With schools physically being closed, students and teachers are trying their best to continue as normally as possible. The end of the year is in sight, which is a huge sigh of relief given the current coronavirus outbreak. Summer break will allow students some time to regroup and teachers will be afforded the time they need to prepare for a potential remote teaching environment for at least the beginning of next school year.

However, once the school year ends that doesn’t mean the learning has to. Parents can continue the responsibility of keeping their children’s minds sharp by introducing them to many different activities. But let’s face it – it’s summer break and the kids don’t always want to “learn”. That’s where video games come in.

Video games are hotter than ever and chances are you’ve heard your students or your kids say the words “Fortnite” or “Animal Crossing” recently. Although those are great games that can keep kids occupied for hours on end, it’s important to also introduce them to activities that keep them learning in the months when school is out of session. Video games are a great way to do that and developers have become really creative in the ways they’ve been able to sneak educational lessons into their games.

Here is a list of educational video games that you can introduce to kids that will not only help them learn over summer break, but will be fun for them as well:

The Oregon Trail

The one that started it all…(or at least one of the longest-lasting, most-popular ones). The Oregon Trail made its debut in the late 70’s and has been guiding us west ever since.

In the original text-based version of the game, players hunt for food, purchase supplies and make decisions to safely get their wagon to Oregon. Recent versions allow players to trade, upgrade their wagon and more.

On your trip west, you’ll likely experience illness, bandits, rivers and more complications. Kids will have to use their problem-solving skills to determine how to safely make it to Oregon. Although you can find past PC versions at various online retailers, a more modern version is available for mobile devices.

Kids will learn: Historical events, problem-solving skills, critical thinking

Where to find it: iOS, Android

Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego?

A whole new generation of kids are answering the question “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” 90’s kids will be especially nostalgic for this one, and eager to pass the updated game on to their kids, nieces, nephews or their own students. Three new games were released this year which take kids on a journey around the world interviewing witnesses, gathering clues, and trying to crack the case.

Kids will learn: Capitals of Countries, Locations of Historic Events, Geographical facts

Where to find it: Web Browser, iOS, Android

Minecraft

Minecraft debuted in 2011, and has been gaining popularity ever since. In Minecraft, you build your own world by exploring, gathering resources, making tools and even taking part in mild combat. You can play Minecraft in one of several modes including survival, adventure, creative, spectator and multiplayer.

Minecraft teaches a lot of valuable lessons including creativity, self-direction, teamwork, math and reading. It’s also a game some kids might be familiar as many schools already use it in the classroom.

Kids will learn: Creativity, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, Math, Reading

Where to find it: PC, iOS, Android, and Various Game Consoles

Nancy Drew Interactive Mysteries

In the Nancy Drew series, you play as Nancy and try to solve mysteries. In your detective work, you’ll question suspects, solve puzzles, find clues and navigate difficult situations to crack the case.

Nancy Drew games are great in that they teach without children knowing it. Before you know it you’ve solved the mystery and learned about the French Revolution.

Kids will learn: Historical Events, Important Figures, Critical Thinking, Foreign Culture and Customs, Language, Problem-Solving Skills

Where to find it: Various outlets including PC, Gaming Consoles and Mobile Apps

Wordscapes

Kids who love word games will love Wordscapes. In this game, players try to solve crossword-style puzzles. To provide a certain level of challenge, some rounds prevent three-letter words from being used and offer extra points if the words are found in order. To inspire learning, the game has a built-in dictionary so you can improve your vocabulary by learning what the words you find mean.

Kids will learn: Vocabulary

Where to find it: iOS, Android

Zoombinis

The object of this game is to help the mini blue creatures out of imprisonment by the evil Bloats and guide them home to safety. As you conquer each level, the game becomes more challenging. Kids will put their logic, and pattern identification skills to the test in their quest to guide the Zoombinis home.

Kids will learn: Patterns, Logic, Data Analysis, Problem-solving Skills

Where to find it: PC, iOS, Android

The Little Big Planet series

In this game, players navigate levels by jumping and avoiding obstacles to progress. A large component of these games are the ability for player to create – allowing kids the ability to have a little extra fun aside from the competition aspect of the game. Kids can create their own characters, and even develop their own levels.

Kids will learn: Logic, Spatial Orientation Skills, Design, Problem Solving

Where to find it: PlayStation 4, iOS, Android and other PlayStation specific consoles

World Rescue

Playing World Rescue can help the child in your life feel like they’re changing the world. Travel the world with the five main characters to tackle important issues and make the planet a better place. You’ll help with problems like disease, deforestation, drought, displacement and pollution. Kids will learn lessons on real-world issues and have fun doing it.

Kids will learn: Geography, Conservation, Sustainability, Global Problems, Healthy Living, Activism

Where to find it: iOS, Android

Eloh

Eloh is another game that teaches kids without them even knowing. Eloh is a musical puzzle game that features island spirits. Each level requires you to move the “spirits” into the right spot so that when you tap the red speaker and the sound waves start to bounce, they’ll pass through without error. This mobile app does cost $3, but there is no timer, no ads and the graphics are beautiful.

Kids will learn: Trigonometry, Angles, Critical Thinking

Where to find it: iOS, Android

Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program is a rocket simulation game that focuses on a space force for the Kerbals, an alien race. You’ll begin by building a rocket based on “realistic aerodynamic and orbital physics.” Once finished with your rocket and you’ve launched to space, you can build bases, explore the solar system and construct space stations.

In Kerbal Space Program, you can play in one of three modes. The first mode is Science, where you can unlock new technology and advance the alien race. The second mode is Career, where players oversee every aspect of the Kerbal Space Program. The final mode is the Sandbox mode, which is a free-from way to play the game.

Kids will learn: Physics, The Solar System, Math, Aerospace Engineering

Where to find it: Different versions of the game are available on PC, Steam, Xbox One or Playstation 4

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

This game was inspired by real letters that were written during World War 1. This story-driven game centers on the five main characters and their quest to help a young German soldier find his loved ones.

Kids will learn: Contextual Puzzles, Logic, Cause and Effect, The Historical and Emotional Impact of World War 1

Where to find it: PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch

Democracy series

Democracy is a government simulation game. You’ll act as the president or prime minister of a democratic government. In your role, you’ll alter policies that affect taxes, economy, welfare, transport, foreign policy and more. However just like we see in real life, altering one policy likely will affect another such as crime rate and air quality. Players will also have to contend with situations like protests and make decisions to mitigate them.

Kids will learn: Political Parties, Government Funding, Taxes, Elections, Policy Changes, Budgets, Compromise, Cause and Effect, Strategy, Conflict Resolution and more

Where to find it: PC

Story via CNet