Best PS4 games for kids, as recommended by parents

It’s fair to say that these days, PS4 gaming is something that brings joy to both adults and children. In recent years, PS4 have expanded their catalogue of games and now really do offer something for everyone, regardless of whether you’re looking to play alone, as a multiplayer or even compete against strangers online (with parental supervision, of course).

While the PS5 is the latest console available from Sony, its high price tag and difficulty to find stock make the PS4 model the perfect choice for treating the kids, without spending a small fortune. So whether you are looking for some calm role play escapism, high energy adventures or even a game to get the party started, Playstation has a huge selection of games for the whole family to enjoy.

We’ve done extensive research via authentic user reviews, bestseller rankings and recommendations from our very own Mumsnet users to bring you the best PS4 games to add to your collection, with options to suit every budget, mood, age and experience level.

Here are the best PS4 games for kids to buy this year.

1. Best overall PS4 game for kids: LEGO Harry Potter Collection

Price £19.99 | Buy now from Argos

“All the LEGO games are fantastic. They can be played solo, or cooperative two player. The games feature platforming, simple combat, and puzzles that will often require both players to work together. LEGO Harry Potter is great for HP fans." (Recommended by Mumsnet user StreyyTV)

All the LEGO PS4 games came highly praised on the Mumsnet forums (as well as getting excellent reviews on retailer sites), however this one in particular really stood out as a popular all round choice, whether you’re a long-standing Potterhead or not.

The LEGO Harry Potter Collection brings together Harry Potter Years 1-4 and 5-7 on the Playstation 4 for the very first time, all in a vast, expansive world created entirely from LEGO.

Pick your Harry Potter character, before setting off on a magical mission to collect coins and different coloured LEGO bricks. Use these to buy characters and increase your abilities, as well as casting spells, making potions, solving puzzles and beating death eaters along the way.

Aimed at children aged seven and above (but just as much fun for adults too), this game is suitable to play alone or in cooperative two player mode. The immersive world of the vivid LEGO Harry Potter landscapes also make this an entertaining game for observers too.

Key specs

• Developer: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment

• Release date: 21st October 2016

• PEGI rating: 7+

Pros

• A must have game for Potterheads and a popular all round choice

• Ability to choose your character in free play

• Single or double player and great to watch game play

Cons

• Some of the landscapes are vast - you can get lost

• The characters do not speak

2. Best budget PS4 game for kids: Sega Megadrive Classics

Price £21.99 | Buy now from GAME

“You can sometimes get ‘classic' PlayStation game collections which have a good variety and casual ability for kids.” (Idea from Mumsnet user CherryRainbow)

Bringing SEGA Megadrive classics to the PS4 for the first time, this release is a great budget-friendly option, bringing 50 games together on one disc. This game includes classics such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage, as well as Alex Kidd and the Enchanted Castle and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, all with modern features we didn’t have in our youth such as the ability to save progress, rewind gameplay and earn trophies.

The feature of 50 games on one helpful disc offers excellent value for money, although with mostly retro classic options, younger players may question the quality of the graphics.

Key specs

• Developer: SEGA

• Release date: 29th May 2018

• PEGI rating: 12+

Pros

• Great value

• Taps into nostalgia

Cons

• Graphics aren't as other games

• PEGI rating is 12+ but you can pick and chose games that are suitable for younger players

3. Best PS4 adventure game for kids: Spyro: Reignited Trilogy

Price £27.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“I've heard that it'll be exactly the same, but in better quality, and possibly with additional scenes/challenges which were left out of the originals. SO excited. My best friend and I spent countless hours playing Spyro as children.” (Suggestion from Mumsnet user SuperBeagle)

Mumsnet users give a huge amount of praise to Sypro, the colourful dragon with a fierce attitude who will stop at nothing when his realm is in danger. It may be 20 years since the game first hit our shelves, but the novelty of this adventure classic shows no signs of wearing off.

The Spyro Reunited Trilogy is a great way to share the games you loved from your childhood with your kids, with remastered HD graphic versions of the original three games, Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2 Ripto's Rage! and Spyro Year of the Dragon.

Perfect for adults and kids alike, Spyro returns with his friend Spark the Firefly to solve puzzles, complete unique challenges and use his powerflames, supershots and headbashes to defeat evil enemies.

Key specs

• Developer: ACTIVISION

• Release date: 13th November 2018

• PEGI rating: 7+

Pros

• Over 100 levels to explore (three games in one)

• Action packed adventure

• Remastered graphics

Cons

• This game requires content download before play (PS4 needs to be connected to wifi)

4. Best PS4 game for teens: Marvel’s Spiderman

Price £29.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“Spiderman is a really good game but single player (if she likes superhero stuff though she will love it). There’s a few scenes that could be scary for a younger audience.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Blueberrymarshmallow)

A character that needs no introduction, Spiderman is one of the world’s most iconic superheroes. In Marvel’s Spiderman, players can take on the role of a more experienced Peter Parker, fighting crime in New York City.

No rookie mistakes, no adapting to being a superhero, this crime fighting expert knows what he’s doing, and players will love using acrobatic abilities, web slinging, parkour and wall crawling through the stunning graphics, vibrant neighbourhoods and Manhattan city landmarks.

This game is high energy, fast paced fun, completing challenges and battling against threats to the city. It comes with a 16 PEGI rating due to threat and violence, so it’s not one for younger teens though.

Key specs

• Developer: Sony

• Release date: 28th August 2019

• PEGI rating: 16+

Pros

• Vivid city landscape

• Ability to do stunts/jumps/parkour

Cons

• PEGI is high which may leave some younger Marvel fans disappointed

5. Best multiplayer PS4 game for kids: Rayman Legends

Price £13.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“Rayman Legends is another really fun platforming game that up to four people can play at once.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user StreyyTV)

Another reinvented classic from the 90s, Rayman Legends is back and just as popular as ever, with options for single player, two player cooperative play or four player fun.

The super cute characters, Rayman, Globox and the Teensies discover a mysterious tent in an enchanted forest which is filled with a number of paintings. When they get close, each magical painting transforms them into a strange medieval world. The team must work together to run, jump and battle their way, saving the day whilst discovering the painting’s secrets.

With rave reviews, Rayman Legends is a great choice for families to play together from the comfort of their sofa, working collaboratively to help each other to complete challenges.

Key specs

• Developer: Ubisoft

• Release date: 21st February 2014

• PEGI rating: 7+

Pros

• 3D boss battles

• Online challenges

• Four player cooperative play

Cons

• Only the bosses are in 3D, rest of gameplay is 2D

6. Best simulation PS4 game for kids: The Sims 4

Price £13.18 | Buy now from Amazon

The Sims is one of the most popular game franchises to date, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide, so it’s fair to say it’s earned its place on this list.

A sandbox game (with no rules or limitations in terms of game play), The Sims allows players to take control of their very own characters called Sims, responding to their moods and desires and making life choices on everything from careers to relationships.

With the ability to personalise your Sims appearance (from body shape to hairstyle) and furnish their accommodation, your Sims character can visit new neighbourhoods, make friends and collect objects that could dramatically change the path of their future.

The Sims 4 also comes at an absolutely bargain price, making it an ideal gift for PS4 fans. The PEGI rating is 12+ though, so it's more suitable for older children and teens rather than littler ones.

Key specs

• Developer: EA Games

• Release date: 17th November 2017

• PEGI rating: 12+

Pros

• Free play mode

• Ability to personalise your Sim

Cons

• Some may prefer games with set objectives

• Higher PEGI rating than some other games

7. Best active PS4 game for kids: Just Dance 22

Price £29.99 | Buy now from Amazon

“Just Dance is a good shout if she's dancey at all (although I'm now old enough I don't even recognise the artists, let alone the songs! Previous years are worth checking for tracks, they're all the same game just different music).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Spoonblender)

If you are having friends or family around for a party and want to bring out the PS4 games for some entertainment, Just Dance is a great choice.

Just Dance 22 is the latest release in a large number of Just Dance games available on the PS4, each with new content to reflect the latest chart hits. With over 40 tracks on each game, (usually a combination of recent chart-toppers and classic songs), the aim of Just Dance is to compete with your friends to see who can win a crown for their coordination.

Follow the actions demonstrated on screen (using both leg and arm movements) and the more accurate you are, the higher you will score. The more you play, the more tracks and challenges you can unlock. Be warned though: it can get lively!

Key specs

• Developer: Ubisoft

• Release date: 4th November 2021

• PEGI rating: 3+

Pros

• Great for parties and gatherings

• Suitable for the whole family and gets you up off the sofa (unless you cheat)

Cons

• Older versions of the same game may be a cheaper option

• May be hard for younger players to keep up

8. Best platform PS4 game for kids: Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy

Price £34.75 | Buy now from Amazon

“We recently bought Crash Bandicoot and the whole family has been playing!” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Hrd2018)

A classic character who has made a comeback to the gaming world is Crash Bandicoot, a high energy character who heads off on adrenaline fuelled adventures to stop the evil Doctor Neo Certex from taking over the world.

In this remastered version of the original three Crash Bandicoot games, players must spin and jump to defeat enemies, smash crates, and collect items such as Wumpa Fruits, gaining extra lives and collecting special relics such as the Aku Aku mask to protect them as they head on their mission and try as they try and save the day.

With over 100 levels to explore, this game provides some welcome nostalgia whilst being thoroughly entertaining for the whole family.

Key specs

• Developer: ACTIVISION

• Release date: 10th September 2018

• PEGI rating: 7+

Pros

• 100+ levels

• Time trials on every level

• Bright, vivid and remastered HD graphics

Cons

• Some reviewers felt it was too hard in parts

9. Best PS4 game for young kids: PAW Patrol Mighty Pups

Price £26.98 | Buy now from Amazon

If you have younger children at home, you may struggle to find a game that is age-appropriate and suitable for them to play on their own, as even games aimed at children can be a bit scary with unexpected surprises. PAW Patrol Mighty Pups is a game aimed at children 3+, but is ideal for preschoolers and younger children, as there is absolutely no violence or threat.

Featuring some of their favourite characters from PAW Patrol (including Ryder and his Pups), this game is a great introductory game for the PS4, with simple controls and helpful spoken tips from Ryder if they get stuck. The controls required are really straightforward and the PAW missions are high energy and action packed, meaning even those new to the PS4 can quickly get up to speed.

The Mighty Pups comes with a number of levels (the more you play, the more you unlock) as well as seven mini games, making this a versatile choice young children will love.

Key specs

• Developer: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment

• Release date: 6th November 2020

• PEGI rating: 3+

Pros

• Easy controls and game play for a younger audience

• No threat or violence

Cons

• Older children may find this too easy

• The pups themselves don’t talk, only Ryder

10. Best survival PS4 game for kids: Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Price £28.35 | Buy now from Amazon

“As for the educational content of Minecraft, the creativity is incredible - it's like online LEGO! And there are huge opportunities to problem solve, [use] perseverance, teamwork, and patience. A lot of it is based on geology and the scientific elements." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user StringyPotatoes)

Whilst there can be a bit of a debate about games like Minecraft and Roblox, the general consensus amongst Mumsnet parents is that Minecraft is a creative and educational game for the PS4, which is backed up by solid online reviews and game rankings.

A popular choice for children and adults alike, this building game allows players to explore and create worlds made entirely from bricks, using their imagination to bring their surroundings to life. In Creative mode, players have all the resources they could wish for at their disposal, allowing them to create literally anything they wish in their world made of blocks.

Survival mode is a little trickier, as those important resources have to be earned. In this mode, (more suited to older or more experienced crafters), players must fight off enemies, build weapons and earn additional tools in order to further expand their surroundings.

Whilst the graphics are basic, this 3D building game can offer hours of entertainment as you bring your world to life.

Key specs

• Developer: Mojang

• Release date: 21st June 2018

• PEGI rating: 7+

Pros

• Encourages creativity

• Two modes to suit different experience levels

Cons

• Graphics are basic

• Children may ask for Minecraft merchandise which is generally expensive

11. Best PS4 party game for kids: Hasbro Family Fun Pack

Price £15.99 | Buy now from Amazon

If you’re looking to host a family games night but without arguing about who gets the job of banker, then why not move to an interactive games night instead? The Hasbro Family Fun Pack has four popular family games in one - Boggle, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit and Risk, suitable for all ages to enjoy together.

Whether you’re playing with your family round the sofa or against people all around the world online, work your way up the leaderboards and enjoy the 3D worlds - playing classic games like you’ve never played them before. You can even customise your own rules to adapt to the way your family usually plays.

Key specs

• Developer: Ubisoft

• Release date: 23rd October 2015

• PEGI rating: 12+

Pros

• Ability to play local multiplayer, single player or online

• Classic games made interactive

• Ability to customise rules

Cons

• The competitive arguments may still arise!

12. Best educational PS4 game for kids: LEGO Worlds

Price £11.95 | Buy now from Amazon

“LEGO Worlds is like a creative building game where you can build entire worlds of LEGO, make vehicles, build and furnish a house, complete quests etc. It's good fun!" (Recommended by Mumsnet user StreyyTV)

Fancy yourself as a master builder? In this creative adventure world full of freedom and choice, players can explore a whole host of worlds made entirely from LEGO, creating their own worlds with building tools and going on challenging missions to collect mini figures, vehicles and accessories.

Playing alone, local cooperative or multiplayer online, players can work together to write their own stories and bring their imaginations to life. The opportunities are fairly endless.

Key specs

• Developer: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

• Release date: 10th March 2017

• PEGI rating: 7+

Pros

• An obvious choice for LEGO fans

• Sandbox, open world free play

• Calm, educational and creative

Cons

• Some people may prefer the faster pace of other LEGO games

13. Best PS4 VR game for kids: Marvel’s Iron Man

Price £27.99 | Buy now from Very

If you’re lucky enough to have a virtual reality (VR) set-up with your PS4, it’s about as close as you can get to getting inside the action - in this case, putting on the VR helmet and becoming the Armoured Avenger!

Use the Playstation ove controllers to blast up into the skies and take on some of Iron Mans’ most challenging enemies in action packed battles.

We love the interactive nature of this game, but as you have to have the VR headset, it does make this a pricey option.

Key specs

• Developer: Sony

• Release date: 1st September 2020

• PEGI rating: 12+

Pros

• Amazing VR graphics

• As close as you’ll get to being a real life superhero

Cons

• If you don’t already have the Playstation move controllers, it’s quite an investment

• VR elements might be scarier for younger children

How to choose the best PS4 game for your children

There are a number of things to consider when choosing your next game for the PS4. Single games can be fairly pricey, so these points should help guide you towards a game your kids will love.

• Budget: How much do you want to spend on a PS4 game? New releases can be expensive and games with a variety of games in one disk are often better value for money.

• Game genre: From adventure platform games, to simulation games or active games, there’s a massive range of choice. What kind of games most appeal?

• Single player or multiplayer?: Some games are limited to single player use, whilst others allow for local co-op or multiplayer play, ideal for siblings. A number of games also allow you to play against others around the world if you're connected to the wifi. Think about how many people will be playing and whether you're wanting something for family parties too.

• Game version: Quite often there are multiple versions of the same game. Do you need the latest? Previous versions tend to be a cheaper alternative.

• PEGI rating: It's essential that the game is age-appropriate for your child. The PEGI rating indicates whether the game is suitable based on the content including violence, swear words or threat. Also consider any themes that might scare younger children or be too challenging for them.

• Additional accessories: Does the game require any additional accessories such as additional controllers or VR headsets? These are additional costs so be aware of this when you're looking at the cost of games. Some retailers offer bundles including consoles, accessories and games, which can be a good starting point.

What are the best PS4 games?

The LEGO games were mentioned time and time again on the Mumsnet forums, offering the ideal combination of adventure, creativity and challenge. For a budget-friendly game that was suitable for players young and old, offering great graphics, expansive landscapes and just the right level of threat, the LEGO Harry Potter game came up trumps.

How we chose our recommendations

First up, we scoured the Mumsnet forums to hear your experiences and recommendations on PS4 games, including the games you loved, tested and had truly put through their paces with your family. We also looked out for your feedback on the games that didn’t impress or that you felt were overrated.

Next, we researched online forums, bestseller lists, expert websites and authentic product reviews to find the most highly-rated and popular PS4 games to suit all ages, experience levels and player types. Wet then collated our extensive research to bring you this shortlist of top games, recommended by real parents.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.