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5 video games for educational screen time

For your kids, the word “educational” on a video game is synonymous with boring. But these games offer everyday lessons and creative fun.

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minecraft game cover with green and brown blocks and characters with pig and creeper Minecraft, $10-$30; Mojang
With a wide array of accessible devices and a cult following, Minecraft has become one of the most well-known games around the world, and you might already have it. But, the company recently released educational content in response to COVID-19 and remote schooling. Along with building new worlds and socializing, the game now offers downloadable worlds that have lessons on biology, fractions and virtual geographic tours (with one of Washington, DC!).
animal crossing new horizons game cover for nintendo switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons, $60; Nintendo
If your child is in search of an escape from your home and backyard, let them build their own deserted island in Animal Crossing, and they’ll learn to sell items for money, pay off debt and socialize with their neighbors. The game is full of intentional dialogue meant to get kids reading, and even has hidden biological facts on bugs, fossils, fish and more.
rock band 4 rivals game cover for play station and xbox Rock Band 4 Rivals, $60; Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
If your child is looking for a new at-home hobby, music lessons might have been your first thought. But instruments are quite expensive, and what happens when they abandon them come summer? Rock Band 4 will have your child feeling the music and gaining those fine-tuned motor skills. Plus, they might just want to learn to play for real after giving it a shot!
just dance 2020 game cover nintendo switch Just Dance 2020, $20-$30; Ubisoft
Getting in those extra daily lessons doesn’t just have to be about reading, writing or coding. Just Dance 2020 gives the whole family a chance to participate in at-home physical education with popular, upbeat songs. Plus, it’s a way to get those wiggles out when it starts to rain.
7 billion humans video game cover nintendo switch 7 Billion Humans, $15; Nintendo
To the child who wants to save the world, this game is for them. This game not only teaches the basics of computer programming (according to "The New York Times" gaming expert, Seth Schiesel), but it also has challenging, interactive puzzles, dozens of levels and “skip” features for those who may want to advance more rapidly.

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