Continuing our discussion from last week, let’s find some other "kid friendly" websites to keep your children happy and safe this summer.

If you don’t tell your older child that this site is educational, they’ll be fooled into thinking it’s just plain fun! FunBrain features 30 free online, educational games for kids of all ages. In Stay Afloat, kids play a game similar to Hangman by choosing between science, history, or music categories. Older kids can play word search puzzles, learn sign language, or play Math Baseball, while younger children can create their own wacky tale or play a matching game.

Another exciting site for children is KidsSurf Online, a Christian Internet Surfboard for Children and Teens. Kids can visit a safe online chat room to meet friends from around the world, or they can learn about online safety at the KidSurf Bridge. The site features online games, learning activities in over 50 subject areas, and even teen-related ezines.

On those lazy summer days when it’s too hot to go outside, your children may enjoy trying out some new recipes. At the Dole 5 A Day: Just for Kids website, kids will not only learn about the different food groups, but they can print out their own 5 A Day Fun coloring book. Under Fun Recipes, children can choose to make a Fruity Breakfast Parfait, an Apple Tuna Sandwich, Carrot & Raisin Sunshine Salad, and more.

Writing a story is a very creative way of passing the time. At the Young Authors Workshop, children in grades 4 to 7 are taken through the writing process in a step-by-step fashion, beginning with how to find ideas for stories and continuing through finding online markets for publishing those stories.

Finally, FamilyFun Magazine’s website is superb and sure to keep your child happy for hours. The site suggests exciting outdoor games such as Backyard Contests and Hula Hoop Fun. Or, kids can search through an impressive listing of craft projects and choose one, like Animal Finger Puppets, Paper Bag Ghost Town, or even Rainy Day Activities. Recipe ideas, party plans, and summer holiday suggestions are offered in a colorful, easy-to-navigate manner that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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