Lots of enjoyment is to be had on PlayStation 5. Whether kids beg for something new to play, or could use a fun distraction, there’s no going wrong with the games on this list. There’s also a few notable, kid-friendly PlayStation exclusives not to be missed. In no particular order, we’re compiling some of the best PlayStation 5 Games for children.
1. Astro’s Playroom
If you already have, or plan on getting, a PlayStation 5 then you’ll have Astro’s Playroom already pre-installed on the console. This game is pretty short but it’s got huge appeal. Astro’s Playroom is more than a tech demo for the PS5. It’s a culmination of what Sony has accomplished with the PlayStation over the years. In addition to featuring the DualSense controller’s unique capabilities, players can uncover hidden collectibles that contain rendering of past PlayStation consoles, controllers, and accessories. A gacha machine, within the game, can also yield additional memorable goodies.
2. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania
Super Monkey Ball has kept the good times rolling for years, literally. Banana Mania will keep kids busy for hours. The game is a compilation of over 300 stages from the original Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, and Super Monkey Ball Deluxe. Whether you’re speeding directly to the goal, or collecting every banana for a perfect run, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these games. The DualSense controller’s motion controls make this one an easy pick. Kids can also customize their own characters and play several minigames involving racing, bowling, soccer, and baseball.
3. Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
When the kids have a super hero itch that needs scratching then Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is just the thing. Play as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in a light-hearted action-adventure to stop the prankster, Mr. Mxyzptlk. That is not a typo. It’s got simple combat but boasts lots of DC Comics Easter eggs, humor, unlockable outfits for the super heroes, and a dynamic leveling system.
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4. Sonic Frontiers
When you gotta go fast in an open world platformer, an obvious choice is Sonic Frontiers. It’s the first game in the Sonic series to truly go open world. The Starfall Islands contain several action stages with their own challenges to complete. The real treat of the game is exploring the islands themselves. Each has obstacle courses and some platform puzzles to solve. The only drawbacks is that the game has a tedious level up system, a so-so combat system, and some texture pop-in. But fun is always to be had when exploring up, down and all around Sonic’s surroundings.
5. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
LEGO games are great picks for best PlayStation 5 games for children. They’re easy to pick up and keep kids (and adults) of all ages preoccupied. Although a plethora of PS4 Lego games are forwards compatible with the PS5, we’re specifically looking at Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. The game features a startling 380 playable characters pulled from all manners of Star Wars medium Because saga is within the subtitle, players can expect to visit many worlds and scenarios spanning the Prequel, Original, and Sequel trilogies. Kids can play as lightsaber or blaster wielders alike. Gameplay is also interwoven with random encounters like TIE Fighters swooping from the sky, Tusken Raider attacks, and dog fights with Star Destroyers.
6. Just Dance 2024 Edition
If parents are reading this you may recall a little thing back in the day called “Now That’s What I Call Music” compilations. The Just Dance series is the closest equivalent to that. Modern day musical hits and those from yesteryear are set against vibrant, colorful backdrops. Chances are you know what a Just Dance game entails and it says so in the title. On screen avatars perform the dance moves while the kiddos follow along. The smartphone Just Dance app will keep track of accuracy and kids hold it in hand. Put down the controller, turn the volume up, and dance.
7. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a third-person shooter action adventure that guarantees a fun, entertaining story. This time around the conundrum is that Ratchet has accidentally opened a rift in the space-time continuum. With a lot of media nowadays covering multiple universes, kids can immerse themselves into this colorful adventure. Dr. Nefarious is ever the comic foil, but now he is joined by his opposite, Emperor Nefarious who has assumed rule of his own galaxy. What’s more is that he’s never been defeated, so go change that. Rift Apart is among the best PlayStation 5 games for children.
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8. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Similar to Ratchet & Clank before it, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is like you’re in control of a beautifully produced animated movie. In this action-adventure platformer, kids control Kena, a young spirit guide. Joining Kena in her adventure throughout her mystical world are small spirit companions called the Rot. The Rot can assist Kena by carrying objects to solve puzzles, distract enemies, or assist in battles. Kena utilizes an enchanted staff for combat, exploration, and platforming. It may be on the short side, but exploring Kena’s beautiful world for upgrades and treasure hunting needs to be experienced by every PS5 owner.
9. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
One of the best PlayStation 5 games for children is a side-scrolling platformer similar to Super Mario Bros. Sackboy: A Big Adventure can be compared closely to Super Mario 3D World regarding its gameplay structure. However, this time around, Sackboy’s moveset has expanded to best suit a new way of play. Flutter jump, roll, dive, and slap everything in your way. The generous customization features of LittleBigPlanet carry over into Sackboy. There’s no end to the hysterical cosmetic decorations. Whether platforming solo or together, Sackboy keeps the smiles coming.
10. Dragon Quest Builders 2
For kids who wish to spend countless hours creating worlds of their own, then look no further than Dragon Quest Builders 2. This one’s an action RPG so it won’t feature the turn-based mechanics of the main Dragon Quest series. Instead players will construct buildings, customize towns and level them up, and defend them from monster attacks. Featuring chibi characters in the Dragon Quest style this sequel adds more traversal actions such as gliding through the air, swimming underwater, and playing in first-person. As an added bonus, up to four players can adventure together online.
11. Overcooked!
For kids who enjoy cooperative play, Overcooked is a cooking simulator with a cartoony flair. Prepare yourselves though, you have to work through the laughs to become an ultimate chef. The gist of Overcooked, and its sequel, is preparing dishes by following onscreen instructions. It’s not as simple as lading soup into a bowl. Some dishes will require cooking and preparing food to order such as managing temperatures, chopping vegetables, and preparing the plate. The real challenge is doing this against a time limit and setting time aside to clean dishes for the next order.
12. Moving Out
Another fun cooperative simulator, Moving Out is not unlike Overcooked in its gameplay style. As you would expect, kids have to move household amenities like couches, fridges, and microwaves out of the house and into a moving truck. It’s not that quite simple, however, as there are hazards that can disrupt your progress. Almost like Home Alone traps, players have to be wary of fires, icey flooring, and ghosts. Fortunately, for the kiddos who need to dial back on the difficulty, Moving Out has an Assist feature that can remove stage hazards and increase the time limit.
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13. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Racing games are plentiful but here’s a newly released suggestion. Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a great improvement on the shortcomings of its predecessor. This sequel contains beautifully stylized racetracks that are set against home backdrops. The racetracks you can only dream of building in your house are fully realized in video game form. Whether racing as miniature muscle cars, bikes, or big rigs, each with their own specifications, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is one of the fastest racing games you can get your hands on.
14. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
Another racer that is gushing to the brim with content, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled is a must have for any racer. No pun intended but developer Beenox really went the extra mile with this reimagining of the original Crash Bandicoot kart racer. Nitro-Fueled brings back all the racetracks from that game plus additional racetracks from the Crash Nitro Kart and Crash Tag Team Racing games. It got a lot of flak at launch for its use of microtransactions after promising there would be none. Online multiplayer is not as populated as it used to be, but the single player story experience is solid. By this point it shouldn’t hurt the bank either.
15. Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Similar to Crash, the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy from the PS1 era has a beautiful remake. Kids, and the kids at heart, get three games including Spyro the Dragon, Ripto’s Rage, and Year of the Dragon. Everything about the classic Spyro games has been lovingly restored with a fresh coat of paint, new animations, updated voice acting, and the ability to toggle between the trilogy’s original soundtracks and the remastered versions. Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is the perfect game for kids who enjoy gathering numerous collectibles while platforming across fantasy worlds. With a unified control scheme across the trilogy, this collection is one of the best PlayStation 5 games for children.
Don’t miss out on our list of 8 Best Xbox Games For Children. What are some of your favorite games for the PS5? Let us know in the comments below!
