Fun And Free Downloadable Apps For Kids That Are Just Like MineCraft

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When I was a kid, my classmates and I were obsessed with Mario, Zelda and Mike Tyson’s Punch Out, lol. Now I’m raising children who are obsessed with pickaxes and cement blocks. How times have changed.

When my son turned 7, he came home from school one day and asked if I can download an online game for him called ”MineCraft”.

Now, I had heard about MineCraft, but I had never played it myself, so I had no idea what this online virtual game was all about, or if it was safe for a 7 year old child to play. I also definitely did not want to pay for an app that I wasn’t sure he was going to enjoy.

However, while at the app store, I noticed free apps with similar aesthetics to MineCraft—and I ended up downloading a gaming app called MultiCraft and other Minecraft “clones” that both of my kids enjoy to this day.

What Are Build And Craft Games All About?

As I’ve watched my son play MultiCraft for the past few years, I’ve come to the conclusion that MultiCraft and similar apps are basically virtual LEGOs with endless possibilities.

Though these games allow you to choose between survival and craft mode, my son seems to enjoy the latter—he enjoys creating homes and building structures that never cease to amaze me. And I think it’s really neat that he’s found this love for engineering and architecture that I didn’t know existed.

These kid-friendly building apps also do not involve any missions like MineCraft does. And while there is a chat option to communicate with other players, my son doesn’t have a need to use it, and the kids that are on chat mode simply ask for help or tips on building stuff—it’s very rated G.

What Are The Benefits Of Build And Craft Apps?

I have noticed several benefits to allowing my child play with building apps that consist of the following:

A Better Understanding Of Math And Engineering

I have noticed that since my son started playing MultiCraft, he’s more aware of and quick to point out geometric shapes everywhere we go. He’s also problem solving and figuring out how to make things fit together.

Increased Interest In Science (Particularly Geology)

MultiCraft has taught him all about different rocks and mining elements like obsidian, coal, iron, quartz, etc., and it’s really neat that he likes to research and learn more about these when he’s not on the app.

Fosters Creativity

As I’ve mentioned earlier in this post, my son’s newfound engineering and design skills have surprised me on many levels. He’s able to express his creativity in a safe and controlled virtual environment, and the pride that he has in his creations are priceless.

Helps Him Destress And Unwind

Building apps are a great way for your child to relax and unwind after a long day at school. When my son comes home from school, we allow him around 30 minutes of iPad time—which he really looks forward to.

These kid-friendly building apps are really great outlets, and I think that they are awesome alternatives to not only Minecraft, but traditional video games as well.

According to Katie Davis, author of Technology’s Child: Digital Media’s Role In The Ages And Stages Of Growing Up, “Minecraft, still among the most popular digital games played by children, is one example of a game that gives children opportunities to collaborate, compete, or just have some silly fun with friends”.

Some of these recommended apps are even made for players as young as 4 years of age, while most others are recommended for ages 9 and older—this is based on difficulty level, but my daughter was able to use the apps at age 3.

Without further ado, below are some of our family’s favorite Minecraft alternatives for young children that your kiddo(s) will really enjoy.

Free Downloadable Minecraft Alternatives For Kids

MultiCraft: Mine And Build

Developer: MultiCraft Studio

Age: 9+ (but, my 4 year old plays this too cause its so easy!)

Tagline: “World of unlimited opportunities.”

MultiCraft is the very first buidling app that I downloaded for my son and I honestly could not tell the difference between the actual MineCraft game and this free [copycat] version because the aesthetics are so identical.

This virtual building game contains almost the exact same features like: mobs, animals and building tools.

Like MineCraft, MultiCraft can be played in both survival and creative mode, and the only difference is lack of the infamous creepers. You do, however, get to spawn animals and villagers.

This game is for age 9 and up, but in my opinion it’s easy enough for a child as young as 3-4.

DINOCRAFT: Survive & Craft

Developer: Survival, Explore and Craft Games, LLC

Age: 9+

Tagline: “Dive into the world of prehistoric times with dinosaurs nearby. ”

In this app, your child is basically a caveman (or cavewoman) that can either build or play in survival mode.

This app is no different than all the other Minecraft alternatives with the exception of some really cool dinosaurs walking around.

Hence, if your child is into dinosaurs as well as virtual building, then this is a great app to download. This app is easy-going, easy to navigate, and the prehistoric theme is really cute. It’s available for free download on Amazon for android devices, and free for all devices at the apple AppStore.

BOOMCRAFT : Adventure & Building

Developer: Big8 Labs LTD

Age: 4+

Tagline: “An endless environment for building all your perfect buildings.”

Out of all the Minecraft clones, BoomCraft is perhaps the most basic and “little kid” friendly. It’s strictly all about building and doesn’t involve any mobs or weird creatures that try to raid your home.

BoomCraft is a very easy-going virtual game for kids, and easy enough for my 3 year old to navigate.

So if you’re looking for the most “rated G” building app out there, this is the MineCraft clone that you want to download. It’s available on the Apple AppStore and Google Play.

KAWAII WORLD: Craft & Build

Developer: Bohdan Khylko

Age: 9+

Tagline: “a world of unlimited opportunities”.

Kawaii World may look feminine due to the pink color scheme, but both girls and boys, really enjoy playing this app.

This particular app begins with a pre-built house that your child can furnish and decorate, or you can venture out and build a whole new one.

Kawaii World gives your child the option of playing in both survival and builder mode, and your child can spawn a lot of really cute animals, villagers and traders.