8 Great Video Games for Preschoolers
Your preschooler is begging to get her hands on a video game controller, but you're pretty sure Halo 3 isn't the place to start. OK, you're REALLY sure it's not the place to start, but where is?! Relax! Here are eight game picks that'll teach your preschooler the basics without teaching her anything she shouldn't know yet. Phew!
- Cosmic Family (Nintendo Wii)
OK, so they're not the Jetsons, but the Cosmic Family is every bit as futuristic and a lot more educational. In other words, your kid will be playing memory games and matching shapes instead of learning about talking robots and meals that come in pill form. - Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue (Nintendo Wii)
This Diego-themed adventure introduces kids to basic video-game concepts and mechanics with simple-to-manage controls. Tap a button, tilt the controller and your kid'll be all, "Go, Diego, go!" - Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo Wii)
Satisfy your kid's race-car-driver dreams with a steering wheel shaped housing for your Wii remote control. Now they can race around without knocking over a lamp. - I Spy Funhouse (Nintendo DS) and I Spy Mystery(Mac)
After a few rounds of an I Spy game, your kid will be an expert at finding hidden objects. Then maybe he can help you track down your car keys. - Disney Princess: Magical Jewels (Nintendo DS) and Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey (PlayStation 2)
If it's gotta be pink for your little princess, let us point you in the right video game direction. Let your kid control Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine and Ariel as they try to defeat the Evil Queen or just take a tour around their respective kingdoms. It's all in a day's work for these divas. - Strawberry Shortcake: Sweet Dreams Game (PlayStation 2)
The redheaded crumpet is back ... and she's bringing your kid and her gang of sweet-smelling friends along for the ride. They'll run! They'll jump! They'll get that dastardly Purple Pieman! Let's just hope it happens before bedtime. - Bob the Builder Can-Do Zoo (PC/Mac)
Put your kid in touch with his favorite can-do construction worker! Bob the Builder gives your kid spoken feedback as he helps him build homes for animals in need. It's can-doing and do-gooding rolled into one. - Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet (PlayStation 2)
Seems like they can never get enough Dora—and now she's available on every screen in the house. Lucky kid! Plus, Journey to the Purple Planet is the only PlayStation 2 game with the ESRB's "Early Childhood" rating. Lucky you!
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