Look, the PS4 might not be the newest console on the block anymore (the PS5 has entered the chat), but it's still wildly popular in families with kids. And honestly? That's great news for your wallet. The library is massive, prices have dropped, and there's actually a ton of genuinely excellent games that won't have you wincing at gratuitous violence or cringing at inappropriate content.
Kid-friendly PS4 games span everything from creative sandbox experiences to puzzle-platformers to sports titles. We're talking games that emphasize exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and yes—even some legitimate learning—without the blood splatters or M-rated content that dominates so much gaming marketing.
The challenge isn't finding games your kids will enjoy. It's finding games that align with your family's values while still being, you know, actually fun. Because let's be real: nobody wants to force-feed their kid some educational game that feels like digital vegetables when all their friends are talking about the latest trending title.
Here's the thing about kid-friendly PS4 games: the best ones don't feel like "kid" games at all. They're legitimately engaging experiences that happen to be appropriate for younger players.
Kids are drawn to games that give them agency—the ability to create, explore, and make meaningful choices. They want worlds that feel alive and responsive. They want challenges that feel rewarding, not frustrating. And increasingly, they want social experiences where they can play with friends or family.
The PS4 delivers on all of this. Games like Minecraft let kids build entire worlds limited only by imagination. Sackboy: A Big Adventure offers genuinely clever platforming that works solo or co-op. Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars in a way that's easy to learn but deeply engaging.
Plus, let's acknowledge the social currency here. Having access to popular games means your kid can participate in conversations at school. They're not left out when friends discuss strategies or share excitement about new updates.
Ages 5-8: Entry-Level Adventures
For younger kids, you want games with simple controls, forgiving difficulty, and clear objectives:
- Sackboy: A Big Adventure - Adorable platformer with excellent co-op play. Perfect for playing together.
- Concrete Genie - Beautiful game about a bullied kid who brings art to life. Genuinely moving and creative.
- Astro Bot Rescue Mission - If you have PS VR, this is magical. If not, Astro's Playroom on PS5 is the spiritual successor.
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy - Classic platforming with a cute dragon protagonist. Colorful, fun, and nostalgia-inducing for parents.
Ages 9-12: Building Complexity
Middle elementary and middle school kids can handle more complex mechanics and longer play sessions:
- Minecraft - The obvious choice, but for good reason. Creative mode is perfect for younger kids; survival mode adds challenge for older ones.
- Rocket League - Soccer with cars. Seriously addictive, genuinely skill-based, and the free-to-play model means low barrier to entry. Just watch the in-game purchases
. - Ratchet & Clank - The 2016 reboot is gorgeous, funny, and action-packed without being violent in a realistic way. Cartoon weapons and alien enemies keep it light.
- Spider-Man - This one's rated T for Teen, but it's honestly pretty tame. Web-slinging through New York is exhilarating, and the story emphasizes responsibility and heroism. Some parents are fine with it at 10+; others wait until 12+. Know your kid.
Ages 13+: Teen-Appropriate Experiences
Teens can handle more mature themes and complex narratives:
- Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Superhero action that feels meaningful. Combat is present but not graphic.
- Journey - An artistic masterpiece about traveling through a desert. Wordless, beautiful, and genuinely emotional. Short (2-3 hours) but unforgettable.
- Stardew Valley - Farming sim that's wildly addictive. Teaches resource management, planning, and patience. Warning: time will disappear.
- The Last of Us Remastered - Okay, this one's M-rated and genuinely intense. I'm including it because older teens (16+) might be ready for it, and it's considered one of the greatest games ever made. But it's violent, emotionally heavy, and deals with mature themes. This is a "watch them play it" or "play together" situation, not a "leave them alone with it at 13" game.
The ESRB Rating System Actually Matters
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings are your friend:
- E (Everyone) - Generally safe for all ages
- E10+ - Suitable for ages 10 and up, may contain mild cartoon violence
- T (Teen) - Ages 13+, may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor
- M (Mature) - Ages 17+, intense violence, blood, sexual content, strong language
These aren't perfect, but they're a solid starting point. Read the detailed content descriptors, not just the letter rating.
Online Play Is a Whole Different Ballgame
Many PS4 games include online multiplayer, which means your kid is potentially interacting with strangers. This requires a conversation about:
- Never sharing personal information (name, school, location, etc.)
- What to do when encountering toxic behavior (mute, block, report)
- Understanding that "everyone does it" isn't a reason to engage in trash talk
Games like Rocket League and Fortnite (yes, it's on PS4) have robust online communities. You can disable voice chat or limit online play to friends-only. Learn about PS4 parental controls here.
Free-to-Play Doesn't Mean Free
Rocket League and Fortnite are free to download, but they make money through cosmetic purchases. Your kid will absolutely want that cool car skin or character outfit. Set clear expectations about spending before they start playing. Consider a monthly allowance for in-game purchases or require them to use their own money.
Screen Time Quality Varies Wildly
Not all gaming is created equal. An hour of Minecraft where your kid is designing a complex redstone circuit is cognitively different from an hour of mindlessly grinding for loot boxes. Pay attention to what they're doing, not just how long they're doing it.
That said, balance matters. Gaming shouldn't crowd out physical activity, social time, homework, or sleep. If you're seeing those impacts, it's time to reassess.
Beyond the obvious hits, there are some genuinely wonderful games that fly under the radar:
- A Hat in Time - Charming 3D platformer with humor and heart. Think Mario 64 vibes.
- Unravel Two - Beautiful puzzle-platformer designed for two players. Requires cooperation and communication.
- Rayman Legends - Gorgeous 2D platformer with music-based levels that are legitimately delightful.
- Overcooked! All You Can Eat - Chaotic cooking game that's hilarious in co-op. Warning: may cause playful arguments about who burned the soup.
The PS4 library is a goldmine for families willing to look beyond the M-rated blockbusters that dominate marketing. There are hundreds of games that offer genuine fun, creativity, problem-solving, and even social-emotional learning without the content that makes parents uncomfortable.
Start with these principles:
- Check ratings, but also watch gameplay videos - YouTube and Twitch let you see exactly what a game looks like before buying
- Play together when possible - Co-op games are bonding opportunities and let you monitor content naturally
- Have ongoing conversations about online interactions - Don't just set rules and walk away
- Balance gaming with other activities - Gaming can be great, but it shouldn't be everything
- Trust your instincts about your specific kid - You know their maturity level better than any rating system
The goal isn't to eliminate gaming or only allow "educational" titles. It's to be intentional about what enters your home and how it fits into your family's life. With the right approach, PS4 gaming can be creative, connecting, and yes—genuinely fun for everyone.
Next Steps:
- Check out our guide to setting up PS4 parental controls
- Curious about specific games? Ask our chatbot about age-appropriateness
- Looking for alternatives to violent games your kid is asking about? We can help with that too