The Best PS5 Games For Kids

The PlayStation 5 library features an extensive selection of titles specifically designed to provide age-appropriate entertainment and accessible gameplay for children. These games range from creative sandbox environments and cooperative kitchen simulations to high-speed racers and expansive 3D platformers. Developers often utilize the unique features of the console, such as haptic feedback and simplified control schemes, to ensure younger audiences can navigate complex worlds with ease. By focusing on colorful visuals, problem-solving, and team-based mechanics, these titles offer engaging experiences for families. This list highlights the best-performing games for kids on the platform based on critical reception and logical gameplay quality.

‘Paw Patrol World’ (2023)

Developed by 3D Clouds and published by Outright Games, this open-world adventure allows players to explore iconic locations from the popular animated series. Children take control of various pups from the team to complete missions and stop Mayor Humdinger’s chaotic plans. The gameplay is designed with a focus on exploration and simple puzzle-solving that is accessible to very young children. It features a cooperative mode that enables two players to work together locally to find collectibles and unlock new outfits. The title utilizes the voice cast from the show to maintain an authentic experience for fans of the franchise.

‘LEGO 2K Drive’ (2023)

Visual Concepts developed this open-world racing game, which was published by 2K to offer a brick-based driving experience. Players explore the vast world of Bricklandia, where they can participate in races, complete challenges, and interact with quirky characters. One of the central features is the Garage, which allows players to build custom vehicles from scratch using over 1,000 unique LEGO pieces. The vehicles automatically transform based on the terrain, shifting between street cars, off-roaders, and boats seamlessly. The game supports local split-screen and online multiplayer for competitive or cooperative play.

‘Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville’ (2019)

Developed by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts, this third-person shooter brings the long-running conflict between plants and zombies into an expansive social hub. Players can choose from 20 fully customizable character classes, including returning favorites and new additions like the Ninja Mushroom. The game features three free-roam regions and several multiplayer modes that focus on objective-based combat. It includes a split-screen couch co-op mode, allowing family members to team up against computer-controlled enemies or other players. The vibrant art style and humorous tone are designed to appeal to younger audiences interested in competitive action.

‘Sonic Superstars’ (2023)

Developed by Arzest and Sonic Team and published by Sega, this title returns the franchise to its classic 2D side-scrolling roots with modern 3D graphics. Players can choose between Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose, each possessing unique movement abilities like gliding or double-jumping. The game introduces Emerald Powers, which grant special skills such as swimming up waterfalls or creating clones to defeat enemies. It is the first entry in the series to feature a local four-player cooperative campaign, allowing a full group to play through the story together. The fast-paced gameplay is balanced with checkpoints and accessible difficulty levels suitable for younger fans.

‘Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged’ (2023)

Developed and published by Milestone, this racing sequel expands on the toy-car aesthetic with over 130 different vehicles to collect. Players race across diverse environments such as a backyard, a mini-golf course, and a gas station, all featuring the iconic orange tracks. The game introduces new mechanics like jumping and lateral dashing, which add a layer of strategy to the high-speed arcade racing. It includes a comprehensive track builder that allows kids to design their own courses and share them with the global community. Local split-screen play is supported, enabling two players to compete head-to-head on the same television.

‘Bugsnax’ (2020)

Young Horses developed and published this unique adventure game where players investigate the mysterious Snaktooth Island. The gameplay involves tracking, capturing, and cataloging over 100 different species of ‘Bugsnax’ using a variety of traps and gadgets. When the island’s inhabitants consume these creatures, their physical features transform into the food they have eaten. The story focuses on themes of friendship and community as the player helps the Grumpuses rebuild their town. The PlayStation 5 version utilizes the DualSense controller to mimic the sounds and vibrations of the various creatures as they are caught.

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ (2020)

Sumo Digital developed this 3D platforming spin-off of the ‘LittleBigPlanet’ series, with Sony Interactive Entertainment serving as the publisher. Players guide Sackboy through a series of handcrafted levels to stop the villainous Vex from turning Craftworld into a nightmare. The game emphasizes cooperative play, allowing up to four players to navigate challenges that require teamwork and coordination. It features a wide array of customization options, with hundreds of costume pieces available to unlock throughout the journey. The tactile art style and rhythmic levels set to popular music provide a sensory experience specifically tuned for younger players.

‘Overcooked! All You Can Eat’ (2020)

Developed by Ghost Town Games and published by Team17, this compilation includes remastered versions of both ‘Overcooked!’ titles and all their additional content. Players must work together in increasingly chaotic kitchens to prepare and serve food orders under strict time limits. The game features an “Assist Mode” specifically designed for younger or less experienced players, which allows for longer round timers and slower recipe expiration. It supports both local and online multiplayer, facilitating cooperative communication between family members. The PlayStation 5 edition offers 4K resolution and 60 frames per second for a smooth and visually clear experience.

‘Kena: Bridge of Spirits’ (2021)

Ember Lab developed and published this action-adventure title that follows a young spirit guide on a quest to restore a corrupted forest. Players collect and lead a team of small, cute spirit companions known as the Rot, who assist in combat and puzzle-solving. The game features a striking visual style reminiscent of animated films, combined with fluid movement and magical abilities. While the combat can be challenging, the game offers several difficulty settings to make the experience more manageable for children. Exploration is rewarded with hidden collectibles and cosmetic hats for the Rot followers.

‘Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time’ (2020)

Toys for Bob developed this modern sequel to the original trilogy, which was published for PlayStation 5 by Activision. The game features traditional linear platforming levels filled with crates, Wumpa fruit, and hidden gems. Players can switch between Crash and Coco, while also taking control of other characters like Dingodile and Tawna in specific sections. The introduction of Quantum Masks provides new powers, such as the ability to slow down time or flip gravity, to overcome complex obstacles. A “Modern” play mode removes the limit on lives, allowing children to practice difficult sections without the fear of starting the entire level over.

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

TT Games developed this expansive title, which was published by Warner Bros. Games to cover all nine films in the main ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Players can explore dozens of planets in a galaxy-wide hub, choosing which trilogy to start with in any order. The game features over 300 playable characters, each belonging to specific classes with unique abilities for combat and puzzle-solving. The combat system was overhauled for this entry, introducing a more engaging third-person camera and combo-based mechanics. It maintains the classic LEGO humor and local drop-in, drop-out cooperative play that is a staple of the series.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge’ (2022)

Developed by Tribute Games and published by Dotemu, this side-scrolling beat ’em up is inspired by the classic arcade games of the 1980s. Players can choose from all four turtles, Splinter, April O’Neil, and Casey Jones, each with distinct stats and special moves. The game supports up to six players simultaneously in local or online play, making it ideal for large groups or family gatherings. The pixel art style and energetic soundtrack pay homage to the original animated series while providing modern, fluid combat mechanics. It features a story mode with a world map that allows players to revisit levels and complete challenges at their own pace.

‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’ (2018)

Toys for Bob developed this complete remake of the first three ‘Spyro the Dragon’ games, which was published by Activision. The collection features over 100 levels that have been meticulously rebuilt with modern graphics while maintaining the original layout and gameplay. Players control Spyro as he glides, breathes fire, and charges through various fantasy worlds to rescue dragons and collect treasures. The simplified controls and clear objectives make it an excellent entry-point for children new to 3D platformers. The PlayStation 5 runs the title via backward compatibility with improved loading speeds and visual stability.

‘Minecraft’ (2024)

Mojang Studios developed this native PlayStation 5 version of the world-renowned sandbox game, which was published in collaboration with Sony. The game provides a vast, procedurally generated world where players can build anything they can imagine using different types of blocks. Children can choose between Survival Mode, which involves resource gathering and monster defense, or Creative Mode, which provides infinite resources for building. The native PS5 edition features improved draw distances and technical stability compared to previous versions. It supports split-screen local play and cross-platform online multiplayer, allowing kids to collaborate with friends on different devices.

‘Astro’s Playroom’ (2020)

Developed by Team Asobi and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this title comes pre-installed on every PlayStation 5 console. The game serves as a technical showcase for the DualSense controller, using haptic feedback to simulate textures like sand, metal, and ice. Players guide Astro through levels based on the internal components of the console, such as the GPU Jungle and Cooling Springs. It is filled with references to PlayStation history, featuring hidden artifacts and cameos that celebrate past hardware and software. The intuitive controls and lack of a “game over” screen make it a perfect introductory experience for young gamers.

‘Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’ (2021)

Insomniac Games developed this interdimensional adventure, which was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as a showcase for the console’s SSD. Players control Ratchet and a new character named Rivet as they travel between different planets and dimensions instantly. The game features a wide array of imaginative weapons that utilize the adaptive triggers to provide different firing modes based on pressure. Its story focuses on themes of heroism and friendship, presented with high-quality animation that rivals major theatrical releases. The game includes comprehensive accessibility options, including a toggle for game speed to help younger players during intense combat sequences.

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, this title is a mandatory two-player cooperative adventure. The story follows a clashing couple who have been turned into dolls and must work together to return to their human forms. Each level introduces entirely new gameplay mechanics, ranging from flight simulations to puzzle-solving with magnets or time manipulation. The game requires constant communication and cooperation between players, making it a popular choice for parents to play alongside their children. It features a heartfelt narrative and a variety of competitive mini-games hidden throughout its imaginative world.

‘Astro Bot’ (2024)

Team Asobi developed this full-scale sequel to ‘Astro’s Playroom’, which was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment to critical acclaim. The game features over 50 distinct planets across multiple galaxies, each offering unique platforming challenges and mechanics. Players use new power-ups, such as a robotic bulldog for dashing or a pair of frog gloves for long-range punching, to navigate the environments. The game places a heavy emphasis on rescuing 300 different bots, many of which are styled after famous characters from the history of gaming. Its combination of polished mechanics, creative level design, and charming visuals makes it a standout title for players of all ages.

Please share your thoughts on these family-friendly titles in the comments.