Interactive Online Games for Kids

With the increasing popularity of the Internet and online games, it is important for parents to be able to find kid-friendly websites for their children to visit. Fortunately, there are a plethora of sites happy to oblige, providing children with safe and fun ways to play and interact online.

Webkinz

Webkinz is a complex online community designed with kids in mind. Players must first purchase a Webkinz plush toy, available at most gift stores. Each toy comes with a unique pet code that is entered at the Webkinz website, giving the player access to Webkinz World for 1 year. Prices for these small stuffed animals range from $9.99 for common pets to over $200 for rare or retired animals. Players can collect multiple pets, and each new animal extends the game subscription to 1 year from its adoption date. This animal then becomes the user's pet in this virtual world.

Players can play games, chat with other users in strictly monitored child-friendly chat areas, answer trivia questions, complete classes at the Webkinz Academy and build their pets' resumes by completing jobs. Each activity earns Kinzcash that can be used to build the player's home and buy furniture, toys, clothing and food for their Webkinz.

Disney's Club Penguin

Club Penguin is a free online club. In Club Penguin, players can create a living area, explore chat rooms and play games. The chat rooms in Club Penguin are strictly monitored, and filters prevent inappropriate content and personal information from being sent. Memberships to the club are also available for a fee of $5.95 for 1 month, $29.99 for 6 months or $57.95 for a year. With membership, players gain access to more games and activities as well as exclusive online parties. Club Penguin toys are available in stores as well, and include a plastic coin redeemable for a special item in the game.

Neopets

Neopets is a free online world where players can create up to four pets from a list of fantastic otherworldly creatures. The pets can then be taken all over the world of Neopia, exploring and playing games. Players can build homes, collect rare items and purchase food and clothing for their pets. Playing games is the easiest way to earn neopoints, the currency of Neopia, but players can also purchase currency in the form of neocash with their own money, and some exclusive items can only be purchased this way. Items in a player's inventory can be sent as gifts, sold in the player's own shops, traded at the trading post or put up for auction, all within the expansive world of Neopia.

FunBrain

FunBrain is a free online experience designed to help children learn in a safe environment. Games here teach skills in math, social studies and science. Children can also read online books and comics at the site. Teachers will find special tools here designed for incorporating the site's activities into a classroom lesson, and parents can explore activities created for parents and children to play together.

PBS Kids

At PBS Kids, children can play online games featuring their favorite television characters from shows such as Sesame Street, Arthur, Barney, Curios George and Clifford. Coloring pages are available for online coloring or to print. Kids can also enjoy music and videos from PBS shows. With a free account to PBS Island, children can also engage in reading games, where they can earn tickets and win prizes.

References

• FunBrain
• PBS Kids

Resources

• Webkinz
• Club Penguin
• Neopets