Kids love video games! But you definitely don’t want your little one playing Halo or Call of Duty just yet. Instead, check out these mom-approved kid-friendly video games for the 2010 holiday season.
The Sly Collection – PS3
The Sly Collection, only for the PlayStation 3, is a remastered collection of the three Sly Cooper games released for the PlayStation 2. The games now come ready to work with the PlayStation 3’s 3D settings, as well as new modes and mini-games that can be played with the PlayStation Move. It’s a lighthearted way for kids to enjoy the mischievous raccoon and his friends in a whole new light. The Sly Collection is available now for just $39.99.
Sesame Street: Elmo’s A-to-Zoo Adventure and Sesame Street: Cookie’s Counting Carnival – Wii, DS, PC
Give your preschooler a fun head start on education with this pair of Sesame Street games for the Nintendo Wii and DS, and for PC. Little ones can work on their math and reading skills in a fun and constructive environment with some of their favorite characters from the iconic television show. You can also grab some free accessories to help your preschooler out, like a fuzzy, easy to hold Wii Remote cover or a jumbo stylus designed for toddlers’ hands. Both games are available now. The Wii versions retail for $39.99 each, and the DS and PC versions retail for $29.99 each.
Littlest Pet Shop 3 – DS
The little animal lovers in your family will get a kick out of Littlest Pet Shop 3, for the Nintendo DS. Your kids can raise their pets and train them to perform all kinds of acrobatics and dance moves, then take their show on the road. It’s a cute, fun and family-friendly way for your kids to enjoy video games this holiday season. You can buy Littlest Pet Shop 3, in pink, purple or blue, for the DS for $29.95.
Active Life Explorer – Wii
One to eight players can get together for a romp through dangerous ruins, overgrown jungles, and a whole lot more in Active Life Explorer for the Nintendo Wii. You’ll get your kids off the couch and onto the Active Life mat, where they’ll be moving around and staying active while enjoying some quality video gaming time. Active Life Explorer is available now for $59.99 with the mat, and $39.99 without the mat, if you already have one.
Kidz Bop Dance Party – Wii
Your kids can dance to their favorite Kidz Bop tunes with Kidz Bop Dance Party, only for the Nintendo Wii. All you need is a couple of Wii Remotes, and your kids can dance away to their favorite songs. There are no rules, so your kids are free to be as free and creative as they want. They can even earn points to customize their dance avatars any way they want. Kidz Bop Dance Party is available now for $39.99. Check out our Kidz Bop Dance Party review here.
EyePet – PS3
You can use the PlayStation Eye to raise and play with your own virtual pet with EyePet, for the PlayStation 3. Your kids’ virtual pet will react to anything they put in the living room. The EyePet will chase balls rolled around the room, and show interest in anything that is put in front of it. You can also use the PlayStation Move to take care of your pet and play with it in a variety of ways. It’s a fun, immersive experience for the whole family, and works with the 3D capabilities of the PlayStation 3. EyePet is available now for $59.99.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold – Wii, DS
Based on the popular Saturday morning cartoon of the same name, Batman: The Brave and the Bold allows kids to control their favorite DC superheroes, including Batman, in their fight against tons of different villains in a wide variety of settings. It’s a side-scrolling adventure that allows for up to two people to play simultaneously. Best of all, it’s Batman, so you know the game is probably going to bring smiles as a gift this holiday season. You can buy Batman: The Brave and the Bold for $39.99 for the Wii and $29.99 for the Nintendo DS.
Hasbro Family Game Night 3 – Wii, Xbox 360, PS3
Take your Mii or XBOX 360 avatar into an amusement park full of classic Hasbro board games in Hasbro Family Game Night 3. Your own personalized mini-you can compete in Life, Clue, Twister, Mousetrap and Yahtzee, and gamers on the PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360 can take their skills online to battle it out against other people across the world. What better way to get the family together than some classic board games, revamped for the 21st century? You can buy Hasbro Family Game Night 3 for $39.95 now for the Wii, XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3.
Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Swamp – Wii, PS2, DS
Everyone’s favorite crime-fighting Great Dane is now hitting the video game market like never before in Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Swamp. Kids can play as any one of the Mystery Machine crew as they try to get to the bottom of the frightful things popping up in the Spooky Swamp. The game supports cooperative play at any time, so a friend can jump in right in the middle of the action. Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Swamp is available now for the Wii ($39.99), PlayStation 2 ($19.99), and Nintendo DS ($29.99).
Pac-Man Party – Wii
Pac-Man is turning 30, and everyone’s invited to the party. Check out Pac-Man Party, available for the Nintendo Wii for $39.99, and get in on over 50 different mini-games involving the yellow wonder and his erstwhile ghostly pals. The whole family can get together and compete in games ranging from tennis to racing. It’s all fast-paced, frenetic fun, and a great way to pay homage to an unquestioned video game legend.
Sonic Colors – Wii, DS
Die-hard Sonic fans can show off their true colors this holiday season with Sonic Colors, for the Nintendo Wii and DS. Kids can navigate the renowned blue hedgehog through 2D and 3D levels, collecting different colored powers to enable Sonic to do things he’s never been able to do before (like turn into a laser). It’s available now for $49.95 for the Wii and $29.95 for the DS. Race to the stores soon to get this sure-fire winner for your kids’ stockings.
