Last updated on December 21st, 2025 at 07:21 am
I know finding the best PS5 games for kids is easier said than done. You’ve got this console there, and your nephew or niece asks what they can play, and half the things that are available to them are either way too hardcore or just lame. So I actually went ahead to sort of test this.
I played games with my niece (she’s 7, super into anything bright and colorful but prone to frustration) to see what really sticks. Here’s what I found.
Games That Are Already Killing It
Astro’s playroom: Astro’s Playroom is free, like, for real and seriously? It’s perfect. It comes pre-installed to every PS5, and I was surprised how well it guides kids into the world of 3D platforming. The colors are bright, the controls are fluid and there’s literally no consequence for screwing up. My niece played for 45 minutes without any stress just exploring it.
The DualSense controller does cool stuff here too. she could really feel when Astro was walking on different surfaces. That not only is flashy, but it really makes a kid care about what they’re doing.
But Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the true MVP. This one’s a 3D co-op platformer, so it won’t be another game that you just have to watch. My niece and I worked together on costume-filled, asinine-puzzle floors. The difficulty curve is gentle, so she felt challenged without being bored. And it’s actually fun for adults, too. I wasn’t just treading water.
If your child enjoys building things, Minecraft on PS5 is stunning. The performance modes translate to smoother gameplay, something that matters far more than you’d think when you’re trying to get a child to learn his way around 3D spaces. My niece made a place for her digital cat to live and made me look at it for twenty minutes straight. That’s engagement.
Just before it came out, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart surprised me. I worried this might be a bit action-heavy, but nope. The jokes work for kids, the visuals are impressive (it’s essentially a playable Pixar movie) and the fighting remains accessible.
My niece adored the dimension-hopping mechanic, and she laughed at (most of) the jokes. It’s one of those games that makes you realize PS5 can offer genuinely cinema-quality experiences without being ridiculously difficult.
For family game nights, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is 11-0. It’s messy, it’s cooperative and it will have everyone laughing or engaged in friendly squabbling. We played with my whole family cousins of varying ages, who all teamed up to play and no one got left out.
What’s Coming. That Parents Can Watch For
A couple of next releases drop quickly and appear genuinely solid. Disney Illusion Island (May 30, 2025) is the one bringing Mickey and friends to us in a co-op puzzle-solving focused 2.5D platformer. When I showed the trailer to my niece, her eyes brightened. This is a no-brainer for kids who raised themselves on Disney stuff.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown (May 22, 2025) surprised me. It’s a tactics game, it’s not your typical action-packed TMNT game. But you know what it does: removes the violence and keeps the fun. If your kid likes puzzle games or strategy without real-time combat stress, then they might just love this one.
Real Talk: Tips to Get PS5 Working for Your Family
The console features working parental controls. You can schedule playtime limits, monitor who they talk to online and block purchases without too much hassle. I’d make those arrangements first before passing along the controller. It’s five minutes on the front end and saves you headaches later.
Plus, the DualSense controller actually has something going for it. it’s not just marketing fluff. And then there is haptic feedback (the rumble that actually feels like something) and adaptive triggers, which make games feel real to kids. My niece, when she felt the tension of a tightrope that her on-screen character was walking across in one game, threw herself into it far more. It is small, but it does change how immersive things are.
One more thing mix up screen time. I realized that my niece seemed to enjoy herself more when we played than when she played alone. Just pick up a controller, hop into co-op modes and give it a try. You’ll see what works for her and what doesn’t so much more quickly than you ever would if you just let her loose.
The Bottom Line
The best PS5 games for kids are all about striking a balance between creativity, subtle difficulty curves, and good old honest fun. If you want some real co-op magic, start with Astro’s Playroom (it’s free!), then move over to Sackboy. Watch for those future releases, if your kid is Disney- or strategy-inclined. And keep in mind: The best gaming experience isn’t the one that looks the prettiest.
They find what’s engaging, what makes them laugh and doesn’t leave you wanting to pick up the controller and fling it into a wall.
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I’m a gaming writer who dives into reviews, guides, eSports, and industry trends. From immersive RPGs to competitive shooters, I explore gameplay, stories, and the culture around gaming. My content blends passion with analysis, aiming to engage players of all levels and celebrate the artistry, innovation, and excitement that define the gaming world today.
