Few video games have become childhood staples quite like Minecraft and Super Mario Bros. One encourages kids to build anything they can imagine, while the other teaches exploration through colorful adventures that never stop surprising players. The good news is they aren’t the only games capable of creating those memories. Whether your child enjoys solving puzzles, discovering magical worlds, building entire cities, or simply playing together as a family, there are plenty of games that capture the same sense of wonder. These 15 picks are easy to learn, packed with creativity, and perfect for keeping seven year olds entertained long after they’ve put down their favorite blocky world or Mushroom Kingdom adventure.
1. The Closest Thing to Having Two Toy Boxes at Once
Kids who love Minecraft usually enjoy one thing above everything else: the freedom to build without limits. LEGO Worlds offers that same creative playground, but replaces blocks with thousands of LEGO pieces, vehicles, animals, and quirky characters. Instead of following a strict path, children are encouraged to experiment, explore, and let their imagination take over, making every play session feel completely different from the last.
2. Every Level Feels Like a Homemade School Project
Cardboard castles, paper flowers, milk cartons, and everyday craft supplies turn Yoshi’s Crafted World into one of the most charming platformers ever made. Its gentle difficulty, colorful visuals, and clever level design make it perfect for younger players who are still learning how platform games work without constantly punishing mistakes.
3. The Kind of Adventure That Makes Every Five Minutes Feel New
Curiosity is what keeps kids coming back to Minecraft, and Astro Bot understands that perfectly. Nearly every level introduces a fresh mechanic, playful surprise, or interactive gadget that constantly rewards exploration. Instead of repeating the same ideas, the game keeps finding new ways to amaze players, making it feel like opening a brand new toy every few minutes.
4. Even Losing Feels Like Part of the Fun
Not every game needs to be difficult to be memorable. Kirby and the Forgotten Land lets young players experiment, make mistakes, and discover new abilities without creating frustration. Bright worlds, friendly characters, and creative transformations keep the adventure exciting while giving children the confidence to explore at their own pace.
5. A World That Grows Alongside Your Child
Some children enjoy building giant castles in Minecraft. Others simply like creating places that feel like home. Animal Crossing: New Horizons turns that idea into its entire gameplay loop, encouraging players to decorate, collect, garden, fish, and slowly shape an island that reflects their own personality. It’s the kind of relaxing adventure that rewards patience, creativity, and imagination every single day.
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6. Minecraft Fans Will Feel Right at Home Here
Building shelters, gathering resources, crafting tools, and surviving together make LEGO Fortnite feel instantly familiar, but its playful LEGO style gives everything a fresh personality. It’s an easy next step for kids who already love creating their own adventures and want to experience those same ideas in a colorful new world.
7. Catching Them Is Only Half the Adventure
Kids who spend hours exploring Minecraft usually aren’t afraid to wander off the main path, and that’s exactly what makes Pokémon: Let’s Go such a great fit. Every route hides new creatures, friendly trainers, and little surprises that reward curiosity instead of rushing players toward the finish line. It’s an adventure that constantly encourages kids to ask, “I wonder what’s over there?”
8. The Best Levels Are the Ones You Laugh Through Together
Some games are simply more fun with another person sitting next to you. Sackboy: A Big Adventure was built around teamwork, letting families and friends solve challenges, discover hidden paths, and celebrate every victory together. Its cheerful worlds and forgiving gameplay make it an ideal choice for younger players sharing the controller with a parent or sibling.
9. Every Corner Hides Another Surprise
One of the biggest reasons kids fall in love with Minecraft is the excitement of never knowing what they’ll discover next. Super Lucky’s Tale captures that same feeling with colorful worlds packed full of hidden coins, secret areas, playful characters, and clever platforming challenges. Exploration always feels rewarding, giving young players plenty of reasons to look beyond the obvious path.
10. Sometimes Thinking Is More Fun Than Running
Not every great adventure needs fast reflexes. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker transforms every level into a miniature puzzle box where observation matters more than speed. Rotating the camera, spotting hidden pathways, and solving simple environmental puzzles help younger players build problem solving skills while still feeling like they’re on a grand adventure.
11. Disney Finally Built a Neighborhood Kids Never Want to Leave11.
One day you’re fishing with Goofy. The next you’re cooking with Remy or helping Elsa restore part of the valley. Kids who love creating their own stories in Minecraft will enjoy having so many familiar Disney characters living side by side in one colorful world. Decorating your home, completing friendly quests, and unlocking new areas make every play session feel like another chapter in an interactive storybook.
12. Saving Animals Can Be the Greatest Quest of All
Not every adventure needs monsters or giant bosses. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure encourages children to slow down, explore a beautiful Mediterranean island, photograph wildlife, and help protect nature. It’s relaxing, educational, and full of small discoveries that reward curiosity instead of competition.
13. Sometimes the Hero Has Four Paws
Every child has wondered what it would be like to spend a day as a cat, and Little Kitty, Big City fully embraces that fantasy. Climb rooftops, knock flower pots off ledges, sneak through tiny spaces, and meet quirky characters along the way. Like Minecraft, the game rewards curiosity more than speed, making exploration the real goal instead of simply reaching the ending.
14. Being a Little Troublemaker Has Never Been This Funny
There’s something universally funny about causing harmless chaos. As a mischievous goose, kids solve simple puzzles by stealing hats, honking at neighbors, and creating playful confusion throughout a quiet village. It’s the kind of humor that gets the whole family laughing, whether they’re playing or simply watching.
15. A Blank World Waiting for One Big Imagination
Instead of fighting enemies, Chicory: A Colorful Tale hands players a paintbrush and asks them to bring the world back to life. Every tree, house, path, and mountain becomes a blank canvas, encouraging creativity in a way few games ever attempt. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren’t about winning. They’re about creating something that didn’t exist before.
