Parent Zone

Free Fun & Games for Kids

We know that games are fun, but it is also recognised that games can be an excellent way to learn. Educational software can be expensive, but all (or most) of the games that this site links to, are free.

This list was created by Alan Stewart and CALL Scotland to draw the resources together in one place, to make life easier for busy parents.

Physics Based Games: Problem solving games based around principles of physics. Great fun.
Primary Games Arena: Games tied into curricular areas.
Crick web - loads of useful resources: This is a site with links to an enormous number of free resources for Primary age kids, graded by age/developmental level. Most are educational games, there is one section of 'fun games'. Most are mouse or interactive whiteboard, not switch activities, and are designed to be played online. All the ones I tried are simple and satisfying. BTW, this is nothing to do with Clicker in spite of the similarity of name.
Hiyah - pre-mouse access games and resources: This is a rich compendium of resources compiled by a Mum of 2 young kids but useful for many users of different ages and abilities. Most can be played on online and/or downloaded. Includes songs, rhymes, talking stories as well as basic educational resources (the maths ones are particularly useful).
Single Switch Darts: Another darts game, a bit more complicated than the Papunet version (see below). You have to hit switch twice, one to set horizontal and once to set verticl position, and with full scoring.
Single Switch Pop Music videos: This is a kind of switch juke box. A switch or mouse click will link to these all time favourite pop videos/songs, all from YouTube. BUT FIRST be sure (a) the mouse pointer is 'parked' in the circle, and (b) the switch is pressed once as soon as a page appears, to get the switch activation turned on.
Priory Woods goodies: This fabulous school web site offers freely downloadable resources, notably the famous cause and effect switch/touch flash pop videos These are regularly updated so keep revisiting! Also some other useful bits and pieces.
Inclusive's Free Stuff at Helpkidzlearn: A valuable wee collection of simple switch games, stories and creative activities, all switch or mouse/touch based. Most are based on Inclusive Technology software/visuals and is like a 'preview' of some of the programs they sell but still good fun and useful. Also articles for parents.
MouseTrial Autism Games collection: This is a great collection of mouse/touch operated fun games and exercises. It's listed below along with other autism software, but deserves also mention for children with any kind of additonal support needs. You can play MouseTrial online, or get it on CD or download it.
BlackDog games: This site has loads of activities for kids, including games sorted by age level, eg. kids, teens. The 'tots' section in Billy Beavers Game Show bit is about the right level for me....
One Switch: This site links to many switch accessible games - some simple and basic, some complicated, so you need to explore and try out to find what suits. Also lots of related information and other resources all about switch use.
Explore and have fun with Poisson Rouge: clear simple, early level mouse or touch screen games
Papunet - single switch fun: This Finnish (I think) site has a few fabulously simple but addictive single switch games (in the 'games of precision' section) and many other simple language games/activities, virtually all are switch or mouse operated.
Games Based Learning: This section on the Learning Teaching Scotland web site explores aspects of the use of games to support classroom learning. Some resources are available in the form of articles, blogs, evaluations of particular games, and links to other sites. There are free videos to download discussing some games like Myst, Guitar Hero on the new www.iTunesU
Tux Paint: A free multi-media paint package for children aged 3-12. Download required.
GCompris: Activities for pupils aged 2-10. These are free but cannot be played online. They require to be downloaded.
Fun, Educational Websites: These sites are not all game-based although some are. These sites have been flagged up as they represent examples of sites that children will find engaging due to the quality of their content. Parental guidance/support may be required.
gunnarmadsen-antsinmypants.mp3
JigSawDoku: Sudoku for kids - starting with 4x4 grids.
Children's music, stories and activities
Free Kids Music: Not a page of games but a sources of fun music and songs that might tickle kids' silly bones!! Listen to Ants in My Pants in the audio player in the sidebar!
Pre-School Academy - Early Learning Activities
Gamequarium: Maths games for learning at school or home. Link to some nice early learning material at preschoolacademy.org
MyGames UK
School Time Games: SchoolTimeGames.com offers fun learning activities for students, ages 9 and up. We've selected a variety of engaging games, puzzles, and activities that are connected to major subject areas in today's school curriculum. We're glad you stopped by and hope you enjoy your visit!
Caiman Free Games: This link is to the educational section of Caiman Free Games. There are lots of ads on this site so parental oversight is recommended.
Online switch games
Assistive Technology Single Switch Activities
Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Switch accessible.
Games from the CBBC
Surfing the Net with Kids: Provides Website Reviews for Kids, Teachers and Families and a Directory of Site Reviews
Family Education - online games: Graded by age and topic.
Hiyah.net - games for autism
Games for Learning Disabled Children
Software Games for Children with Autism PDD
Free autism games and tutorials
Online Speech and Language Activties
PBS Kids: A safe place for kids to explore and play hundreds of fun educational games with their favorite PBS KIDS characters.
Kaboose: Kids Games: Only some of the materials are free. Kaboose offers a subscription package covering a wide range of materials.
BBC Schools: A gateway to learning resources for pupils, teachers, and parents from the BBC.
BBC School Games: Games related to the curriculum from the BBC.
Maths and Literacy Games: This site provides educational ICT activites linked to the English National Curriculum. The games were once maintained under the Toftwood site. Instead all new games will be added here. All games are designed, made by and © copyright 2005 of James Barrett. These games are generally targeted at infant school teachers and parents of infant age children.

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Links Learning: A learning website with resources for parents, teachers, and children.
Funbrain Games for kids: Curricular and arcade type games online.
Primary Resources: Cross-curricular
Spelling Homework: Look, Cover, Write, Check
Up to ten
The Kidz Page: Games - printable and online