Best PS5 Games for Kids in 2026: 12 Family Friendly Picks Ranked

The best PS5 games for kids in 2026 are Astro Bot (the safest, most brilliant pick for any age), Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (for 8 and up), and It Takes Two (for parents and children playing together). All three run natively on PS5, look spectacular on a modern TV, and never resort to cheap jump scares or inappropriate content. The twelve games below cover every age group from 5 to 14, every budget, and every play style.

The 12 Best PS5 Games for Kids in 2026: Ranked

1. Astro Bot: Best PS5 Game for Kids Overall

Astro Bot is the best game on PS5 for younger players, full stop. Team Asobi's platformer is a masterclass in joyful game design: tight controls, imaginative levels, and DualSense haptic feedback that makes every surface feel different underfoot. The ESRB rating is E10+, but younger children who can handle basic platforming (around age 6) will manage it with some help. There is no violence, no scary content, and no barriers to fun. Astro Bot won the Game Award for Game of the Year in 2024 and remains the best argument for why a PS5 is worth owning.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 6 and up | Price: $59.99 | Co-op: No

2. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is the most visually stunning kid-friendly game on PS5. The interdimensional adventure stars Ratchet, the new character Rivet, and the robot companion Clank across a series of lush alien planets. Combat is light, characters are charming, and the story carries a message about friendship and courage that lands well with the 8 to 12 age group. The PS5 version runs at 4K 60 fps with optional 120 fps mode, and it looks genuinely better than most animated films.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 8 and up | Price: $39.99 | Co-op: No

3. It Takes Two

It Takes Two is the best co-op game on PS5 and the ideal parent-child gaming experience. The story follows two parents who magically shrink and must work together to get home, each chapter introducing a completely new gameplay mechanic. At rating T, it handles themes of divorce, though the execution is sensitive and age-appropriate for children 10 and older. One copy includes a free "Friend's Pass" so only one PlayStation account needs to own the game to play with a second player.

ESRB Rating: T | Best Age: 10 and up | Price: $29.99 | Co-op: Yes (required)

4. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the most accessible PS5 game for the youngest players. Controls are simple, difficulty is forgiving, and Sackboy himself has been a PlayStation mascot for over a decade. Up to four players can join a single game, making it ideal for family game nights. Levels are short enough for young attention spans and long enough to feel rewarding. The rhythm-based levels set to licensed pop songs are a standout for parents as well.

ESRB Rating: E | Best Age: 5 and up | Price: $29.99 | Co-op: Yes (up to 4 players)

5. LEGO 2K Drive

LEGO 2K Drive is an open-world kart racer where every car, ramp, and obstacle is made of LEGO bricks. Kids can build custom vehicles in a simple editor, race across themed biomes, and explore a hub world between events. The LEGO building system gives the game a creative dimension that straightforward kart racers lack. It is generous with content out of the box and runs at a stable 60 fps on PS5 in performance mode.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 7 and up | Price: $29.99 | Co-op: Yes (2 players)

6. LEGO Horizon Adventures

LEGO Horizon Adventures reimagines the Horizon Zero Dawn story with LEGO visuals, humor, and cooperative gameplay. The source material's robot dinosaur hunting becomes completely family-friendly in brick form. Two players can team up through the full campaign, and the game is shorter and more focused than most open-world LEGO titles, making it the right length for younger players. It released in late 2024 and has dropped in price significantly heading into 2026.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 8 and up | Price: $49.99 | Co-op: Yes (2 players)

7. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a challenging but rewarding platformer for older kids. The gameplay is significantly harder than Astro Bot or Sackboy, so best matched with children aged 8 and up who enjoy a genuine challenge. The humor is slapstick and completely appropriate, and the character design is colorful and expressive. At under $20 in 2026, it is the best value pick on this list.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 8 and up | Price: $19.99 | Co-op: Yes (2 players)

8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy

Three complete Spyro games in one package at under $20 is one of the best value propositions in PlayStation gaming right now. The remastered art style is charming and modern, the gameplay is gentle enough for ages 6 and up, and the collectible-hunting structure keeps kids engaged for hours. It runs at 60 fps on PS5 and looks sharp on modern displays despite the original games being from the late 1990s.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 6 and up | Price: $19.99 | Co-op: No

9. Minecraft (PS5 Edition)

Minecraft needs no introduction but earns its place on every kids' game list because it continues to be the most played game among children aged 6 to 14 worldwide. The PS5 version runs the Bedrock Edition with cross-play, 4K support, and access to the Marketplace for skins and DLC. If your child has never played Minecraft, the PS5 is the best version to start on. If they have played it elsewhere, they will not be disappointed by the PS5 port.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 6 and up | Price: $29.99 | Co-op: Yes (online)

10. Disney Dreamlight Valley

Disney Dreamlight Valley is the closest thing to an Animal Crossing experience on PS5. Kids decorate a village, complete quests for Disney and Pixar characters, grow gardens, and cook recipes. There is no conflict, no fail state, and no time pressure. The game updates with new characters and content on a regular schedule. It is rated E and appropriate for children as young as 5 with a little parental guidance for reading-heavy quest text.

ESRB Rating: E | Best Age: 5 and up | Price: $29.99 | Co-op: No

11. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is the best party fighter for kids on PS5. The roster covers SpongeBob, Patrick, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Invader Zim, Garfield, and more than 20 other characters. Four players can compete locally, making it the go-to game for sleepovers and family game nights. The sequel improved significantly on the original's animation quality and gameplay feel, and it is approachable enough for kids who have never played a fighting game.

ESRB Rating: E10+ | Best Age: 7 and up | Price: $39.99 | Co-op: Yes (up to 4 players)

12. Bluey: The Videogame

Bluey: The Videogame is the pick for the youngest PS5 players. If your child watches the Bluey animated series, this game will delight them. The four playable mini-games are simple enough for ages 3 and up, and up to four family members can play together on the same screen. It is short and light by design, which makes it perfect for young children who cannot manage long sessions. At $29.99 it is one of the most affordable new games on PS5.

ESRB Rating: E | Best Age: 3 and up | Price: $29.99 | Co-op: Yes (up to 4 players)

What to Look for in a PS5 Game for Kids

ESRB rating is the starting point. E is appropriate for all ages; E10+ suits children aged 8 and up in most cases; T covers teens 13 and up, though context matters (It Takes Two is rated T but is appropriate for 10-year-olds). Beyond rating, consider three things: control complexity (is it simple enough for the age group?), difficulty (is there a forgiving respawn system?), and co-op support (can a parent join to help?). Every game on this list answers at least two of those three questions in the right direction.

If you are looking for the right PS5 hardware bundle for a family setup, our best PS5 games in 2026 list covers the top-rated titles beyond the kids category. For a companion screen, the best gaming monitors in 2026 guide includes family-friendly display options at every price point.

"The PS5's DualSense controller is genuinely transformative for young players. The haptic feedback in games like Astro Bot and Sackboy creates a tactile connection to the game world that children respond to immediately. It is the single biggest reason to choose PS5 over any alternative for a family console."

Dr. Sarah Lim, child development researcher and gaming educator, University of Southern California (quoted in GameSpot, March 2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best PS5 game for a 7-year-old?

Astro Bot is the best option for a 7-year-old. It is rated E10+, has simple controls, and is short enough for young attention spans. LEGO 2K Drive and Sackboy: A Big Adventure are strong alternatives at the same age.

Are there any PS5 games rated E (Everyone)?

Yes. Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Bluey: The Videogame are all rated E on PS5, making them appropriate for all ages with no caveats.

What is a good PS5 game for kids and parents to play together?

It Takes Two is the best co-op option for parents and children. Sackboy: A Big Adventure and LEGO 2K Drive also support multiple local players and are easier to pick up without gaming experience.

Is Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart appropriate for young kids?

Yes, with a small caveat. Rated E10+, the game features light cartoon combat with weapons, but nothing gory or frightening. Most children aged 7 and up handle it without issue. The story is gentle, positive, and focuses on teamwork and courage.

What is the cheapest good PS5 game for kids?

Crash Bandicoot 4 and Spyro Reignited Trilogy are both available under $20 in 2026 and offer dozens of hours of age-appropriate content. Spyro in particular gives three full games for the price of one.

Do any PS5 kids games support 4 players?

Yes. Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, and Bluey: The Videogame all support up to four local players. These are the best picks for families with multiple children.

Last updated: July 27, 2026. ESRB ratings and prices verified at time of publication.