Kids Computer Games Recommendations

Eco-Match from Play First Games at first looks like any other match three game but it is so much more.  The object – to match three of the same pictures in the row by swapping two tiles that are next to each other. This game takes it a step further as you have a purpose beyond matching three.  You also have to match a certain number of the animal that you are trying to save. This game is educational and I would say any child 6 and up (reading age) would enjoy.

Eco-Match is filled with maps and information about the animals and environment.  Kids can enjoy the educational aspect of it without even realizing it.  You don’t NEED to know how to read to play the game but reading the information adds to drawing the child deeper into the quest.  As you…

Civiballs 2: Empire Bounce and Roll is a wonderful new puzzle game from Shockwave.  You can play online or download a full version and it definitely is NOT just for kids. This is puzzling at its best.

The goal – to get the balls in their correct containers by cutting them.  Sounds easy, right?   As you can see by the second image – the puzzles get harder.  What’s nice is there is no time pressure and the problem solving allows you to use trial and error to come up with a working solution for each puzzle.  The graphics are cute and the music pleasant.

Shockwave offers MANY free online games for kids.  Shockwave is also now affiliated with Nickelodeon Arcade now so ensure a safe site experience.  There are links on the site but they are for other child friendly games.

My 6 year old…

From Amanita Design, makers of Quest for the Best and Samorst 1 & 2 (which I mentioned in Top Free Online Adventure Games) comes their newest installment which is so much more than a kid’s computer game.  Their games draw you into the story and though odd, propel you forward to figure out WHAT is going on and make you ask, “how can I make it right?”  Mechaniarium comes with a free demo to play online as well as the paid version which offers more boards.  Beautiful graphics, sound and thinking puzzles combine to make this another brilliant edition to the Amanita Design games.

You are a robot in Mechinarium (that is when you find your parts and PULL yourself together.   You can make yourself taller and shorter which comes in handy when you are trying to solve certain puzzles.  You can reach…

Moshi Monsters takes a very different spin on kid’s computer games and the recent inundation of interactive social networking sites for children. The games are educational and the environment silly, entertaining, safe and fun at the same time.  For parents, they have a thorough description of their site and their commitment to education and safety of children on their site. This is a QUALITY networking site for children to play games and learn.  As you might have guessed by the name – it is about monsters… but not scary ones – very cute ones that you adopt when you join.  There are free and paid membership options and my children have been very pleased with all you ARE allowed to do with the free membership. You need permission from a parent to join — another way they ensure safety.  It is a…

It has been ages since I reviewed any of the FREE wonderful Kid’s computer games at Discovery Kids! Their site is voluminous and offers many educational games for all ages.  I had recommended Discovery Kids for Pre-schoolers but in the last two years it has become so much more.  Whizz Ball is a prime example of a superb thinking game with a similar feel of one of my all time favorites, “The Incredible Machine“.

Whizz Ball comes with many options and for the beginner and children under 10 — I highly recommend clicking on the “How To Play” and watching the tutorial.  My son who is 10 took quickly to this game and began with “Build Your Own Puzzle”.  This is also a good way (especially for older kids) to explore learning how the pieces interact with each other.

When you “Click to Play” you…

Wii Sports Resort is not just a kid’s computer game — it is a game the whole family will enjoy playing. Whether it is fencing, ping pong, basketball, wakeboarding, archery, skydiving or any of the other many games that are offered – there is truly something for everyone.  The game play is so realistic and the addition of the Wii Motion Controller adds to the feel of you really being IN the game.  I feel this game is appropriate for all ages but there are definitely some games where the controls might take some getting used to for the younger kids.  It is a pleasure to bring you my review, a little about each game offered and some things I really enjoy about Wii Sports Resort.

Let’s begin with the video so you can get a feel for what it is like:

Wii Motion…

In the last 2 months my family has discovered all new kids computer games.  We have turned MAC.  We had an IPOD we loved for years and recently have gotten a Mac Laptop,  my husband and I switched to IPhones and my son received an ITouch for his birthday. There are so many wonderful Applications (Apps) for these products but it is good to know which ones are safe and educational before you download.  Here are a few of my favorite games/apps to make you/your child think and have fun. They ALL have free (LITE) versions to try out and if you find yourself needing more levels – you can always purchase the full version. Open ITunes then click the ITunes links provided to find out more. Enjoy!

Genesis

Genesis is an awesome game much like Auditorium, which  I recently reviewed. A…

As far as kid’s computer games go for the Wii – Jump Start Pet Rescue is one of THE BEST games I have found for 3-6 year olds. My children have played Jump Start Games since they were 3 and to see these characters come to life in a Wii game is WONDERFUL!  From designing their own avatar, to adopting pets to playing educational and fun games — Jump Start Pet Rescue will keep children entertained and learning for a long time.

My daughter, who is six loves this game.  She is a very good reader so thought a couple of the games were easy but still enjoys them and running around taking part in the many activities Jump Start has to offer. This game really makes children think and offers so much content that is educational AND fun. From designing their own “jumpee”…

Generation Cures has a VERY special place in my heart.  It is the first site I wrote about when I launched this site at jennymannion.com AND it is a site with a very special purpose.  I wrote a detailed post about Generation Cures in October last year which I would love for you to read.  Generation Cures was created by “Children’s Hospital Boston” and is truly inspirational and innovative! It has an online community created for tweens to educate kids about compassion and caring while raising money for pediatric medical research (by donation). Now, I would like to tell you about something else VERY special going on with their site. It is a chance for kids and their parents to do some GOOD and for kids to win some VERY cool prizes while doing so. The first 100 children to join Nate’s…

Although Tropix says it for ages 10 and up I feel any child that can read would have an amazing time with it.  Tropix is a game with many mini games, goals and beautiful graphics.  My 6 year old daughter has not been THIS fond of a game in a LONG time and my 9 year old son enjoys it as well.  This game is available for the PC, for The Nintendo DS or online through Shockwave.

In Tropix your character is a monkey.  You begin on one island where you need to buy food as well as items for comfort and fun.  You get sand dollars by playing games. When you have filled your food, fun and comfort to their fullest capacity (while designing your island for your monkey) you are given a scroll which enables you to unlock a new game. …