Limiting the time kids spend on the computer can be a daunting task. But there are plenty of fun educational sites kids will love that make learning a blast and make their time spent plugged in healthier.
Animals Abound
kids.nationalgeographic.com
Travel to faraway states and countries at National Geographic for Kids to discover all kinds of critters and cool places. In addition to freaky creatures, there are fun things you can make, as well as photo tips with Hilary. You’ll also discover lots of other weird stuff.
Space is a Blast
starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov
At NASA’s Star Child, there’s plenty to discover. Do fun activities, learn the orbit each planet belongs to, and match planets to their descriptions. You can even calculate your own weight and age on each planet. For teens, click on a link to NASA’s teen site and explore web pages to solve problems.
Pop, Dong, Kerplunk
brainpop.com
This site will keep children busy for hours. Brain Pop is a fun site dedicated to health, science, and technology. Thrill at the awesome background sounds, and find experiments, activities, cartoons, quizzes, and animated movies.
Basics and Beyond
funbrain.com
FunBrain.com offers all levels of educational games in every subject. Play Grammar Gorillas, connect the dots by ones, fives, and even backward, or take the Brain Bowl quiz. There are even parent-kid challenges and parent quizzes. Click ‘search for games’ and discover many more awesome activities.
Make Me a Genius
starfall.com
Exercise the left side of your brain with this fun science and math site loaded with fun games, quizzes, jokes, and videos.
Coding Fun
code.org
At Code.org, kids can learn computer science by creating online projects. These free courses are really more like free fun. Pre-readers can watch videos and listen to audio recordings as they move through interactive learning segments. The courses progress according to age, all the way through the teen years.
Keepin’ It Green
climatekids.nasa.gov
ClimateKids is another NASA site for kids. It answers kids’ questions about weather and climate, the atmosphere, water, energy, plants, and animals. After clicking to read lots of fascinating facts, kids can scroll to the bottom of the page for fun activities, videos, games, and more.
Medicine Madness
pbs.org/wgbh/aso
At PBS’s A Science Odyssey, take an interactive visit to the doctor, play a game show called “That’s My Theory,” read comic stories about scientists, and learn about the discovery of penicillin.
Math, Money, and More
coolmath4kids.com
Math has never been so cool as at Coolmath4Kids.com. Do brain benders, jigsaw puzzles, and play the lemon-aid stand game to improve your math and money skills.
Online Adventures
greatestplaces.org
Take a journey to The Greatest Places, and visit the Amazon, Tibet, Greenland, and other fascinating countries. Learn neat facts, watch videos, send postcards, play games, and find great activities to do at home.
Presidential Probe
americanhistory.si.edu
There’s plenty to learn at The American Presidency – even for parents. Do activities and read fun facts about the campaign trail and life in the White House. Then, take a poll and share your thoughts.
