Unlike the Nintendo Switch, which is basically designed with families in mind, the PS5 skews toward older gamers. The default assumption from Sony seems to be that you're here for the latest AAA blockbuster with mature content. That means you need to be more intentional about what ends up in your home library.

The ESRB ratings help (E for Everyone, E10+ for ages 10 and up, T for Teen), but they're not the whole story. Some E-rated games are genuinely engaging for kids, while others feel like shovelware. And some T-rated games might be fine for your mature 11-year-old, while others... not so much.

Astro's Playroom comes pre-installed on every PS5, and honestly? It's a perfect starting point. It's charming, creative, teaches kids how to use the PS5 controller (those haptics!), and has zero concerning content. It's also short enough that kids can actually finish it, which feels good.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a delightful 3D platformer with co-op play. If you've got multiple kids or want to play together, this is a great bonding experience. It's colorful, funny, and has that "one more level" quality without being manipulative about it.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is absolutely gorgeous and feels like playing through a Pixar movie. It's rated T for fantasy violence, but it's more "action-adventure" than anything graphic. The Rot creatures are adorable, and the story has real emotional depth. Best for kids 10+ who can handle some mild combat and themes around death/spirits.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is stunning—like, jaw-droppingly beautiful. It's got cartoon violence (you're shooting robots and alien creatures), but it's cartoony and silly rather than realistic. The humor lands with kids, and the gameplay is genuinely engaging. This is a great "wow, look what the PS5 can do" showcase that's actually age-appropriate.

LEGO games (LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, etc.) remain solid choices. They're funny, co-op friendly, and have that LEGO charm where everything breaks apart into bricks instead of blood. Yes, they can feel a bit repetitive, but kids genuinely enjoy them.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales is rated T and is probably the most "mature" game on this list that I'd still recommend for the right kid. There's combat and some intense moments, but it's a superhero story with heart. Miles is a great protagonist, and web-slinging through New York is genuinely thrilling. For kids 12+ who can handle action movie-level intensity.

Gran Turismo 7 is perfect for the car-obsessed kid. It's a racing simulator (so more realistic than arcade-style), and it actually teaches kids about cars, racing lines, and patience. No violence, no concerning content—just really pretty cars going really fast.

Sports games like FIFA or NBA 2K are generally fine, though be aware: they often include loot box mechanics and microtransactions that can add up fast. Set clear boundaries about in-game purchases before handing over access.

The PS5 has robust parental controls. You can set spending limits, restrict games by rating, limit playtime, and control who your kid can communicate with online. Set these up from day one—it's way easier than trying to add them later.

Physical vs. Digital matters for sharing. If you buy physical discs, siblings can share and you can resell/trade games. Digital games are tied to your account and can't be shared as easily (though PS5 does have game sharing features between accounts).

Online play is a different beast. Many of these games have online multiplayer components. Even in "kid-friendly" games, online chat can expose kids to language and behavior you wouldn't want them around. Consider keeping younger kids offline or using the PS5's communication restrictions.

Not every "kids game" is good. There are plenty of cheap, low-quality games marketed to kids that are basically just cash grabs. Stick with games from known developers or check reviews before buying.

Fortnite is free and wildly popular, but it's also a massive time sink with aggressive monetization. If you allow it, set very clear boundaries.

Anything rated M (Mature 17+) is not for kids, full stop. Yes, "everyone else is playing it." No, your 10-year-old doesn't need to play Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. This is a hill worth dying on.

Some T-rated games push the boundary. Not all Teen-rated games are created equal. Check Common Sense Media or ask our chatbot if you're unsure about a specific title.

The PS5 can be a great family gaming system, but it requires more intentionality than a Switch. The games listed here are genuinely fun, age-appropriate, and won't leave you wondering what your kid just witnessed on screen.

Start with something like Astro's Playroom or Sackboy, set up those parental controls, and have a conversation with your kid about what kinds of games are okay in your house and why.

And if your kid comes to you asking for the latest M-rated shooter because "everyone has it"? That's a great opportunity to talk about why different families make different choices—and why you're making the choice you're making.