Learning & fun for kids on the net

Please note that if you don't have broadband internet, when you click on a game in some of the sites below, your PC may appear inactive for several minutes before the game starts playing.  Also, some require 'Shockwave' or 'Flash' software to work.  These are free and you will be prompted to download them to your computer the first time you need them.  To download Shockwave now, click here.  Also, please bear in mind that any games featuring on-line 'chat' (such as ISketch) could expose children to inappropriate language.

Learning whilst having fun
EnchantedLearning
(fantastic US site full of information, games & activities for kids)
BrainPop
(collection of video clips covering a wide range of educational topics with quizzes to do while waiting for the movie to download)

FunBrain

(lots of games for kids aged 7+ that help English & maths)
NationalGeographicKids
(full of educational games, quizzes & jokes for kids 8+)
SFSKids
(for kids 6+ to have fun whilst learning about music)

CoolScience

(fun activities that teach kids about science)
RSPB
(bird-related games for young children)

On-line storybooks
MagicKeysBooks
(several nicely illustrated picture books)
AfricanMyths
(stories set in Africa for young children)
StoriesFromTheWeb
(samples from books for readers aged 8-11)

Games/activities for young kids
MrMen
(lots of Mr. Men fun!)
Cbeebies
(for kids up to 7)
CBBC
(for kids 6-12)
KidsZone@Afro
(wide variety of superb, simple games with an African theme for ages 5 to adult)
HaringKids
(games, activities, stories & lots more; also has some activities aimed at older children)

Free games & brain teasers for older kids
NIEHSKidsPages
(US site full of games, activities & puzzles)
TheKidzPage
(wide selection of activities for all ages)
PuzzleChoice

(great selection of crosswords, word searches & puzzles for kids.  Please ignore & close any phony 'you have won a competition' pop-ups)
PopCap
(20 top games that test brain power, reflexes or both! 'Bookworm' is especially good)
MiniClip
(selection of about 100 good games)
ZeeksGames
(100s of games)
ISketch
(Pictionary-style game for ages 12+ played with others on-line.  Can take a few minutes to start and you have to wait to play at busy times)

Advice on making the internet safe for your family



Kids stuck on a video game? Point them to GameFAQs



Click here for
Doodleworks -kaleidoscope fun for all ages


To test your reaction speed, just for fun, click here