Crafts For Less

Looking for something free, safe, and fun for your kids to do can be challenging, especially if you are looking online.  Many Game sites on the Internet are filled with harmful downloads that can damage your computer, or are geared for teens and may not be appropriate for the younger crowd.  When choosing a game site for your child there are a few things you should consider.
Games should be able to be played online not downloaded. It is really not a good idea to allow your child to download large numbers of games to your computer; it will slow your computer down, and eventually bring it to a halt.  If you do allow them to do downloads, be certain of the source they are downloading from and insist they stick to a preset limit.
Spend some time on the sites your child will be visiting, many of them have forums or places for children to interact which is fine, just be sure that the crowd your child will be spending time around is age appropriate and that you or another parent is available to monitor his activities.
Sites with too many pop ups or ads can cause problems if your computer is not up to it, so look for sites where ads are not intrusive. Also pay attention to the types of ads; nothing is worse than getting a mailbox full of spam because junior decided to put your email in every box that popped up.
While you’re at it set some rules about what is appropriate and what is not, remind your child never to give out any personal information on the internet ever. Help them to create a special online name that they will always use for signing up at various sites.
We reviewed several sites and came up with 5 that we liked best.  
Kidz Pages: On entering this site the first thing you will notice is how bright and colorful it is, you are not instantly attacked by pop-ups or flash elements and the advertising is tastefully done.  Along the top you will find a menu filled with arcade games, learning games, clip art just for kids, coloring pages, puzzles, downloads and more. This site will appeal to kids thru grade six.
Nick Jr - These sites are perennial favorites for all ages, they do have downloadable games but they also have games that are onsite, be sure to set ground rules ahead of time.  Nick jr has color pages, crafts and other activities as well as games and is geared to the 6 and younger crowd. Nick is aimed at the 7 and up crowd and is filled with games, Ezines, shows and more.
Yahoo Kids Yahoo- has been around a long time, and Yahoo Kids is a wonderful resource for kids and parents alike.  Again the games on this site are both online and downloadable trials so be sure to look thru this site with your child before turning them loose.  In addition to several genres of online games for all ages, this site also has a study zone filled with videos and links to sites around the internet offering your child help on their homework. Be sure to check out their parent section which covers the very important topic of online safety.
Fun Brain: This site aims at being educational as well as fun.  They feature arcade games, both regular and those geared at improving your math skills.  They also have puzzle games like Sudoku, reading such as comics and movies to watch.  They cater to grades k-8 and have specific activities geared to both boys and girls. Fun Brain has found a way to bring the fun into learning.
Funschool: This site is part of the Kaboose website, and features a huge assortment of activities for your preschooler and grade school age child. The site is colorful and busy, advertising is minimal and discreet. They offer games, word puzzles, coloring, and interactive polls and home work help. Funschool also has a new and free multiplayer online game called Minyanland that teaches kids about money. There is a section for parents and teachers as well that helps you integrate their fun and learning time.
There is so much to do and see at these five sites it will keep your child occupied for hours, and the best part about it is that your child will be learning and not even realize it!

Recommended Reading

• crafts