How to Make a Free Kids' Website

Kids can have their own webpages, too.

Design a fun website with your kids. Show off a hobby, tell a story, post a favorite photo--it's up to you!

Things You'll Need

• A computer (your own, or use the library's) An internet connection Your imagination

Instructions

1. There are so many different websites that offer free web hosting for your website. Choose one that is family-friendly, preferably with few ads. You may have server space available through your internet service provider at home. If in doubt, call the customer service number for your internet service. Note: If you use your ISP to host your site, you may have to use an HTML-editing tool to create your site. It may prove to be simpler just to use a free online service.

   http://Pages.Google.com is the example I will use in this tutorial.

2. Register for an account on your web host and log in. You may be prompted to name your domain. In my example, I named the site for my kids "3HarmonBoys.googlepages.com." This is an easy-to-remember name and reflects what the page is about.

3. 

   Most online page design services will give you a choice of layouts for your page. Let your kids get involved in choosing the design. This is half the fun!

   My sons chose the three-column design from Google.

4. 

   Choose a look for your site. Most web hosts include different themes or designs for your site, many of them customizable.

   We choose "Paper Plain White" for the boys.

5. Make any final selections required by your host, then click "submit" to finish setting up your page.

6. 

   Now it's time to add content to your kids' site! Most web layouts will prompt you to enter text for certain areas. For example, "Enter Headline Here."

   Talk to your children about what they'd like to tell the world about themselves.

7. 

   Add gadgets, widgets, photos, or videos

   Your site provider may have ready-made content for your website. For example, Google has games like Pac-Man that your kids may be interested in showcasing.

   To post photos or add links to other pages, click on the buttons marked "image" or "link" and follow the simple instructions. Allow your kids to provide input--after all, this is their page!

8. 

   Continue adding content until you are satisfied with your page, then make sure you save your work.

   Choose "preview" to make sure your page will look the way you'd like it to once it's online.

   Make any last changes, save and preview, then publish to make your site live on the web.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep it simple, and don't be disappointed if your kids lose interest. You can always save your work and come back to it.

• Children should never post contact info about themselves on the internet, just as they should never be allowed to surf the net without supervision. The only fool-proof "net nanny" is a parent or guardian in the same room, overseeing the computer.

Resources

• Free Google Webpages