Games That Teach History

Frequently when it comes to non-gamers, the act of sitting in front of a console or computer to play games is a hobby at best and a waste of time at worst. But did you know that there's a lot that can be learned from certain games? Many video games are set in historic time periods, and kids can learn many facts and details by playing. Here are some of our favorite history-related games. Who knows? You may even discover a new period of history that you like that will cause you to seek out more information from a library or other media source. If you're looking for another subject, you can also check out our list of the Best Math Games, Websites, and Apps.

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Mr. Nussbaum! Learning + Fun Poster Image
WEBSITE

Mr. Nussbaum! Learning + Fun

age 7+

Engaging teacher-created edu site helps kids learn.

URL: https://www.mrnussbaum.com/ (2012)
Geo Walk - World Factbook 3D Poster Image
APP

Geo Walk - World Factbook 3D

age 8+

Brilliantly designed app about Earth's people, places, more.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2011)
Railway Empire Poster Image
GAME

Railway Empire

age 8+

All aboard solid simulation of the rise of the rails.

Platforms: Linux , Nintendo Switch , Windows (2020)
The Time Tribe Poster Image
GAME

The Time Tribe

age 8+

Slow-paced adventure introduces players to history.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2013)
Who Was? Adventure Poster Image
APP

Who Was? Adventure

age 8+

Fun biography game drops knowledge on kids.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2018)
FactMonster Poster Image
WEBSITE

FactMonster

age 9+

Tons of fun info on topics from math to history to sports.

URL: http://www.factmonster.com (2012)
The Oregon Trail: American Settler Poster Image
APP

The Oregon Trail: American Settler

age 9+

Frontier building sim a fun, entertainment-focused sequel.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Kindle Fire (2011)
Assassin's Creed Odyssey – Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece Poster Image
GAME

Assassin's Creed Odyssey – Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece

age 10+

Education-focused historical tours without mature content.

Platforms: PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One (2019)
Attentat 1942 Poster Image
GAME

Attentat 1942

age 10+

WWII history brought to life in visually striking tale.

Platforms: Windows (2017)
Mayan Mysteries Poster Image
GAME

Mayan Mysteries

age 10+

Cartoony learning adventure about ancient Mayan culture.

Platforms: Linux , Mac , Windows (2012)
Mission US: A Cheyenne Odyssey Poster Image
GAME

Mission US: A Cheyenne Odyssey

age 10+

History adventure challenges kids to make difficult choices.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2013)
Mission US: Flight to Freedom Poster Image
GAME

Mission US: Flight to Freedom

age 10+

Riveting sim where choices decide fate of enslaved teen.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2012)
Mission US: For Crown or Colony? Poster Image
GAME

Mission US: For Crown or Colony?

age 10+

First-person history adventure asks kids to choose sides.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2011)
Neo Atlas 1469 Poster Image
GAME

Neo Atlas 1469

age 10+

16th century exploration sim uncovers new world of strategy.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch , Windows (2019)
The Talos Principle Poster Image
GAME

The Talos Principle

age 10+

Tech-focused sci-fi puzzler challenges, makes players think.

Platforms: Linux , Mac , Windows (2014)
East of the Rockies Poster Image
APP

East of the Rockies

age 11+

Moving, engaging look at WWII Japanese Canadian internment.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2019)
The Political Machine 2012 Poster Image
GAME

The Political Machine 2012

age 11+

Kids experience civics by building a dream candidate.

Platforms: Windows (2012)
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Poster Image
GAME

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

age 11+

Amazing world simulation can teach players about history.

Platforms: Windows (2016)
Echo: Secret of the Lost Cavern Poster Image
GAME

Echo: Secret of the Lost Cavern

age 12+

Historical adventure explores prehistoric art and culture.

Platforms: Mac , Windows (2010)
My Child Lebensborn Poster Image
APP

My Child Lebensborn

age 12+

Moving, immersive role-play about post-WWII discrimination.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2019)