Best PlayStation games for kids under 10 Metacritic scores game images and release years
Finding a great PlayStation game for a child under 10 is trickier than it looks. A game can be colorful and still too intense, too hard, or packed with reading a young player is not ready for yet. The best picks are welcoming, forgiving, cheerful, and fun even when a kid is still learning the controller.
This guide focuses on four standout PlayStation games that work especially well for younger players. Each pick includes the Metacritic critic score, release year, and a game image placed with the game.
One quick note before the list: Metacritic scores below refer to the listed PlayStation version where possible. Some games appear across PS4 and PS5, and scores can vary slightly by platform. ESRB ratings also matter, especially for kids under 10, so each game includes a parent-friendly note.
How these PlayStation games were chosen
The best PlayStation games for kids under 10 usually share a few traits:
Simple controls that do not punish mistakes too harshly
Bright worlds with little or no scary content
Short levels that fit young attention spans
Co-op or family play when possible
Strong critical reception, not just familiar characters
Low pressure gameplay that encourages experimenting
Metacritic score is useful, but it is not the only measure. A 90-rated game can still frustrate a younger child if the timing is strict or the story is too mature. A slightly lower-rated game may be the better household pick if it has easier controls, local co-op, and a gentler tone.
Quick comparison of the best picks
Game | PlayStation platform | Release year | Metacritic score | Best for |
Astro's Playroom | PS5 | 2020 | 83 | First-time PS5 players |
Sackboy A Big Adventure | PS4, PS5 | 2020 | 79 | Family co-op |
Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart | PS5 | 2021 | 88 | Older kids who like action |
Rayman Legends | PS4 | 2014 | 90 | Platforming fans |
Astro's Playroom is the best first PlayStation game for young kids
Astro's Playroom
Metacritic score: 83
Year released: 2020
Platform: PlayStation 5
ESRB rating: E10+ for fantasy violence
Astro's Playroom is the game many PS5 owners already have installed, and it is one of the easiest recommendations for younger players. It teaches movement, jumping, camera control, and basic puzzle solving without turning the lesson into a chore.
The main reason it works so well for kids is its playful tone. Levels are short, bright, and packed with tiny interactions. Kids can jump on platforms, collect items, slide through obstacle courses, and discover little secrets without feeling lost for long.
It also shows off the PS5 DualSense controller in a way that feels magical to children. The controller vibrates differently when Astro walks across sand, metal, or glass. The triggers react during certain actions. For kids, that feedback makes the game feel like a toy as much as a video game.
Parents should know that Astro's Playroom is rated E10+ because it includes mild fantasy action. The tone is very light, but the rating means it is still smart to watch a few minutes first if the child is younger than 10 or sensitive to cartoon combat.
Why it is great for under 10
Astro's Playroom gives kids room to mess up. Falling off a platform is not a big deal, and restarting is fast. That matters for young players who are still building hand-eye coordination.
The game also does not rely on long dialogue, complex menus, or heavy story. A child can understand the goal by looking at the screen. Move forward, jump, collect, explore. That clarity makes it a strong first pick.
Parent tip
Let the child spend time exploring instead of rushing through levels. Astro's Playroom rewards curiosity, and younger kids often enjoy the little animations and hidden objects as much as finishing the stage.
Sackboy A Big Adventure is the best co-op choice for families
Sackboy A Big Adventure
Metacritic score: 79
Year released: 2020
Platform: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
ESRB rating: E for everyone
Sackboy A Big Adventure is one of the warmest and most family-friendly PlayStation platformers. It trades the creation tools of earlier LittleBigPlanet games for a more direct 3D adventure filled with jumping, collecting, costumes, and playful music.
This is a great pick for households where a parent, older sibling, or friend might play alongside a younger child. The co-op mode is easy to understand, and the game has a friendly pace. Some levels require timing and patience, but the overall mood stays soft and cheerful.
The visual style is a big part of the appeal. The world looks handmade, with yarn, cardboard, felt, buttons, and craft-like scenery. That gives the game a toy-box feeling that works well for children who like imaginative play.
The Metacritic score of 79 is lower than a few other games on this list, but Sackboy earns its spot because it fits younger players so well. A game does not need to be the highest-rated title in the store to be the best choice for a child.
Why it is great for under 10
Sackboy A Big Adventure is non-threatening, colorful, and easy to understand. The controls are simple enough for beginners, and the levels are built around clear goals. Collect the orbs, avoid hazards, and make it to the end.
The best feature is local co-op. Playing together lets an adult help without taking over. If a child gets stuck, another player can guide them through the level or model what to do next.
What parents should watch for
Some later levels are harder than the early ones. Younger kids may need help with jumps that require precise timing. The good news is that the game is still fun even if progress slows down. Kids can replay earlier levels, try costumes, and collect hidden items.
Parent tip
Start with co-op, then let the child replay favorite levels solo. This builds confidence because they already know the layout and can practice without pressure.
Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart is best for older kids who can handle cartoon action
Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
Metacritic score: 88
Year released: 2021
Platform: PlayStation 5
ESRB rating: E10+ for animated blood and fantasy violence
Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart is the most action-heavy game on this list, so it is not the best first choice for every child under 10. For older kids who already play games and enjoy fast movement, silly weapons, and sci-fi adventures, it can be a fantastic pick.
The game looks spectacular on PS5. Worlds load quickly, characters move with movie-like animation, and the rift-jumping effects give the adventure a big sense of wonder. It feels exciting without becoming grim or realistic.
The story follows heroes traveling across dimensions, meeting allies, and stopping villains. The tone is comic-book light, with jokes, gadgets, and bright alien worlds. Combat involves fantasy weapons and robots, not realistic violence, but it is still combat. That is why the E10+ rating matters.
The Metacritic score of 88 reflects how polished the game is. It controls well, looks great, and keeps the pace lively from start to finish.
Why it can work for kids under 10
For confident young players, Rift Apart offers a smoother experience than many action games. It has difficulty settings, clear map markers, and generous checkpoints. A child who struggles can lower the challenge and still enjoy the story and exploration.
The weapons are also imaginative rather than realistic. Some turn enemies into plants or use cartoon-like effects. The overall tone stays playful.
Why it may not fit every child
This game asks more from the player than Astro's Playroom or Sackboy. It includes aiming, dodging, switching weapons, reading mission prompts, and reacting quickly. Children who are still learning basic controller skills may find it overwhelming.
Parents of younger or more sensitive kids should preview gameplay first. The action is stylized, but it is frequent.
Parent tip
Begin on the easiest difficulty and treat it like a shared adventure. Let the child explore safe areas, collect bolts, and try traversal, then help during busy combat sections if needed.
Rayman Legends is the best classic platformer on PlayStation
Rayman Legends
Metacritic score: 90
Year released: 2014 on PS4
Platform: PlayStation 4
ESRB rating: E10+ for cartoon violence and comic mischief
Rayman Legends is older than the other picks here, but it still holds up beautifully. It is fast, funny, colorful, and packed with clever levels. With a Metacritic score of 90 on PS4, it is also one of the most acclaimed family-friendly platformers available on PlayStation.
The game is a side-scrolling platformer, which means players run from left to right, jump over gaps, avoid hazards, and rescue small creatures. That structure can be easier for younger kids than a full 3D game because there is less camera control to manage.
The famous music levels are a highlight. These stages sync jumps, attacks, and obstacles to songs, creating a rhythm-game feel without needing a separate instrument or controller. Kids often love these levels because they feel silly and energetic.
Rayman Legends does include cartoon combat and some tricky platforming. It is rated E10+, so parents should use judgment for children younger than 10.
Why it is great for younger players
The simple side-view design makes the action easy to read. Kids can see the next platform, the next enemy, and the next collectible. That helps them learn patterns and improve over time.
It is also great for short play sessions. A level can be finished quickly, which makes it a good after-school or weekend game when there is not time for a long campaign.
What parents should watch for
Rayman Legends can get challenging. Some levels require quick reflexes, and younger kids may need several tries. That can be frustrating for children who dislike repeating sections.
The good news is that retries are fast, and the game usually feels fair. Failure often turns into laughter because the animations are so exaggerated.
Parent tip
Use Rayman Legends as a co-op game when possible. Playing alongside a child can soften the difficulty, and repeated attempts feel more fun when everyone is laughing together.
Which game should you choose first?
If the child is new to PlayStation, Astro's Playroom is the safest first stop, especially on PS5. It is short, cheerful, and excellent at teaching the controller.
If the goal is family play, Sackboy A Big Adventure is the best pick. It is gentle, cooperative, and easy to enjoy across different skill levels.
If the child already handles games well and enjoys action, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart offers the biggest adventure, but it needs more parent judgment because of its combat.
If the child loves platformers or has access to a PS4, Rayman Legends is the strongest classic choice. It is highly rated, packed with personality, and still fun years after release.
Here is the simplest way to decide:
Pick this game | If the child likes |
Astro's Playroom | Exploring, cute robots, short levels |
Sackboy A Big Adventure | Co-op, costumes, soft and crafty worlds |
Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart | Sci-fi, gadgets, action, fast movement |
Rayman Legends | Jumping challenges, music levels, 2D platforming |
Final takeaway for parents
The best PlayStation game for a child under 10 is not always the one with the highest score. It is the one that matches the child’s patience, reading level, coordination, and comfort with cartoon action.
For most families, start with Astro's Playroom on PS5 or Sackboy A Big Adventure on PS4 or PS5. Both are friendly, easy to understand, and fun to play in short sessions. Move to Ratchet & Clank or Rayman Legends when the child wants a bigger challenge and is ready for more action.
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