best pc games for kids
Video games have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. While many games are targeted towards adults, there is a growing selection of PC games specifically designed for kids. These games not only provide hours of fun and entertainment, but they also offer educational benefits and help develop important skills. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the best PC games for kids, ranging from educational and puzzle games to action and adventure games.
1. Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox game that has taken the gaming world by storm, and it’s not just popular among adults. This game is perfect for kids as it allows them to use their creativity and imagination to build and explore different worlds. In Minecraft, players can gather resources, build structures, and fight off monsters. It also has a survival mode where players have to fend off enemies and maintain their health and hunger levels. With frequent updates and new features, Minecraft is a game that kids can enjoy for hours on end.
2. Roblox
Roblox is another popular multiplayer game that is suitable for kids. It allows players to create their own games and play games created by others. This game is not only fun, but it also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. With a variety of game genres to choose from, including adventure, puzzle, and action games, there is something for every kid on Roblox. What’s more, Roblox has a strong community of players, making it a safe and enjoyable online gaming experience for kids.
3. The Sims
The Sims is a simulation game that allows players to create and control virtual people, known as “Sims”. Kids can design their Sims, build houses, and guide them through different life stages, from birth to old age. The game also offers various expansion packs that add new features and gameplay options, such as pets, careers, and vacations. The Sims is not only a fun game for kids, but it also teaches them about managing resources and making decisions.
4. Zoo Tycoon
For kids who love animals, Zoo Tycoon is the perfect game. In this simulation game, players get to design and manage their own zoo. They have to make decisions about which animals to exhibit, how to care for them, and how to keep visitors happy. As they progress in the game, players can unlock new animals, buildings, and attractions. Zoo Tycoon also has an educational aspect, as it teaches kids about different animal species and their habitats.
5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a popular Nintendo game that is also available on PC. In this game, players move to a deserted island and build it into a thriving community. They can fish, catch bugs, and collect resources to customize their island and their character. The game also has a multiplayer feature, allowing kids to visit their friends’ islands and play together. With its charming graphics and relaxing gameplay, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a hit among kids and adults alike.
6. LEGO Games
LEGO has been a beloved toy brand for decades, and now they have a variety of video games that bring their iconic blocks to life. From LEGO Harry Potter to LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, these games provide a fun and interactive way for kids to engage with their favorite characters and stories. They also promote problem-solving skills as players have to figure out how to use the LEGO pieces to progress in the game.
7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a classic racing game that has been a staple in many households for years. This game is perfect for kids as it offers a fun and colorful racing experience with familiar characters from the Mario franchise. It also has a multiplayer feature, allowing kids to compete against their friends or family members. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is easy to pick up and play, making it a great game for kids of all ages.
8. Among Us
Among Us has taken the gaming world by storm, and it’s not just popular among adults. This multiplayer game involves a group of players trying to figure out who among them is an imposter on a spaceship. It’s a great game for kids as it promotes critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. As they play, kids have to use their deduction skills to identify who the imposter is while completing tasks to keep the spaceship running smoothly.
9. Portal 2
Portal 2 is a puzzle game that challenges players to solve different levels by using a portal gun to create portals and navigate through obstacles. It may sound complicated, but the game gradually introduces new elements, making it accessible for kids to learn and progress. Portal 2 also has a co-op mode, allowing kids to play with a friend and work together to solve puzzles.
10. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that has gained a cult following since its release in 2016. In this game, players inherit an old farm and have to turn it into a successful business. They have to plant and harvest crops, raise animals, and interact with the villagers in the town. Stardew Valley promotes time management and budgeting skills, making it a great game for kids to learn about responsibility and hard work.
11. Just Dance
Just Dance is a popular dance game that is perfect for kids who love to move and groove. It features a variety of songs and dance routines, and players have to follow the on-screen prompts to earn points. It’s a great way for kids to get some exercise while having fun. Just Dance also has a multiplayer mode, so kids can dance with their friends or family members.
12. Scribblenauts Unlimited
Scribblenauts Unlimited is a puzzle game that encourages kids to use their creativity and imagination. In this game, players have to solve puzzles by writing out words that create objects to help them progress. For example, if they need a ladder to reach a high platform, they can type “ladder” and it will appear in the game. Scribblenauts Unlimited is a great game for kids to learn new words and expand their vocabulary.
13. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
For kids who are interested in history and strategy games, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a must-try. This game is set in the Middle Ages, and players have to build and manage their own civilization, from gathering resources to waging wars. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition not only offers an entertaining gameplay experience, but it also teaches kids about history and critical thinking.
14. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is another strategy game that allows players to build and lead their own civilization from ancient times to the modern era. As they progress through the game, players have to make decisions about diplomacy, trade, and warfare to ensure their civilization’s success. Civilization VI is a great game for kids to learn about different civilizations and their contributions to the world.
15. Typing games
In today’s digital world, typing skills are essential, and there are many PC games that can help kids improve their typing speed and accuracy. Some popular typing games for kids include TypingClub, Typing Instructor for Kids, and Typing Quest. These games offer a fun and interactive way for kids to learn how to type, and they can track their progress over time.
In conclusion, there is a wide range of PC games available for kids, catering to different interests and skill levels. These games not only offer entertainment but also provide educational benefits and promote important skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. With parental supervision and moderation, these games can be a fun and enriching experience for kids. So next time you’re looking for a game for your child, consider one of the options on this list of the best PC games for kids.
can i hide messages on iphone
In today’s digital world, messaging has become an integral part of our lives. With the increasing use of smartphones, messaging has evolved from traditional SMS to more advanced platforms like iMessage on iPhone. While messaging has made communication easier and faster, it also comes with its own set of concerns. One such concern is the privacy of messages. As an iPhone user, you may be wondering if it is possible to hide messages on your device. In this article, we will explore the different options available to hide messages on iPhone.
Why Would You Want to Hide Messages on iPhone?
Before we delve into the methods of hiding messages on iPhone, let us first understand the reasons why someone may want to do so. One of the most common reasons is to maintain privacy. With sensitive information being shared through messages, users may want to ensure that their messages are not visible to anyone else. This is especially true in cases where the iPhone is shared with others, such as family members or colleagues.
Another reason for hiding messages is to declutter the messaging app. With the increasing use of messaging for both personal and professional purposes, the inbox can quickly become cluttered with numerous conversations. Hiding certain messages can help in organizing the inbox and making it easier to find important messages.
Lastly, some users may want to hide messages to avoid distractions. With constant notifications for new messages, it can be tempting to check them immediately, leading to a loss of productivity. Hiding messages can help in reducing distractions and maintaining focus.
Methods to Hide Messages on iPhone
1. Archive Messages
The simplest way to hide messages on iPhone is by archiving them. This feature is available on the default messaging app, iMessage. To archive a message, swipe left on the conversation and tap on the “Archive” option. The conversation will then be moved to the “Archive” folder, which can be accessed by tapping on the “More” option in the bottom menu bar of the messaging app.
Archiving messages is a convenient way to hide them without permanently deleting them. Archived messages will not appear in the main inbox, but can still be accessed whenever needed.
2. Hide Alerts
Another option to hide messages on iPhone is by using the “Hide Alerts” feature. This feature allows users to mute notifications for a particular conversation. To use this feature, open the conversation and tap on the “i” icon in the top-right corner. Toggle on the “Hide Alerts” option to mute notifications for that conversation.
Hiding alerts can be useful when you do not want to be disturbed by constant notifications for a particular conversation. However, the messages will still be visible in the main inbox.
3. Use Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that allow users to hide messages on iPhone. These apps offer additional features like passcode protection, hiding specific conversations, and more. Some popular apps in this category are Private Message Box, CoverMe, and Secret Message. These apps can be downloaded for free, with the option to upgrade to a premium version for access to more features.
While these apps offer more functionality, they also come with certain limitations. Some of these apps may not be compatible with the latest iOS updates, and there is always a risk of compromising the security of your device by downloading third-party apps.
4. Create a Hidden Folder
Another way to hide messages on iPhone is by creating a hidden folder. This feature is available only for devices running iOS 14 or above. To create a hidden folder, press and hold on the home screen until the apps start to jiggle. Then, tap on the “+” icon in the top-left corner to add a new folder. Add the desired apps, including the messaging app, to this folder.
Next, long-press on the folder and tap on “Rename.” Delete the name and replace it with a blank space. This will make the folder invisible on the home screen. To access the folder, swipe right on the home screen and type the name of the folder in the search bar. This will reveal the hidden folder, and you can access your messages from there.
5. Use Third-Party Launchers
Third-party launchers are another way to hide messages on iPhone. These apps allow users to customize their home screen by creating folders, changing app icons, and more. Some popular launchers include Apex Launcher, Nova Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher.
To use a third-party launcher, download the app from the App Store and follow the instructions to set it as your default home screen. Once the launcher is set up, you can hide the messaging app in a folder or hide it from the home screen altogether.
While these launchers offer more customization options, they may also affect the performance of your device. Moreover, these apps may also come with a price tag, unlike the default messaging app on iPhone.
6. Turn off Notifications for Messaging App
If you do not want to use any third-party apps or make changes to your home screen, a simple way to hide messages on iPhone is by turning off notifications for the messaging app. This can be done by going to “Settings” > “Notifications” > “Messages” and toggling off the “Allow Notifications” option.
This will prevent any notifications from appearing on your lock screen or notification center. However, you will still be able to access the messages from the messaging app.
7. Use Siri Suggestions
Another feature available on iOS 14 is Siri Suggestions. This feature suggests frequently used apps based on your usage patterns. To use this feature to hide messages, swipe left on the home screen to access the “Today View.” Scroll down and tap on “Edit” at the bottom of the screen. Find the “Siri Suggestions” widget and add it to your Today View.
The widget will display frequently used apps, including the messaging app. To access messages, tap on the app in the widget. This is a convenient way to hide messages without making any changes to your home screen.
8. Use Restrictions
For parents who want to hide messages on their child’s iPhone, using the “Restrictions” feature can be a useful option. This feature, also known as “Screen Time” on newer iOS versions, allows parents to restrict access to certain apps and features on their child’s device.
To use this feature, go to “Settings” > “Screen Time” > “Content & Privacy Restrictions” > “Allowed Apps.” Toggle off the messaging app to hide it from your child’s device. You can also set a passcode for the restrictions to prevent your child from changing the settings.
9. Hide Messages on iCloud
If you use iCloud for backup and syncing, you can also hide messages on iCloud. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Your Name” > “iCloud” and toggle off the “Messages” option. This will prevent your messages from being backed up to iCloud, and they will not be visible on other devices linked to the same iCloud account.
However, this method has its limitations. The messages will still be visible on your iPhone, and if you switch off iCloud backup, you will not be able to retrieve your messages in case of a device malfunction or data loss.
10. Use Third-Party Encryption Apps
Lastly, you can use third-party encryption apps to hide messages on iPhone. These apps allow users to encrypt their messages, making them inaccessible to anyone without the encryption key. Some popular apps in this category include Signal, Telegram, and Wickr.
Using encryption apps ensures that your messages are secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. However, this method requires both parties to have the same app for encryption to work, and it may not be feasible for everyone.
Conclusion
In a world where privacy is a growing concern, it is essential to have options to hide messages on your iPhone. With the methods mentioned in this article, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether it is for maintaining privacy, decluttering your inbox, or avoiding distractions, these methods will help you hide messages on your iPhone effectively. Remember to always use caution when using third-party apps or making changes to your device’s settings.