Matchstick

Tag: free

  • Bloxels

    [amazon_link asins=’B01FUFJ4ZQ’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’matchstickkidboo’ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c15763e9-5acf-11e8-9873-efc5257a865a’] What is it Bloxels is a free make-your-own videogame app that lets kids (or adults) create 8-bit style sprites and levels for 2D platformer games without needing any coding. The Bloxels kit includes a 13×13 grid with colored blocks so that younger kids can manipulate ‘pixel blocks’ (bloxels) physically […]

  • Spaceflight Simulator

    Every week we try out at least 5 different apps, either on an Android phone or the iPad. They are all free except for the rare occasion when we decide that the paid version will be worth it (e.g. in the case of Plants vs. Zombies). The apps are free usually because they have ads, […]

  • ABCYa

    ABCYa.com has 300+ kid-friendly games, some of them quite challenging and fun. The site is free, with banner ads (for things like Froot Loops) or you can pay $7/month to sign in and avoid ads. Unlike some other sites, ABCYa doesn’t seem to use video ads, which we find more intrusive. We tried using ad-blocker […]

  • Chrome Music Lab

    Chrome Music Lab is a collection of 13 free online musical ‘toys’ that let kids (and adults) play with music and in the process, learn something about pitch, rhythm, and structure. They require no instruments or musical knowledge. The site relies on JavaScript, which is supported on all browsers on all devices. Each ‘toy’ (or […]

  • Peppa Pig

    [amazon_link asins=’054584231X’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’matchstickkidboo’ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d8fa9132-1cb8-11e8-adde-cdf44a72e31c’] Peppa Pig is a British animated show for younger kids. The owners of the trademark have been liberal with licensing the image and there are Peppa Pig playsets, dishes, even bicycles, as well as books and DVDs. Based on the licensed products, it seems the show is aimed exclusively […]

  • LEGO Scooby-Doo and the Haunted Isle

    My kids didn’t even know who Scooby-Doo was before stumbling across this game while looking for Lego-related apps. The game is rated 10+ but we tried it anyway and I haven’t seen anything particularly ‘mature’ about it and our 4-year-old enjoys it without being scared (and this is someone who is sometimes scared of things […]

  • FunBrain

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen an ad for FunBrain but they have been around since 1997 and are one of the best sites for safe, educational games and videos for kids. Their target audience is pre-k through grade 8. The site is free to use although it pays for itself via ads. The ads […]

  • PBSKids.com

    This is a site as well as two apps, one for videos and one for games. There are no ads and they are completely free. Just make sure to support your local PBS station, which helps fund them. The videos and games are or/for characters/shows such as Daniel Tiger, Peg and Cat, Cyberchase, Curious George, […]

  • LEGO Life magazine

    LEGO has a free magazine that comes out 5 times per year. In some ways the thing is one huge ad, but the puzzles and activities (mazes, code-breaking, etc.) are pretty fun and our 6-year-old looks forward to it coming in the mail. The cost is free, but you do have to sign up for […]