Best Mario Games For Family Fun

Hey there, awesome gamers and parents! Looking for some super fun games to dive into with your kids? Well, you've come to the right place, guys! We're talking about the best Mario games to play with kids, and let me tell you, there's a whole universe of pure joy waiting for you. Nintendo's iconic plumber isn't just for solo adventures; many of his escapades are perfect for co-op play, bringing families together for some epic button-mashing and laughter. We'll be exploring titles that are accessible enough for younger players but still offer enough charm and challenge to keep everyone engaged. So, grab your controllers, maybe a comfy couch, and let's jump into some of the most fantastic Mario experiences you can share with your little ones.

When we talk about the best Mario games to play with kids, we're looking for a few key things. First off, accessibility is huge. Can your youngest gamer pick it up without getting frustrated immediately? We want games that have intuitive controls and maybe some helpful features for newcomers. Second, co-op or multiplayer modes are essential. Playing together is the name of the game here. Whether it's helping each other out or a little friendly competition, shared experiences make gaming so much more special. Third, overall fun factor and charm. Mario games are legendary for their vibrant worlds, catchy music, and delightful characters. These are games that spark imagination and create lasting memories. Finally, age-appropriateness. We're aiming for games that are generally suitable for a wide range of ages, avoiding overly complex themes or challenging difficulty spikes that might alienate younger players. It's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone feels included and has a blast. We want to build a bridge of gaming fun between generations, and Mario is the perfect guide for that journey. It's not just about beating a game; it's about the shared journey, the high-fives when a tough level is cleared, and the giggles when something unexpected happens on screen. These are the moments that truly matter, and Mario games deliver them in spades. Let's get this party started!

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Ultimate Family Racer

Let's kick things off with a true champion in the best Mario games to play with kids: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch. Seriously, guys, if you're looking for a game that guarantees hours of fun, laughter, and maybe a tiny bit of friendly rivalry, this is it. Mario Kart has always been about accessible racing fun, but the Deluxe version takes it to a whole new level. With its vibrant tracks, iconic characters, and an arsenal of crazy power-ups, it's a recipe for pure joy. The controls are super easy to learn, making it perfect for even the littlest racers in the family. You can drift, you can boost, and you can unleash blue shells (use them wisely, folks!) to your heart's content. What makes it truly shine for family play is the local multiplayer. Up to four players can race on a single Switch, turning your living room into an arena of high-speed chaos. The game also includes smart steering and auto-acceleration options, which are game-changers for younger kids or those new to gaming. These features help keep players on the track and in the race, reducing frustration and keeping the fun factor high. Imagine your little one zipping around Rainbow Road, not constantly falling off, but actually keeping up and having a blast! It’s incredibly empowering for them.

Beyond the core racing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe offers a ton of content. There are tons of characters to unlock, each with slightly different stats, adding a layer of strategy that older kids and adults can appreciate. The sheer variety of karts, bikes, and gliders allows for customization, letting everyone express their style. And the tracks! Oh, the tracks are a visual feast, from tropical islands and Bowser's fiery castles to revisiting classic courses from previous Mario Kart games. The DLC packs, available with the Booster Course Pass, add even more incredible tracks, ensuring that the game feels fresh even after hundreds of hours of play. This means the fun doesn't stop; it keeps growing! The sense of accomplishment when you finally nail a difficult turn or land a perfect item hit is fantastic for kids. Plus, the bright colors, cheerful music, and playful animations are just inherently engaging and uplifting. It's the kind of game where even if you're losing, you're still having a great time thanks to the unpredictable nature of the items. A well-timed banana peel or a perfectly dodged red shell can turn the tide in hilarious ways, creating memorable moments. It’s more than just a racing game; it’s a social experience that brings people together, fostering communication and shared excitement. This is why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands tall as one of the absolute best Mario games to play with kids for sheer, unadulterated family fun.

Super Mario Odyssey: A Grand 3D Adventure

Next up on our list of the best Mario games to play with kids is the absolutely breathtaking Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch. If you're looking for a grand 3D adventure that's packed with charm, creativity, and plenty of opportunities for shared exploration, this is your ticket. Odyssey takes Mario on a globe-trotting journey across wildly imaginative kingdoms, each with its own unique theme, challenges, and secrets to uncover. What makes this game so fantastic for playing with kids is its flexible gameplay and the wonderful addition of assist mode. In assist mode, the game is made significantly easier. Mario has more health, he'll respawn closer to where he fell, and helpful visual cues will guide him and your child in the right direction. This means younger players can experience the thrill of a 3D Mario adventure without the steep learning curve that might come with older titles. It allows them to explore and enjoy the world at their own pace, fostering a sense of independence and accomplishment.

But the real magic of Super Mario Odyssey for family play lies in its co-op capabilities, albeit in a slightly unconventional way. While it's primarily a single-player game, one player can control Mario, and the second player can control Cappy, Mario's sentient cap companion. Cappy can be thrown to attack enemies, interact with objects, and even possess certain creatures and objects, letting you control them! This two-player dynamic is incredibly fun. Imagine one person focusing on navigating Mario through tricky platforming sections while the other uses Cappy to clear a path, stun enemies, or discover hidden collectibles. It requires communication and teamwork, making it a fantastic bonding experience. Your kids will love the feeling of contributing to Mario's success, and you'll love seeing their problem-solving skills in action. The sheer variety of kingdoms is astounding – from bustling cityscapes and lush jungles to eerie ghost towns and even a food-themed land. Each kingdom is brimming with Power Moons to collect, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. There are always new things to see and do, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. The game’s capturing mechanic, where Mario can throw Cappy to take control of various enemies and objects (like dinosaurs, tanks, or even a frog!), is incredibly innovative and provides endless amusement. It’s a constant source of surprise and delight for players of all ages. The music is catchy, the visuals are stunningly detailed, and the overall atmosphere is pure, unadulterated Nintendo magic. It’s a game that celebrates player freedom and encourages experimentation, making it an unforgettable journey for the whole family. Super Mario Odyssey truly embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery, making it a standout choice among the best Mario games to play with kids.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Classic Platforming Fun

If you're craving that classic 2D Mario platforming experience, then New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch is an absolute must-have and a top contender for the best Mario games to play with kids. This game takes the tried-and-true Mario formula – run, jump, stomp, and collect coins – and makes it accessible and incredibly fun for multiplayer shenanigans. What sets this game apart for family play is its robust multiplayer mode, allowing up to four players to run through the game’s massive world together. Everyone plays as a different character, with some characters like Nabbit and Toadette offering slightly easier gameplay mechanics. Nabbit, for example, doesn't take damage from enemies, making him a great choice for younger or less experienced players, while Toadette can transform into the super-powered Peachette. This thoughtful design ensures that players of different skill levels can participate and contribute to the team's success without feeling left behind. It’s all about teamwork and shared accomplishment!

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe features a sprawling world map filled with hundreds of levels, each offering new challenges, secret exits, and hidden items. The gameplay is pure Mario goodness: precise controls, satisfying jumps, and a constant sense of progression. The challenge ramps up gradually, ensuring that players are learning and improving as they go. The addition of Luigi U levels provides even more challenging stages for those looking for an extra kick. But the real joy comes from the chaos of multiplayer. Imagine trying to coordinate your jumps, avoid Goombas, and grab that last star coin while bumping into each other, accidentally knocking a teammate into a pit, or hilariously saving them at the last second. These moments of shared panic and triumph are what make multiplayer Mario so special. It’s not just about beating the game; it’s about the shared journey and the emergent stories that come from playing together. The game also includes the equally fun New Super Luigi U campaign, essentially doubling the amount of content and challenge. Furthermore, the inclusion of Super Mario Maker 2 (though a separate game) has shown the incredible potential of user-generated content in the Mario universe, and while U Deluxe is more curated, it still offers a vast amount of well-crafted levels. The bright, colorful graphics and upbeat music create an inviting and cheerful atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages. It’s a game that encourages cooperation, communication, and a good dose of playful competition, solidifying its place as one of the best Mario games to play with kids for those who love classic side-scrolling action.

Mario Party Superstars: Board Game Mayhem

When it comes to pure, unadulterated social gaming fun, Mario Party Superstars on the Nintendo Switch is an absolute knockout and a strong contender for the best Mario games to play with kids. This game brings the beloved board game formula back with a fantastic collection of classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era and a whopping 100 mini-games from across the entire Mario Party series. It’s essentially a greatest hits compilation designed for maximum fun with friends and family. The premise is simple: players move around a game board, collecting stars and coins, while engaging in a variety of hilarious and challenging mini-games after each round. This blend of strategic board movement and quick-fire mini-game action is incredibly engaging for all ages. The rules are easy to grasp, making it instantly accessible for younger players, while the mini-games offer enough variety and skill to keep older players on their toes.

What makes Mario Party Superstars particularly great for families is its focus on local multiplayer. You can play with up to four players on a single Switch, making it the perfect centerpiece for game nights. The mini-games are the heart and soul of the experience, ranging from simple button-mashing contests and memory challenges to more complex skill-based duels. There’s a mini-game for everyone, and the sheer variety means that no two playthroughs are ever the same. Some games rely on pure luck, others on quick reflexes, and some on a bit of strategic thinking. This diversity ensures that everyone has a chance to shine at some point. The boards themselves are beautifully recreated from classic entries like Mario Party, Mario Party 2, and Mario Party 3, complete with their iconic features and twists. Events on the board can dramatically change the course of the game, leading to unexpected comebacks and hilarious upsets. The sense of anticipation as you approach a star space or wonder what mini-game is next is palpable. While the game can be played online, its true strength lies in the shared laughter and groans that erupt when playing side-by-side. The competitive nature of the mini-games can be intense but is always tempered by the overall lighthearted and comical tone of the Mario universe. It’s the kind of game where you might find yourself cheering for your child to steal a star from you, or playfully strategizing together against another family member. This social interaction and shared experience are invaluable. Mario Party Superstars is more than just a collection of mini-games; it’s a platform for creating fun memories and fostering a playful competitive spirit, making it one of the absolute best Mario games to play with kids for a guaranteed good time.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Double the Fun!

Get ready for a double dose of awesome with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch, a phenomenal package that offers two distinct yet equally brilliant Mario experiences, making it a top pick for the best Mario games to play with kids. First, we have Super Mario 3D World, which expands on the 2D Mario formula by bringing it into a 3D space with a fixed camera perspective. It offers a fantastic blend of traditional platforming challenges with the freedom of 3D movement. The standout feature here for family play is, once again, its excellent multiplayer support. Up to four players can jump into the game together, each controlling a different character with unique abilities (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and later Rosalina). This allows for dynamic teamwork and strategic play as you navigate the brilliantly designed levels. Imagine coordinating your efforts to reach a high platform or using Peach's floaty jump to save a teammate from a fall. It’s cooperative play at its finest, fostering communication and shared problem-solving. The game is filled with imaginative worlds, clever level designs, and a delightful sense of progression. Power-ups like the Super Bell, which turns characters into cats, add a fun and unique twist to the gameplay, leading to hilarious moments as you scramble up walls or pounce on enemies.

Then there's Bowser's Fury, a completely separate, open-world adventure that’s more akin to Super Mario Odyssey but on a smaller, more focused scale. In this mode, one player controls Mario, while another player can control Bowser Jr., who assists Mario in various ways, like attacking enemies or finding hidden items. This co-op dynamic in Bowser's Fury is fantastic for pairs, allowing for a different kind of teamwork compared to 3D World. The world is vibrant and filled with secrets, and the constant threat of Fury Bowser adds an exciting, albeit manageable, element of tension. It's a more contained adventure that feels fresh and provides a great contrast to the level-based structure of 3D World. The combination of these two games in one package offers incredible value and variety. Whether you prefer the structured challenges of 3D World or the more open exploration of Bowser's Fury, there’s something here for everyone. The bright, cheerful aesthetics, coupled with the universally appealing gameplay, make this an accessible and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. It’s a celebration of Mario’s core gameplay, presented in ways that encourage interaction and shared enjoyment, cementing its status as one of the best Mario games to play with kids looking for both classic and modern adventures.

Conclusion: Choose Your Mario Adventure!

So there you have it, folks! We've explored some of the absolute best Mario games to play with kids, each offering a unique and fantastic way to bond over some screen time. From the chaotic fun of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the creative exploration of Super Mario Odyssey, to the classic platforming in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, the board game madness of Mario Party Superstars, and the dual adventures in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, Nintendo has truly outdone itself in creating games that families can enjoy together. Each of these titles prioritizes accessibility, engaging multiplayer, and that signature Mario charm that makes gaming a joy for everyone, regardless of age or experience level. Remember, the most important thing is the shared experience – the laughter, the teamwork, the 'aha!' moments when a puzzle is solved or a tough level is beaten. These games aren't just about winning; they're about creating happy memories and building connections. So pick the one that sounds like the most fun for your family, grab those controllers, and get ready for some unforgettable gaming adventures with the world's most famous plumber. Happy gaming, everyone!