15 Free Learning Websites for Kids

My kids really love to play games on the computer. I try to limit the time my kids spend on electronics each day by using the “Token Method” as I explain HERE.  The games they play are mostly just for fun, not educational at all.  Mostly poptropica.  So I thought I’d search for some more learning games for them to play, and this is what I came up with.  Most of these are for grade school children, but a few are for older kids too.

1. Starfall: Learn to read with phonics. Pre-K-2nd.  Our systematic phonics approach, in conjunction with phonemic awareness practice, is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, special education, homeschool, and English language development (ELD, ELL, ESL). Starfall is an educational alternative to other entertainment choices for children.

2. Funbrain: Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Parents can trust Funbrain to deliver a fun and safe experience for even the youngest children. The Playground helps parents introduce their preschoolers to the Internet and teaches them how to manipulate the mouse and keyboard. Selected by FamilyFun magazine in its September 2010 issue as one of the top ten websites for kids, Funbrain is committed to providing a safe gaming environment that bridges learning and entertainment.

3. Seussville:  All ages.  Official site of Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat featuring games, printable activities, the complete illustrated character guide, information about the creator.

4.  Switcheroo Zoo: All ages.  This website started as a small project. We were playing around with the idea of making new animals by switching their parts, and the result was Switch Zoo. At first, the zoo had just nine animals, and it was the only attraction on the website. Today, Switch Zoo has 142 species, and the website features additional animal games, music created from animal voices, a reference section about all the animals in Switch Zoo, lesson plans, and poetry, stories and artwork created by students and other visitors.  

5.  PBS Kids: All ages.  A large collection of games, shows, and activities themed around their educational TV shows.  

6.  National Geographic for Kids:  All ages. Features different people, animals, and places with facts, games, activities, and related links.

7.  Highlights Kids: All ages.  A collection of games, coloring pages, activities, learning projects, stories, jokes, etc.  Based on their magazine.

8.  Into the Book: Ages Kindergarten-4th. Into the Book is a reading comprehension resource for K-4 students and teachers. We focus on eight research-based strategies: Using Prior Knowledge, Making Connections, Questioning, Visualizing, Inferring, Summarizing, Evaluating and Synthesizing. Try the online interactive activities, or click below to find out how to get our engaging 15-minute video programs.  Behind the Lesson provides information and teaching resources for each strategy. Watch our 10-minute professional development videos and explore the Web site for lesson plans, video and audio clips, downloads, and more.

9.  Storyline Online:  All ages.  Streaming video program featuring famous people reading children’s books aloud.

10.  ABC Ya: Online games for kids in K-5 sorted by grade level. Games incorporate areas such as math and language arts while introducing basic computer skills.

11.  10 Fast Fingers:  Older kids who want to learn to type.   A free online Typing Test Game in multiple languages. You can measure your typing skills and improve your typing speed.

12.  ABC Mouse:   Preschool-Kindergarten. Helps kids learn to read through phonics, and teaches lessons in math, social studies, art, music, and much more.

13.  Funschool: Preschool-6th Grade.  Offers free online educational elementary games for kids as well as printable activities, coloring and crafts that will help kids learn.

There you have it!  Now I would just warn you that you will need to set a timer, or else your kids will sit in front of the computer all day long with this list!