The school year is upon us, which is why Iām back to searching for the best cozy Xbox games for my kids to play during downtime. While I have plenty of opinions about the best cozy games across various consoles, I wanted to find out which titles my kids enjoy the most and why they unwind with them as they escape the grind of school and activities.
From cozy pet-themed blockbusters to kid-friendly cartoon-themed games perfect for preschoolers, I managed to wrangle something for children and teens of all ages.
Here are the best cozy Xbox games for kids, according to my own children. Hopefully, you can use this list to help your kids find some awesome games to deliver a bit of low-stress fun at the end of a busy day.
Bluey: The Video Game Is Perfect For The Young Ones (Ages 3+)
I am blessed to have three kids at three very different developmental ages. My six-year-old son is starting to age out of Bluey, but it still holds some charm for him, just like it does for us parents. For both Bluey and parents, expanding the universe to video games only makes sense, but in true Bluey fashion, we didnāt get just another cookie-cutter match based on a TV show.
The game stays on brand in every way, using the same general animation as the show and teaching kids lessons as they conquer challenges. The puzzles are simple, but usually require a multi-step process, so kids learn patience and problem-solving skills while having fun. I personally like that the controls are easy, so my son isnāt constantly coming to me for help over the hurdle. However, if you have a younger kid who may need a little help or guidance through the game, Bluey allows up to four players, so you can jump in and help out when needed.
My son loves Bluey: The Game because the characters are ones heās familiar with. Winding down with characters like the Heeler family lets kids let their guard down, because they know nothing in the game will stress them out. Heās growing up to be a pretty serious little gamer, so heās run through this game pretty quickly a few times, but most children, especially the younger ones, will think this is one of the best cozy Xbox games for kids.
Little Kitty Big City Offers Big Adventure And Low Stress (Ages 5+)
As you will quickly come to learn, flora and fauna are significant themes in my house, which is why Little Kitty Big City is a fan favorite. This game requires some reading, so when we got it, it was meant for my now 15-year-old, who will still play it on occasion. Now, my son gets to take control of the little kitty while navigating the big city like a video game version of Oliver and Company.
This game is a hit in our house because it offers the perfect amount of challenge, an easy out, and a few laughs. The goal of the game is for your little Kitty to make it home, and itās not too tough if you want to head straight for your goal. If you’re going to have some fun, you can explore the city, meet new friends, conquer challenges, and be a general menace as kitties tend to be.
My six-year-old says the game is awesome because of raccoons and pouncing on birds to make the teleporter work. In his own words, the game is ā2 million percent funā. I like it because it teaches problem-solving in a low-stress environment, and all my kids can enjoy it equally.
Botany Manor Is A Game That Grows On You (Ages 5+)
A good way to describe Botany Manor is if you landed yourself in a Hogwarts herbology course. Kids as young as five can play this game, but the sweet spot is probably a little bit older. Although young kids can play this game, itās the kind of game parents steal from their kids, like when our moms used to take our Game Boy to play Tetris. Youāll be surprised how much fun it is to grow plants in a video game.
Botany Manor is a short and sweet puzzle game where you grow extraordinary plants. You get an empty botanical book that you fill with the unique plants you grow. To grow plants, you solve simple puzzles to unlock the items you need, similar to an escape room type of game. Its simplicity and aesthetics are what make it one of the best cozy Xbox games for kids and adults.
As previously stated, weāre big on flora and fauna in our house, and my oldest daughter is a driving factor behind it. I got this game because I thought it would be interesting and a way to exercise my green thumb without killing plants around the house, but it has quickly become hers. This game is short and there isnāt much to it, so if it sounds interesting to you, try to wait until it’s on sale.
Stardew Valley Is The Quintessential Cozy Game (Ages 8+)
Stardew Valley often finds its way onto lists because itās the perfect game for many people. Itās fun, engaging, and great for all ages. I love it because it teaches valuable life lessons in a safe environment, but my kids love it because there is always something to do. No downtime means never getting bored with the game.
Itās the quintessential cozy game because itās all about completing tasks, having fun, and connecting with others. You inherit a family farm and are tasked not only with maintaining it but also with growing it. There is some light fighting against monsters, but it is no more graphic than what you would find in Minecraft. While there is some cave exploration and the occasional battle, this game is way more about homesteading than about video game combat.
Everyone in my house likes this game because there is a lot to like. It is a low-stress game that can be picked up and put down at will, so if the kids have a busy week with school or activities, they won’t forget where they were in the game. You can definitely tell that each person has a favorite mechanic, too, like my son would rather explore caves and gather items, while my daughter is much more interested in tending to the house.
Disney Dreamlight Valley Is Fun With Your Favorite Disney Characters (Ages 5+)
Dreamlight Valley is everything you want from a cozy game, with the cherry on top of beloved Disney characters. Since this is a massive and ever-expanding game, you get to interact with all the major players like Disney princesses, but also smaller fan favorites like Merlin from The Sword in the Stone. Unlike other Disney games that are more action/adventure themed and have an end goal, this game is more about the experience.
The game starts in a realm reminiscent of Sleeping Beautyās castle with thorns overgrown everywhere. On top of that, everyone has lost their memory. You get to use your customized character to clean up the realm and make friendships while helping to restore the memories of your favorite Disney characters. There is a combination of puzzles and tasks to reach goals, which is also fantastic because it helps kids with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The game and expansion pack together offer hours of fun for the whole family that loves Disney, making it one of the best cozy Xbox games for kids. Of course, interacting with Disney characters from their favorite movies growing up is fun, but I think being able to decorate your house and the kingdom at large is what really draws my kids to it. The artwork is very soft and colorful, and while it doesnāt perfectly match the Disney or Pixar animation style, itās still easy on the eyes while youāre playing.
Lil Gator Game Is Cute and Cozy (Ages 6+)
This game may look like itās only for the littles, but this is fun for the whole family. Lil Gator game has paper-cutout graphics like Paper Mario or any number of indie games, making it look like an unassuming game targeted at the smallest kids in your home, but it’s a little more challenging than youād think. Pair that with an intense amount of reading, and the age range starts working its way up.
All Lil Gator wants to do is play, but everyone is growing up around him, especially his big sister. After he and his friends devise a massive play plan, they also flake out on him. After this admittedly sad setup fades away, Little Gator is left to explore the island with his imagination as his friend. Players hack and slash their way through all of the cardboard monsters, Lil Gator and his friends put around the island. You also run into tons of new friends during the course of the game. Some already have games or puzzles set up for you to try, while others need your help solving puzzles.
The gamers in my house enjoy this game because it involves no stress whatsoever. Although there are puzzles to solve, they arenāt tough, and the game is way more about exploring. I would say my twelve and fifteen-year-olds have done all they can on this game and moved on, but my six-year-old is just starting to get in on the fun.
Zoo Tycoon Delivers All The Pets, None Of The Clean Up (Ages 6+)
There are a whole host of Tycoon games that could be mentioned here, but Zoo Tycoon is big in my house because we love animals. Aside from our home zoo, we also have a zoo membership and go often, so creating our own zoo only makes sense. With no violence and minimal consequences, this is a fantastic game for all ages and family belief systems.
The Tycoon franchise has been around since the days of MS-DOS, but if youāve never heard of them, they are a suite of games where you build a business within a specific niche. The goal of this game is explicitly to make the best zoo you can. While it may seem easy, there is a lot of work that goes into being a tycoon. Zoo Tycoon is especially challenging because you must keep both guests and animals happy while expanding your empire. The challenge is worth the reward with Zoo Tycoon; it never really ends, so kids either get bored or start over.
Zoo Tycoon is an older game; even its newest version, Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection, was released in 2017. However, you can still access it through Game Pass. There are a few spiritual successors, but if you are looking for something newer but similar, Planet Zoo is as close as you can get without being Zoo Tycoon. Still, nothing beats the original. These are great, low-stress, busy games, but they also plant the seeds of entrepreneurship and what it takes to run a business.
A Hat in Time: Good Luck Wrestling This One Away From Them (Ages 10+)
There are many positive things to say about this game. It is adorable, engaging, and so much fun that youāll want to play yourself, but good luck getting the controller away from the kids. With a fun art style and fantastic gameplay, it’s hard to see why this game hasnāt gotten more attention than it has, and why there hasnāt been a sequel.
The game is a bit heavy-handed with its references. Just like the title suggests, this game is about a magical hat and time. The main character is called Hat Girl, and your enemyās name is Mustache Girl. On the other hand, some of it just doesnāt make sense, like birds wearing clothes and collecting yarn to make hats. While you go through all kinds of weird, mind-bending worlds that often donāt make much sense, the main goal is to collect hourglasses. But, to be honest, it doesnāt matter what the goal of this game is because it’s just fun to play, even if you donāt accomplish anything while playing.
This is one of my personal favorites because it reminds me of growing up in the Nintendo 64 era of 3D platformers. A Hat in Time is one of the best cozy Xbox games for kids because there is zero anxiety in this game. You can play for hours, not do much, and still have a great time. For those who love the feeling of completing a game, A Hat in Time is a relatively quick playthrough if you put the effort into it.Ā
Unraveled 2 Is A Mainstream And Big Budget Game With Cozy Game Appeal (Ages 8+)
Unraveled was a massive success, so it makes sense that they would release a sequel. No one knew that the sequel would significantly improve upon the first installment. This is another platformer with a unique style you donāt often find in cozy games. The juxtaposition of cute little yarn creatures against realistic, detailed backgrounds is an absolute treat for the eyes. Of course, if all you wanted to do were watch, it would be a movie.
The mechanics of this game are simple. Players use two small yarn creatures connected by a tether. Between your own unique abilities and interactive elements around each level, you have to figure out how to escape the room. The puzzles arenāt incredibly challenging, but Unraveled 2 offers an amazing hint system that helps younger kids through some of the more challenging ones.
This is another game that I purchased for my own use. There is something so cathartic about the game’s background. For example, there is a skateboard level with a hyperrealistic skate ramp and stairs. The ambiance is what gets me and makes this the perfect cozy game in my opinion. The gentle music and white noise make this the kind of game that lets anxiety slip away while you play, and we all know kids can use that nowadays.
Stray Is More Than Just Another Curious Cat (Ages 10+)
Two cat games in one list?! What can I say, we are a pet family. While Stray and Little Kitty Big City are both games where you play as a cat, these are two decidedly different games. While Little Kitty Big City has a more cute and playful aesthetic, Stray is a cyberpunk masterpiece that is almost tongue-in-cheek in how its setting opposes the story.
I canāt say enough good things about this game. It walks this perfect tightrope of reality and fantasy as you control a regular old cat in a cyberpunk world filled with bright lights and cheeky robots. It is your job to explore the world and complete tasks you are sent on by the robots that donāt seem to notice or care that you are a standard feline. These tasks usually require you to interact with the environment around you in ways only a cat could. Stray doesnāt offer a ton of play time, but it is interesting and engaging, with a satisfying ending.
There isnāt much that is inherently bad for younger kids, but the theme is a little darker, and the puzzles could be challenging for kids under 10. My oldest was really into this game a few years ago and loved the idea of becoming a cat. Unfortunately, there havenāt been any updates, and the game doesnāt have much replay value. However, it looks like a sequel is in the works, so now is a perfect time to enjoy the original while you wait.
A Little to the Left Is The New Cozy (Ages 3+)
This game is one of the newest on the list and is available on Xbox Game Pass. Its simplicity is only overtaken by how much fun it is. Parents may have mixed feelings about this game, but not for a negative reason. The whole purpose of the game is to clean up and organize, which may have some real-world benefits, but also leads parents to question why kids are willing to clean on-screen but not in real life.
A Little to the Left is deceptive in its simplicity because there are multiple solutions to many of the puzzles. That means that despite some of the solutions being extremely simple, there is a decent amount of replay value because you can find different ways to solve the same puzzle. This game is really about cleaning up, tidying, and organizing, so it’s perfect for kids old enough to hold a controller and up. Players find themselves cleaning and tidying things around the house, including tasks like stacking books on a shelf and organizing Dadās toolbox.
This is one of those games that isnāt something kids are looking forward to rushing home and playing after school, but they may gravitate toward it a few times a week, especially if they are looking for some mindless fun to unwind. The game isnāt challenging, but with five chapters, multiple puzzles, and replay value, itās an evergreen game that will outlast the console itself.
Coral Island Is Adorable And Good At What It Does (Ages 10+)
Coral Island isnāt exactly an original idea, but it excels at what it does. This game is in the same lifestyle genre as cozy games like Stardew Valley, The Sims, and Animal Crossing. Despite its lack of originality, this game has garnered a fan base by building on what other games have already done.
Stop me if youāve heard this one, but your character inherits a dilapidated house and a plot of land, and it’s your job to fix it up. Where this game deviates from the pack, and gets its name, is through what happens after you get your home and the surrounding area up and running. You find out that an evil oil company is polluting the water around Coral Island and killing off the coral reef. So, instead of all of your work being done on land, you get to wear scuba gear and head to the coral reefs to clean and fix all the issues the oil company is causing.
My fifteen-year-old got addicted to Sims for a while, so this was a nice game to introduce to the mix because it was similar, but different enough to add some diversity to her gameplay. It is only a matter of time before my 12-year-old, who spends most of her time playing Minecraft roleplays, gets in on the action. As a parent, lifestyle games like this make me happy because they bolster social interaction and critical thinking without putting kids into uncomfortable situations.
Strange Horticulture Shows Kids That Nothing Is How It Seems (Ages 12+)
I have an aspiring detective in my house, so this game was a must-get. As the name suggests, this is another game about plants, but in this game, plants are a tool more than the end result, unlike in Botany Manor. Combine the unique idea with eye-catching animation, and a story that has no business being as good as it is, and you end up with a game the whole family will want to play.
Although on the surface it looks pretty cut-and-dry, this game has so many variables that every replay yields a different outcome. Much like many of the other cozy games, the game progresses as you figure out a series of tests and puzzles using the plants in the room and a weathered botany book. There is a lot of fun to be had here, but this game is a little darker than the rest of the list. For the most part, you are sitting behind the counter, giving out plants to remedy your customers’ ills. However, you must be careful because one misstep can unleash horrors or kill your customers, which is why this game should probably only be available to the teens and tweens in your house.
This game is a hit in my house for many reasons. I enjoy it because it’s just fun to play. Itās like a mix between chemistry, horticulture, and private investigating that finds a perfect nook to settle into. My twelve-year-old likes it because it forces her to think outside of the box and use her investigative skills to decipher what each patron needs. My oldest and I love it because it offers the perfect amount of challenge while being darkly humorous. It’s certainly one of the best cozy games for kids who are close to or entering their teenage years.
Harold Halibut Is A Meeting of Cinema and Gameplay (Ages 10+)
When people say video games are the new movies, this is the kind of game they are talking about. This unique game employs a claymation art style to tell its story, a rare approach in video games that immediately captures playersā attention. Harold Halibut is genuinely a one-of-a-kind game that should be experienced to really understand it, but Iāll do my best.
As the titular character, it is your job to explore the submerged spaceship youāre stuck in, while working and interacting with an undeniably intriguing cast of characters. These arenāt your everyday NPCs; they all have unique personalities and information you collect to solve the mystery of what is going on beyond the walls of the ship. This game isnāt a massive commitment at around 12 hours of gameplay, but it’s so funny and charming that everyone will want to replay it.
This game isnāt suitable for younger kids, not because of the content, but because of their attention span. Itās a fun game that older kids will absolutely gravitate toward, but kids under ten will likely find the lack of action in this game a bit boring. Anyone in the family willing to give this game a try will likely consider it one of the best cozy Xbox games for kids, thanks to its charm and storytelling.
It Takes Two Is A Fun Co-Op Game With An Important Message (Ages 13+)
Couch co-ops are becoming increasingly rare as the gaming industry evolves, but there are still some gems that exist. This game doubles as an excellent cozy game, with a hidden message for kids struggling with one of the most complex decisions a family faces. Much like Harold Halibut, this game is just as cinematic as it is playable.
When Roseās parents decide to get a divorce, she creates dolls in their likeness. The parents wake up in the dollsā bodies thanks to a sentient book of love and are forced to work together to figure out how to get back to their bodies. It Takes Two is a perfect match-up between an adventure platformer and puzzle game, as you are given tools for each level that you have to figure out how to use to complete your mission. This is often in a fast-paced action/adventure type setting, so it forces players to be quick on their feet. Throughout the game, as you work together to solve complex issues, the problems that led to the impending divorce are woven into the story. The only thing more fun than the game itself is all the mini-games.
My family is blessed to live under the same roof, but that doesnāt mean that this game hasnāt been an excellent addition for my own kids to play. Not only has it literally helped them understand divorces their friendsā parents have gone through, but it has also helped teach communication skills. The true secret to It Takes Two is that it does all of this while keeping the fun and excitement of a video game as its main objective.
Tempopo: When Music Soothes the Savage Beast (Ages 3+)
Tempopo is what happens when a developer understands the effect music can have on a young brain. It is a simplistic platformer that evokes some Mario Galaxy vibes, as you jump from platform to platform in the clouds. This isnāt your everyday platformer, though, and it almost plays like a mobile game that was ported to the Xbox.
You play as a little girl who uses music to control tiny pink blob-like creatures called Tempopo. Your job is to use directional cues to help the Tempopo navigate through increasingly challenging puzzles to collect flowers. Two different game modes increase playtime, and the little reading or complex ideas required make this a fantastic game for kids as young as three.
I fully support everything Tempopo has to offer, but parents, beware, the music can be a little much after a while. The game is fun and the perfect amount of challenge for a younger gamer, but the music can get repetitive quickly, especially if it’s on a TV in a communal space. I love this game and think it is an excellent option for kids, but I would suggest parents understand what they are getting into before unleashing Tempopo on the house.
Unpacking Shows Kids How Chores Can Be Fun (Ages 9+)
If you have a kid who is constantly fighting you about doing chores, you may be able to Trojan Horse the joy of cleaning with this game. Everything about this Unpacking is perfectly imperfect āfrom the pixelated graphics that donāt feel like they mesh with the game to some outdated items kids might not even recognize, like a CD player. Usually, this would raise an eyebrow, but these choices seem almost deliberate for a game that is only a few years old.
The title is quite literal; this game is about unpacking as you move into new spaces. Players can scroll between rooms as they unpack boxes and organize items into their respective rooms. There are times that you may end up with something in a box that requires you to move it to another room, but that is about the extent of puzzles for this game. Instead, this game focuses way more on the satisfaction of organization and finding a place for everything in your new space. Words cannot describe how accomplished your kids will feel when they unpack and organize their digital house.
We have a lot of anxiety in our house, so this game is one of the best cozy Xbox games for kids, in my opinion, because it is an excellent anxiety beater. There is something so calming and leveling about organizing stuff, especially when itās in a video game and has no basis in reality. There aren’t many rooms, so this is a quick game, but the replay value is infinite.
To a T Is Just Plain Quirky Fun (Ages 7+)
Donāt let the Caillou art style keep you from getting this quirky game for the whole family to enjoy. To a T is strange, awkward, funny, weird, and a whole plethora of other descriptive words. The fact that your teenage character is constantly stuck in the T Pose to his own detriment is just the beginning of what makes this game one-of-a-kind.
Before we get to the meat and potatoes of the game, a disclaimer. This game still uses gibberish, so not only do kids have to be old enough to read, but that gibberish can get on your nerves quickly if they are playing in the same room as you. The main goal of this game is to navigate the world as a kid who is stuck in the shape of a T with the help of your dog. Most of it is lighthearted fun with a heavy reliance on cheap gags like fart jokes, but it can get a little dark, too. For instance, one of your goals is to get kids at school to stop bullying you for your shape. Overall, this game is just silly, but some parents may not like the constant bathroom humor.
Now that my six-year-old can read, he is getting into To a T. There is just something about boys and their bathroom humor. Heās also into anything with music, like K-pop Demon Hunter, and Disneyās Descendants, so the musical element of this game also keeps dragging him back for more.
All You Need Is Help Teaches Communication The Cozy Way (7+)
This is another couch co-op game, which is perfect because it gives parents a chance to sit down and discuss the game’s themes in a low-stakes setting. The game must be played with at least two players, but it can support up to four, and the more players you have, the easier it gets. While some of these puzzles are so challenging that they might raise the temperature in the room, working together goes a long way.
At its heart, this is a puzzle game that borrows elements from many of its predecessors. Youāll notice the little creatures you control look eerily similar to Tetris blocks; however, they canāt be manipulated like the blocks in the famous game. The puzzles themselves are very similar to many mobile puzzle games that require you to fit blocks into random shapes.
There isnāt much to this game, but it’s like inexpensive family therapy. It teaches everyone the importance of calm communication because the only thing less effective in this game than not communicating is everyone yelling and doing their own thing. You may find that the communication skills learned in the game bleed over to not just your kidsā but also your daily life as well.
Planet of Lana Will Have Your Kids Come For The View And Stay For The Fun (10+)
This list concludes with one of the most gorgeous cozy games you can play on the Xbox. Everything about this game is close to perfection, with beautiful hand-drawn visuals, amazing background music, and an exceptional blend of puzzle and platform elements. Puzzles arenāt quite as challenging as some other cozy games, but that makes them a better fit for all ages.
You could honestly run around all day just staring at the screen, but there is an objective to this game. You play as Lana and her pet Mui, a cat-like creature, as you solve a series of puzzles to save your planet from invading robots. The most significant challenge is deciding whom to controlāLana or Muiāto complete the task. The character has special abilities; for instance, Lana is stronger than Mui, but Mui can jump higher.
Planet of Lana is the best cozy game on Xbox for parents who donāt like video game combat. My kids have access to most games, teen and under, but I love the fact that Planet of Lana emphasises stealth over fighting because it shows my youngest that there are ways to solve problems without resorting to physical contact. The best part about this game is that it requires very little reading and has an intuitive play style, making it perfect for the whole family.Ā In my opinion, this game is the perfect way to round out my family’s list for the best cozy Xbox games for kids.
