Games That Take Kids on Virtual Adventures

16 November 2025

Let’s face it — kids today are growing up in a world where screens are everywhere. But screens don’t have to be the enemy. In fact, with the right kind of games, they can become magical portals to far-off lands, deep oceans, enchanted forests, and even outer space. We’re talking about virtual adventures that spark imagination, encourage learning, and create memories. Yep, these aren’t just games — they’re journeys.

In this article, we’re diving deep (pun totally intended) into the world of games that take kids on virtual adventures. Whether your little explorer wants to be a pirate, astronaut, dragon-rider, or ancient tomb raider, there’s something out there for every curious mind.

So grab your backpack (and maybe a snack), because it’s time for an adventure like no other — minus the bug bites!

Why Virtual Adventures Matter for Kids

Before we jump into the actual games, let’s take a quick detour (think of it as our pre-adventure briefing). Why are virtual adventures so valuable?

1. They Spark Imagination

Remember when you turned your backyard into a jungle or your living room into a castle? Virtual adventure games tap into that same sense of wonder, but on an even bigger scale. Now, kids can explore magical islands, mysterious dungeons, or even travel through time.

2. They Encourage Learning (Without Kids Even Realizing It)

Yep, many adventure games sneak in history lessons, puzzles, strategy, and critical thinking. The best part? Kids experience it all while having a blast.

3. They Build Emotional and Social Skills

Many games come with characters facing challenges, making decisions, and showing empathy. It’s like watching an animated movie where you're the main character — and every choice matters.

10 Games That Take Kids on Virtual Adventures

Alright, time to load up the gear and pick a destination. Here are 10 incredible games that whisk kids off to virtual worlds, each bursting with creativity, fun, and a bit of that old-school adventure magic.

1. Minecraft

Let’s start with a classic. If your kid isn’t already building castles or digging tunnels in Minecraft, they’re probably thinking about it.

Why it’s an adventure: Minecraft is like a digital LEGO world but with portals to other dimensions, dragons, zombies, and endless possibilities. Kids can explore, survive, craft, and even go on custom quests created by the global community.

Age Range: 7+

Adventure Factor: 🌍🌋🐉

2. LEGO: Harry Potter Series

Now, who doesn’t want to step inside Hogwarts? These games let kids (and big kids — a.k.a. adults) relive the entire Harry Potter series… brick by brick.

Why it’s an adventure: From magic duels to potion brewing and flying lessons, this game is packed with wizarding fun. Plus, the light-hearted LEGO humor makes it a family favorite.

Age Range: 8+

Adventure Factor: 🧙✨🧱

3. Ori and the Blind Forest

Here’s one that hits you emotionally while taking you on a breathtaking journey through a magical forest.

Why it’s an adventure: Kids follow Ori, a glowing guardian spirit, through beautifully designed landscapes filled with puzzles, platforming, and heartwarming story moments. It's a bit challenging, but oh-so-worth it.

Age Range: 10+ (younger with supervision)

Adventure Factor: 🌲💫💔

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Sure, it’s not about slaying dragons or jumping off cliffs, but make no mistake — this is its own kind of adventure.

Why it’s an adventure: Kids build their own dream island, befriend cute animal villagers, fish, catch bugs, and decorate their homes. It teaches life skills like time management and even budgeting — all while being ridiculously cute.

Age Range: 6+

Adventure Factor: 🏝️🎣🐻

5. ABZÛ

Ever dreamed of being a scuba diver swimming alongside whales and mysterious sea creatures? ABZÛ makes that dream a reality.

Why it’s an adventure: It’s a peaceful, visually stunning underwater journey. There's a subtle story about restoring life to the ocean, and the music is absolutely dreamy.

Age Range: 7+

Adventure Factor: 🐠🌊🐋

6. Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Okay, this one’s for the slightly older kids (and maybe those of us who are kids at heart).

Why it’s an adventure: It’s a massive open world where players control Link in his quest to save Hyrule. Explore snowy mountains, deep caves, and ancient ruins. Ride horses, cook meals, and take on mythical beasts.

Age Range: 12+

Adventure Factor: 🏹⚔️🌄

7. Dreams (PS4)

This one's like a game-maker, dream-builder, and art studio rolled into one.

Why it’s an adventure: Kids can literally create their own adventures or dive into thousands made by other players. One day you’re exploring a haunted mansion, and the next you’re flying through space. It’s like Netflix for the imagination.

Age Range: 10+

Adventure Factor: 🎨🪐🧠

8. Scribblenauts Unlimited

This game is like a vocabulary-powered magic wand.

Why it’s an adventure: Kids solve puzzles by typing any word they can think of. Need a flying fire-breathing dinosaur to cross a lava lake? Just type it in. Problem-solving meets creativity in this hilarious journey.

Age Range: 7+

Adventure Factor: 🧩📝🦕

9. Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

This hidden gem offers a truly cinematic adventure, thanks to the gorgeous animation and heartfelt story.

Why it’s an adventure: A young boy journeys between worlds to save his mom, battling creatures and unraveling mysteries. It feels like a fairytale from a Studio Ghibli movie (because it kind of is — they helped with it!).

Age Range: 10+

Adventure Factor: 😢🌍✨

10. Super Mario Odyssey

Mario's been on more adventures than most video game characters combined, but this one takes the cake.

Why it’s an adventure: Each level is a "kingdom" with its own theme — think deserts, cities, forests, and even food-themed lands. Kids travel the globe (and beyond) in a flying hat-ship while collecting moons and saving Princess Peach.

Age Range: 6+

Adventure Factor: 🍄🌍🥳

How to Choose the Right Adventure Game for Your Kid

With so many epic worlds to explore, it might be tough to pick the right one. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1. Know Their Interests

Is your kid obsessed with animals? Try Animal Crossing. More into magic and spells? LEGO Harry Potter is your jam.

2. Check the Age Ratings

Not all adventures are created kid-friendly. Always peek at the ESRB rating and (let’s be real) maybe even watch a quick YouTube gameplay clip.

3. Play Together

Yep, seriously. Some of the best memories come from co-op gaming. Plus, it gives you a chance to monitor content while bonding like never before.

The Real-World Benefits of Virtual World Adventures

Let’s round this out with a little heart. These games do more than entertain — they inspire.

Kids who play adventure games often:

- Develop problem-solving skills by tackling in-game puzzles.
- Build confidence through completing quests and challenges.
- Expand their vocabulary (thanks, Scribblenauts!).
- Learn empathy by connecting with well-written characters.
- Gain cultural understanding through games set in diverse worlds.

So yes, while screen time should always be balanced, don’t discount the value of a good virtual adventure. It might just be the spark that lights your child’s next big passion — whether it’s storytelling, programming, art, or even marine biology (looking at you, ABZÛ).

Final Thoughts: Let the Adventures Begin!

In a world filled with distractions, it’s refreshing to find games that don’t just entertain but enrich. Adventure games give kids a taste of going somewhere new — without ever leaving the living room. They’re safe, imaginative, and more meaningful than most people give them credit for.

So whether you’re handing a controller to a bright-eyed six-year-old or tagging along on their digital quest, remember: every great hero’s journey starts with a single step… or button press.

Let the adventures begin!