If having kids has taught us anything, it’s that there’s a time and place for just about everything… even video games. Check out these picks that will both challenge and entertain.
Big Brain Academy - Nintendo DS
With this fun, yet challenging, trivia game, we can feel better about what they’re doing in the backseat, at the grocery store and under the covers.
Big Brain Academy for Nintendo DS; locations listed online at www.bigbrainacademy.com; $20
Dora the Explorer Wildlife Rescue - Leapfrog Leapster
They won’t care that the five learning games and three interactive storylines teach essential preschool and kindergarten skills. But you will.
Leapfrog Leapster – Dora the Explorer Wildlife Rescue; available at www.toysrus.ca; $30
TVO Kids
If Gisele’s Big Backyard means anything to you (and if your children watch Canadian public television, we’re sure it does), you’ll want to check out the huge selection of fun and educational online games TVO offers to the three- to six-year-old set.
TVO Kids; available at www.tvokids.com; free
JumpStart World Kindergarten
This award-winning 3D virtual world is alive with characters, stories and exciting adventures. (Psst, it stealthily blends in math, reading and critical thinking.)
JumpStart; available at www.jumpstart.com and www.bestbuy.ca; $20 for software, membership from $8 month
Arcademic Skill Builders
Old-school arcade games meet educational practices at this awesome (and free!) site. Even teachers have been known to use it to spice up lesson plans.
Arcademic Skill Builders; available at www.arcademicskillbuilders.com; free
Thought that was sweet? You’ll enjoy: