10 Charitable Apps and Games That Teach Kids How to Give Back

Our friends at Common Sense Media have created a list of the best apps and games that give back, for kids of all ages.

Donating to charity through text messages and websites is great, but kids may need something more interactive to help them understand how they're helping. Apps and sites can help families take direct action, learn about important causes, and nurture compassion. Aside from developing empathy and gratitude, helping others can boost kids' self-esteem and expand their worldview. From a trivia game that eases world hunger to stories about people in need, these apps and sites help kids do good.

Sustainaville — An Ethical Game

Sustainaville — An Ethical Game

Age 8+
Sustainable-community sim teaches kids to help and conserve.

Free Rice

Free Rice

Age 9+
Learning and ending hunger, a few grains of rice at a time.

Daisy Chain

Daisy Chain

Age 7+
Strong role models transform bullies in lovely stories.

Tilt World

Tilt World

Age 9+
Kids can help plant real-life trees in pro-environment game.

Kiva

Kiva

Age 11+
Micro-loan site gives everyone the chance to help.

Forest: Stay Focused, Be Present

Forest: Stay Focused, Be Present

Age 12+
Watch focus grow, have real-world impact with visual tool.

Half the Sky Movement: The Game

Half the Sky Movement: The Game

Age 13+
Empowering sim explores women's issues and activism.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America

Age 13+
Safe, thorough resource helps kids make a difference.

Volunteer Match

Volunteer Match

Age 15+
Safe, secure site links teens to volunteer opportunities.

DoSomething.org

DoSomething.org

Age 16+
Not-for-profit site encourages and supports youth action.