Free Online Games for Kids You Can Trust

With so many online games for kids available, you may wonder which ones are safe, educational and actually worth their screen time.

To help you navigate this digital playground, we asked experts to share their best advice on choosing games, managing screen time and keeping playtime both fun and beneficial. Plus, we’ve rounded up some of the best free online games for kids.

Why kids (and parents) love online games

It’s no surprise that free online games are a hit with kids—they’re easy to access and packed with interactive features that keep them engaged. But Mandi St. Germaine, a childhood education expert, says there’s another reason they’re so appealing: instant gratification.

"Unlike paid games that often require lengthy setups, free games offer immediate entertainment," she explains. "This instant access can actually spark a child's interest in learning."

For parents, the convenience is another big plus. "It’s as simple as handing over a device and letting your child start playing," says St. Germaine. "There’s no need to deal with login credentials or complicated setups."

The benefits of free games online for kids

A variety of learning experiences "Thanks to an array of games available today, parents can easily find options that will captivate their children's interests," says St. Germaine. Trying new games also encourages kids to explore different concepts and strengthen their problem-solving abilities.

Building communication skills Depending on the game, St. Germaine points out that online play can help kids connect with their peers. It allows children to communicate and play—even when play dates aren't possible. St. Germaine adds, "it allows children to maintain connections with friends who may live far away, bridging geographical gaps."

Learning made fun Many online games reinforce the skills kids learn in school. "They give teachers and students a fun way to practice outside of traditional lessons," St. Germaine says. Homework becomes a lot more fun when it's a video game.

Boosting creativity and problem-solving Games that involve strategy and decision-making can sharpen kids’ thinking skills. "These games help kids develop real-world critical thinking skills," says St. Germaine. "They also encourage children to use their imagination and think creatively.”

The best free and safe online games for kids

• PBS Kids Games: A classic choice with a wide range of free educational kids' games featuring popular PBS characters.

• ABCya: Offers a variety of educational games and activities for different grade levels.

• Funbrain: Features kids' games online for free, including math and reading games that make learning fun.

• National Geographic Kids: Provides engaging games that teach kids about animals, geography and science.

• Nick Jr.: Games featuring popular Nick Jr. characters, focusing on early learning skills. Play on YTV.com in Canada.

• Highlights Kids: These games are based on the popular children's magazine, promoting problem-solving and creativity.

• Coolmath Games: A selection of math-based games that are both fun and educational.

• ScratchJr: A visual programming language that allows young children to create their own interactive stories and games.

• Animal Jam: A virtual world where kids can play games, learn about animals and socialize with other players.

• Minecraft (Creative Mode): While the full game isn't free, the creative mode offers endless possibilities for building and exploring without the survival aspects (requires purchase of the game).

• Starfall: Helps children build fluency in reading and math through problem-solving skills, while also providing remediation games to enhance their learning.

What to consider when choosing free online games for your child

Age appropriateness

The first step? Making sure a game suits your child’s developmental stage. "If games are too complicated, they might cause frustration instead of enjoyment." St. Germaine notes.

Educational value

“The best educational games not only reinforce what kids learn in school but also make learning fun," St. Germaine says. "For example, I’ve noticed how games focusing on skills like reading sounds or solving math problems can significantly help children grow academically.”

Safety and privacy

St. Germaine stresses the importance of protecting kids' personal information. Parents should always ensure a game has appropriate privacy settings and doesn’t expose kids to risks like chatting with strangers.

Avoid excessive screen time

Some games are designed to be addictive. "Many games use psychological triggers that make it difficult for children to self-regulate," she explains. "I've observed students struggle with transitions after playing games due to being overstimulated or unsure how to transition from a game to a social situation."

Tips for managing your child's screen time and online gaming habits

Set screen time limits

Lucinda Loveland, AMFT, a psychotherapist, compares screen time to sugar. "A little can be fun and even enriching, but too much leaves kids feeling overstimulated rather than engaged," she says. Intentional, structured screen time works best.

Bring lessons from games into real life

Loveland suggests finding games that encourage storytelling, problem-solving, or hands-on activities. Then, get involved! You could act out a story together, build something with actual materials, or explore nature based on what they've seen in the game."

Model healthy habits

Kids mirror what they see. To help your child develop healthy gaming habits, Tennyson says it's important for parents to show kids what responsible screen use looks like.

"reate charging stations to limit device use, especially during family time," he recommends. "By modelling balanced behaviour, parents can help their children develop a healthy and mindful approach to screen time."

Create tech-free zones

Rather than banning screens, Tennyson suggests setting up areas where devices aren’t allowed, like the dinner table or bedrooms. "This helps limit screen time and encourages more family interaction."

Make gaming a shared experience

Playing together is a great way to understand what your child is engaging with. Instead of saying no to all games, say yes to the right ones and be part of the experience, says Zohaib Sunesara, a certified parenting coach. "It turns gaming into a bonding activity."

The bottom line

With so many online games available, it’s important to choose ones that are fun, safe and beneficial. "A well-designed game should be engaging but not addictive, educational but not dull and fun while still being safe," he says.

However, Sunesara also points out that it's important to keep everything in balance. He thinks of online games like food. Some are nutritious, some are junk and some can be harmful. The goal is to serve the right balance.

Experts

• Mandi St. Germaine is a childhood education expert and curriculum coach.
• Lucinda Loveland, AMFT, is a psychotherapist.
• Mark Tennyson, M.Ed., is a professional curriculum planner and computer instructor at a private elementary school in California.
• Zohaib Sunesara is a certified parenting coach and co-founder of Cuddle Pixie, a parenting platform.