When we think of children and the internet, it tends to fill us with dread. “What are they doing?”, “Is this content appropriate?”, “Should they be playing this?” etc.

Well, don’t panic, the internet is also chock a block full of kid friendly goodness that not only keeps them entertained but also educates. Below is my top 5 of websites that, for the most part, tick these boxes, not just online but also through print outs and activity ideas.

1. National Geographic for Kids

A great site for children to learn about nature and the world, everything from geography to all its amazing plants and animals. With games galore this is a site that is as enjoyable as it is visually appealing. We’re talking lots of geography quizzes and fun facts and photos about the animal
kingdom. I also recommend the photo fill-ins section, a highly amusing section in which you can fill in the though balloon of animals in comical situations.

2. Fun Brain

A site in which children can learn through games that are largely as educational as they are enjoyable. Split into four sections, maths arcade, reading, fun arcade and playground the site encourages children to test out their noggins and improve brain skills. Think online brain training…but for free! There are various skill levels dependent on grade (going up to 8) which makes this site ideal for all ages up to that of a teenager. The presentation of the reading, math arcade and fun arcade come in the form of a board game which intelligently combines learning with the competitive nature that most children have. Also, the fact it has a passcode section means that they can return to the game in the event that moms needs to leave the house.

3. Crayola

Unlock the inner artist in your child with this creative site from Crayola. Offering thousands ofactivity tips and ideas this site has the potential to keep  children occupied for hours, were talking lots of printable images to colour in as well as games for both indoors and outdoors. The work of other children is also shown in the Inspirational Galleries section in order to well, inspire them. The activity section one of many great money saving tips for parents, they are cheap and easy to make and encourage child/parent interaction.

4. MyFamilyClub

Not only does MyFamilyClub provide a multitude of printable goodies, including activity, coloring and craft sheets to help keep the kids entertained but it is also really useful site for parents as it offers vouchers, recipe ideas as well as a variety of child- care tips. Tips include areas such as time management, so should help you in spending more quality time with your children.

5. Lawrence Hall of Science Kidsite

This is a fantastic place for getting children to engage with science whilst away from school. With lots of hands on science related activities to satisfy a wide range of ages, it’s a great tool for getting kids interested in science. For those already into it there are absolutely looooads of experiments for them to get stuck into as well as loads of clips showing them other remarkable experiments in action. Educational, Informative…Brilliant!