds out of windows. It’s silly, it’s frantic, and it’s an absolute riot.
4. Crossy Road Castle
Remember Crossy Road? This is the castle-based sequel where you team up instead of trying to one-up each other. It’s a fast-paced, vertically-scrolling platformer where up to four players work together to conquer bite-sized levels filled with traps, enemies and tricky jumps. Super easy to pick up and seriously addictive.
5. LEGO City Undercover
Think open-world LEGO mayhem, with the cheeky humour of a cop drama. That’s LEGO City Undercover, and it’s still one of the best LEGO games ever made. With two-player co-op, you and a partner can explore the city, chase down baddies and smash everything in sight for bricks. It’s packed with charm, and perfect for players of all ages.
6. Disney Illusion Island
Platforming meets Disney magic in this gorgeous side-scroller. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy team up to explore vibrant worlds, solve puzzles and bounce off each other’s skills. There’s no combat, so it’s wonderfully accessible, and it’s just as much fun for grown-ups as it is for younger players.
7. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
The main game here is a co-op gem. Up to four players can work together (or sort-of sabotage each other) to navigate colourful platforming stages. It’s classic Mario chaos, with each level throwing something new at you, and a friendly crown-based competition to see who performed best.
8. Minecraft Dungeons
A great pick for younger players who want to dip their toes into action games, Minecraft Dungeons is a simplified dungeon crawler with loads of charm. Up to four players can team up locally, bashing skeletons, collecting loot and saving the day – all with that familiar Minecraft look.
9. Overcooked! 2
If your family loves a challenge and can (mostly) avoid shouting at each other, Overcooked! 2 is a must. It tasks up to four players with preparing meals in increasingly ridiculous kitchens. Cooperation is key – but if someone accidentally throws soup in the bin, you’ll all be crying with laughter.
10. Knights and Bikes
This one’s a little quieter, a little more thoughtful – but just as magical. Knights and Bikes is a co-op adventure starring two kids exploring a mysterious island. It’s imaginative, emotional and gorgeously hand-drawn. If you want something heartfelt and story-driven to play with a family member, this is a hidden gem.
