When the Nintendo Wii first came out, people marveled at the Wii Remote that allowed for easier game play through motion detection  This opened up a whole new audience who were not so dexterous  with their hands but wanted to participate.  Little kids especially caught on really quick that swinging the Wii Remote about determined their onscreen character’s movement.  This led to a lot of good family fun around the living room.  If you are looking for some Wii games that are kid friendly, have a look at the top 10 family friendly Wii games.

You pretty much cannot go wrong with any game title that has Mario on the box.  Mario is pretty much the face of the Nintendo franchise so you know that anything associated with him is kid friendly.  It is therefore no surprise that his mug dominates the top ten Wii games for kids.

1. Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

This Wii racing game got heaps of praise from the critics and gaming fans alike.  It is kid friendly and will also hold the interest of experienced gamers as well.  Why?  Because it is just a lot of fun.  There are a lot of different tracks to choose from, play as different characters and race a variety of vehicles.   For the first time ever in this game’s history, you can race motorcycles as well.   Mario Kart Wii also comes with a racing wheel that is easy to navigate for little kids.  After all, what kid doesn’t want to pretend to drive?  Just wait until he or she gets older!

2. Super Mario Galaxy

Here’s another game for new and old fans of Super Mario.  This time, he’s out in space trying to find the perpetual damsel in distress, Princess Peach.  Enjoy the twist in this 3D game as Mario explores galaxy after galaxy where gravity rules do not apply.  As you progress in the game, Mario will also don specialty suits to progress in his quest.  The funny animation is utterly charming.  You will also marvel at the backdrop of the graphics as it is absolutely spectacular.   Who says that Wii games have bad graphics?  Super Mario Galaxy certainly dispels this notion.

3. New Super Mario Bros.

The New Super Mario Brothers game should bring back a lot of nostalgia for old fans.  This is the game that started the Mario craze except this time it has been brought over to the Wii with a lot of new tricks up Mario’s sleeve.  First off, there is simultaneous play.  That’s right, player 2 does not have to wait until player 1 goofs up.  The New Super Mario Bros. supports simultaneous play of up to 4 players.  This is what makes the game great as families can play together.  Parents can relieve their memories of a classic game while making new ones with their kids.

4. Animal Crossing: City Folk

Animal Crossing: City Folk is a departure from the usual action oriented arcade games.  This is because Animal Crossing is a real life simulation game.  You live in a little town and you interact with your animal neighbors.  There’s not a bad guy in sight.  There’s always something to do as you run around town doing errands in exchange for money.  Then, you can buy things for the house and such.  It sounds simple but it’s a lot of fun as well.  There’s just something about creating your own little world and the need to improve it that makes this game addicting.  It’s a suitable game for the whole family.

5. Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga

There is just something utterly charming about Lego characters portraying “real life” characters.  The real life characters in this case being iconic Star Wars characters spanning all the six movies of the prequels and sequels.  That’s a long time… which is why both parents and kids will enjoy this game.  Parents will relate to Star Wars from their age and kids will relate to the Star Wars of their generation.  One warning however.  There is some cartoon violence so perhaps this game is best suited for slightly older kids 10 and up.

6. Wii Sports Resort

When the original Wii Sports game came out, I remember watching a Youtube video of a kid playing Wii tennis.  This kid could not have been older than 4 years old.  That’s how easy the game was to play.  Talk about kid friendly.  In this sequel to the Wii classic game, we have Wii Sports Resort.  There are more games to be played and you guessed it, it’s at a resort.  Included in the game are 12 activities, with two of them being updates to the original – golf and bowling.  The 10 new activities include: swordplay, wakeboarding, frisbee, archery, basketball, table tennis, power cruising, canoeing, cycling, and air sports.  With this roster of activities, no doubt you’ll feel so submerged in your game play that you’ll feel like you’re at a family resort!

7. Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board

Here’s another update to a Wii classic game.  In the original Wii Fit, it taught families how to get off the couch and exercise while having fun.  In the Wii Fit Plus sequel, there are 15 new balance mini games as well as new strength and yoga activities.  The emphasis this time around is on customization of routines and you can create your own routine based on your objectives and the time you want to spend exercising.  There are many more features including enhanced multiplayer game mode and pet profiles.  The family that exercises together, stays fit together!

8. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree

If you like to spend quality time with the family and boost your brain power,  then the Big Brain Academy is for you.  This is a mental game for all ages and it is a big motivation for little kids to get medals after completing their mini games.  The different levels for solo mode in this game are easy, medium, hard, and expert.  You can also put your brain power to the test in multiplayer mode.  In this mode, you can select mind sprint, mental marathon and brain quiz.  Since this game allows for eight players, you can get the whole family playing in teams or separately and battle for bragging rights on who is the bigger brain!

9. Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 with Dance Mat

Dance Dance Revolution is a good game to have whenever you have a gathering of people and this includes family members.  The moves that your relatives can pull off might shock you and put them in a whole new light!  Whether you are a good dancer or not is not the point of this game.  The point is to participate and join in the fun!  This is a must have party game for the whole family.

10. Wii Rock Band 2 Special Edition

In the post for the Top 10 Wii Online Games, I had picked Guitar Hero World Tour Band Kit for Wii Deluxe Kit as the music playing game to get. However, there really isn’t that much difference between these two quality, outstanding games. It is a matter of personal preference. That is why I’m picking Rock Band 2 as a Top ten Wii game for the family. Who knows, by playing this game you might discover some hidden musical talents in your family.   Can you imagine being the next traveling family band?

Even though the chosen 10 best family Wii games are numbered in this list, they are all great games to play.  Some might be geared more towards slightly older kids, but the games are designed for good clean fun for all family members.