On Mother’s Day I talked about how KidZui provides a safe online experience for children. It’s designed to give kids as old as 12 a way to explore the Web, while giving their parents an easy way to see what the kids are doing.

Not surprisingly, there are many great choices in online experiences customized for children. And it probably all comes down to what suits the kids (and parents!) best. So I’ll keep reviewing them, and you guys will just have to let me know your favorites.

Designed for kids ages 3-8, Zoodles is a simple, clean visual experience. When I started exploring the Zoodles features I was reminded just how much goes on graphically in an adult’s Web browser. The Zoodles folks must have kept this in mind too, because their presentation really cuts to the chase, keeping it easy for a little one to navigate:

After installing the Zoodle Add-on, your Firefox browser will feature a can’t-miss giant letter “Z”,  directing kids to the right place. They hop on your computer, press that big “Z” and zoom right to Zoodles (probably breathing a sigh of relief to escape all that’s going on in your grown-up browser):

If you have an existing account, after you install the add-on, just click the “Z” and you’ll be taken to a log-in page.

I didn’t have an account yet, but I created an account for my “child”, Hester (my beloved Russian Blue cat), and made her a six-year old. I had to install Adobe AIR 1.5.3 along with Zoodles, which took a few minutes, but there were always step-by-step instructions, so it was a cinch overall.

Zoodles offers a basic account for free that includes age-appropriate games and educational content, and safe browsing designed just for kids. Your computer stays safer as well (no accidental downloads).

I played a few of the games, and even recognized characters like Curious George and the Berenstain Bairs. Looks like smart fun. And up to six children can customize experiences on  a Zoodles account. Your kids just click on their picture to access their own virtual playground.

Zoodles also recently added an Art Studio where kids paint digital art that parents can share on Facebook, Twitter or email:

For a monthly fee, parents can access more Zoodles features, including advanced monitors and controls and the ability to promote specific subjects and set time and violence limits.

If your children are already in love with Zoodles, then don’t wait another minute to install the add-on. It will be that much easier for them to get online.

If  Zoodles is new to you, the add-on is a great introduction. Check out the basic features, and the upgrade is free for 14 days. Have fun!

Post from Elise Allen, whose cat, Hester, is really 15. That's 74 in human years. See all posts by Elise Allen.