Children's Computer Software

[tiggerlover]

My niece would like some computer games for her 5th birthday so I am looking for some recommendations. I have an almost 7 year old boy and I know what he likes, but I was wondering if there is anything specifically girl related that she might enjoy. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[mamajoan]

Debbi.. check out the Barbie stuff.. really cute if she likes Barbie...

 

[Serena]

Yeah, there is a lot of different Barbie stuff. My dd also liked the learning software too. She likes the artisic stuff like Disney's magic artist studio, and she has a Family fun kit with different things to do also.

 

[piratesmate]

Just a note about the Barbie games - my DD found most of them very frustrating at 5! (like the Ocean Adventure & the Mystery game) They take a lot of critical thinking, with very few clues. Critical thinking is something she excels in now, but oh the tears at 5!

DD liked the games from Humungous Entertainment - like Putt-Putt (even though the main character is a "male" car) & Freddie the Fish.

We also had a puzzle game from Highlights for Children that was pretty good.

How about the JumpStart games or something like Treasure Mountain? I can't think of the age appropriate ones, but they're by the same company as Reader Rabbit.

Will check the cupboard after I drive her to school . . ..

 

[Libbysmom2000]

How about one that makes cards, banners, stationary etc. My DD loves these. Disney has one as well as Crayola. They're a lot of fun and it could also help get your niece excited about writing thank you notes. As an aside, I'd also check with her parents on what they may or may not want her to have as well as what she's capable of.

 

[tiggerlover]

Thanks for the ideas. Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[aprincessmom]

My DD really liked the Fisher Price Pet Shop game at that age. Also How Many Bugs in a Box (she loved the books), Arthur's Birthday, and My Little Pony.

 

[tkd lisa]

My kids liked the reader rabbit series (The Learning Company) and the Schoolhouse Rock series.

 

[trayletha]

My DD-4 loves "Cinderella's Castle" it's a dollhouse type game. Also Kelly's Clubhouse- which is Barbie-like but for the younger set.

 

[piratesmate]

I didn't think of this earlier . . . . since you're in Italy, you may be able to get seomthing put out by the BBC - at least a little easier than it is here. DD really liked two of theirs: Pingu and the other was Noddy.

The Lion King Activity Center was also pretty cool.

The other one I was really impressed with was "Adventures in Typing with Timon & Pumba." It's a game format, but in the process you can really learn to type. It's the best I've ever seen - for adults or children!

 

[Lanshark]

There is a great program called Kid Pix that allows they kids to draw, "paint", color and do a bunch of creative stuff. My kids are older now but still love to mess with it.