We recently finished our basement and since we have more space, I set up one of my older computers for my two boys to play on. Up until now they would use Jana’s Macbook. They absolutely love it. Jackson has always been enamored by computers and the Internet but now Eli is really getting the hang of things. I’m amazed by how quickly they pick up things and instinctively learn how to use different navigation systems without even being able to read.
Currently they play on three websites: Playhouse Disney, PBS Kids, and Starfall.com.
We’ve purchased a few CD-rom based educational games which had decent reviews on Amazon, but I found them to be worthless compared to the current free stuff you can find online, like Starfall. It seems like there could be a nice market for more kid based educational and entertainment web sites, specifically for kids 2-5 years old.
I see that Playhouse Disney has a subscription based site for even more educational games called “Preschool Time Online“. It’s $49.95 annually, but has a free 7-day trial, I need to check out.
Does anyone have any other sites they recommend for kids, specifically under the age of 6?
My kids like Dora so we go to Nick Jr. Games (http://www.nickjr.com/playtime/cats/games/index.jhtml).
If you kids like watching videos, there’s TOTLOL (http://www.totlol.com/). From the site: “Totlol is a video website designed specifically for children. It is community moderated. It is constantly growing. It is powered by YouTube. All videos were submitted, screened and rated by parents. The selection is huge and if you like, you can participate too.”
My kids find those entertaining.
Somehow my four-year-old son has figured out Lego’s website.
http://www.lego.com/
He especially like the videos that match the wii games (Star Wars, Batman, and Indiana Jones).
We like kneebouncers. http://www.kneebouncers.com. It’s really good for little ones as they can just push buttons at will.