The Best Calm Video Games for Children Under 10

Why Calm Video Games Matter for Younger Kids

If you're a parent of a child under 10, chances are you've grappled with how much – and what kind of – screen time to allow. Video games can stir up a whirlwind of emotions: guilt, frustration, worry. We all want our kids to be happy, entertained, and maybe even learning something along the way. But what if your child craves video games while you're desperate for some peace and quiet in the house?

Contrary to what we often hear, not all video games are overstimulating or addictive. In fact, some can be gentle, soothing, and even help children develop patience, creativity, or mindfulness. Choosing the right kinds of games can turn screen time into a supportive tool rather than a stress point in your day.

The Qualities of a Calm Game

Before diving into specific games, it’s helpful to understand what makes a video game calming. Many popular titles aimed at kids are loaded with fast action, competition, and nonstop stimuli—which can be overwhelming, especially for children already struggling with learning difficulties or mental overload from school.

Instead, look for games with these characteristics:

• Slow-paced Gameplay: These games don’t rely on quick reactions or stress-inducing timers.
• Open-ended Exploration: There are no “winners” or “losers,” just peaceful discovery.
• Soothing Soundscapes: Music and sounds are designed to calm, not excite.
• Minimal Violence: The focus is on cooperation, creation, or storytelling.

Soothing Games Kids Actually Enjoy

Not every calm game needs to look like a digital zen garden. Kids still want to have fun, and that’s okay. The trick is finding titles that balance ease and engagement without overwhelming them.

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)
Life on a cozy island filled with adorable animals? Sign us up. This game invites players to build, decorate, and explore at a gentle pace. There’s no rush, no competition—just the delight of collecting shells and chatting with cheerful neighbors.

2. Alba: A Wildlife Adventure (Available on Console, PC, and Apple Arcade)
Alba is on vacation on a Mediterranean island—and she's on a mission to save local wildlife. With gorgeous visuals and a gentle plot, this game encourages kids to care about nature, take photos, and explore quiet surroundings.

3. Toca Nature (iOS and Android)
More than a game, Toca Nature is a serene digital playground. Children plant trees, raise mountains, and observe animals in their natural environment. It’s an interactive and lightly educational experience with beautiful sound design that invites calm focus.

4. Monument Valley (iOS and Android)
This beautifully designed puzzle game challenges players to navigate through surreal landscapes at their own pace. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and makes abstract problem-solving feel like a form of meditation. Ideal for older kids in the 8–10 range.

When Screen Time Still Feels Like Too Much

Even the calmest games can become problematic if a child struggles with boundaries or has trouble making transitions. This is why it’s helpful to have other relaxing, screen-free activities ready to offer when needed.

One excellent alternative—or complement—to calm video games is audio-based storytelling. It taps into imagination, supports language development, and gives young minds a break from constant visual input. Audio stories can be especially powerful for winding down after school or before bedtime.

That’s where tools like the LISN Kids App come in. This beautifully curated platform offers original audiobooks and episodic stories designed for kids aged 3 to 12. Whether you're looking for fairy tales, mysteries, or playful adventures, LISN Kids is available on iOS or Android. It’s a comforting, screen-free addition to your quiet-time toolbox.

Adding Calmness to a Tech-Filled Home

Introducing calm games and soft media like audio stories won't cure every screen-related struggle, but it will help bring more equilibrium to your family rhythm. If your child is used to stimulating or fast-paced games, making the shift toward something calmer may take time—and that’s okay.

What matters more is the tone that you set around media use in general. Creating screen-free moments, especially during transitions like after school or before bedtime, can reduce resistance and improve emotional stability. If you’re not sure how to start, you might find these ideas for weaving in screen-free moments especially useful.

Putting It All Together

Parenthood in the digital age often includes an ongoing negotiation with content and devices. But the goal isn't to remove screen time entirely—it's to curate it so that it aligns with your child's needs, temperament, and energy levels.

If your child is under 10 and struggling with school-related stress or sensory overload, calm video games can offer not just entertainment but a subtle form of support. And when it's time to power down the screen, story-driven audio platforms like LISN Kids offer a natural, enriching bridge to offline quiet time.

As always, trust your instincts, observe your child’s responses, and know that you’re not alone in trying to make thoughtful choices in a complex digital world. If you're wondering when it's even appropriate to introduce gaming in the first place, this article may help, as well as this guide on whether to delay gaming altogether for younger children.