After a year spending more time at home than we could have ever imagined, we're beginning to become experts on how to manage our kids' online lives. That said, it's not a subject you can address and forget.
Kids are spending more time on screens than ever, and let's face it: Not everything online is safe for them to see or experience. It's good to check in with your kid every now and then and find out what they've been doing with their friends online.
For younger kids who need more guidance in finding online activities that are safe to share with friends, we've got you covered. There are a lot of great games, even some classics, that kids can safely share online. If you're thinking of playing it safe this summer by continuing to socially distance, these activities will prove to be lifesavers that keep your kids connected and safe.
Jackbox Games
Jackbox Games makes an array of fun games that kids can play together online. While some of the games are definitely geared more toward older kids than younger ones, there's a family-friendly setting you can toggle on and off to make sure things stay kid-appropriate.
The cool thing about games on Jackbox is that they're available on a wide variety of platforms. You can run Jackbox games on desktop PCs and laptops; gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4; and even streaming devices like Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV. Each game has a page showing system requirements so you can avoid any surprises.
Mattel Playroom
Mattel Playroom gives a number of resources to keep kids occupied throughout the day. There are plenty of solo activities as well as games that can be played with friends by sharing a screen on a Zoom call. It's a great way for kids to be able to share their favorite characters, like Thomas the Train and Barbie, as well as play classic games like Uno.
JigsawPuzzles.io
If your kid loves doing puzzles, they'll love being able to share them with friends virtually. Kids can work together on any number of great, family-friendly puzzles. Jigsaw offers a variety of thousands of beautiful puzzles of different difficulty levels for kids to enjoy.
Battleship
Battleship is a classic game, but it's hard to find a good way to play it with friends online. Thankfully, Papergames.io has the answer. It shares the game's long history, which many aren't aware dates back to World War I, when it was invented as — what else? —a paper game.
Mancala
We'll admit, mancala is way more satisfying to play with pretty, weighty stones. It is, however, still fun for kids to play together online. It's also a zen game that doesn't encourage a lot of arguing or cutting corners.
Scattergories
Scattergories is a great game that gets kids thinking fast. It's great for kids of all ages, and thanks to apps available for iOS and Android users, it's easy to get for any device. Best of all, it's free!
Skribbl.io
Skribbl.io brings the joy of Pictionary to kids online. Groups of up to 12 can play together, and private rooms keep kids safe. You can customize the words and the timer to make it easy for players of all ages.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a favorite of kids, and it's surprisingly safe. Adults can help kids set up a private server so that they're playing and chatting only with approved parties. It's a great way for kids to get lost in their creativity with friends for a while. Kids can play across platforms on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and more.
Best Fiends Stars
Kids will love this puzzle adventure game that has them playing as heroes fighting a takeover. Keep the slugs from conquering Minutia. Then solve the twisty-turny mystery of Mount Boom.
Mario Kart Tour
Kids can play Mario Kart Tour on any iOS or Android device. They can pick from their favorite classic Mario Kart character and tracks to make the experience their own. Kids of all ages will love to play together, and it's safe to share.
