Free Realms
© 2009 Sony Online
One of the better designed virtual worlds for older children is finally out of beta testing mode. Free Realms combines social features with problem solving skills, set in a rich fantasy adventure with mushroom zombies, racing, fights and man-eating plants. Note that you'll need a Windows computer, plus keep in mind that this velvet rope site lets kids in for a taste, and then teases them with subscription-only content and features for $5 per month. The characters, which resemble fairies, can fly around and have magical powers, so there's a good deal of fantasy in a setting that has a Disney-esque feel to it. Learn more at http://www.freerealms.com, or see our interview with Laralyn McWilliams, the creative producer, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFSB9e6rTio
$5, Windows only, Internet Site
Teaches: logic, chat
CTR Rating: 92%