While we might try to avoid allowing our kids too much screen time, on a cold snowy day, sometimes there’s nothing simpler than sitting in front of their computer or tablet to play games. If they’re going to engage in digital play, you might as well make the most of it for them. Check out this list of the top online games for your kids to play this winter and beyond.
Poptropica
Poptropica is a multiplayer online role-playing game where players can travel to different islands to play games, read comics and even complete quests. Each island has its own theme and specific challenges. This game is best suited for children ages 6 to 15. It is free, but subscriptions and memberships are also available for purchase.
Free Rice
freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1457
With an educational slant, these games have multiple-choice answers and for every one answer that a player gets correct, 10 grains of rice are donated to different developing countries. The games vary from English vocabulary, grammar, literature and more. Free Rice is suitable for any age and is free to play.
Magic School Bus
www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus
Players can choose different field trips to go on without ever leaving home. Explore space, the deep sea and more with Ms. Frizzle on The Magic School Bus. You can even print out coloring book pages to decorate and hang around the house. Perfect for ages 3 and up. It is free to play.
Club Penguin
Club Penguin is a multiplayer online role-playing game. As a penguin, you get to explore a winter wonderland with over 20 different mini games. Club Penguin is designed for ages 6 to 14 and is free, with the option of purchasing a subscription/membership.
NASA Kids’ Club
www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html#.VnLdRmSDGko
Explore space from the comfort of your own home! Play different games that allow you to go to Mars or even play a space version of Angry Birds. You can also play different Orion puzzles and print out coloring sheets to hang on the fridge. Perfect for all ages and it is free to play.
NeoPets
Create your own pet that will live on Neopia. You can craft up to four virtual pets. Play different games and contests to earn Neopoints. Use the points to buy toys, food, clothes and other accessories for your pet. It is a free game to play and all ages can get in on the fun.
Funbrain
Funbrain is an educational online game site perfect for children and adults. There are many math and reading games, plus multiple arcades! Play games, Mad Libs, read books and comics, and more! It is a perfect site for all ages and is free to play.
Moshi Monsters
Adopt your very own pet monster and work together to complete puzzles to earn Rox. With your Rox, you can visit different parts of the town and even purchase fun items to customize your monster, plant a garden and decorate your room! Moshi Monsters is free to play but memberships are available for purchase.
PBS Kids Games
PBS Kids Games are wonderful for children and adults of any age. It’s an educational online game site that ranges from The Great Shapes Races to Migration Adventure and more. The games on this site for adults are designed to help parents prepare their children for school. It is free to play the games but there are memberships available for purchase that give you unlimited access.
