Best Nintendo Switch Open World Games For Kids

Hey guys! Looking for some awesome open-world adventures for your little gamers on the Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch is perfect for kids, offering a wide variety of games that are both fun and age-appropriate. Open-world games, in particular, provide a sense of freedom and exploration that can really capture a child's imagination. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why I've put together this list of the best Nintendo Switch open-world games for kids, ensuring hours of safe, engaging, and entertaining gameplay.

Why Open-World Games are Great for Kids

Before we dive into specific titles, let’s talk about why open-world games are such a fantastic choice for kids. These games offer a unique blend of freedom, creativity, and problem-solving that can be incredibly beneficial for a child's development. The open-world design encourages kids to explore, discover, and make their own choices within the game's environment. Unlike linear games that guide players along a predetermined path, open-world games allow kids to wander off the beaten track, uncover hidden secrets, and create their own adventures. This sense of agency can be incredibly empowering, fostering independence and decision-making skills. Many open-world games also incorporate elements of resource management, crafting, and combat, which can help develop strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Kids learn to assess risks, plan their actions, and adapt to changing circumstances, all while having fun. Furthermore, open-world games often feature rich storylines and compelling characters, which can ignite a child's imagination and foster a love of storytelling. The immersive nature of these games allows kids to step into the shoes of their favorite characters, embark on epic quests, and experience the thrill of adventure firsthand. This can be a powerful way to engage their creativity, spark their curiosity, and broaden their horizons. Open-world games provide a dynamic and ever-changing environment that keeps kids engaged and entertained. Whether they're exploring vast landscapes, completing challenging quests, or simply interacting with the game's inhabitants, there's always something new to discover. This sense of discovery and exploration can be incredibly rewarding, fostering a lifelong love of learning and adventure. For parents, open-world games can be a great way to bond with their children and share in their gaming experiences. You can play alongside your child, offer guidance and support, and celebrate their achievements together. This can be a valuable opportunity to connect with your child, learn about their interests, and create lasting memories. Ultimately, open-world games offer a unique and enriching gaming experience that can benefit kids in a variety of ways. From fostering creativity and problem-solving skills to promoting independence and a love of learning, these games have the potential to make a positive impact on a child's development. So if you're looking for a fun, engaging, and educational gaming experience for your child, look no further than the world of open-world games.

Top Nintendo Switch Open World Games for Young Players

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best open-world games on the Nintendo Switch that are perfect for kids, keeping in mind age-appropriateness, engaging gameplay, and overall fun:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, this is a classic and a must-have for any Switch owner. Breath of the Wild is an amazing open-world adventure where kids can explore the vast kingdom of Hyrule. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is an action-adventure game created by Nintendo. The game takes place in the mythical land of Hyrule and the plot follows Link, who awakens from a 100-year sleep to stop Calamity Ganon from destroying Hyrule. With its vast open-world environment, captivating gameplay, and compelling narrative, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” provides an unforgettable experience for players of all ages. Players explore Hyrule and engage in combat, solve puzzles, and collect items to defeat Ganon. The game's open-world design encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing players to approach challenges in creative ways. The game's physics engine enables players to interact with the environment in meaningful ways, such as using fire to create updrafts or cutting down trees to create bridges. The game is also known for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and memorable characters. Kids will enjoy exploring the massive world, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. While there are some combat elements, it's generally not too violent for younger players. Parents should consider this game because it has critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, open-world design, and immersive world. The game has won several Game of the Year awards and is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made. It's a game that players can return to repeatedly, always discovering new things and approaches. It's a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. The world is so interactive, and there's so much to discover! It’s a game that sparks imagination and problem-solving skills.

2. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows kids to build anything they can imagine. They can explore, gather resources, craft items, and battle monsters. Minecraft is an amazing sandbox video game created by Mojang Studios. Minecraft is set in a procedurally generated 3D world where players can explore, gather resources, craft items, and build structures. Minecraft offers single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to collaborate and compete with others. The game's open-ended nature promotes creativity, problem-solving, and resource management skills. Players can customize their experience with mods and add-ons, expanding the game's possibilities. The game is known for its supportive community, which creates and shares content such as maps, mods, and tutorials. Minecraft is also used in educational settings to teach coding, math, and teamwork skills. The game has been ported to several platforms, making it accessible to players of all ages. Parents should consider this game because of its versatility and educational potential and its ability to adapt to various interests and learning styles. The absence of prescribed objectives encourages players to set their own goals, fostering self-directed learning and creativity. The block-based visual style makes it easy for young children to grasp the fundamental mechanics of the game. It’s a fantastic game for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Plus, the multiplayer aspect allows kids to play with friends and build together!

3. Lego City Undercover

Lego City Undercover is a fun and hilarious open-world game where kids play as Chase McCain, an undercover cop, to stop a criminal mastermind. The game's plot follows Chase McCain as he returns to Lego City to catch the notorious criminal Rex Fury. Chase must go undercover and complete missions to gather clues and stop Rex's criminal plans. Lego City Undercover is known for its humor, with witty dialogue and funny cutscenes that appeal to players of all ages. The game allows players to explore Lego City, which is filled with challenges, collectibles, and secrets. Players can assume different disguises, each with special skills that help them to solve puzzles and advance in the game. The game also has a variety of vehicles that players can drive, including cars, boats, and helicopters. Parents should consider this game due to its blend of action, adventure, and comedy which creates an engaging and entertaining experience for players. The game promotes problem-solving skills as players navigate the open world and complete tasks. The game also offers a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing two players to play together and enjoy the adventure. It’s packed with humor and easy-to-understand gameplay, making it perfect for younger gamers. The Lego theme adds an extra layer of charm that kids will love. It’s a great choice for kids who enjoy action and adventure with a side of silliness.

4. Dragon Quest Builders 2

Dragon Quest Builders 2 combines open-world exploration with crafting and RPG elements. Kids can rebuild a broken world while battling monsters and making new friends. Dragon Quest Builders 2” is a sandbox action role-playing game created by Square Enix. It takes place in a world where the Children of Hargon, an evil cult, have outlawed building, and the player must rebuild the world. The player controls a builder who travels the world, gathering resources, crafting items, and constructing structures to rebuild civilizations. The game features a captivating plot in which the player must confront the Children of Hargon and restore hope to the globe. Dragon Quest Builders 2