For months now I’ve been bookmarking sites for children that are truly delightful to visit. The sites below are well-designed, fun, clever, and probably just as interesting to you as to your children!

No mindless arcade-style games. No printable coloring pages with horrid clip-art-style graphics. They have no - or very limited - advertising. These sites display creativity, and can inspire conversation and imaginations!

Sites for the younger set (toddler and preschool):

Look at the amazing animals people have created by painting their hands.

Eye candy with substance... They Might Be Giants’ podcasts for kids: Apartment 4 and High 5.

News segment on a German polar bear cub being raised by zookeepers. My boys are obsessed with this one.

Gorgeous vintage cinematography in “Vinnie Puh,” the Soviet version of Winnie the Pooh. My boys don’t understand a word, but they love watching it!

Two clever – and somewhat addictive – music-related games at Creating Music.

Sites for the older set (elementary age):

Backbreaker is a clever poster depicting two people using their bodies to create the letters of the alphabet. Challenge your kids to do the same!

And – as I am a contributor - I must mention The Blue Dudes, a Smurf Photo Blog. Even though you might have to explain what Smurfs are to the younger generation, they’ll enjoy checking out what Smurfs do all day. (and they can take their own pictures of Smurfs and send them in for publication!)

“Draw” and listen to your own musical masterpiece - you control the tempo, notes, and instrument – it’s almost like finger painting!

An animal alphabet like you’ve never seen at Bembo’s Zoo.

....And for all ages, take a look at the book in the International Children’s Digital Library. You can narrow their database by age appropriateness, type of character, language, length of book, and genre. A wonderful way to learn about cultures all over the world.