Guide: Best PS4 Kids and Family Games

What are the best games for kids and family on PS4? When most people talk about PlayStation 4, they're thinking about its (brilliant) range of games aimed at an older audience. However, what's somewhat underplayed is the console's extensive variety of games for children and families. There are just as many games for youngsters as there are for adults, and many of them are enjoyable regardless of age. Whether they're easy to play games for kids or titles that allow children and parents to play together, PS4 is an untapped family friendly treasure trove. Here's what we believe to be 25 of the best PS4 kids games on Sony's console.

25. Grow Up (PS4)

An open world platformer with an emphasis on exploration, Grow Up stars BUD the robot as he hunts down parts of his destroyed spaceship, MOM. The clumsy droid starts off with limited abilities, but by the end, you'll practically be able to fly in this endearing adventure. As well as rebuilding the ship, you'll also need to grow a huge plant in order to reach farther and higher, ending up with a dizzyingly tall tower from which to dive. It's a very different style of game, but not one you should ignore. It's inventive, easy going, and fun.

24. Gang Beasts (PS4)

Kids love slapstick, right? In games, it doesn't get much better than Gang Beasts, a colourful multiplayer brawler starring unsteady men with a knack for silliness. There's a lack of control over each character that somehow adds to the fun of trying to knock each other out. The various levels provide some brilliant scenarios that can lead to hilarious wins and losses. It's chaotic and dumb, but if your kids get into it, they'll be laughing for hours as they defeat each other in unpredictable ways.

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23. Yooka-Laylee (PS4)

If you've ever played Banjo-Kazooie, you'll know what to expect here. Developed by many of the same people as Rare's N64 platformer, Yooka-Laylee is a colourful, silly adventure game starring a chameleon and a bat. You'll be guiding them through varied levels in order to collect Pagies and thwart the plans of Capital B. This is your typical run-jump-collect style adventure, with large levels to explore and secrets to uncover. It's a decent game with a cartoonish vibe and nostalgic charm.

22. The Swords of Ditto (PS4)

A colourful and charming little adventure game with lite RPG elements, The Swords of Ditto can appeal to all ages, but it's an especially good choice for younger gamers who may just be discovering the joys of more in-depth gameplay. It's got several difficulty settings and controls that are easy to understand, and on top of that, a second player can jump in at any time to help out.

21. Donut County (PS4)

This is a short, curious little game that has you controlling a hole in the ground that gets bigger as things fall into it. There's something surprisingly satisfying about swallowing up everything from small rocks to entire buildings in each of the stages in Donut County, and what's more, the story told in between levels is crazy. BK the raccoon works at the local donut shop, and when people order one, he's been sending out holes instead to steal all their stuff, eventually engulfing the whole town. It's charmingly bonkers, and well worth playing.

20. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (PS4)

 

This might seem low on the list for the CTR remake, but if it wasn't so darned tough, it'd definitely be higher. Yes, this is a more technical kart racer than usual, and the AI drivers can be surprisingly challenging. However, this is still more than capable of delivering buckets of fun for kids of all ages. With a huge number of tracks, characters, and modes to play, Nitro-Fueled is a cracking kart racing game on PS4.

19. Sonic Mania (PS4)

 

Remember Sonic the Hedgehog from his Mega Drive/Genesis days? Sonic Mania is a return to form for the character, taking the formula that worked so well in the 90s and bringing it up to date with ultra-slick gameplay and a wonderfully colourful look. A combination of classic levels and brand new stages, this is classic Sonic at its best -- running from left to right, collecting rings, and bashing Eggman's bots. This is a great 2D platformer that older fans and the new generation can enjoy.

18. Snake Pass (PS4)

 

This charming platformer is unlike any other. Instead of running and jumping, you'll be slithering and climbing as Noodle, a snake who's aiming to climb to the very top of the land he calls home. With a unique control system that has you coiling around objects to reach new places, Snake Pass is a cheerful platformer that provides a totally fresh experience. If you like the sound of simple navigational puzzles and collecting colourful stones, don't pass up on this one.

17. Rocket League (PS4)

 

Get this into your child's hands and watch as they master the sport of rocket-propelled vehicular football. Rocket League is an ingenious melding of footie and acrobatic cars. It sounds bizarre, but it's one of the best multiplayer experiences on PS4 thanks to its easy to pick up but hard to master gameplay and addictively speedy matches. It's a satisfying game from top to bottom, with a steady stream of unlockable parts rewarding you whether you win or lose. The skill ceiling may be high, but this is worth a try even if your kids simply enjoy bashing into each other.

16. de Blob (PS4)

 

THQ Nordic re-released both de Blob and de Blob 2 on PS4, and while they aren't the greatest games ever made, they're ideal for kids. You play as, well, a blob, with the aim of restoring colour to black and white levels. The simple controls and colourful visuals make this a great choice for younger players, and there's just enough challenge in its puzzles to give it a little depth. There are even some fun multiplayer modes, too, so everyone can join the colour-splattering fun.

15. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (PS4)

 

Remember Crash Bandicoot? The madcap marsupial makes a grand return on PS4 in the N. Sane Trilogy, a remake of his first three adventures. The games may be relatively old, but they've been brought up to modern standards with colourful graphics and updated gameplay. There's lots of fun to be had across this trio of platformers, with hours and hours worth of tricky levels to run through.

14. Knack 2 (PS4)

 

Knack 2 may just be the most improved sequel of the generation, and that’s no lie. While its PS4 launch title predecessor may have been bland, its successor lives up to the legacy of legendary PlayStation action platformers. With a strong emphasis on co-op, this is a great release for siblings – but its simplistic control scheme and smart level design means that almost anyone can enjoy navigating its inviting worlds.

13. LEGO DC Super-Villains (PS4)

 

We could've put any LEGO game in this list, to be fair, but DC Super-Villains is one of the best in recent years. In it, you'll create your very own character for the first time, as well as take control of the myriad other villains, of course. In a world where the heroes have been replaced by super-evil invaders, it falls to the likes of Joker, Lex Luthor, and many more to save the Earth. With inventive puzzle platforming and lots of content to discover, LEGO games are the bread and butter of kid-friendly games, and DC Super-Villains is a great example.

12. TowerFall Ascension (PS4)

 

TowerFall Ascension is an excellent multiplayer game regardless of age, but its pixel art presentation means its archery based skirmishes are suitable for kids. The versus mode takes centre stage, but the game also includes a quest mode, which can be played solo or in co-op, as well as tricky time-based trials. The brilliantly simple controls, small maps, and instant loading means matches are incredibly addictive; children and adults alike will find it hard to tear themselves away from this wonderfully moreish title.

11. LittleBigPlanet 3 (PS4)

 

This is more than your average 2D sidescroller. Sackboy and his friends have lots of inventive levels to play through, of course, but part of LittleBigPlanet's DNA is the ability to create your very own stages. Using parts unlocked by playing the main game, you can build levels from scratch with an innovative set of tools and share them online. What this means is that, in addition to a series of levels designed by professionals, there's a vast number of player-made experiences to play, providing a practically limitless amount of fun.

10. Team Sonic Racing (PS4)

Kart racers are great games kids and grown-ups can play together, and this is probably the most family friendly example on PS4. The wide tracks, simple controls, and colourful visuals make this a great game for children, and with the game's unique cooperative racing features, it's an ideal way for parents to team up with their kids and cross the finish line together. Gotta go fast, and all that.

9. Stardew Valley (PS4)

In some ways, Stardew Valley is quite a complicated game, but it lets you tackle whatever you like at your own pace, making it a surprisingly good choice for children. At the start, you inherit a dilapidated farm, and from there you're slowly introduced to a wide range of activities. You can build up your farm and grow crops, explore monster-filled caves and find rare items, go fishing, hang out with the townsfolk, and much more. There's a lot to do in this game, but you're given total freedom. This one could easily last kids a long time -- and parents might get hooked, too.

8. Rayman Legends (PS4)

Rayman Legends is actually a good few years old, first releasing on PS3, but it remains a stellar 2D platforming adventure. The wonderful visuals and animation give the game an ultra-smooth presentation, and the slick controls make navigating Rayman through the varied levels a joy. Co-op only adds to the punch-throwing, lum-collecting fun, and bonus levels, mini games, and online leaderboards are the cherries on top. Practically a playable cartoon, Rayman Legends is a real treat.

7. Overcooked 2 (PS4)

Perhaps one of the best games to play together on PS4, Overcooked 2 sees you fulfilling restaurant orders against the clock with up to four players. The controls are incredibly simple, meaning almost anyone can start their culinary career, and the kitchens slowly become more complex as you progress. It's chaotic, hilarious fun the whole family can get involved in.

6. Wattam (PS4)

Wattam is a real oddball of a game, but don't let that put you off. This is maybe the most child-friendly game on this child-friendly list. In it, you control the Mayor who just wants to reconnect with all his pals, and you'll do so by holding hands, running about, and, er, exploding in bright plumes of colour. It's totally open ended, making it ideal for young players who just want to explore, but it also has a story to follow for those who want it. With an off-the-wall sense of humour and a huge cast of friendly characters to meet, this game is perfect for kids.

5. Untitled Goose Game (PS4)

Children love causing mischief, so why not let them ruffle some feathers in this wonderfully silly game? You control an antagonistic goose in this short but sweet adventure, and your goal is to make trouble for the residents of a small English village. With simple goals to achieve, easy controls, and lots of hilarious moments, this is definitely a game for both kids and adults. Honk!

4. Ratchet & Clank (PS4)

This remake of the first Ratchet & Clank game is an absolute blast from start to finish. It's a sci-fi platformer with an emphasis on shooting, but don't worry -- it's no more violent than your average Saturday morning cartoon. In fact, the weapons at your disposal are creative and even pretty funny (our favourite is the Groovitron, a disco ball grenade that makes all enemies dance uncontrollably). With a lovable cast of characters and plenty of bolt-collecting action, this is a game players of all ages will enjoy.

3. Tearaway Unfolded (PS4)

Media Molecule provided one of the PS Vita's best games, and this improved PS4 release is one of the console's best platformers. It's certainly the most unique, with its paper craft presentation and varied gameplay features. Kids will feel like they're a real part of the adventure, as they're able to break the fourth wall with customisable elements and plenty more surprises. You can even print out certain designs to then cut out and fold up to make your own paper models, making this ideal for children who like to get creative.

2. Spyro: Reignited Trilogy (PS4)

As far as 3D platformers go on PS4, Spyro is probably the best example. Despite the fact the games are technically 20 years old, the Reignited Trilogy does a stellar job of bringing the three games bang up to date with a gorgeous new look and improved controls. It's also excellent value for money, providing a trio of adventures for a very reasonable price. Colourful, straightforward, and plenty of fun, this is perfect for youngsters -- as well as fans of the PSone originals, of course.

1. Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition (PS4)

What else was going to top this list? Minecraft remains an incredibly popular freeform building game on more or less every platform. Giving players the freedom to build almost anything allows them to unleash their imagination in a similar manner to LEGO. There's also the famed Survival mode, if you're looking for some challenge, and you can of course play in multiplayer too. It's a game that can be practically anything for anyone, and that scope is what puts it at the top of our recommendations for young PS4 players.

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