The Savvy Five: Websites for Kids

If you don’t know your GooTube from your FaceSpace, then chances are you aren’t the best guide to help your kids hang ten around the world wide web. But have no fear: help is at hand. We have the SavvyFive for you this month on the best kids’ websites, sites that will satisfy even the most curious minds, and that come with parent sections so you can swot up when no one is looking:

Andy Camper (andycamper.com)
Good for: Getting kids excited about the great outdoors
Why It Made the List: This virtual back yard will keep your six to 12 year olds fascinated when the weather is too nasty to explore the real thing. The Canadian site is chock full of fascinating facts about nature and the great outdoors. You can get answers to all your outdoor-related questions, watch nature documentaries and find information on topics such as geocaching, the stars, bugs or animal tracks. www.andycamper.com

CBC for kids (cbc.ca/kids)
Good for: Canadian content
Why It Made the List: For older kids who love to play video games, read books or watch movies and enjoy sharing their opinions online, bookmark cbc.ca/kids. They can post a review about their latest discovery there. There’s also a great section here called the Outlet where kids can upload their own videos and share them online. Click on the Preschoolers tab to take you to cbc.ca/kidscbc for games, videos and activities for younger websurfers, with favourites like the Doodlebops and Lunar Jim to keep them having fun. www.cbc.ca/kids

Cbeebies (bbc.co.uk/cbeebies)
Good for: Cute British accents (they sound so much more educational, don’t they?)
Why It Made the List: The kids’ section of the BBC website has all the kids’ favorite characters (we counted over 70) and a whole host more to discover. Check out the video stories in Jackanory Junior or get out some crayons and try the squiggling lessons with Squiglet. You can select games by character, theme or whether the young player can use the mouse or the keypad. And if your little ones get tired of listening to the CBeebies music selection, you can tune in to CBeebies radio online. Don’t miss the great birthday section with songs, activities and games for the big day. www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies

Funology (funology.com)
Good for: Boredom busting
Why It Made the List: This bright and cheery website, with its mix of entertainment and education, puts fun high on the list of priorities and doesn’t disappoint. There are jokes and riddles, magic tricks and recipes as well as weird science and wacky facts. (Did you know there’s no word that rhymes with orange?) There are also lots of great ideas for crafty fun for next time you’re stuck indoors or looking for a seasonal project to create. www.funology.com

Sesame Street (sesamestreet.org)
Good for: Bringing back memories of your childhood
Why It Made the List: The site has undergone an excellent redesign which now offers unique “playlist” approach that begins a series of videos, games and activities on a related theme with the click of just one button. Click on the Muppets link to learn fun facts about each character and to browse relevant games, videos and playlists. Sign up for My Street if you want a customizable Sesame Street web space. They’ve expanded their parent info and you can now get free weekly video podcasts so you’ve always got a Sesame Street video on your iPod for those emergency entertainment moments. www.sesamestreet.org

So now you’ve got a board—enjoy the surfing.

Kara Turner is the owner of Little Traveller baby equipment rentals company catering to families travelling to Calgary, Canada. Her oldest child is a savvy 4-year-old techie.

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