With the holidays coming up, now’s probably a good time to start thinking about gifts for the kids.
If your children have a PS4 or PS5, you might be wondering about the best, or most suitable games for them. There are tonnes of games to choose from, after all, but not all games are made equally. It can seem like the majority of games are made with adults in mind these days, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t excellent titles suitable for kids out there.
Unless you’re an expert, it can be a minefield to know what PS4 games are suitable for children, and what games should be avoided. Sure, games have PEGI or ESRB ratings, but just because something is free of sex and violence doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something a seven-year old will enjoy playing.
If your kid is into video games and you’re looking for something new for them to play, read on. We’ve picked out the best PS4 games for children, all of which are available physically, and all of which are suitable for children of any age.
More game ideas for children and young players:
- The Best Educational Video Games for Kids (and Adults)
- Best Games For Kids on PS Plus Extra
- The Best Games for Kids on PS5
- Best PS4 Games for 3 to 4 Year Olds
- The Best PS4 Games for 5 to 6 Year Olds
Want to support GameSpew? If you decide to purchase any of the games on this list, please consider buying them through our Amazon links, included below each entry. It won’t cost you anything extra, but we’ll get a small slice of the purchase.
1. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
We absolutely adore Sackboy: A Big Adventure. This is a game for all the family – and indeed, some of its levels can be quite tricky – but there’s no denying that children will get a big kick out of this gorgeous, colourful adventure. Playing as the titular Sackboy – an adorable character made out of, well, a sack – players will make their way through multiple themed levels, decorated with papercraft elements. Each one is just as beautiful as the one that came before it.
Players will need to jump, glide and bash their way through each level, picking up orbs and other collectibles. One of the most fun elements of Sackboy: A Big Adventure that children will enjoy is the fact that you can dress Sackboy up. As you play you’ll uncover a range of dress-up items, kitting him out in everything from a Tiger outfit to a pretty little dress. Without a doubt, this is one of the best games for kids on PS4.
Read our review of Sackboy: A Big Adventure
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2. My Friend Peppa Pig
If there’s one thing that stands out about My Friend Peppa Pig, it’s that it looks exactly like the TV cartoon series. For us, that’s something quite special. Usually, video games go with their own art style, or try to recreate something in 3D that doesn’t quite work. But playing My Friend Peppa Pig is exactly like starring in your own episode of the cartoon. And for young children, that’s something quite special.
As a very simple game, My Friend Peppa Pig is definitely suited towards the youngest of players. Its simple control scheme – using only directions and one button – means even the smallest hands can get to grips with it. Players create their own character, becoming Peppa’s newest friend. And with Peppa, they’ll visit a range of familiar locations, having fun by flying kites, jumping in puddles, and gathering up chickens along the way. For pre-school aged children especially, this is one of the best games on PS4 for kids.
Read our review of My Friend Peppa Pig
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3. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
The latest LEGO game might also be the best we’ve had to date. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga covers all nine mainline Star Wars films, from Episode 1 all the way up to Episode 9. That’s a lot of LEGO Star Wars action, each chapter retelling the story of the film with added brick-smashing action.
If you’ve ever played a LEGO game from Traveller’s Tales, you’ll know what to expect: adventure-platforming gameplay coupled with brick-breaking, upgrade hunting and plenty of humour. If your little one is a Star Wars fan, or even if they just love LEGO, then you can’t go wrong with LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
Read our review of LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
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4. Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls
Chances are, your children are fans of Paw Patrol. Surely everyone under the age of seven or so is obsessed with this band of heroic pups? If that’s the case, then Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls is one of the best kids games on PS4. It’s the latest of three Paw Patrol games to release, and in our opinion, it’s the best.
This simplistic 3D adventure sees players taking control of each of the pups as they set out on an adventure across Adventure City. They’ll need to collect bones, and each pup will need to make use of their special skills. Marshall needs to put out fires, for example, while Rubble needs to use his digger. It’s a very easy game with simple controls, so even really young players will be able to enjoy this.
Read our review of Paw Patrol The Movie: Adventure City Calls
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5. Ben 10: Power Trip
Ben 10: Power Trip is undoubtedly one of the best PS4 games for kids. Of course, it’s particularly great if your child loves Ben 10, but even for those who aren’t familiar with the cartoon it offers an excellent open world adventure. It’s fun, varied, and never overly challenging, making it perfect for children from the age of around five.
In Ben 10: Power Trip, players take on the role of Ben 10 and his gang of aliens. Six of them appear in the game, and once they’re unlocked, players can switch between them freely. Each one has their own abilities – like lightning-fast running, or rock-climbing – allowing players to access new parts of the world. There are plenty of story missions to work through, but the surprisingly big open world has lots of secrets and quests to discover, too. It’s an excellent kids game for all ages.
Read our review of Ben 10: Power Trip
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6. Concrete Genie
Concrete Genie probably isn’t a game for the youngest of children, but those aged over seven or eight will get a massive kick out of it. It isn’t strictly a “game made for kids”, despite its family-friendly rating – it’s one that adults can very much enjoy too – but there’s nothing offensive or inappropriate for younger players here.
Aside from its absolutely beautiful visuals that will astound younger players, Concrete Genie is worth a play thanks to its heart-warming subject matter; it provides a means to discuss bullying, as well as the notion of escapism and wanting to get away.
In terms of gameplay, Concrete Genie has you running around, cleaning up areas of the world and painting on walls. Using motion controls means it’s fun for anyone to do, and players can select their own objects to draw from a library. Not only is a great game, it allows children to let some of their creativity run wild. We can’t recommend Concrete Genie enough as one of the best PS4 games for kids.
Read our review of Concrete Genie
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7. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
If you grew up in the 90s, chances are you’ll have fond memories of Spyro the Dragon. The cutesy purple dragon has made a comeback in recent years, so kids of today can enjoy the series too. The first three games of the series have been completely remastered in Spyro Reignited Trilogy, which contains Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.
Chances are, your kids will love Spyro just as much as you did back in the days of PS1. Just look how adorable he is! Spyro Reignite Trilogy packs in plenty of good old-fashioned 3D platforming action, multiple colourful worlds to explore, plenty of treasure to find and puzzles to solve, making it one of the best PS4 game for kids of all ages. Not to mention it packs in three games in one, so offers excellent value for money.
Read our review of Spyro Reignited Trilogy
8. Race With Ryan
Featuring Ryan, the titular star of the ludicrously popular Ryan’s World YouTube channel, Race With Ryan is a kart racer that kids are sure to adore.
While the incessant noises that are created while you race around tracks in Race With Ryan may make any adult in earshot of the game question their sanity, kids are likely to be in their element. Ryan pops up in the corner of the screen to cheer you on, opponents fire projectiles at you in the hope of stopping you in your tracks, and hazards on the track try to catch you out.
It’s a very simple, easy-to-play karting game, meaning it’s one of the best PS4 games for kids of any ages. As long as your child is old enough to use a controller, they’ll be able to make their way around the tracks in Race With Ryan, and have a blast while doing so.
Read our review of Race With Ryan
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9. LEGO Worlds
LEGO Worlds is slightly different from your usual LEGO videogame. Rather than being a platform-adventure game, LEGO Worlds takes a leaf out of Minecraft‘s book and encourages players to get creative and build their own worlds.
There are simple missions to follow and levels to complete, but for the most part, LEGO Worlds offers its players a giant sandbox to get creative with bricks. So kind of like real LEGO… but without the risk of standing on a stray block that’s made its way onto the carpet.
There’s plenty to see and do, and each world in the game is beautifully colourful and fun to explore. If your children enjoy getting creative – and especially if they are fans of LEGO – LEGO Worlds is one of the best kids games on PS4.
Check latest prices of LEGO Worlds
10. Sonic Mania
Most of us grew up on Sonic the Hedgehog, and now a whole new generation can. Sonic Mania packs in classic levels from the original Sonic games alongside all-new worlds created in the same style. And as a package, it’s completely wonderful.
Despite the retro-pixelated graphics, Sonic’s charm is still undeniable. It’s still one of the most colourful and joyous games ever made; despite how old the series is, Sonic Mania is still one of the best games for kids on PS4. It’s also a bonus that parents and adults in the household will be able to get a kick out of playing, too.
Read our review of Sonic Mania
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11. Dragons Dawn of New Riders
If your kids have enjoyed the DreamWorks Dragons movies, they’ll absolutely love Dragons Dawn of New Riders. An action RPG, Dragons Dawn of New Riders isn’t the biggest game in the world, but it is a lot of fun. It combines adventure, puzzles and combat, which means it’s probably not suitable for very young children, but for those aged around seven or above, it’s a wonderful game with lots to enjoy.
The best thing about Dragons Dawn of New Riders, however, is that it’s a good game first and a movie tie-in second; anyone that likes a good adventure will enjoy it even if they’re not familiar with the films. We did, and we’re not even kids (on the outside, anyway).
Read our review of Dragons Dawn of New Riders
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12. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
Yonder is a truly beautiful game that will capture the imagination of any child, regardless of their age. An RPG-style adventure, Yonder is completely free of violence and conflict, making it the ideal PS4 game for kids.
Rather than players spending their time battling monsters, Yonder is about wandering around a luscious world, collecting materials, completing short quests and befriending magical creatures to free the world from an “evil fog” that envelops some areas.
Its laid-back nature makes it perfect for younger children, who can enjoy the world without fear of coming up against a difficult battle or tricky encounter. Yonder makes for a great entry point to get younger players interested in open world adventures.
Read our review of Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
13. Trackmania Turbo
Trackmania Turbo is nothing short of completely crazy, but it’s jolly good fun. While it might be too difficult for really young players, its bright colours and super fast-paced action is sure to keep even the shortest attention span enthralled for quite some time.
Aside from racing around in superfast cars on tracks full of loop-the-loops and crazy big jumps, there’s also an extensive track builder to allow more creative minds to create their own masterpieces. If your youngster is into cars, then Trackmania Turbo is surely one of the best PS4 games for kids out there.
Check latest prices of Trackmania Turbo
14. Terraria
Minecraft set the precedent for a new generation of creation games, allowing you to build anything you want or do anything you want in your open game world. Inspired by its popularity, Terraria was born. Letting players create their own 2D pixelated world, they’ll have to find resources, build houses, protect their land from threat and find new treasures to constantly improve their character and expand their home.
Limited only by your child’s imagination, no game of Terraria will ever be the same. The complicated controls and sheer amount of possibility may mean it’s not suitable for the youngest of players, but anyone able to sit down and learn what the game has to offer will be rewarded with hours of enjoyment.
Check latest prices of Terraria
15. Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank may be a little tough for the smallest players to get to grips with, but the beautiful Pixar-like graphics are sure to capture the attention of any age group.
Playing as the titular cat-like Ratchet and his trusty robot companion Clank, Ratchet & Clank is a 3D adventure filled with with endless action, combat, and plenty of well-written cutscenes that could have been ripped straight out of an animated movie. We can’t recommend this enough as one of the best PS4 games for kids.
Check latest prices of Ratchet & Clank
16. Adventure Time: Finn and Jake Investigations
Based on the popular animated television series, Adventure Time: Finn and Jake Investigations has you donning the role of detectives in order to solve various assignments provided by the “tickertype” machine Finn and Jake have discovered.
The first game created in the Adventure Time universe to be fully presented in 3D, the colourful graphics and gentle action-adventure gameplay makes this one of the best kids games on PS4.
In fact, no matter how old you are, if you fancy a game full of exploration, investigation and puzzle solving, then Adventure Time: Finn and Jake Investigations may just be what you’re looking for. It has all the charm of the Cartoon Network series thanks to the wonderful characters, and its story will grab you from the get-go.
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17. Overcooked! 2
Bright, bold and colourful, Overcooked! 2 definitely looks the part as one of the best kids games on PS4. But don’t let its cartoony visuals put you off; it can be quite fiendish when it wants to be!
While younger kids will undoubtedly enjoy running around the kitchen as one of the humorous characters, only older children will be able to truly master playing Overcooked! 2. Designed to be played in multiplayer, it sees players make their way around various dangerous kitchens to serve up meals to hungry customers. Maybe a volcano has erupted right next to your grill, or you have to cross a busy road to get from your sink to your chopping board. It’s chaotic and difficult to master, but a lot of fun to play for children of all ages.
Read our review of Overcooked! 2
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18. Just Dance
Newsflash: video games aren’t just about being sat still, getting square-eyed at the television. The annual Just Dance series encourages its players to, well, just dance.
This yearly staple features a selection of the best chart toppers from the last 12 months and it’s great fun for all the family to burn off some calories and have a giggle by showing off those premium dance moves on the dancefloor living room floor.
The great thing about Just Dance is anybody can join in – it doesn’t matter your age or skill level; it’s all about moving about and having fun! You don’t need any fancy peripheral or camera either; you can connect an Android or iOS smartphone to the game, which will detect your moves as you dance.
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19. Minecraft
Ah, Minecraft. Chances are, your children already know more about Minecraft than you do, but we still couldn’t leave it off the list. In fact, Minecraft is such a popular game with young players that it’s now being used as an educational tool in some schools.
Minecraft is all about working together to build a world, encouraging and nurturing creativity alongside teamwork and co-operation. There are plenty of existing worlds to visit and explore too.
Now going strong for over a decade, it’s not showing any signs of slowing down, and instead keeps on expanding, with new modes and new ways to play. No matter how your children like to play, Minecraft more than likely has something to offer them, making it one of the best PS4 games for kids you can buy.
Check latest prices of Minecraft
20. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix
One of the better kart racers on PS4 also happens to feature some of the most iconic cartoon characters from the last 20 years. Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix brings together characters from Rugrats, Spongebob, Hey Arnold, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ren and Stimpy and more, and pits them against each other in a fun racing challenge.
It’s not quite Mario Kart, but Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2 offers plenty of fun. The characters are some that any age group will be able to recognise, and the colourfully-designed tracks and cars means it’s eye-catching for players of any age. It also lets up to four players race against each other in local multiplayer, so it’s perfect for siblings to battle it out. If your children enjoy a bit of healthy competition and are interested in racing games, this is one of the best games on PS4 for kids.
