4 Websites for Kids

Many parents set up computer schedules for their kids and trust them to use their time responsibly. It is important, however, to spot-check their history use. One parent told me, “I prepared computer schedules and spot-checked the sites my kids visited, but one day my nine-year-old visited a kid site I thought was okay until I stood behind her and noticed speed-dating sessions were going on.”

Responsible parents need reputable information to guide their children away from unsavory sites described by my friend. Providing monitoring and structure to a child’s searches is important, so here’s a suggestion of four reputable sites I believe are educational and motivational for kids.

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids provides information in a format that kids can understand with kid-friendly links. It has a huge database on science, nature, history, and culture. The articles are fun to read and informative. It’s also a great place to go if a student is researching a paper for school or to watch an educational video. For example, I recently watched Volcanoes 101, an informative film as Kilauea continues its destruction on the big island of Hawaii.

 

Kids Health

Kids Health provides comprehensive mental and physical health information for children and teens in a kid-friendly format. Children can browse by keyword and by topic as they research their science and health homework. The site is also a fun way to learn about health topics and get answers to questions children have about their bodies. 

 

PBS Kids

If your children are looking to play games, watch a video, or write a story this is the place for them. PBS Kids is safe and educational with a huge variety of activities to help kids learn about the world around them. Its curriculum-based entertainment leverages the full spectrum of media and technology to help build a child’s knowledge base while critical thinking skills are sharpened. I particularly liked the video, “Wild City Search,” an interactive video that teaches kids about animal and plant life in a city.  

 

Funology

If your youngster is bored and just needs some downtime, Funology is the place to go. It provides a plethora of ways to have fun, make things, and discover hidden talents. It contains jokes, riddles, humorous facts, and even magic tricks that will entertain children for hours. I even noticed Funology’s favorite summer toys. It’s the ultimate parenting toolbox with inspiring and entertaining ideas parents can use off-line.

Now you’re armed with a few websites that are safe, educational, and fun. You may even learn something, too.

 

Michael Thal is the author of the Koolura series and the award winning novel, Koolura and the Mayans.