Playing video games online is a modern marvel that we are all thankful for. Never before could you and your friend in Japan, South Africa, Portugal, or anywhere else connect and play a round of Mario Kart together!

It gets tricky when kids are playing online, since they might be exposed to things that you aren't comfortable with. This list brings together some of the best, most popular online multiplayer video games for kids - some that can only be played with friends, some that involve strangers - for you to review.

Updated on October 5, 2023, by Gabrielle Huston: Picking games for kids is a tough challenge, but you don't have to do it alone. We've taken another look at this list and added some new suggestions for you to consider.

Video Games For Kids Age 2-4+

Skribbl

Skribbl is a free, really fun, surprisingly addictive guessing game that's played through a browser. Each player takes a turn drawing something with their mouse, and the other players have to guess what it is.

Due to the nature of the game, it isn't officially rated by ESRB, but it's really tame. If there was anything inappropriate present, it would be because you drew it or added it to the word bank. People love to play Skribbl for a group icebreaker, but its potential goes way beyond that!

Hot Wheels Unleashed

Hot Wheels cars have managed to become a staple of childhood life for many kids around the world. Now, they can even enjoy these cars in video game form!

Hot Wheels Unleashed stays true to its toy roots; it feels almost like a Toy Story racing game, because it takes place on racetracks that zigzag through kitchens and living rooms and bedrooms.

Up to 12 people can race one another online, and you can do 2-player split-screen on one device.

Stumble Guys

Stumble Guys is a goofy game of, well, stumblers! Up to 32 players can join one session together where you all race to the finish line of a bizarre obstacle course. This one is just irresistible.

The falls are goofy, the colors are bright, the obstacle courses are varied, and the laughs are endless. As an added bonus, you can collect outfits to customize your stumbling guy and emotes to interact in-game.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be played with up to eight people online (with a maximum of four people per Switch console)! It's an adorable racing game themed around the Mario franchise that anyone will be able to enjoy.

Settings are customizable for each player, so beginners can get a bit of help while experienced players still have a challenge. As such, it makes a great family game, since members of a family are bound to be of varied ages and skill levels.

Video Games For Kids Age 5-7+

Rocket League

Rocket League takes fast race cars and combines them with the sport of soccer to create a chaotic and fun game that's perfect for groups! People have been playing it for years but it still hasn't left our collective radar, so you just know that it's good.

The cars in the game get special abilities and such to add to the excitement, so it's not quite like any other game of soccer. It also has cross-platform play between all its platforms, which is important for your online multiplayer shenanigans.

Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet came out in 2022 as the very first open-world Pokemon games! We mean true open world, too, like Skyrim and Breath of the Wild; there are hardly any locations you can't access, and plenty unique points of interest to discover.

Up to four people can take on this adventure together. Like the Wild Area in the Pokemon Sword and Shield games, other players can walk alongside you - except this time, it's the whole world!

Minecraft

Minecraft has had its grip on us through three generations of Xbox and PlayStation consoles and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. New updates are constantly improving and expanding on the game - so you also know that your investment won't go to waste.

At its core, Minecraft is a creative sandbox game where players can freely build, fight, survive, and explore. All that is best experienced with good friends (as so many things are), so online multiplayer is a must.

Video Games For Kids Age 8-9+

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

'Exploding' may sound violent for a kids' game, but have no fear: this game doesn't actually include any blood or gore. In reality, it's just a puzzle game that takes the form of a virtual bomb.

One player controls the game and has to defuse the bomb. The other player or players have the instruction manual which describes how to do the diffusing. Those with the instructions can't look at the bomb, and vice versa, so it's essential to be clear and concise.

The best part is that you don't have to pay for multiple copies of the game or even a subscription like Nintendo Switch Online. As long as the player with the instructions can speak to the person with the bomb, you're set!

Catan Universe

Settlers of Catan is a European board game that's rocketed into popularity in recent years. But did you know that there's no reason to only play with the people who are in the room? You can easily play it online with the mobile app, computer game, or right though your browser!

This one is a nice way to keep kids in touch with older relatives. Children can quickly become bored when being forced to sit on the phone and talk to someone, but a board game - especially one that's easy to learn and with simple controls like this - is a great icebreaker.

Roblox

Roblox isn't so much a game in and of itself as it is a gaming platform. Users can create games in Roblox by using an engine known as Roblox Studio, then allow other players to join in on the fun! When done right, Roblox can really highlight the users' creativity, passion, and dedication to making a fun experience for the player.

There are tons of really impressive games to join, and it's a lovely way for children to hang out in a virtual environment, but its public nature means it should be treated a little more carefully. For extra security, familiarize yourself with the parental controls for the game.

Wizard101

There are full-blown adults today who remember playing Wizard101 in their childhood! It might surprise you to know that this MMORPG for kids from 2008 is still going strong. It's estimated that its entire player population is 4.7 million, with around 135,323 daily users.

The gameplay is exactly what it sounds like; the players control wizarding students at a magical school: Ravenwood. If you follow the story, you'll be defeating evil-doers and saving innocent lives. However, as with every MMORPG, there's much more than that to do!

Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is a fun multiplayer game in early access, which means you're getting something that isn't quite finished, but at a cheaper price. Plus, the developers update it regularly and care passionately about their project, and you can't get much better than that.

This is a sandbox survival game where you need to keep yourself and your friends alive against the oncoming zombie hordes. Up to four people can play locally in split-screen, so it's a fun, cheap party game for friends!

Video Games For Kids Age 10-12+

Pokemon Go

In 2016, Pokemon launched an Augmented Reality (AR) game called Pokemon Go, and everyone lost their minds. It basically allows you to experience Pokemon as if they lived in the real world, right in front of you!

While plenty of people over the years have had complaints about one thing or another, there's a reason this live-service game has survived for so long. You spend your time catching a team of Pokemon, training them up, and battling Team Rocket and other trainers - just like in the mainline Pokemon games!

Don't Starve Together

Don't Starve Together is a survival game where you endure harsh seasons in a fantasy environment. At night, mysterious creatures attack and you must defend yourself, or be defeated and restart from scratch. It's undeniably hard, but a great challenge for a stubborn player.

Up to four people can join up together on a collective map, which makes survival a whole lot easier. Someone can look for food, another can explore the map, a third can gather resources... Players fall into roles and get better and better!

Guild Wars 2

Like Wizards101, Guild Wars 2 is an MMORPG. Unlike Wizards101, Guild Wars 2 is not intended specifically for kids. Use your own discretion about the children in your life, but we can say we've found Guild Wars 2's community to be more friendly and welcoming than other games like it.

The world of Tyria is a magical place full of fantastical races and vibrant cultures. However, it's also at risk of being demolished by the Elder Dragons; enormous beasts that can control the flow of magic itself. You build your skills until you're able to take on these foes and save the known world.

Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves lets you live out the fantasy of being a real pirate! That comes with the good stuff, like looting lost treasure, catching and cooking your own fish, and swordfighting with skeletons, but it also comes with the bad stuff about pirate life, too, like being raided by other pirates, having to patch up your ship to keep water out, and dealing with the Kracken.

Sea of Thieves' type of multiplayer puts a bunch of players in the same map together, so you'll see them and their ships as they go by. Will they attack you? Will they leave you be? Should you attack them? How much are you willing to risk? These are all questions that you'll constantly be asking yourself as you go. It's best experienced with a full crew on your ship, but can be played solo, too.

NEXT: All The Best Kids' Games Available Right Now