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Best Empathy Games, Apps, and Websites for Kids

No one will deny that screens have completely changed the ways that kids and teens interact, but the question of whether they make them more or less empathic is somewhat up for debate. Luckily, we've found that high-quality media can help kids build empathy. After all, aren't most games about putting yourself in the player's shoes to overcome obstacles? These awesome digital tools help teach kids to think about how other people feel and to emphasize the value of human relationships -- even from behind a screen. And for more games that build character, try our Games That Support Kindness and Compassion.

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OK Play - Learning Activities Poster Image
APP

OK Play - Learning Activities

age 2+

Quality activities for enriching parent-child interactions.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)
Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings Poster Image
APP

Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings

age 3+

Express feelings in safe, healthy ways with Daniel's lead.

Devices: iPad , Kindle Fire (2014)
Hopster Saturday Club: Empathy Poster Image
APP

Hopster Saturday Club: Empathy

age 3+

Dramatically expressive cartoons help kids ID feelings.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2019)
Peppy Pals Sammy Helps Out Poster Image
APP

Peppy Pals Sammy Helps Out

age 3+

Sweet friends teach acceptance and helping others.

Devices: iPhone , iPad (2016)
Model Me Going Places 2 Poster Image
APP

Model Me Going Places 2

age 3+

Narrated photos prepare kids for social situations.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2012)
Sharing with Duckie Deck Poster Image
APP

Sharing with Duckie Deck

age 3+

Inventive mini-games show why it's fun to share.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2015)
Toca Pet Doctor Poster Image
APP

Toca Pet Doctor

age 3+

Kids cure and feed animals in cute, empathy-promoting app.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2014)
Wee You-Things Poster Image
APP

Wee You-Things

age 3+

Colorful, interactive book lets kids celebrate diversity.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2013)
Avokiddo Emotions Poster Image
APP

Avokiddo Emotions

age 4+

Hilarious and creative way for little ones to see emotions.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2015)
Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Poster Image
APP

Doc McStuffins Pet Vet

age 4+

Fix animal ouchies, play mini-games, meet great role models.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2015)
Four little corners Poster Image
APP

Four little corners

age 4+

Simple story about geometric shapes encourages inclusion.

Devices: Kindle Fire (2014)
LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Pet Pals 2: Best of Friends! Poster Image
GAME

LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Pet Pals 2: Best of Friends!

age 4+

Learn tricks, make friends, and shop with a virtual puppy.

Platforms: LeapFrog games (2011)
Lucy & Pogo Poster Image
APP

Lucy & Pogo

age 4+

Sweet story teaches inclusion with charming art, activities.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2016)
Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster Poster Image
GAME

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster

age 4+

Engaging and funny interactive adventures are pure joy.

Platforms: Xbox 360 (2011)
SesameStreet.org Poster Image
WEBSITE

SesameStreet.org

age 4+

Brought to you by the letter "F" -- for fun.

URL: https://www.sesamestreet.org (2008)
Touch and Learn - Emotions Poster Image
APP

Touch and Learn - Emotions

age 4+

Free app builds emotional awareness; best with adult input.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2012)
Wisdom: The World of Emotions Poster Image
APP

Wisdom: The World of Emotions

age 4+

Virtual adventure teaches how to ID and manage emotions.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2020)
Social Adventures Poster Image
APP

Social Adventures

age 5+

Powerful, engaging tool can help boost kids' social skills.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2012)
Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe Poster Image
APP

Inside Out: Storybook Deluxe

age 6+

Rich, emotion-focused ebook and games based on movie.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2015)
Lego Friends Poster Image
GAME

Lego Friends

age 6+

Girl-focused Lego game filled with fun, safe activities.

Platforms: Nintendo 3DS (2013)