HT Games
Nick Jr. Fun
Free, online games offered by Nickjr.com is a favorite of most preschoolers because they can interact with their favorite Nick Jr. characters, including Dora, Diego, The Backyardigans and The Wonder Pets. These games are simple to navigate and involve matching and memory development, as well as lessons in math and spelling. Kids even have the opportunity to dress up their favorite characters, which teaches life skills as this is the age they also learn to dress themselves.
A Virtual Pet Life
Webkinz.com offers an entire world of interactive animal fun where your child gets to raise his or her own virtual pet. Access to these games come from the purchase of a fluffy Webkin that can be found in stores, like Target and various novelty shops, usually for under $15. These stuffed pets come with a code you enter into the Webkinz website, bringing your preschoolers new friend to life. The Webkin can be entered into cooking and beauty contests where they earn Kinzcash that go towards purchases of virtual food, clothing or toys in the W shop.
Game CDs
Software CDs are available in online and brick and mortar stores that can be installed in your PC. Your child can learn the ABCs with Mickey Mouse or what preschool will be like with PBS' Arthur the Aardvark. Social skills are taught at Caillou's birthday party and "I Spy Jr." builds problem solving abilities.
Hand-Held Travel Games
Younger preschoolers enjoy hand-held computerized games that are easily portable and can keep your child entertained for hours. A Buzz Lightyear game from V-Tech fine tunes alphabet and spelling skills, while a Leapster from Leap Frog teaches phonics, math and science. Leapster games are sold separately and are often based on your child's favorite movies or characters like "Cars'" Lightning McQueen" or Nemo from "Finding Nemo."