As an older brother, I’ve had my fair share of stealing devices from unwilling hands. But what if screen time could be both fun and educational – instead of just time-wasting entertainment?
Turns out there are tons of websites aimed at turning kids’ mindless scrolling into opportunities for learning and creativity – and most of them are completely free.
National Geographic Kids
I still remember reading my encyclopedias as a teenager, learning about nature, animals, the human body, etc., and feeling like I was on cloud nine. Looking back now, I think National Geographic Kids is better than my encyclopedias (which I still have, mind you).
This website combines learning with interactive fun. It doesn’t just provide carefully organized information. Your kids can explore animals, nature, science, and geography and have fun thanks to videos, games, and fun magazines.
National Geographic Kids is ideal for introducing young children to the wonders of the world around them, but it also has something for older teens.
Duolingo
Duolingo makes learning a new language much more exciting and rewarding. As an adult who has achieved intermediate language proficiency in a new language solely because of this site, I can assure you that Duolingo works.
Plus, kids generally find it easy to learn new languages. Add in Duo’s short, gamified lessons, fun animations, challenges, and achievements, and you’ll have multilingual people in your home before you know it.
In addition to learning new languages, your kids can also check out Duo’s music and math courses.
Scratch
Computer coding is becoming increasingly popular, especially since the jobs of the future will likely depend on coding skills. Scratch, a free coding community for kids, is a great resource if you want to give your kids a head start.
With Scratch, kids can learn how programming languages work and develop a passion. Although it focuses mainly on coding logic rather than syntax, it’s still a great starting point for kids who will go on to master Python, C#, and other powerful languages.
This website was created for kids ages 8-16, but it can also be used by kids younger or slightly older. If you find it particularly impressive, you can donate so it can be available to even more people.
KidPix
This website should be a nostalgic experience for Gen Xers (or older). Plus, chances are you loved KidPix as a kid.
The first version is still available for free as a web program for your kids to explore their artistic abilities. Although it’s a little limited, it still offers a canvas they can write on, drawing tools, an eraser, insertable characters, and more.
This is a drawing program that’s simple enough to use but challenging enough for your kids to develop digital design skills.
Storybird
Storybird encourages creative writing and reading comprehension, making it a great website for budding writers.
On a free plan, your kids can create picture books, long-form stories, comics, or poems using any of Storybird’s curated artwork by professional illustrators. They can also publish their creations, read any book in the library, and read guides on how to write.
If you’re willing to shell out money, there are also educational writing courses for elementary school or high school students.
PBS Kids Games
Maybe you’re not sure yet where your child’s interests lie. To get an idea of their passions, your child can play reading games, emotion games, space games, and more.
This website is designed for children under eight, so it’s a great resource for early childhood brain development.
PBS Kids Games offers more than just educational games. There are podcasts, coloring cards, videos, and more, featuring popular characters like Arthur and Curious George.