See more website reviews

PlanetPals (http://www.planetpals.com/)

common sense media says

Cute characters deliver surprisingly comprehensive eco info.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this ecological education site is a safe place for kids to learn about the planet, the environment, recycling and the world around them. Though there are quite a few ads on its Web pages and some significant self-promotion of products, the bulk of the site is full of informative facts and information. Its kid-centric illustrations are geared to elementary-aged children who might be interested in learning more about the earth and how to save it -- or just how to treat it well. 

Educational value: Kids, parents, and teachers alike will find more than 350 pages of environmental information, all geared toward teaching children to be good stewards of the planet. The activities, crafts, and facts are all presented in age-appropriate context and language.
Positive messages: This site is all about taking steps to learn about our universe, save the planet, and conserve natural resources. It encourages social consciousness, creativity, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: There are quite a few rotating ads interspersed throughout the pages of the site, but the products (eg. Pet hair removal from Scotch brand) are not questionable. There’s a steady assortment of reference and ecology books featured and available by linking to Amazon and a variety of links that rotate via Google Ads. There are also various PlanetPals products available for sale in the online store. Also there is a section devoted entirely to offering licensing opportunities for the PlanetPals characters. PlanetPals will grant toy manufacturers, schools, publishers, etc. the opportunity -- for a fee -- to use their characters on products.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on PlanetPals

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how it’s necessary on any Web site -- even those with cute illustrated characters -- to use the Internet safely.
  • Families can also talk about how the Internet and Web sites like this can help motivate and organize people when it comes to helping the environment.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Kids, parents, and educators will be drawn to the illustrated hosts of PlanetPals where a set of cute “planet pals” (each with their own backstory, video, and poem!) welcome visitors. With names like Earthman, Starbright, and Breezy, you may expect a site geared to toddlers with short attention spans, but there’s a tremendous amount of informative environmental and ecological information to be discovered in this simple, safe, award-winning Web site.
This review was written by Conny Coon
 
 

Review It

 

Review PlanetPals

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

HomeSchoolMum
parent of 7 , 9 , and 12 year old
5
 
Loaded with great stuff for the whole family
We use this site for our whole family. It's surprisingly fun. Interesting facts and educational fun downloads for our kids as well as crafts.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you visit PlanetPals?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More eco sites
For kids who love helping the environment
Browse more websites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines