Want to introduce your toddler to gaming but don’t know where to start? These PEGI-approved titles for 3-year-olds should be your next stop!
This year’s UNICEF research proves video games can significantly improve the well-being of the youngest.
They support creativity, provide a sense of achievement, help regulate emotions, and encourage the development of problem-solving skills. However, finding a title that ticks all the boxes can be challenging.
If you’re unsure what to play with your kids, consider this guide about game recommendations for players aged three and above.
What is PEGI 3?
PEGI rating systems mark the age groups for which digital entertainment is most appropriate. Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) reviews video games to help parents make the best purchase for their children.
PEGI 3 marks products for the youngest age group (and gamers of all ages) that don’t contain images or sounds that may frighten young children. They also do not feature any crude language, and violence appears only in a comical or childlike setting.
Video Games for 3 Years Old
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Blanc | 2023-06-15 | Adventure | Casus Ludi |
 | Animal Crossing New Horizons | 2020-03-20 | Simulation | Nintendo EPD |
 | Lego 2k Drive Awesome Edition | 2023-05-16 | Adventure | Visual Concepts |
 | Lego Star Wars The Complete Saga | 2009-11-12 | Adventure | Feral Interactive (Mac) |
 | Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars | 2011-03-22 | Adventure | Traveller's Tales |
 | Lego Star Wars The Force Awakens | 2016-06-27 | Adventure | Feral Interactive (Mac) |
 | Minecraft Java Bedrock Edition | 2009-05-17 | Sandbox | Mojang |
 | Overcooked 2 | 2018-08-07 | Indie | Ghost Town Games |
 | Overcooked | 2016-08-03 | Action & Shooter | Ghost Town Games Ltd. |
 | Rayman Legends | 2013-08-29 | Adventure | Ubisoft Montpellier |
 | Rayman Origins | 2012-03-29 | Adventure | Feral Interactive (Mac) |
 | Little Kitty Big City | 2024-05-09 | Adventure | Double Dagger Studio |
 | Lego City Undercover | 2017-04-04 | Adventure | Traveller's Tales |
 | Spyro Reignited Trilogy | 2018-11-13 | Adventure | Toys for Bob |
 | Plants Vs Zombies Battle For Neighborville | 2019-10-18 | Action | PopCap Games |
 | Planet Zoo | 2019-11-05 | Simulation | Frontier Developments |
 | Race With Ryan | 2019-11-01 | Casual | 3D Clouds |
 | Paw Patrol The Movie Adventure City Calls | 2021-08-13 | Casual | Drakhar Studio |
 | Little Friends Puppy Island | 2023-06-27 | Casual | Big Blue Bubble |
Planet Zoo
| Release date: | 2019-11-05 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Frontier Developments |
This economic strategy allows your kid to care for animals in a zoo. It’s realistic, educational, and highly engaging!
Planet Zoo is your best bet if you need a video game that promotes wildlife conservation and environmental knowledge. It’s one of those titles that rewards kindness and empathy – the happier the animals, the more content the zoo owner!
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Race with Ryan
| Release date: | 2019-11-01 |
| Genre: | Casual |
| Developer: | 3D Clouds |
Preschoolers love Ryan’s YouTube channel, and if your kids do too, this racing video game is the answer to their gaming needs.
Equipped with a tutorial, vibrant environments, friendly characters, and exciting challenges, Race with Ryan is ideal for toddlers and the entire family. The game offers easy-to-follow controls and a steering assist option, so you can always help your child reach their racing achievements.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons
| Release date: | 2020-03-20 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Nintendo EPD |
It’s one of the most relaxing and coziest games gamers of all ages adore. Let your kid create their paradise island and help its friendly inhabitants!
Animal Crossing is a highly creative game that never ends. The title features easy controls, adorable characters, and engaging (but not overly challenging) quests. It’s one of those titles that connects people across generations, regardless of age.
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PAW Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls
| Release date: | 2021-08-13 |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Developer: | Drakhar Studio |
All kids love PAW Patrol, and this game lets them play as their favorite pups on rescue missions!
In addition to being one of the kids’ most beloved video games, this title is a real lifesaver for parents who encourage their children to learn new things. Visual aids describe solutions to each problem and what the child should do in a given situation. Plus, nothing’s better than saving the city in the charming companionship of the world’s most famous pups!
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Little Friends: Dogs & Cats
| Release date: | 2019-05-28 |
| Genre: | Simulator |
| Developer: | Imagineer |
Is your child dreaming of a pet? This game may be the best way to combine fun with learning about responsibility for a cute, living being.
This pet simulation game features a variety of dog and cat breeds, allowing players to own up to 12 and play with up to 3 at a time. Players can take their pets for walks, dress them up with over 600 accessories, and discover their unique personalities to forge deeper bonds.
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Conclusion
Games for 3-year-olds combine fun and gentle encouragement to learn more about the surrounding world. Young players can experience responsibility for their choices, develop strategic thinking, and enjoy their impact on digital reality.
These recommendations offer a brilliant start to more complex titles your children may want to enjoy in the upcoming years, giving them more confidence in the real and digital world.