Crazy Plant Shop
By Jenny Bristol,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Plant-shop sim slyly gets kids to learn and apply genetics.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this game.
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Crazy Plant Shop
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
In CRAZY PLANT SHOP, kids set up their very own plant shop and must fill the orders of customers. In addition, they must pay rent to the landlord (who just happens to be the founder of the science of genetics, Gregor Mendel), so enough money must be made filling plant orders to keep the shop going. Kids gradually expand their plant varieties through selective breeding, unlocking more plants and genes. If they unlock all the plant varieties before their time in the shop is over, they win.
Is It Any Good?
This game tackles a fun and interesting topic: genetics. The lessons to be learned are completely integrated with gameplay. Kids are exposed to real science -- including Punnett squares -- but don't feel like they're studying. Instead, they're managing a shop along with collecting and breeding plants. With the cute graphics and educational play, kids can discover new varieties of plants and all the genetic combinations available.
Punnett squares are grids that are filled in with the genetic information from two crossbred organisms, which can be used to predict genetic outcomes for offspring. Kids can experiment with these, choosing specific or random outcomes, to end up with the desired types of plants to sell in their shop. The fictional plants add a fun element as well, with species such as Bunnyon, Catcus, and Fauxgloves, which are shaped like bunnies, cats, and gloves, respectively. This energetic game will keep kids engaged until the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how genetics translate from the game to real life. How might things in real life not be as simple as the models used in this game?
Ask kids about their favorite plants. Why are they your favorites? If you were to design a plant, what would it look like? What would it be called?
Do you find it difficult to manage screen time? Why might it be good to take a break from a game?
Game Details
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Science: biology, plants, Social Studies: the economy, Hobbies: gardening
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: hypothesis-testing, prediction, strategy, Responsibility & Ethics: fiscal responsibility
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Filament Games
- Release date: November 21, 2013
- Genre: Edutainment
- Topics: Science and Nature
- ESRB rating: NR for No Descriptions
- Last updated: August 25, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Play
Our Editors Recommend
Best Science Games, Websites, and Apps for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate