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ThomasandFriends (http://www.ThomasandFriends.com)

common sense media says

Thomas fans will enjoy -- for a while, anyway.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although kids younger than 4 can probably use this site with some simple pointing and clicking, we don't recommend having kids online who are that young. The site lightly advertises merchandise, events, and DVD/TV shows. Most instructions are in writing, and not all games and activities are intuitive. The younger set may have some trouble finding exactly what they want to do and figuring out how to do it if they can't read. Fans will be drawn to this site's games, bright colors, and stars, but parents should get the next mode of entertainment lined up, as the site won't keep kids busy for too long.

Educational value: Some games are educational; history and library of Thomas are available.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Links to HIT Entertainment store. Ads run at top of every page for Thomas merchandise and there are links to promotions and live Thomas shows.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on ThomasandFriends

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the character of Thomas started out as a story told to a son by his dad. What do you like about hearing a story told out loud versus reading stuff on the computer screen? Does playing the games with the characters make you enjoy the books more?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The different-leveled games and activities are well-suited for young fans (some reading is required), but they're simple and will most likely grow old after a few rounds. The video clips on the site are such poor quality that they're barely viewable. For the true fan who wants to learn about the history of Thomas and his pals, however, www.thomasandfriends.com is a real treat.

As for ads, access to HIT's main store is provided by an animated ad at the top of every page as well as a button on the main page of the site. Kids can also click to get tickets to Day Out with Thomas (a real train ride extravaganza throughout the U.S. and Canada) and Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage (you guessed it…a touring theatrical performance). Other than that, references to products are kept at a minimum.

This review was written by Dana Cotter
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

F-Zero studios
teen, 14 years old
5
 
ThomasandFriends*/
Thomas you rock
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)
Aiva Rose
parent of 4 year old
2
 
Great for all ages!!!
We love Thomas!!!
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
chickin1234
adult
 
cool
a fun site for kids who love trians
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (7)
sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
5
 
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)

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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