Carnival Games
4.5Editor score
Family friendly mini games
Easy to learn controls
Multiple player options
In this guide
Finding the right games for children requires balancing fun with safety and educational value. The PlayStation 4 offers a vast library filled with colorful adventures and creative challenges designed specifically for younger audiences.
We analyzed ratings, gameplay mechanics, and parental feedback to curate this list. Each title was selected for its ability to engage kids while providing age appropriate content that parents can feel good about.
Every entry includes detailed specs and pros to help you decide quickly. Keep in mind that digital codes and physical copies may vary in availability and cost as seasons change throughout the year.
Top 3 Picks for Best Kids Games for PS4
Sonic Frontiers
4.7Editor score
Open world exploration
Fast paced action
Engaging story mode
Nickelodeon Kart Racers
4.6Editor score
Iconic cartoon characters
Customizable karts
Local multiplayer fun
Top 10 Best Kids Games for PS4 in 2026 Compared
The following table provides a side-by-side look at key features and specifications for each top rated title to help you compare them easily.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Editor's Choice
Monster Jam Steel Titans 2
38 unique trucks
Five new worlds
12 authentic stadiums
Improved physics engine
4.7Editor score
Editor's Choice
Sonic Forces
Three gameplay types
Custom hero character
Modern and classic modes
New villain Infinite
4.5Editor score
Best Premium
The Lego Movie 2
Six new locations
Lots of collectibles
Family friendly theme
Creative building elements
4.4Editor score
Carnival Games
Mini game collection
Ticket trading system
Local party fun
Character customization
4.5Editor score
Sonic Frontiers
Five massive islands
Cyber Space levels
New battle system
Fishing mini game
4.7Editor score
Sonic Superstars
Classic gameplay style
Chaos Emerald powers
Local co-op mode
Four playable heroes
4.7Editor score
Team Sonic Racing
Team based racing
Split screen option
Wips power items
15 playable characters
4.7Editor score
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing
DreamWorks characters
20 unique karts
Iconic movie tracks
Split screen multiplayer
4.4Editor score
Cars 3: Driven to Win
Training game modes
Stunt performance
Power up collection
Six thrilling modes
4.7Editor score
Nickelodeon Kart Racers
12 iconic series
24 slime tracks
Customizable karts
Local multiplayer support
4.6Editor score
1. Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 – Best Vehicle Adventure
Monster Jam Steel Titans 2
38 classic trucks
Five new worlds
Stunt mechanics
Career mode
Monster Jam Steel Titans 2 brings the excitement of truck racing to the PS4 with high ratings from fans. It features a massive roster of trucks and new worlds to explore.
Pros
- Large truck roster
- Fun physics engine
- Multiple game modes
- Great for fans
Cons
- Some missions hard
- Graphics dated
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The game shines with its authentic stadium environments and stunt mechanics. Kids can perform flips and jumps while competing in various career challenges.
While some missions may prove challenging for younger players, the variety of trucks keeps things fresh. The physics engine offers a satisfying sense of weight and power.
Fans of monster trucks will find this title essential. It offers hours of gameplay with enough depth to keep players engaged long after finishing the story.
Explore New Worlds
Discover five brand new environments that expand the Monster Jam universe with hidden secrets.
Perform Stunts
Execute favorite stunts like Cyclones and Back Flips to earn points and rewards.
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2. Sonic Forces – Best Platformer Variety
Sonic Forces
Three gameplay types
Custom hero creation
Classic Sonic levels
Modern action
Sonic Forces offers a mix of gameplay styles that appeal to different preferences. It received strong ratings for blending classic platforming with modern action.
Pros
- Custom character option
- Classic and modern styles
- Fast pace
- Familiar heroes
Cons
- Repetitive levels
- Story short
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Players can choose between Modern Sonic speed, Classic Sonic precision, or a custom hero using gadgets. This variety keeps the experience fresh throughout the campaign.
Some levels feel repetitive and the story is relatively short. However the fast pace and familiar villains make up for these minor drawbacks.
This title is perfect for families who enjoy quick and energetic gameplay. The mix of styles ensures everyone can find a playstyle they enjoy.
Create Your Hero
Build a custom character using powerful gadgets and unique abilities.
Fast Action
Enjoy thrilling platforming as Classic Sonic or Modern Sonic modes.
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3. The Lego Movie 2 – Best Creative Play
The Lego Movie 2
Six new locations
Many collectibles
Brick building
Humorous story
The Lego Movie 2 Video Game captures the charm of the film with plenty of fun activities. It is rated well for its family friendly humor and creative elements.
Pros
- Humorous story
- Creative building
- Collectible items
- Familiar characters
Cons
- Short campaign
- Repetitive puzzles
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Kids will love exploring new locations and collecting items throughout the adventure. The game encourages creativity with building mechanics that mimic real bricks.
The campaign is somewhat short and puzzles can feel repetitive. These issues are minor given the overall fun and engaging presentation for younger kids.
Families looking for a lighthearted adventure will enjoy this title. It provides a safe and entertaining experience that aligns with the movie.
Explore Locations
Visit six new locations filled with secrets and collectibles to find.
Build Fun
Use creative building elements to solve puzzles and progress.
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4. Carnival Games – Best Party Fun
Carnival Games
Mini game collection
Ticket rewards
Local multiplayer
Character outfits
Carnival Games brings the excitement of a country fair into your living room. It is highly rated for its accessibility and fun for groups of players.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Great for parties
- Ticket trading
- Affordable price
Cons
- Simple mechanics
- No online mode
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The game features mini-games that are easy to pick up and play repeatedly. Players can win tickets and trade them for new outfits for their characters.
While the mechanics are simple and lack online play, the local multiplayer shines for parties. It offers a wholesome experience without complex controls.
This is an ideal choice for family gatherings or young children. The affordable price and easy gameplay make it a stress-free addition to your library.
Win Tickets
Earn tickets by winning mini-games and trade them for outfits.
Party Mode
Bring friends and family together for a carnival style party.
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5. Sonic Frontiers – Best Open World
Sonic Frontiers
Five massive islands
Cyber Space levels
New battle system
Fishing mini game
Sonic Frontiers introduces an open world experience that expands the franchise significantly. It has received high praise for its scale and new gameplay features.
Pros
- Huge open world
- New skills
- Fishing feature
- Deep story
Cons
- Camera issues
- Some fetch quests
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You can race across five massive islands filled with secrets and side quests. The new battle system and Cyber Space levels add depth and variety.
There are some camera issues and fetch quests that can slow down pacing. However the sense of exploration and discovery makes these trade-offs worth it.
This title is perfect for fans seeking more freedom in gameplay. It offers a rich adventure with enough content to keep players busy for hours.
Explore Islands
Race across five massive overworld islands with unique challenges.
Battle System
Use dodges, parries, and combos to take down robotic foes.
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6. Sonic Superstars – Best Classic Style
Sonic Superstars
Classic gameplay
Chaos Emerald powers
Local co-op
Four heroes
Sonic Superstars brings back the classic platforming feel with modern graphics. It is rated highly for honoring the roots of the franchise.
Pros
- True classic feel
- Co-op mode
- Power ups
- Multiple heroes
Cons
- Short length
- Harder levels
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Players can use Chaos Emerald powers to swim and change form. The local co-op mode allows up to four players to enjoy the adventure together.
Some levels are quite challenging and the overall campaign is short. However the tight controls and fun powers make the difficulty acceptable.
This is a great pick for families who love classic platformers. The co-op support ensures everyone can join in for non-stop fun together.
Power Up
Utilize Chaos Emerald powers like swimming up waterfalls.
Co-op Fun
Play with up to three other players in local co-op.
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7. Team Sonic Racing – Best Team Racer
Team Sonic Racing
Team racing
Split screen
15 characters
Team moves
Team Sonic Racing focuses on cooperation rather than just individual speed. It is rated well for its unique approach to kart racing mechanics.
Pros
- Team based play
- Split screen option
- Variety of characters
- Customization
Cons
- Online lag
- Short story
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Players race as a team and can use team moves to help teammates. There are 15 playable characters and various race modes to keep things fresh.
Online lag can occur and the story mode is quite short. However the local split screen experience remains solid for family game nights.
Families looking for a unique racing game should consider this title. The team aspect encourages cooperation and makes races more strategic.
Race as a Team
Use team moves to assist teammates and win together.
Split Screen
Enjoy up to four player split screen for local fun.
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8. DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing – Best Character Variety
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing
DreamWorks characters
20 karts
Movie tracks
Split screen
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing lets you choose from many beloved characters. It is rated well for its broad appeal and variety of options.
Pros
- Iconic characters
- Variety of karts
- Fun tracks
- Local multiplayer
Cons
- Short campaign
- Simple handling
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You can race as Shrek or Po on tracks inspired by popular movies. There are 20 karts to customize and local multiplayer for family fun.
The campaign is short and the handling feels simple compared to others. These issues are acceptable given the strong character roster.
If your kids love these movies this is a great addition. The variety ensures there is a favorite character for everyone in the family.
Choose Stars
Pick from Shrek, Po, and more iconic DreamWorks characters.
Track Variety
Race through iconic locations from favorite movies like Trolls.
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9. Cars 3: Driven to Win – Best Training Game
Cars 3: Driven to Win
Training modes
Stunts
Power ups
Six modes
Cars 3: Driven to Win offers training modes to help kids master driving. It is highly rated for its engaging gameplay based on the movie.
Pros
- Training features
- Stunt tricks
- Character familiar
- Race modes
Cons
- Repetitive modes
- Short story
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You can train abilities like barrel rolls and collect power ups to eliminate crash karts. There are six thrilling game modes to explore.
Some modes can feel repetitive and the story is short. However the focus on skills and fun tracks keeps it entertaining.
Kids who love Cars will enjoy mastering these tracks. The training aspect adds a layer of challenge that helps improve skills.
Train Skills
Advance your abilities in driving and stunts in training.
Stunt Tricks
Perform stunts and tricks to get the highest score.
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10. Nickelodeon Kart Racers – Best Character Roster
Nickelodeon Kart Racers
12 series
24 tracks
Custom karts
Local co-op
Nickelodeon Kart Racers features iconic characters from many favorite series. It is rated well for its nostalgia factor and family friendly design.
Pros
- SpongeBob included
- Slime tracks
- Local co-op
- Character variety
Cons
- Some bugs
- Controls stiff
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You can race across slime filled tracks like Bikini Bottom and customise karts with power ups. Local co-op ensures non-stop action for everyone.
There may be some bugs and controls can feel stiff at times. These issues are minor compared to the charm of the characters.
Families who grew up with Nickelodeon will find this enjoyable. The sheer variety of characters and tracks makes it worth the price.
Iconic Series
Choose a racer from 12 iconic Nickelodeon series.
Slime Tracks
Race on 24 slime filled tracks including NYC sewers.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Kids Games for PS4
Selecting the right game requires considering gameplay style, age appropriateness, and replay value to ensure satisfaction.
Age Appropriateness
Always check the content rating to ensure the game matches your child's maturity level. Games with mild fantasy violence are generally fine but avoid those with intense themes.
Focus on titles rated for general audiences to guarantee safe and engaging content for young players.
Gameplay Style
Determine whether your child prefers fast paced action or slower creative exploration. Some titles emphasize racing and platforming while others focus on storytelling.
Choose a game that aligns with your child's interests to maximize their enjoyment and engagement levels.
Multiplayer Options
Local co-op and split screen features are essential for family game nights. Look for titles that allow multiple players to compete or cooperate on one console.
Prioritize games with strong local multiplayer support to enhance social interaction among siblings and friends.
Replay Value
Games with collectibles and hidden secrets encourage exploration and extend playtime. Titles that offer varied challenges keep kids interested longer than those with linear paths.
Select games with unlockables or multiple modes to ensure continued interest beyond the initial campaign.
Difficulty Level
Younger players need games with forgiving mechanics to avoid frustration. Look for titles that offer easy modes or checkpoints to make progress smoother.
Balance challenge and accessibility by choosing games that scale difficulty based on skill level.
Physical vs Digital
Physical copies can be resold or traded which might save money in the long run. Digital versions offer convenience and instant access but require storage space.
Consider your console storage and trading habits when deciding between physical discs and digital downloads.
How to Use and Care for Your Kids Games for PS4
Store discs in a cool dry place to prevent scratches and ensure the console reads them properly. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight which can warp cases or discs over time.
Clean controllers regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils that affect touch sensitivity. If using VR keep headsets clean to maintain hygiene for multiple users.
Keep the system updated to access online features and new content for games. Regularly check for patches that improve stability and performance for the titles you play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these games suitable for young children?
Most titles on this list are rated for general audiences with minimal violence. Always check the specific ESRB rating to ensure the content is appropriate for your child's age.
Do these games require an internet connection?
Many games can be played offline without an internet connection. Online features like leaderboards or multiplayer modes are usually optional and require connectivity.
Can multiple players play on one console?
Several titles offer split screen or local co-op modes for multiple players. Check the product description to confirm how many players can join locally.
Do these games have parental controls?
The PS4 system has built in parental controls to limit playtime and access. Games themselves may also have settings to adjust difficulty or content levels.
Are there educational elements in these games?
Some games include problem solving and strategic thinking which offer educational value. Look for titles with puzzles or creative building to foster cognitive skills.
How long do these games typically last?
Story campaigns range from a few hours to over twenty depending on the title. Replay value is often enhanced by hidden collectibles or alternate game modes.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Kids Games for PS4
We reviewed ten top rated games that offer variety from racing to adventure. Each title provides unique features suitable for different interests and age groups.
Prioritize games with local multiplayer and forgiving difficulty to ensure fun for everyone. Safety and engagement should be your primary criteria when selecting titles.
Prices and availability change frequently so check current listings before purchasing. Always verify ratings and features to make the best decision for your family.