Top 5 Free Games for Toddlers Online

These days, technology is such a constant presence in our lives that many children are introduced to computers and other gadgets almost as soon as they’re born. An increasing number of online games are being designed especially for toddlers. The best of these online games for 1- to 3-year-olds feature very simple controls and colorful, fun, engaging gameplay. The following is a round-up of five of the best free games for toddlers online.

Knee Bouncers

The games offered by Knee Bouncers are sure to please both toddlers and parents. These simple, brightly colored games feature an interface that is exceptionally well-designed for very young children. All games can be played simply by pressing any key on the keyboard, and some games include additional features for more advanced toddlers. The cute graphics and sounds respond to these actions in fun ways, keeping kids entertained while keeping their minds engaged.

Knee Bouncers offers five free games each month, although access to their entire collection requires a paid subscription.

Owlie Boo

This completely free collection of online games is especially great for toddlers who love animals. The games are divided into three categories based on their controls. The “pressing keys” games are the simplest and best for beginners, as they are controlled by pressing any key. The “moving the mouse” games introduce children to the computer mouse, while the “clicking & dragging” games teach the more advanced functions of the mouse. Each game is a little different and features great graphics, fun sounds, and plenty of animal-themed surprises to delight your toddler.

Elmo’s Keyboard-O-Rama

SesameStreet.org features a variety of fun, free learning games that can be sorted by age appropriateness and educational focus. Many of the games are specifically designed for the two-and-under crowd, with several more games for 3-year-olds.

One of the standout games on the site is Elmo’s Keyboard-O-Rama, in which a cartoon Elmo asks you to press a key on the keyboard and see what happens. If your child presses a letter, Elmo will say a word that starts with that letter and act it out. If a number is pressed, Elmo counts out that many of a certain item while an animation plays. Any other type of key prompts Elmo to giggle as though being tickled. This charming game not only introduces children to the keyboard, but also to letters and numbers. The youngest players may not fully understand the game, but they are sure to get a kick out of interacting with Elmo.

The website contains dozens of free Sesame Street games intended for toddlers, so you may find more than one game here that will be a good fit for your little one.

BabyFirst – Games for Toddlers

This website features two sets of games: one designed for 12- to 18-month-old babies and one designed for toddlers. In truth, a range of ages could enjoy either. The design of these is neat; once one of the sections is open, kids can move among and choose games using only the space and enter keys. The games for babies are controlled using only the space bar, while the games for toddlers are controlled using space and enter. The games are unique and interactive and feature a cast of colorful characters.

The Thankful Old Troll

This game is like an interactive episode of Dora the Explorer. Young fans of the cartoon will love making their way through the story, but the youngest toddlers may need help from an older child or adult. The controls on this one require a fair amount of pointing and clicking, and some understanding of numbers, colors, and similar concepts is needed.

The website also contains a variety of other Nick Jr. games for 2- to 3-year-olds. If your toddler isn’t a Dora fan, or if you’re just looking for more options, you might want to take a look through these. Some of the other free games for toddlers online at this website are based on shows like Blue’s Clues, Wonder Pets, Max & Ruby, Franklin, Oobi, and more.