Does Anyone Know Any Online Educational Games?

Q: I recently bought my computer-literate 5 years old son Putt putt saves the zoo thinking it would keep him amused for a while (at least). Unfortunately, he solved it very quickly and is now bored with it and his other games. Can anyone suggest games or educational programs that would be suitable for this age? Something that increases with difficulty and interest over time so he doesn't get bored so quickly would be nice - perhaps I should write something! Note that he can't read (yet, except simple words), but likes to explore things and see what happens.

A:Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo is great fun, but like Jay said, it's an older one and doesn't offer randomization of objects. Newer Humongous products have randomization of objects which increases the replayability a little. One of our favs is Putt-Putt Travels Through Time. It's now offered as a package along with Pajama Sam 1 and a Jr. Arcade game. I've never liked the Jr. Arcade games much, but many kids do. It's called Triple Treat 2 (I think) and it's $19.99, so you get the 2 main games for $10 and the arcade one for free, think of it like that. The Pajama Sam ones are probably more difficult than most of the Freddi Fish and Putt-Putt ones, and are great fun! Both Pajama Sams, and several other Humongous ones are only $10 separately now in most stores. Other great games that are BIG hits around here: Math Quest with Aladdin is great. It's so much fun, and the Disney characters are a hoot. It's not typical Disney computer fare, but helps develop critical thinking skills with math activities that are not drill, but logical thinking games. Every child I've tried it on loves it. Logical Journey of the Zoombinis is fun to play over and over again, and while may be a little difficult for a 5 yr old, he can play with a little help every now and then. It has a rebate and is $20 after rebate right now, and well worth it, this game will last him and YOU for years! Adults get a kick out of it as well Orly's Draw a Story is a scream to play, it's an art program with a little Jamaican girl that is so funny! It offers 4 stories that users can illustrate the pics during the story, and the pictures have an attitude, I can tell you :D Like, if you poke the monster in the eye, you'll get fussed at, and if you knock the bugs off the ship, they start shooting cannons at you. The art tools are fantastic, plus they talk to you too. Once the pics have all been done, the story will play out for you. You can also draw whatever you like, and makeup your own stories. My kids love it, and other kids that have played it do too No reading skills required, and this title will definitely grow with your child. It's $20 from Broderbund. I'm not going to list any "educational" titles like the Reader Rabbit ones, because which one of those depends on the level of skills your son has. I will say that Reader Rabbit Kindergarten and 1st grade are fun, plus the newer Jumpstart ones that are math and reading specific. One more: Disney that is just fun, no education Timon & Pumbaa's Jungle Games: offers 5 arcade games that are lots of fun, and has Timon & Pumbaa style humor as well. http://www.kidsdomain.com for lots of downloads/freeware/shareware/online games and great reviews

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