Highlights

• Many online games offer a safe space for kids to explore, learn, and connect with others in a protected virtual environment.
• Diverse game options promote creativity, teamwork, and positive interactions, enhancing children's skills and enjoyment.
• Games like ABCya! and Super Mega Mini Party cater to different age groups, providing fun and educational experiences for young players.

In the realm of online multiplayer gaming, young players can find a diverse range of online games that seamlessly blend strategy, education, and, of course, lots of fun. From crafting imaginative landscapes to collaboratively solving intricate puzzles, the digital domain offers a diverse range of options tailored to engage and captivate children.

This selection of online games ensures that young players can freely explore, learn, and connect while enjoying the reassurance of robust security measures. With each game presenting a unique world and mechanics, kids can develop creativity and teamwork skills, all within a protected virtual environment that prioritizes their safety and enjoyment.

Updated on May 10, 2024, by Rie Takumi: Kids have more ways than ever to keep connected over the internet. Some of the best online multiplayer games emerged around 2020 when most kids could only interact and play with each other online. Old websites long used as resources by teachers also re-emerged with new games and features for K-12 to 6th grade kids. Online multiplayer games can even serve as a place where kids can interact with strangers in a safe environment. Thankfully, most games marketed for kids have measures to protect players on chat or voice channels, while other titles eschew text and voice communication altogether, opting for emotes and emojis instead. With so many online multiplayer options available, however, it can be a little challenging to find the perfect game for a kid. For those open to genres of all shapes and sizes, this list has been updated to feature even more of the best online multiplayer games for kids to try out.

15 ABCya!

A Long-Running Edutainment Website For Children

ABCya! is an edutainment website that features the layout and color scheme of 00s game websites and comes with the ease of navigating 20s websites. Games are divided by grade level and game type, with easy-to-understand markers and mechanics. There is also a distinct category for multiplayer learning games that teach math, words, and good sportsmanship through play.

All games are free to play. There's also a resource for parents and teachers to learn more about the website or print out games for in-person use.

14 Super Mega Mini Party

A Charming Party Game That Features Fun Mini-Games And Unlockables

Mario Party is still king of party games for kids, but for kids without a Nintendo Switch, Super Mega Mini Party is the next best thing. Available on the App Store, Super Mega Mini Party has 20 unlockable mini-games for multiplayer sessions. Even with the base 10 mini-games, players can quickly unlock more through online co-op.

Winning matches also means unlocking alter egos for characters, which can be used to explore Super Mega Mini Party's world. With an improved world invite system, it's also easy for kids to have an impromptu party on the go.

13 KarmaZoo

Crossplay Multiplayer Built Around Kindness And Co-Op

KarmaZoo identifies as a "multiplayer online collaborative platformer built on true co-operation and sharing kindness." Around 8 to 10 players help each other complete mini-games using characters and perks that can help their team succeed. Cohesion is key to completing puzzles, finding secrets, and completing side quests.

Emphasizing its karma-based system is its Worldwide Karma meter, which can be viewed on the official website. Its global player base must work together to unlock items on the free KarmaPass. Fortunately, enough players have done good deeds to unlock everything up to date.

12 Animal Jam Classic

The Original Animal Jam Made With National Geographic

Animal Jam Classic immerses players in a virtual world where they embody animals, explore ecosystems, and engage in educational games. It is one of the few multiplayer games hosted on a website that features animals as playable characters, after the closure of games such as Club Penguin, Bin Weevils, and Panfu.

Its robust chat filters and safety features offer a secure platform for exploration. By blending entertainment with learning, Animal Jam Classic provides an enriching multiplayer experience for curious minds.

11 Maple Story

Classic MMORPG For Kids And Their Parents

Maple Story, originating in 2003, is a vibrant multiplayer online role-playing game set in the whimsical land of Maple World. In it, players embark on quests, battle monsters, and meet friends in a colorful 2D environment.

Parental controls allow for safe chatting and interactions, ensuring a protected journey for children. With its fantasy world and camaraderie, Maple Story is an immersive choice for young adventurers.

10 MovieStarPlanet 2

Fashion, Fame, And Friends In Kid-Friendly Game

MovieStarPlanet 2 is an engaging platform for budding fashionistas and performers. Players create avatars, design outfits, and create movies, nurturing their creativity. Its communication features include pre-approved phrases, guaranteeing a safe environment for all those involved.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, MovieStarPlanet 2's lively community and self-expression options make it an exciting choice for young stars.

9 Webkinz

Adopt Cute Pets & Play Games With Friends

Webkinz offers a virtual world that seamlessly blends entertainment with education. In it, players adopt adorable virtual pets, customizing their habitats and engaging in games to earn KinzCash.

With comprehensive parental controls, this game assures a safe environment - plus, the available educational quizzes promote learning. Originally launched in 2005, Webkinz's enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of creativity and learning, making it a great choice for young players.

8 Poptropica

Puzzle Solving In Game By Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Creator

Poptropica is a captivating online universe where players explore diverse islands, solve puzzles, and interact with quirky characters. Its multiplayer features encourage social interaction and cooperation, fostering creativity and problem-solving. With strict chat filters and pre-set messages, parents can rest assured that any kids playing this title will be in a safe environment.

Made by Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of Wimpy Kid series, Poptropica has evolved into an ever-expanding world of exploration and imagination, making it a safe and entertaining choice for kids.

7 Roblox

A Child-Friendly Title With A Massive Game Selection

Roblox stands as a creation playground that allows players to build their games and experiences. This fosters innovation and collaborative play. Its parental controls enable customizable chat settings and content restrictions.

Launched in 2006, Roblox has grown into a sprawling metaverse where players can let their imaginations run wild, making it a dynamic choice for creative minds. Most of the games are fine for all ages, although parents should double-check the titles their kids are playing since they cover a spectrum of genres.

6 Fortnite

A Colorful Battle Royale That Features Neat Social Modes

By turning voice chat off and limiting spending on cosmetics, Fortnite could be a kid’s first battle royale game. As with any other battle royale, players hunt down other players using guns and tools they pick up around the map. The catch is that players can build a fort or any other structure to protect themselves from harm.

Even that is just scratching the surface of this now multi-media franchise. Collaborations with artists and other brands can make way for new, optional modes. Things like Lego Fortnite and concerts featuring real-life artists refresh the game for kids looking for something new.

5 Fall Guys

Provides Fun Mini-Games And An Engaging Art Style

Fall Guys, introduced in 2020, delivers a hilarious and chaotic multiplayer experience that's perfect for kids seeking fun and laughter. In this zany battle royale game, players control jellybean-like characters as they navigate whimsical obstacle courses and compete in mini-games.

Parents will be pleased to know that Fall Guys maintains a family-friendly environment, with its focus on lighthearted competition and minimal violence. While the game doesn't have a direct chat system, players can use pre-set emotes and simple interactions to communicate with others.

4 Terraria

Features An In-Depth Crafting Systems & Cool Bosses That Kids Are Sure To Love

Terraria, introduced in 2011, transports players into an expansive 2D sandbox filled with exploration and adventure. The multiplayer mode allows collaborative building and battling monstrous foes.

Parents can guide their children's interactions through the privacy settings, ensuring a secure experience. With its mix of action, crafting, and discovery, Terraria remains an exciting multiplayer game for young explorers.

3 Minecraft

A Classic Sandbox Game That Encourages Creativity & Co-Op

Minecraft, an iconic game launched in 2011, lets players construct limitless worlds, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Multiplayer mode invites collaboration and teamwork, while parental controls ensure a secure environment for any young gamers who decide to dive in.

With chat and multiplayer settings easily adjustable, parents can tailor the experience to their child's age and maturity level on both Bedrock and Java editions, making Minecraft a cornerstone in kid-friendly multiplayer gaming.

2 Among Us

A Cultural Phenomenon That Is Still Popular With Kids

Among Us, which became a viral hit during lockdown, is a thrilling and strategic multiplayer game where players work together on a spaceship, while some are impostors trying to sabotage the mission. It encourages deduction and social interaction.

After a 2021 update, the game asks for the player’s age when opened, which will then limit chat phrases for those who are under 18. As it’s easy for this to be falsely inputted, it's wise for parents to guide their children's interactions in this title. Among Us provides suspenseful gameplay and deception mechanics, making it an engaging experience for young sleuths.

1 Rocket League

A Hybrid Of Soccer And Vehicular Madness That Is Perfect For Kids Interested In Competitive Games

Rocket League is for kids 13 and up, but under parental supervision, younger kids can play as well. Voice chat can be turned off to keep kids safe from unwanted chatter. Spending money on car customizations can be limited as well.

As for the game itself, it’s simply football with cars. Players drive down a wide field to get their ball in the opponent’s net. Other cars can disrupt the player’s car or their teammate’s or outright steal the ball from their possession. For kids looking for a competitive gaming experience that takes time to master, Rocket League is a must-play.