As parents, we want to make sure our kids are both safe online and exercising their brains a little. From our friends at Common Sense Media [1], here are fun things kids can learn online for free that have been parent-approved!
With summer in full swing, lots of kids (and parents) are going online for ideas to keep busy. At Common Sense, we're partial to activities that are a little, well, different. We've rounded up 30 unique things you and your kids can learn to do online [2] (for free!) by a). watching a video, b). following instructions, or c). reading about a subject.
Note: Many videos include an advertisement at the beginning, and some websites might link off to other topics or websites that might not be appropriate for your kids. We suggest previewing or watching along with your kids.
- Create a constellation jar [3].
- Learn geography and your family's history [4].
- Make it rain. [5]
- Play Calvinball [6].
- Paint your toast [7].
- Write a "Who I Am" poem [8].
- Make homemade bubbles [9].
- Test for bacteria [10].
- Create an online storybook [11].
- Make embossed pendants [12].
- Create comics together [13].
- Construct paper dolls [14].
- Teach your dog to roll over [15].
- Play the Star Wars theme on piano [16].
- Concoct ice cream in a bag [17].
- Whistle with a blade of grass [18].
- Build a house for fairies [19].
- Invest in stocks and shares [20].
- Set up your own Minecraft server [21].
- Face-paint superheroes [22].
- Cook tasty meals and treats [23].
- Make retro bead art [24].
- Program software [25].
- Make a balloon animal [26].
- Disappear a card or coin [27].
- Construct a worm composter [28].
- Grow a plant [29].
- Learn science with superheroes [30].
- Sew a tablet case out of jeans [31].
- Build a bird house [32].
Appreciate the night sky — indoors.
Printable jigsaw puzzle makes learning fun.
Simple condensation project for budding scientists.
Rules are optional, masks are not.
Create edible art with food dye.
Creative and thoughtful self-reflection exercise.
Blow your friends and family away.
Easy science fun once you have a few supplies.
Bring unique tales to life.
Cool craft for making badges, medals, or coins.
Marvel at your child's creative and artistic skills.
You can make these adorable dolls all by yourself.
Good for hours of rewarding fun in the backyard.
Beginning pianists will love adding this to their repertoires.
It's hot out, but this is cool — and tasty.
The best nature trick ever.
These can be simple or super complex for fantasy-loving kids.
Soon, kids might be teaching Mom and Dad a thing or two about money.
Minecraft masters will want to try this advanced project.
Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, the Hulk, and more.
Easy recipes for small chefs.
Level up with video game inspired art.
Kids, this is your future. Learn it.
Start with a dog and graduate to giraffes, rhinos, and more.
Future magicians have to start somewhere.
Eco-minded kids will dig into this project.
So simple and yet so amazing.
Holy Toledo, Batman, fun science for kids!
Kindle? iPad? Whatever you have, it could use some denim.
Got a hammer and a few nails? Perfect summer project.