Top PS5 Games for Kids: A Guide Across Various Genres

The PlayStation 5 has quickly become a treasure trove of gaming experiences since its launch in 2020. This console is home to an expansive library that spans countless genres. Whether you’re looking for horror titles, immersive open-world experiences, or challenging Soulslikes, there’s something for everyone. However, when it comes to PS5 games for children, the selection often flies under the radar, making it tough for parents to find suitable options beyond the typical platformers.

With this in mind, let’s delve into a detailed overview of some of the top PS5 kids games. To optimize usability, we’ve categorized our recommendations by genre, making it easier to navigate through the myriad of choices available.

Updated on January 1, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The landscape of PS5 kids games is both rich and somewhat overlooked. Although there are numerous games tailored for younger audiences, many newcomers do not receive the attention they deserve. The year 2025 holds promise for exciting new projects targeting children entering the gaming sphere. Notably, this guide now includes a new genre: Rhythm.

Astro’s Playroom

Introductory Game

Praise for Astro’s Playroom as one of the most exceptional pack-in games in gaming history is well-deserved. This delightful 3D platformer comes pre-installed on every PS5, offering a charming introduction to the console’s capabilities for players of all ages. It’s a heartfelt homage to PlayStation’s rich history, filled with easter eggs and collectibles that will resonate with long-time fans. Players new to the franchise will still enjoy a polished platforming experience that highlights the DualSense controller’s impressive features.

The game artfully balances accessibility and challenge, ensuring that players remain engaged while navigating through its captivating levels. Despite a few minor frustrations, the gameplay generally delivers joyous moments, making it ideal for children embarking on their gaming journey. Kids are likely to adore Astro as a lovable character.

Astrobot

Platformer

Regarded as one of the finest 3D platformers on the PS5, Astro Bot is a must-try. This exclusive title expands on the gameplay established by Astro’s Playroom, offering a full-length adventure filled with imaginative levels. Although the campaign is relatively brief compared to similar titles, the game provides enough optional collectibles to satisfy completionists.

Players traverse a variety of galaxies, facing diverse challenges across numerous stages, including specialized Hero Stages. The game continues to introduce unique mechanics with each level, providing a refreshing experience without leading to gameplay fatigue. Add to this the beautifully crafted visuals, and it’s easy to see why Astro Bot is not just one of the best PS5 games for kids, but potentially a contender for the best game overall.

Alternative PS5 3D Platformers For Kids:

• Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure
• SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake
• Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania

Action

The Super Monkey Ball franchise rejoices with the release of Banana Mania, which revives the classic formula with success. Players navigate a sphere through intricately designed levels, and while the premise is simple, the game presents a notable challenge with hundreds of stages available. Banana Mania is designed to keep players engaged, although it might be best suited for older kids who have prior gaming experience.

Alternative PS5 Action Games For Kids:

• Ben 10: Power Trip
• No the Kangaroo
• Pumpkin Jack

Cat Quest 3

Action RPG

RPGs often cater to older players, but Cat Quest 3 stands out as a delightful exception, especially for younger audiences. This charming action RPG blends fast-paced combat with an engaging storyline filled with puns and humor, perfect for a lighthearted gaming experience. New players can explore the franchise by starting with the previous two games available on PS Plus Extra.

Set in a whimsical pirate-themed world, players join Noby and Doraemon on their farming adventure, climbing islands and interacting with colorful NPCs. The game even supports co-op play, making it an enticing option for parents and children to embark on adventures together.

Alternative PS5 Action RPGs For Kids:

• DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
• Kitaria Fables

Lil Gator Game

Adventure

Lil Gator Game captures the imagination of children with its playful premise. Players take on the role of a young gator striving to create their own adventure in hopes of impressing an older sibling. The game is lighthearted, offering simple mechanics that promote creativity more than complexity.

This charming adventure is not only suitable for younger audiences but also resonates with parents, evoking nostalgia for the imaginative play of childhood. It’s a game that encourages families to bond over fun and exploration.

Alternative PS5 Adventure Games For Kids:

• Downstream
• Lego Horizon Adventures
• The Pathless
• The Smurfs 2 – The Prisoner of the Green Stone

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Beat ‘Em Up

Shredder’s Revenge revitalizes the beat ’em up genre, a rarity in today’s market. The game is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring straightforward controls that lead to enjoyable cooperative play, making it a fantastic choice for families. As the game progresses, difficulty levels increase, keeping older players engaged while still remaining manageable for younger kids.

Alternative PS5 Beat ‘Em Up Games For Kids:

• River City Girls

Fall Guys

Battle Royale

With its lighthearted approach to the battle royale genre, Fall Guys is an excellent choice for young gamers. Featuring engaging mini-games set in a whimsical world, the game is designed for quick play sessions filled with laughter. While parental considerations regarding online interaction are essential, Fall Guys maintains a kid-friendly atmosphere.

Alternative PS5 Battle Royale Games For Kids:

• Fortnite
• Super Bomberman R Online
• Worms Rumble

Planet Coaster

Business Sim

While management games may seem complex, Planet Coaster finds a way to appeal to younger audiences. The game offers a Sandbox mode that allows free-form creativity, making it accessible for kids to build their dream parks without worrying about the technical nuances required in typical simulations.

For younger players, the experience is enjoyable, particularly if parents are also interested in building exciting theme parks.

Alternative PS5 Business Simulation Games For Kids:

• Bear and Breakfast
• Cities: Skylines – Might be too complex at first
• Lawn Mowing Simulator

Overcooked: All You Can Eat

Co-Op

The ultimate co-op experience can be found in Overcooked: All You Can Eat, which bundles two delightful games into one package. Players work together to prepare and serve meals under chaotic conditions, emphasizing teamwork and communication. The introduction of an Assist mode makes it even more accessible for younger players who may find the fast-paced gameplay overwhelming.

Alternative PS5 Co-Op Games For Kids:

• KeyWe
• PlateUp!

Doraemon Story Of Seasons: Friends Of The Great Kingdom

Farming Sim

Farming simulation games have grown in popularity, and Doraemon Story of Seasons exemplifies this trend beautifully. Influenced by a beloved Japanese anime, the game casts players in an exciting farming adventure with straightforward mechanics, ensuring an enjoyable experience for younger players. As Noby and Doraemon cultivate their farm, they encounter colorful NPCs that enhance the game’s engaging atmosphere.

Alternative PS5 Farming Simulation Games For Kids:

• Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom
• Roots of Pacha
• Stardew Valley – PS4 version

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

Fighting Game

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 has rightfully earned attention for improving upon its predecessor. This sequel boasts an expanded roster featuring beloved characters from iconic Nickelodeon shows, complete with unique fighting styles that encourage players to try each character. The introduction of the Slime meter is a fantastic addition that enriches the gameplay and offers strategic depth.

Alternative PS5 Fighting Games For Kids:

• Divine Knockout – Free
• Them’s Fightin’ Herds

Gunfire Reborn

First-Person Shooter

Often regarded as the least child-appropriate genre, first-person shooters can be challenging to recommend for a younger audience. However, if an FPS is necessary, Gunfire Reborn emerges as a top choice. This roguelite has charming visuals and addictive gameplay that combine to create an appealing experience, albeit with mechanics that might frustrate very young players.

Costume Quest 2

Horror

Costume Quest 2 is a rare gem in the realm of horror games designed for children. Players follow two siblings as they venture forth to protect Halloween from a villainous dentist, providing a whimsical narrative centered around adventure and exploration. With a blend of turn-based combat and engaging storytelling, it boasts a perfect balance of fun and lightheartedness while remaining suitable for younger gamers.

Alternative PS5 Horror Games For Kids:

• Haunted House
• Hello Neighbor 2

Disney Dreamlight Valley

Life Sim

Disney Dreamlight Valley presents an enchanting life simulation experience that intertwines adventure and role-playing aspects. Players engage with iconic Disney and Pixar characters while accomplishing quests and tasks that revolve around resource management, building friendships, and keeping their village vibrant. This game certainly captures the essence of Disney magic, making it an excellent choice for young players.

Tetris Effect: Connected

Online

The classic puzzle game Tetris maintains its timeless appeal, and Tetris Effect: Connected refreshes this legacy with modern enhancements. Featuring stunning visuals and an immersive soundtrack, players can engage in multiplayer modes, fostering competition or collaboration. This title invites families to experience the game together, making it both a nostalgic and new adventure.

Sonic Frontiers

Open-World

Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has introduced countless children to gaming over the years. Sonic Frontiers furthers this legacy by exploring an open-world format, initially met with skepticism given Sonic’s traditional level-based gameplay. However, this latest title provides an enjoyable journey filled with exploration and fun gameplay mechanics, making it approachable for younger gamers.

Alternative PS5 Open-World Games For Kids:

• Marvel’s Spider-Man – Suitable for older kids
• Bye

Moving Out 2

Party

While moving furniture in real life might be a tedious task, Moving Out 2 turns it into a delightful chaotic affair. This physics-based party game involves players working together to transport various items amid entertaining situations. The sequel increases the fun by introducing unexpected elements and diverse settings, promising laughter and enjoyment for players of all ages.

Alternative PS5 Party Games For Kids:

• Among Us
• Super Bomberman R 2

Peppa Pig: World Adventures

Preschoolers

Targeted specifically at younger audiences, Peppa Pig: World Adventures offers a delightful experience tailored for preschoolers. Designed to captivate children from ages 4 and up, the game focuses on simple, accessible gameplay that invites players to explore recognizable landmarks with Peppa Pig, alongside educational mini-games and interactive content.

Cocoon

Puzzle

Taking inspiration from classic titles such as Limbo and Inside, Cocoon appeals to younger players with its imaginative gameplay and clever puzzles. In this 2023 release, players control a bug navigating through colorful worlds filled with unique challenges. The puzzles, while accessible, offer enough depth to keep players engaged and entertained, making it suitable for both younger and older players alike.

Alternative PS5 Puzzle Games For Kids:

• A Little to the Left
• Lego Bricktales
• Mr. Driller DrillLand

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged

Racing

While many consider the glory days of kart racing behind us, the genre thrives on modern consoles. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged delivers a visually stunning and intuitive racing experience, building on the success of its predecessor with exciting new features and multiplayer capabilities.

Alternative PS5 Racing Games For Kids:

• DreamWorks All-Star Racing
• Lego 2K Drive
• Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival

Rhythm

Rhythm games are often suited for all ages, with Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival offering an engaging introduction to the genre. Players must strike drums in sync with color-coded beats, making it accessible but also sufficiently challenging at higher levels. The inclusion of a diverse tracklist featuring popular and classical tunes ensures that the game remains fun and engaging for families.

Alternative PS5 Rhythm Games For Kids:

• Just Dance
• Spin Rhythm XD

Super Mega Baseball 4

Sports

Sports games usually receive family-friendly ratings due to their non-violent gameplay. Super Mega Baseball 4 maintains this trend, offering straightforward gameplay with no microtransactions, which makes it an excellent choice for younger players to enjoy baseball without additional distractions.

Alternative PS5 Sports Games For Kids:

• OlliOlli World

Minecraft Legends

Strategy

Mojang’s Minecraft has redefined gaming for a generation, and Minecraft Legends extends that legacy by exploring the strategy genre. This release simplifies typical strategy mechanics to make them accessible for young players, blending familiar elements of the main Minecraft world with new challenges.

Alternative PS5 Strategy Games For Kids:

• Dicey Dungeons

Lego Fortnite

Survival

While the survival genre generally poses challenges unsuitable for young gamers, Lego Fortnite offers a friendly entry point. This title enables players to explore large worlds while meeting their basic needs without the punishing elements commonly found in traditional survival games. Its relaxed atmosphere serves as a great way for young players to become familiar with survival mechanics.

Park Beyond

Theme Park Creator

Park Beyond elevates theme park creation with a dynamic suite of building tools, allowing young gamers and families to unleash their creativity. The game’s colorful aesthetics and engaging mechanics provide a fantastic playground for imaginative construction, making it a fun family activity.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Third-Person Shooter

Ending our recommendations, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart stands as one of the PS5’s best offerings, particularly ideal for older kids. With Pixar-like visuals and charming characters, this game captivates the senses while delivering engaging gameplay through its multiverse adventure.

The controls are intuitive, and several accessibility options allow for ease of play, making it approachable for younger audiences. The linear campaign and engaging story are sure to enthrall all players, regardless of their prior gaming experience.

Bish Bash Bots

Tower Defense

Although the PS5 lacks a wide array of native tower defense games, Bish Bash Bots offers a refreshing take on the genre with an action-oriented twist. Players must strategically position turrets to eliminate waves of enemy bots. Its approachable challenge may entertain older children seeking an exciting gaming experience.

For a more traditional tower defense experience, exploring some PS4 titles may also prove beneficial.

Sea Of Stars

Turn-Based RPG

Sea of Stars harkens back to the beloved isometric turn-based RPGs of the ’90s while providing modern twists. Set on a beautiful island, players embark on a captivating journey to protect the inhabitants from impending dangers. The engaging combat system incorporating combos and timed presses ensures that even young players can find satisfaction in the gameplay.

Beat Saber

Virtual Reality

Beat Saber is one of the best family-friendly virtual reality experiences, seamlessly combining rhythm and immersive gameplay. Players use color-coded lightsabers to slice through incoming blocks, succeeding in both entertainment and exercise. Its accessible core concept makes it perfect for engaging families, with players of all ages enjoying the visuals and music.

Other Games On PS Plus Extra That Are Good For Kids

Ben 10, Paw Patrol, & More

PS Plus provides an excellent selection of games across PlayStation’s history, making it easy for parents to find engaging titles for their children. The table below highlights additional PS Plus titles that are appropriate for younger gamers and are not listed elsewhere in this article.

Source & Images

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