What Makes VR Games for Kids So Popular in 2024?

Virtual reality (VR) offers a quickly developing tech that allows users to immerse into a three-dimensional environment and interact with the digital world inside of it. As VR tech becomes more family-focused and budget-friendly, VR games for kids go beyond gaming and entertainment.

VR Games for Kids: How Are They Different From VR Games for Adults?

In addition to the obvious difference between VR games for kids and titles for adults – violence, mature content, and difficult controls, there are a few distinctive reasons why there is a separate category for VR games for children and teenagers:

• Safety and Comfort of Wearing: Focuses on games designed to be physically safe and comfortable for children, considering the duration of play and potential motion sickness;
• Educational Value: Such games are not only fun but also offer educational content, fostering learning and development processes;
• Simpler Mechanics: Most paid and free VR games for kids are challenging according to the age group they are aiming for. However, there are some exceptions if you want your kid to play the title with “adult” mechanics and gameplay;

Also, the best VR games for kids are not merely about entertainment. They serve several key purposes.  Many VR games are designed with an educational slant, teaching subjects like science, history, and math in an immersive and interactive way. Some of the top VR games for kids of pre-school age can help develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and hand-eye coordination. Last but not least – VR provides a unique canvas for children to explore their creativity and imagination, offering experiences that are not possible in the real world.

VR Games for Kids: Major Categories

A growing trend in the entertainment and education sector involves children using VR devices and engaging games. By selecting appropriate equipment and games, parents and educators can offer children a variety of safe, enjoyable, and enriching experiences that surpass traditional play.

Some of the most popular VR game categories for children are:

• Educational: These games make learning fun, covering topics from the solar system to historical events, in an immersive, interactive manner;
• Physical Activity: Promote physical movement and coordination, using VR to encourage a healthy lifestyle among kids;
• Adventure: Offering exploration in safe, fantastical worlds, these games spark curiosity and encourage exploration;
• Creative and Artistic: Allow children to paint, build, and create in 3D spaces, fostering creativity and artistic skills;
• Puzzle and Strategy: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with challenges tailored to children’s cognitive abilities;

VR Games on Kids: Safety Concerns

Surely, the most important question for all parents – how safe are VR headsets for children and teenagers. Instead of hundreds of user reviews, it is better to stick to the official clinical research and test.

One of the primary concerns is the lack of comprehensive research on the long-term effects of VR on kids and teens. Studies indicate that VR technologies can influence neurological development, responsible for decision-making and social behavior. That is why some of the best free VR games for kids are designed for short sessions of 5-10 minutes, with the recommended restrained use.

Nevertheless, a study by Tychsen and Foeller offers a different perspective. Including 50 children aged from 4 to 10 years, the research found no significant adverse effects on their visual and motor functions after 30-minute sessions of VR play.

VR Games for Kids: Top Headsets Compared

Any virtual reality headsets combine 3D simulation with goggles and similar accessories. The majority of VR systems also include a handheld controller so players can interact with good VR games for kids. Most mass-market VR devices for kids vary from simplistic headsets that can hold a smartphone, offering basic VR experiences, to more sophisticated systems designed with children’s ergonomics in mind.

Major categories of VR headsets are:

1. Standalone VR Headsets: These all-in-one devices don’t require a connection to a computer or a smartphone to function. They are equipped with a user-friendly interface, making them suitable for building fun VR games for kids;
2. Mobile VR Headsets: These headsets use a smartphone as their display and processor. They are affordable and easily accessible, providing a good introduction to VR games for kids;
3. PC-Powered VR Headsets: Offering the highest quality of VR experiences, these headsets are connected to a PC. They are more suitable for older kids and teens due to their complexity;
4. Console-Powered VR Headsets: Specifically designed to work with gaming consoles, these headsets combine the ease of plug-and-play with the best VR games for kids, tailored for a young audience with appropriate content;

Many VR headsets are recommended for children and teens these days. These devices look different, are compatible with different systems/platforms, support different games, and offer exclusive content. The following table looks up the 6 most popular VR headsets allowed for children and teenagers in the United States. Surely, your choice is not limited to these devices but they are safe, easy to find online for sale, and set up for the first time.

Important notice: Compare the major features of each device and check their official website before making a decision!

Summing up, what should you look for when choosing a VR headset for your child? The most important factor to consider is age restriction. Some headsets are available only for the ages 13+, some are already recommended for 10-year-old kids. Another essential factor – is the vast library of family-friendly content. Also, your system requirements and available VR platforms are important.

10 Most Amazing VR Games for Kids: Family-Friendly and Educational Fun

Engage VR (2014)

‍Engage is more than one game; it is a huge communication platform focusing on education. The VR-supporting platform gives access to multiple mini-games that teach teens about the wonders of our world. Teachers can show their students virtual field trips and uncharted territories around the globe without the necessity to leave a classroom. It is one of the free VR games for kids with a massive library of VR items.

PEGI rating: 12+

Compatible platforms: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2

‍ Adventure Climb VR (2019)

Created by experienced mountain climbers, Adventure Climb VR offers an unmatched experience of climbing real mountains without leaving your living room. It offers a short but vivid VR experience being an ideal example of the best VR headset games for kids in the genre of realistic simulators. It is very immersive, fun, and challenging in all the right ways. Plus, the kids can overcome their fear of heights with the help of this safe game.

PEGI rating: 13 +

Compatible platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality (Steam VR group)

MOSS (2018)

Released in 2018, Moss remains one of the best PlayStation VR games for kids, though it is available on Windows PC as well. The main character, cute and brave mouse Quill, takes a player on a captivating action-adventure journey filled with puzzles and interesting small stories to learn. The game was a commercial success and got an even bigger sequel. Solve puzzles, combat evil forces, and become a winner in this family-friendly fantasy game!

PEGI rating: 7+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: PSVR2, PSVR1, Meta Quest

Angry Birds: Isle of Pigs VR (2019)

If you are a parent of a 10-year-old child, then you have probably heard about cartoons and games in the Angry Birds franchise. Once again, very angry birds fight the pigs who steal their babies. The VR experience adds even more fun to the classic formula of this ultimate children’s game. The game boasts a bright and eye-catching design along with multiple levels to explore.

PEGI rating: 3+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: PSVR2, PSVR1, Android, Microsoft Windows, Meta Quest, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go

Fantastic Contraption (2015+)

Another example of great education-focused PS4 VR games for kids, with so many to count. However, this particular title is not just about homework but also delivers fun. A kid should build different machines to complete the in-game challenges with limited resources. Combining the elements of puzzles and a physics simulator, it is quite a challenging but still relaxing game. It can be for those kids who like to build things in real life.

PEGI rating: 3+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Touch and PSVR

WHAT THE BAT? (2022)

One of the best-selling PS5 VR games for kids. Essentially, “What The Bat” is a bunch of mildly challenging physics-based puzzles but instead of hands you have… baseball bats. It turns out to be a hilarious experience, especially in the virtual reality environment. However, since you need to wave your hands a lot, it is better to play in a big room. Also, consider moving all the fragile objects while playing this awesome VR title.

PEGI rating: 3+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: Meta Quest 2, PSVR2

Tetris Effect: Connected (2018)

One of the most beautiful VR games for kids. Colors, effects, and the support of haptics make this VR reinvention of the classic Tetris experience a total eye candy. Plus, you may play this title along with friends in the co-op mode. This is an unforgettable experience that every VR gamer should try.

PEGI rating: 3+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: Meta Quest, Steam VR, PSVR1, PSVR2

Tilt Brush VR (2016)

Let your child become a new Picasso with the help of this interesting VR software. Tilt Brush VR offers a chance to make paintings in a virtual 3D world. Players can design almost any 3D object and then scale them up/down. Build, scale, and modify your works with different brushes and tools. You may add multiple effects to your 3D paintings – fire, smoke, neon lights, electricity, etc.

PEGI rating: 3+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus, Meta Quest, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index, PSVR

Beat Saber VR (2018)

One of the funniest VR games for kids ever created. Beat Saber is the ultimate fun for adults and kids letting them defeat tiny cubes in the rhythm of catchy music pieces. Each level is beautifully hand-crafted where you can sway your virtual lightsaber and feel like a music Jedi. Cut the cubes, dodge the obstacles, and dance while listening to the rhythmic melodies of this visually stunning VR game.

PEGI rating: 3+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: Meta Quest, PSVR1, PSVR2, Steam VR

‍Astro Bot: Rescue Mission VR (2018)

Meet one of the best PlayStation VR games for kids out there. Released by the talented Team Asobi in 2018, this Sony Playstation VR exclusive title is available only for PSVR1 users. However, such limitation is fully compensated by the interesting world to explore with the charismatic Captain Astro. Defeat robots, explore multiple bright levels, and enjoy classic platformer puzzles in this visually stunning game.

PEGI rating: 7+ (under parent’s supervision)

Compatible platforms: PSVR1

Surely, there are hundreds of VR headset games for kids out there. Make sure to check the video reviews, PEGI rating, and compatibility with your VR platform before buying a new game for your child.

Choosing The Safe VR Games for Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to start playing VR games on the Apple Vision Pro?

Apple Vision Pro is the latest addition to the lineup of contemporary VR headsets. So, it can be tricky to understand how to use it. The access is quite simple and seamless because of the integration of spatial games from the in-built Apple platforms – Apple TV application and Apple Arcade. Our advice is to look for required games from the Apple Arcade. However, both default apps for VR games on Apple Vision Pro are based on the subscription service. You have to pay at least $ 10 to get access to the vast pool of games on Apple Arcade.

2. Can a 10-year-old play Meta Quest?

Both VR headsets Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 are suitable for 10-year-old gamers in the United States – though, these age restrictions can vary from one country to another. Older versions of Meta Quest headsets are allowed only for gamers aged 13 years or older.

3. Is it possible to play Roblox on VR?

If your kid is eager to become a billionaire and chases the most expensive item on Roblox, consider buying them a VR headset. According to the official website, Roblox is currently available on such VR headsets as Oculus Rift, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2, and Quest 2 (with link), as well as HTC Vive and Valve Index on Windows OS devices. After connecting your VR headset to the gaming device, launch the game and activate the VR mode by togging “On” (Menu 🡪 Settings 🡪 VR 🡪 On).

4. Can you play Minecraft on VR?

Yes, you can. It is one of the most popular Oculus VR games for kids. You can play Minecraft on Windows OS only, and it supports an Oculus Rift headset as a free update if you already own the game on Steam.

Conclusion

Do not be afraid to introduce your kid to the creative world of VR games! The modern headsets are affordable, safe for children, include family-friendly content, and help to educate your children like no other interactive software out there. Also, VR games for kids can be so fun to play!