HT Games
Video Games
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rates each game released for a major console for content in terms of age. The ratings range from "Children" to "Adults Only" and include the rating "Everyone 10+." This rating means that these games, including games like the "LEGO Star Wars" series, the "Rock Band" games and "Spare Parts" are suitable for anyone in the 11 and up age range. Look for the ESRB stamp on the game you are considering buying, often located on the lower-left corner of the box.
Board Games
A lot of board games are slightly more sophisticated than those aimed at children, and kids in the 11-and-up age range are ready to start playing them. "Battleship," "Operation" and "Clue" are some of these games. "Scrabble," "Monopoly" and "Life" are also labeled appropriate for these kids, but they are a bit more complicated. Adults playing with kids may want to account for the learning curve on some of these games, letting their kids win a couple of games to pique their interest.
MMORPGs
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) include games like "World of Warcraft," which is rated "T for Teen" by the ESRB. However, are a huge number of these games are also appropriate for tweens and young teens, such as "Free Realms," "Wonder King Online," and "Luna Online." If your kids are more interested in other types of games, you could play a dancing game like "Audition" or a sports game like "Fantasy Tennis Season 2."
Flash Games
Small developers and garage programmers put together games in Flash. Not all of these games are appropriate for younger kids, but many websites have complicated and intriguing games 11-year-olds will get into. "Casual Collective," for example, has games which are easy to learn and addictive, but deep and appropriate for most kids. Girls may also really enjoy games like "Runway Challenge" or "McHamburg," centered on dress-up and cooking.