Wouldn’t our kids think we lost our minds if we said, "Stop doing your homework and play this computer game!?" We have identified some free online games that are actually good for your kids to play. That’s because, while your kids are pointing and clicking, they can also learn about charity and community service.

Sometimes in order to reach our kids, we have to meet them where they live – online! Check back with us regularly for more good games.

www.freerice.com.  When you play this nonprofit website's word games of increasing difficulty, the United National World Food Hunger Program donates 10 grains of rice to communities in need with the goal of ending world hunger.  

www.whyville.net.  Whyville is a virtual world geared toward pre-teen and teen boys and girls who want to learn, create, and have fun together by playing educational games that also promote socially responsible behavior.  The young citizens participate in activities ranging from science and math to art, civics, and economics. 

www.peacecorps.gov/kids/index.cfm.  Explore information about the challenges faced in the virtual community of Wanzuzu.  Then pick a specific challenge (such as water contamination, soil runoff, educating village girls, malaria, microfinance and more) and take on the role of a Peace Corps volunteer to work with community members.

www.charitii.com. This website offers a brand new concept for donating to charity. Simply by playing a fun crossword-style game, you and your kids will donate to a charity you select from the site. And, it doesn’t cost a thing except your time to play.

www.onehen.org. While the games themselves are suited for younger kids (around 4 to 6) the website’s lesson is a big one – microloans. Kids are able to easily grasp the microloan concept by reading the true story of a young, poor African boy who turned a small loan that he used to buy a hen into a booming business for his community.