Virtual Worlds for Tweens

Virtual worlds for tweens are usually meant for kids aged 10 - 14. If your child fits in that age group, is complaining about playing with Webkinz online, and is looking for a site that is more interesting, here are a few you can let him try:

Dizzywood is free, with a paid option that allows kids to have their own mansion along with super powers. But the free version offers plenty of interesting activities and is a good place for your in-between-aged child to chat, play games, go on quests and otherwise explore. Players can choose an avatar and have fun dressing it up in different outfits. The game has different levels, and kids must complete "missions" to advance. There is a strong educational basis for this site, and it teaches kids about topics like conservation and civics (there are even elections that include voter registration and campaigning). As far as these virtual worlds go, it has a lot of interesting projects and activities to offer.

Wizard 101 offers a free version and a paid version. This site is much more game oriented than chat oriented. If your kids like Harry Potter, then this is the place for them to be. They will enroll in "The Ravenwood School of Magical Arts" and proceed to learn magic and have adventures with a cast of interesting cartoon characters. There is an active message board, which means there is plenty of community participation. And kids who like to write stories will feel at home here, since there is a creative writing section where they can post their stories. The way this site combines education and playing games makes it one of the most appealing virtual worlds for tweens.

In Disney's Club Penguin kids learn reading, role playing and money management in a safe environment. Using a cute virtual penguin avatar, they can learn about making money by earning virtual coins when they play games. And during the winter holiday season, they can even donate those coins to charities for sick children or the environment. The free membership allows kids to print out coloring book pages, read comic books online, and create artwork to post to the community. Although the site says it’s for kids aged 8 - 16, it tends to appeal more to the lower end of that age range. And compared with the other 2 virtual worlds for tweens listed here, it has the fewest activities to offer.

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