4.5Editor score
In this guide
Finding the right video games for children can be challenging for parents who want engaging content that is safe and appropriate. The PlayStation 4 library offers a wide variety of titles designed specifically for younger audiences with colorful worlds and simple mechanics.
We have carefully selected ten standout options that cater to different interests including racing, platforming, and creative exploration. Each game was chosen based on player ratings, age appropriateness, and the quality of gameplay experiences they provide for kids and families.
Each pick in this list highlights unique features and benefits that make them suitable for young gamers. Keep in mind that availability and pricing may vary over time so checking current listings is always recommended before making a purchase decision.
Top 3 Picks for Best Kids Games for PS4
4.7Editor score
4.7Editor score
Top 10 Best Kids Games for PS4 in 2026 Compared
This side-by-side comparison helps you quickly see the key features and ratings of each title to find the perfect match for your child's interests and gaming style.
1. Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 – Best Truck Racing Action
Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 offers a thrilling racing experience tailored for fans of big trucks and high-flying stunts. With a 4.7 rating from players it stands out as a top choice for children who enjoy vehicle-based games on PlayStation 4.
Pros
- Large truck roster
- Easy to learn
- Exciting stunts
- Familiar brands
- Good replay value
Cons
- Some controls basic
- Limited story depth
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game features an impressive roster of 38 trucks from Monster Jam history including famous names like Grave Digger. Kids can compete in 12 authentic stadiums and perform a variety of stunts such as back-flips and moonwalks that bring the real shows to life.
While the gameplay improvements in physics and career modes are noticeable some players might find the story elements less engaging than the racing action. However the focus on fun and variety makes these trade-offs acceptable for younger gamers.
This title is perfect for kids who love trucks and competitive racing. It provides hours of entertainment with modes that allow for both single-player exploration and competitive challenges making it a solid addition to any PS4 library.
Massive Truck Roster
Players can choose from 38 iconic trucks including Higher Education and Sparkle Smash ensuring variety in every race.
Authentic Stadium Experience
Compete in 12 stadiums inspired by real-world shows for a true Monster Jam atmosphere at home.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
2. Sonic Forces – Best Customization Platformer
Sonic Forces brings the blue blur back to the forefront with a mix of modern and classic gameplay styles. Rated 4.5 by players it offers a balanced experience that appeals to both new fans and long-time followers of the franchise.
Pros
- Custom hero option
- Varied gameplay
- Nostalgic levels
- Villain battles
- Fast paced
Cons
- Difficulty spikes
- Short campaign
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game includes three types of gameplay allowing kids to play as Modern Sonic for fast action or Classic Sonic for traditional platforming. A unique feature is the ability to create a custom Hero Character with powerful gadgets to fight against the mysterious enemy Infinite.
Some players note that the campaign can be somewhat short with occasional difficulty spikes that might challenge younger children. Despite this the engaging story and familiar characters provide enough entertainment to make the journey worthwhile for most fans.
This game is ideal for kids who enjoy platformers and customization. The blend of old and new styles ensures there is something for everyone while the custom hero option adds a personal touch to the adventure.
Three Play Styles
Choose between Modern Sonic fast action Classic Sonic platforming or a custom Hero with unique gadgets for variety.
Custom Hero Creation
Design your own character and use powerful gadgets to fight alongside the all-star cast of Sonic heroes.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
3. The Lego Movie 2 Video Game – Best Creative Adventure
The Lego Movie 2 Video Game takes players into the colorful world of the animated film with engaging puzzles and exploration. With a 4.4 rating it delivers a lighthearted adventure suitable for children who enjoy creative play and storytelling.
Pros
- Familiar characters
- Humorous story
- Co-op play
- Collectible hunting
- Colorful visuals
Cons
- Linear levels
- Simple mechanics
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game features 6 new locations filled with collectibles that encourage exploration and completion. Kids can follow the movie story while solving puzzles and building Lego creations that bring the humor and charm of the film to life.
While the gameplay mechanics are simple and may not offer deep challenges for older players the accessibility makes it perfect for younger kids. The linear nature of levels can limit replayability but the fun of discovery keeps things engaging.
This title is a great choice for fans of the Lego Movie who want to continue the adventure. The co-op options and collectible hunting ensure that families can enjoy the game together in a relaxed and entertaining way.
New Locations to Explore
Discover 6 unique locations from the movie filled with secrets and collectibles to find on your journey.
Collectible Hunting
Find hidden items and pieces throughout the game to unlock extras and complete challenges.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
4. Carnival Games – Best Family Party Fun
Carnival Games brings the excitement of a country fair into your living room with a collection of mini-games perfect for all ages. Rated 4.5 by players it is an affordable option that encourages family bonding through playful competition.
Pros
- Easy to pick up
- Multiplayer support
- Ticket rewards
- Family friendly
- Great value
Cons
- Repetitive tasks
- Simple graphics
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game bursts with exciting mini-games that can be played over and over again without getting boring. Kids can bring friends and family into the fun to win tickets and trade them in for new outfits for their carnival guest characters.
While some tasks can feel repetitive and the graphics are not the most advanced the sheer variety of activities keeps the experience fresh. The simple design ensures that children of any skill level can join in and enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
This is an excellent choice for families looking for casual entertainment that everyone can enjoy. The ticket rewards and customization options add a layer of engagement that keeps kids coming back for more fun at the carnival.
Mini-Game Collection
Experience a wide variety of classic carnival games that offer fun for all ages and skill levels.
Ticket Rewards System
Win tickets by playing games and trade them in for new outfits to customize your carnival guest.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
5. Sonic Frontiers – Best Open World Adventure
Sonic Frontiers expands the franchise into a vast open world where kids can explore five massive islands at high speed. With a 4.7 rating it is a top pick for children who want freedom and adventure in their platforming games.
Pros
- Open world design
- Fast gameplay
- New abilities
- Hidden secrets
- Story depth
Cons
- Fishing can slow
- Some grinding
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game allows players to blaze a trail across islands with unique challenges and hidden secrets. You can discover side quests solve puzzles and even go fishing while using the new battle system and skill tree upgrades to take down robotic foes.
While some activities like fishing might slow down the pace for impatient players they add a relaxing element to the high-speed action. The open world design offers more freedom than traditional Sonic games which appeals to explorers.
This title is perfect for kids who want a modern take on Sonic with room to explore and discover. The combination of platforming combat and exploration makes it a standout adventure that keeps players engaged for hours.
Massive Islands to Explore
Race across five huge overworld islands each with unique challenges and secrets to uncover at your own pace.
New Battle System
Use dodges parries counters and combos to defeat mysterious foes in an engaging and dynamic combat system.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
6. Sonic Superstars – Best Classic Style Platformer
Sonic Superstars offers a fresh spin on the classic side-scrolling formula with vibrant visuals and engaging mechanics. Rated 4.7 by players it brings back the beloved feel of the franchise while adding new features that enhance the experience for families.
Pros
- 4 player co-op
- Classic platforming
- Power-ups unique
- Modern graphics
- Variety of play
Cons
- Short levels
- Limited story
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game lets you multiply swim up waterfalls and change form using the powers of the Chaos Emeralds. You can play as Sonic Tails Knuckles and Amy Rose each with unique abilities to explore paths and secrets alongside up to 3 other players.
While the levels are relatively short and the story is not the main focus the local co-op experience compensates for this. The ability to play together makes it a premium choice for households looking for shared gaming moments.
This is the ideal game for families who want to play together on the same screen. The classic style combined with modern powers ensures that both old fans and new players can enjoy the adventure at their own pace.
4 Player Local Co-Op
Play with up to 3 other players locally for a shared experience that brings friends and family together.
Chaos Emerald Powers
Use the Emeralds to multiply swim and change form to access new paths and secrets in the game.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
7. Team Sonic Racing – Best Team Racing Game
Team Sonic Racing introduces a unique take on kart racing where success depends on working together as a team. With a 4.7 rating it stands out for its cooperative mechanics that encourage players to help each other win races.
Pros
- Team mechanics
- Co-op focus
- Custom karts
- Online support
- Fast action
Cons
- Team focus may annoy
- Learning curve
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game includes 12 players per race and 4 player split screen for local fun. Kids can use team moves to assist teammates knock out opponents and unleash their Team Ultimate while customizing vehicle performance and skins to suit their style.
While the focus on team play might be challenging for those who prefer individual competition the cooperation adds a new layer of strategy. The variety of modes and characters ensures there is always a new race to join.
This title is perfect for groups of friends or family who enjoy racing and teamwork. The balance between individual performance and team goals makes it an engaging choice for competitive gaming sessions.
Team Racing Mechanics
Win as a team by using moves to assist teammates and combine power for a Team Ultimate finish.
15 Playable Characters
Choose from 15 characters with Speed Technique or Power types to find your best racing style.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
8. DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – Best Multi-Franchise Racing
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing brings beloved characters from movies like Shrek and Trolls to the track for a fun racing experience. Rated 4.4 by players it offers a colorful and accessible way for kids to enjoy arcade-style racing.
Pros
- Familiar characters
- Iconic locations
- Custom karts
- Power-ups fun
- Family appeal
Cons
- Some tracks generic
- Limited story
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game features 20 awesome karts inspired by unique personalities and tracks based on iconic movie locations. Kids can race through the Kingdom of Far Far Away and Bergen Town while using power-ups from Trolls to enhance their performance.
While some tracks may feel generic compared to others and the story is minimal the charm of the characters compensates for these drawbacks. The focus on fun and variety ensures that players stay engaged throughout the experience.
This game is a great choice for families who enjoy DreamWorks movies and want a racing game that everyone recognizes. The split-screen local multiplayer makes it easy to have a party atmosphere at home.
All-Star Cast
Race with favorites like Shrek Po Puss in Boots and Boss Baby in a lineup that fans of all ages will love.
Iconic Locations
Travel through fantastical worlds inspired by your favorite movies with tracks that bring these settings to life.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
9. Cars 3 Driven to Win – Best Movie Racing Adventure
Cars 3 Driven to Win lets kids step into the wheels of Lightning McQueen and the gang for a thrilling racing experience. With a 4.7 rating it offers a fun and engaging adventure that captures the spirit of the movie.
Pros
- Familiar cars
- Stunt challenges
- Training modes
- Co-op play
- Easy controls
Cons
- Limited variety
- Short tracks
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game includes 6 thrilling game modes where players can train to advance their abilities and perform stunts. You can use a variety of power-ups to eliminate crash karts and race against family and friends to become the ultimate champion.
While the game offers limited variety compared to other racing titles the focus on stunts and scoring keeps it interesting for younger players. The training modes help build skills before moving into competitive races.
This is an ideal game for fans of the Cars franchise who want to race and perform tricks. The easy controls and multiplayer options make it a welcoming choice for children of different skill levels.
Stunt Scoring
Catch air and perform stunts to earn high scores in a mode designed to test your driving skills.
Training Modes
Train your abilities in specific game modes before racing against others to prove your skills as a champion.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
10. Nickelodeon Kart Racers – Best Cartoon Racing Fun
Nickelodeon Kart Racers brings the most iconic characters from SpongeBob and TMNT to a slime-filled racing adventure. Rated 4.6 by players it offers a colorful and chaotic racing experience that kids familiar with these shows will enjoy.
Pros
- Iconic characters
- Slime tracks
- Custom karts
- Multiplayer
- Fun attacks
Cons
- Hitboxes large
- Controls heavy
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The game features 24 different slime-filled tracks including Bikini Bottom and the NYC sewers. Players can choose from 12 iconic series to customize karts and use special attacks to eliminate opponents during races.
While the hitboxes can feel large and the controls may feel heavy at times the variety of characters and tracks keeps the game engaging. The co-op options make it a strong candidate for local multiplayer fun.
This title is perfect for kids who love Nickelodeon shows and want to race as their favorite heroes. The unique track designs and power-ups ensure that every race feels different and full of surprises.
12 Iconic Series
Choose a racer from 12 series including SpongeBob Turtles and Rugrats to race as characters you know and love.
Slime-Filled Tracks
Race on 24 unique tracks inspired by your favorite shows including Bikini Bottom and Arnold's school.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Kids Games for PS4
Selecting the right game requires considering gameplay style age suitability and engagement factors to ensure a positive experience for your child.
Age Appropriateness
Always check the ESRB rating and content descriptors to ensure the game matches your child's maturity level. Games designed for kids should have simple mechanics and avoid excessive violence or complex themes that may be difficult to process.
Look for titles rated E or E10+ that focus on creativity and fun rather than intense competition or dark storylines.
Gameplay Length
Consider whether the game offers a long campaign or shorter mini-games that fit your child's attention span. Some kids prefer quick sessions while others enjoy getting lost in an open world adventure for hours.
Balanced game modes that allow for both short sprints and longer exploration provide the best flexibility for young gamers.
Multiplayer Options
If you plan to play with your child or friends check for local co-op or split-screen features. These options allow for shared experiences and make the game more engaging through social interaction.
Games with strong multiplayer support can extend the life of the title and provide opportunities for learning teamwork and communication.
Skill Progression
Kids enjoy seeing progress and improvement so look for games with leveling systems or unlockable content. This gives a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to keep playing without feeling overwhelmed.
Titles that teach new skills gradually help build confidence and keep the experience fresh as they master new challenges.
Visual Appeal
Bright colorful graphics and engaging animations are essential for keeping young players interested in the game. A visually pleasing interface helps them understand controls and goals without needing excessive text.
Choose games with clear design elements and high-contrast visuals to ensure accessibility for all children.
Online Safety
If the game includes online features ensure there are parental controls to manage interactions with strangers. Safety settings can prevent unwanted communication and keep the environment secure for your child.
Review the online policies and enable restrictions to maintain a positive and safe digital experience for young players.
Replay Value
Consider whether the game has enough content or unlockables to keep your child engaged beyond the first playthrough. Games with hidden secrets or multiple endings encourage exploration and re-watching.
Select titles that offer varied modes or challenges to ensure the game remains fun after the main story is complete.
Controls Ease of Use
Younger children may struggle with complex controllers so look for games with simplified control schemes. Intuitive interfaces and clear instructions help them focus on fun rather than fighting with the hardware.
Games that support adaptive controllers or allow for button remapping can be a significant help for younger hands.
How to Use and Care for Your Kids Games for PS4
Ensure your PlayStation 4 is properly connected and updated before inserting the game disc or downloading the digital version. This helps avoid loading errors and ensures you have the latest features and patches for the title.
Use parental controls through the PlayStation System Settings to manage play time and online access. This helps create a balanced gaming routine and protects your child from inappropriate content or interactions.
Store game discs in their cases when not in use to prevent scratches and damage. For digital games ensure your account credentials are secure so your progress and purchases remain safe over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these games suitable for young children?
Most of the games listed are designed with younger audiences in mind featuring colorful visuals and simplified controls. Always check the ESRB rating to ensure the content aligns with your child's maturity level before purchasing.
Can kids play these games with friends?
Several titles include local multiplayer or co-op modes that allow friends and family to play together on the same console. Check the specific game details to see if split-screen or online multiplayer is supported.
Do these games require an internet connection?
While online features enhance some titles many of these games can be played offline without an internet connection. You will only need connectivity if you wish to access multiplayer modes or download updates.
Are there parental controls available?
Yes the PlayStation 4 system includes robust parental controls that allow you to manage play time and restrict content. You can set these up through the console settings to tailor the experience for your child.
How do I choose between racing and platformer games?
If your child enjoys speed and competition racing games are a great choice. For kids who prefer exploration and jumping platformers offer more variety. Consider what they enjoy most to make the best pick.
Is online multiplayer safe for kids?
Online play can be safe if you use the parental controls to restrict communication. Ensure you teach your child about digital safety and supervise their interactions during online gaming sessions.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Kids Games for PS4
This guide has highlighted ten top games that offer a mix of racing platforming and creative fun for kids. Each title brings something unique to the table ensuring there is an option for every type of young gamer.
When selecting a game prioritize age-appropriate content and features that encourage family interaction. Games with multiplayer options or clear progress systems tend to provide the most value and engagement for children.
Always verify the current availability and details before buying as features or pricing may change over time. Checking recent updates ensures you get the best experience for your child's next PS4 adventure.