Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bring the family together, and one great way to bond is by playing co-op games. Co-op games, where players work together toward a common goal, help build teamwork and communication while providing loads of fun. With so many family-friendly options available, it’s easy to find games that everyone can enjoy, from young kids to grandparents. If you’re looking for something that will engage everyone, check out the best video games for Thanksgiving —they’ll keep your holiday gathering fun and full of laughs.

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Super Mario Party Jamboree brings the ultimate party experience to your family game night with its exciting mini-games and colorful game boards. Right from the start, you’ll choose your favorite Mario characters and dive into over 110 mini-games that test your speed, skill, and strategy. The game’s co-op and competitive modes let everyone join in, making it perfect for family gatherings. Whether you’re collecting stars or teaming up to defeat Bowser, the game keeps the energy high and the fun non-stop. By the end of each round, you’ll be ready to jump back in and keep the party going!

Spelunky

Next on the Best Video Games for Thanksgiving list is Spelunky. This is a thrilling adventure game from Nintendo that challenges players to explore dangerous caves and underground tunnels. At the start, you guide your character through randomly generated levels filled with treasure, enemies, and hidden traps. The game requires quick thinking and fast reflexes as you navigate obstacles and fight off enemies. What makes Spelunky stand out is its mix of exploration and strategy—you never know what’s around the next corner, so every playthrough feels fresh. By the end of each level, you’ll find yourself eager to see what challenges the next cave will bring!

Escape Academy

Escape Academy is an exciting puzzle-solving game where you train to become an expert in escape rooms. From the moment you start, you’ll dive into clever challenges, working against the clock to solve mind-bending puzzles. The game features a variety of escape rooms, each with its own unique theme and set of clues. You’ll need to use logic, creativity, and teamwork to beat the clock and unlock new levels. Every puzzle feels rewarding as you uncover hidden secrets and race to escape. By the time you finish one room, you’ll be excited to jump into the next!

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Super Mario Bros. Wonder takes the classic Mario platforming formula and adds a fresh twist with vibrant new worlds and power-ups. From the moment you start, you’ll guide Mario and his friends through colorful levels filled with secrets, enemies, and clever obstacles. The game introduces the unique Wonder Flowers, which change the landscape and gameplay in surprising ways, keeping players on their toes. With smooth controls and exciting challenges, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. By the time you finish each level, you’ll be eager to see what wild transformations the next Wonder Flower will bring!

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley lets players step into the peaceful life of a farmer, offering a relaxing yet engaging experience. From the moment you start, you’re tasked with planting crops, raising animals, and building your dream farm. As the seasons change, so do the activities, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. Besides farming, you can also explore caves, fish, and even form friendships with the townspeople. Each day in Stardew Valley brings new opportunities, making it easy to lose track of time. By the end of a session, you’ll find yourself eager to return to your growing farm and the vibrant world around it!

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Sackboy: A Big Adventure invites players into a whimsical world of creativity and platforming fun. From the start, you’ll control Sackboy as he jumps, climbs, and fights his way through imaginative levels filled with colorful landscapes and quirky enemies. Each stage presents new challenges, hidden collectibles, and interactive obstacles, keeping gameplay engaging and dynamic. The game’s cooperative mode makes it perfect for family play, allowing multiple players to team up and tackle levels together. With its charming visuals and playful spirit, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a joyful journey that’s hard to put down. By the end of each level, you’ll be excited to see what delightful surprises the next adventure holds!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge brings the classic action of the turtles back to life in a fast-paced, side-scrolling beat ‘em up. Right from the start, you’ll control Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, or Raphael as they battle through waves of enemies. The game offers exciting combat with easy-to-learn controls, allowing players to unleash powerful combos and special moves. Teamwork is key in this game, as you can play with friends to take down Shredder and his minions. With its colorful, retro-style graphics and high-energy gameplay, Shredder’s Revenge captures the nostalgic fun of the original series. By the end of each level, you’ll be ready for the next action-packed battle!

Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2 turns the kitchen into chaotic fun as players work together to prepare and serve meals in some of the wildest settings imaginable. From the very first level, you and your team will have to chop, cook, and serve food as quickly as possible, all while navigating tricky obstacles like conveyor belts, moving floors, and even fire hazards! The fast-paced gameplay challenges your teamwork and communication skills as you race to fill orders before time runs out. The game’s frantic energy keeps everyone on their toes, and with new recipes and more complex kitchens at every level, the fun never stops. By the time you finish a round, you’ll be eager to dive into the next culinary challenge!

Conclusion

When you’re planning activities for Thanksgiving, don’t forget to include some co-op gaming. These best video games for Thanksgiving offer a perfect mix of excitement, teamwork, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re solving puzzles or battling together, these games help strengthen family bonds while keeping everyone entertained. So, grab a controller, gather around the TV, and let your family create lasting memories with these best video games for Thanksgiving!

The internet is a big part of everyday life, especially for kids. From watching videos and playing games to doing homework, children are spending more time online than ever before. While the internet offers a world of fun and learning, it also comes with risks. That’s why internet safety for kids is so important. As a parent, you can take simple steps to protect your child’s personal information and help them build smart online habits. Here are practical tips to keep your kids safe online.

Strengthen Privacy Settings

To keep your personal information safe, start by setting up strong privacy settings on your child’s apps and devices. Privacy settings control what data is shared, who can see it, and how it’s used. Make sure your child’s accounts are set to private, and review these settings regularly. When kids understand how privacy settings work, they learn to take control of their digital footprint and share only what’s necessary.

Talking with your kids about the importance of privacy can also help them understand why protecting their data is essential. Explain that even though sharing a photo or location might seem fun, it’s not always safe. This will encourage them to think twice before posting or sharing information online. With privacy settings in place, the next step in internet safety for kids is managing your child’s location data.

Manage Location Services

Location services on apps and devices can share your child’s exact whereabouts, which isn’t always safe. Make sure to check which apps are allowed to access your child’s location. For instance, it’s okay for a map app to know your location when you’re using it, but there’s no need for a game or social media app to track where your child is all the time. Adjust the settings so that apps can only use location data when they’re in use, or disable location services altogether if possible. After managing location settings, it’s time to talk about the browsers and search engines your kids are using.

Use Secure Browsers and Search Engines

When your child browses the internet, it’s important to use a secure browser that prioritizes privacy. Regular web browsers often track what users do online and collect their data. Some even target users with ads based on their browsing habits. However, secure browsers and search engines block this kind of tracking. Consider switching to a browser that emphasizes security features, or use a kid-friendly search engine that doesn’t store data or show ads.

Review App Permissions

Every app on your child’s device asks for permissions to access things like the camera, microphone, contacts, and location. While some of these permissions are necessary for apps to work correctly, others might not be. Review these permissions and turn off access to anything that doesn’t make sense. For example, if a game doesn’t need to use the microphone, there’s no reason for it to have access to it. Regularly check permissions to ensure apps don’t have more access than they should. Finally, be cautious when creating new online accounts.

Be Careful with New Logins

When signing up for new apps or websites, it can be tempting to log in using existing accounts, like Gmail or Facebook. While this option might be fast and easy, it can give the new app access to data from the existing account. Instead, consider creating a new account from scratch. This way, you can control exactly what information is shared and keep your child’s other accounts secure. If using an existing account is necessary, make sure to review what data the app is requesting and opt out of anything that isn’t essential.

Conclusion

In a world where kids are spending more time online, internet safety should be a priority for every parent. By managing privacy settings, controlling location services, using secure browsers, and being cautious about app permissions, you can help your child navigate the online world safely. Taking a few simple steps today can protect their personal information and teach them how to make smart choices online.

Encourage open conversations with your kids about internet safety, and make sure they know they can come to you with any questions or concerns. With your guidance, they can learn how to enjoy the internet without compromising their safety.