Look, we've all been there. Your kid wants to play video games together, and you're mentally preparing yourself for another round of something that feels like digital torture. Maybe it's a game with controls so clunky you want to throw the controller, or it's so mind-numbingly simple that you're checking your phone every thirty seconds.
But here's the thing: the PS4 has an incredible library of games that are genuinely fun for both kids and adults. Games with beautiful art, clever puzzles, engaging stories, and gameplay that doesn't make you want to fake a work emergency to escape family game time.
The PS4 might be "last gen" now, but it's actually the sweet spot for family gaming. The library is massive, games are cheap (or free with PS Plus), and there's a decade of parent reviews to help you avoid the duds. Plus, if you already own one, you're sitting on a goldmine of couch co-op potential.
Gaming together can be genuinely great for your relationship with your kids. You're solving problems together, celebrating wins, laughing at fails, and experiencing stories side by side. But only if you're both actually having fun.
The key is finding games that have depth without being inappropriate and accessibility without being boring. Games that respect a child's intelligence while also offering enough complexity to keep an adult brain engaged.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure (Ages 6+)
This is probably the most universally beloved couch co-op game on PS4. It's a 3D platformer that looks like a craft project came to life, with levels that are creative, challenging, and absolutely gorgeous. Up to four players can play together, and the game scales difficulty beautifully—younger kids can bumble through while older players hunt for collectibles and perfect their timing.
Why parents love it: The level design is legitimately clever, the music is fantastic (including licensed tracks that'll make you smile), and it's the right kind of challenging. Plus, you can pick up and revive fallen teammates, so no one's stuck on the sidelines.
Check out Sackboy: A Big Adventure for detailed ratings and parent reviews.
Minecraft (Ages 7+)
Yes, Minecraft is on every platform, but the PS4 version is particularly good for families. Creative mode is perfect for younger kids who just want to build without stress, while Survival mode offers genuine challenge and resource management that appeals to adult brains.
Why parents love it: You can play split-screen together, and it's one of those rare games where you can genuinely collaborate. Plus, you're actually teaching problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and planning. The game has infinite replayability, and once you understand the basics, you might find yourself playing even when your kid isn't around. (Don't worry, we won't tell.)
If you're new to it, this guide to Minecraft will help you understand what the fuss is about.
Rocket League (Ages 8+)
It's soccer with rocket-powered cars. That's it. That's the pitch. And it's wildly fun for all ages.
Why parents love it: Matches are 5 minutes long, so it fits into real life. The skill ceiling is incredibly high (professional players are doing things that look like wizardry), but the skill floor is low enough that a kid can have fun just zooming around and occasionally hitting the ball. Plus, it's free-to-play now, so you can try it without spending a dime.
Rocket League has split-screen multiplayer, and you can play against bots together before venturing into online matches.
Overcooked 1 & 2 (Ages 8+)
These are frantic cooking simulation games where you work together to prepare and serve meals in increasingly ridiculous kitchens (on pirate ships, in haunted houses, across moving trucks).
Why parents love it: It's genuinely hilarious, especially when things go wrong. These games teach communication, time management, and delegation under pressure. Fair warning: it can get heated. You'll be yelling things like "WHERE ARE THE TOMATOES?!" and "THE SOUP IS ON FIRE!" But that's half the fun.
Both Overcooked and Overcooked 2 support up to four players locally.
Rayman Legends (Ages 6+)
This 2D platformer is a work of art. Every level is hand-drawn and animated, and the music levels (where the platforming syncs perfectly to the soundtrack) are legitimacy magical.
Why parents love it: The controls are tight and responsive, the difficulty ramps up nicely, and it's one of those rare games that feels good to play. Up to four players can play together, and it's got that "just one more level" quality that keeps everyone engaged.
Rayman Legends is often on sale for under $10, making it an absolute steal.
It Takes Two (Ages 10+)
This is a co-op game that requires two players—there's no single-player mode at all. You play as a couple turned into dolls by their daughter's tears (yes, really), working through their relationship while navigating a magical world.
Why parents love it: The gameplay is incredibly varied—every level introduces new mechanics, so you're never doing the same thing for long. The story is surprisingly touching, and it's designed specifically for two people to experience together. It won the Game of the Year award for a reason.
Parent note: There's some mild language and relationship conflict (the couple is going through a divorce), so this is better for older kids who can handle those themes. But if your kid is 10+, this is an unforgettable experience to share together.
Read more about It Takes Two and whether it's right for your family.
Lego Games (Any Lego Title, Ages 6+)
Pick your franchise: Lego Star Wars, Lego Marvel, Lego Harry Potter, [Lego Batman](https://screenwiseapp.com/media/lego-batman-3-beyond-gotham-boardgame—they're all good. These are action-adventure games with gentle combat, tons of collectibles, and humor that works for all ages.
Why parents love it: They're genuinely funny (the cutscenes are often better than the actual movies), there's no real failure state (characters just respawn), and they're perfect for drop-in/drop-out co-op. Plus, if you're a fan of the source material, there are tons of references and Easter eggs to spot.
Stardew Valley (Ages 8+)
This farming sim lets you plant crops, raise animals, explore caves, fish, and build relationships with townspeople. It's cozy, it's open-ended, and it's shockingly addictive.
Why parents love it: It's the opposite of stressful. There are no time limits or fail states—you just work on your farm at your own pace. The PS4 version added split-screen co-op, so you can farm together. Plus, there's genuine depth here: crop rotation, seasonal planning, resource management. It's basically teaching economics and time management while feeling like a relaxing vacation.
Learn more about Stardew Valley and why it's become a cultural phenomenon.
Unravel Two (Ages 8+)
You play as two Yarnys (little creatures made of yarn) who must work together to navigate a beautiful, physics-based world. It's a puzzle-platformer that requires genuine cooperation.
Why parents love it: It's gorgeous, it's thoughtful, and it forces you to communicate and strategize together. The puzzles are clever without being frustrating, and the game has a surprising emotional depth. Plus, it's only about 6-8 hours long, so it's perfect for completing together over a few sessions.
Unravel Two is often overlooked but is genuinely special.
About difficulty: Most of these games have adjustable difficulty or accessibility options. Don't be afraid to turn on assists or lower the difficulty—the goal is for everyone to have fun, not to prove anything.
About screen time: Playing together is different from passive screen time. You're problem-solving, communicating, and experiencing something together. That said, take breaks, especially during intense games like Overcooked or Rocket League.
About online play: Several of these games have online components. If you're concerned about online interactions, most games let you disable voice chat or restrict online play entirely. Learn more about managing online gaming safety
.
About cost: Most of these games go on sale regularly. Check the PlayStation Store sales, and consider a PS Plus subscription, which often includes family-friendly games in the monthly lineup.
The best family gaming experiences happen when everyone's actually engaged. These games respect both your kid's desire for fun and your adult need for something that doesn't feel like punishment.
Start with something co-op like Sackboy or Overcooked if you want to play together, or try Minecraft or Stardew Valley if you want something more open-ended. And if your kid is older and you want an emotional journey, It Takes Two is genuinely special.
The PS4 might not be the newest console, but it's got one of the best family gaming libraries ever assembled. You've got options that go way beyond "kid game that makes adults want to nap."
Try this: Pick one game from this list based on your kid's age and interests, and commit to playing together for 30 minutes this week. No phones, no distractions—just you, them, and the game. See what happens.
Want more personalized recommendations based on your family's specific interests and ages? Chat with Screenwise to get customized suggestions.
And if you're wondering whether gaming together "counts" as quality time, let's talk about that.