Parents' Guide to

Neopets

By Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Safe virtual pet site focuses on making money.

Website http://www.neopets.com
Neopets Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 57 parent reviews

VerityB
VerityB Adult
May 5, 2014
age 12+

A great way for kids to learn

This is a great way for kids to learn some basic skills. From social skills to trading skills. There even is a stock market. The chat and boards on site are totally safe. If your kids struggle with the games on site you can also

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
sweetmiillkk
sweetmiillkk Parent of 4-year-old
April 21, 2022
age 5+

Best site EVER!!!!

THE BEST SITE EVER. I am so glad they haven't changed a thing. After coming back from a long hiatus, I am happy to be back! Neopets is great for kids and adults. Do not listen to the negative reviews! Customer support is seriously so nice and responds very well. I got a ticket and was emailed very soon, and when I could not respond due to a phone issue, they contacted me AGAIN to make sure that I still needed some help. It is amazing. Alice is the woman that helped me and she was an angel!! The site is fun and a true utopia where every one leaves drama at the door just to relive their childhood, and some play with their children on the site as well which is a great idea! Safe and fun for all ages. Also teaches money management, how to care for cool pets (and so many neat kinds to choose from!), and many more cool things. They have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior, which is excellent for children if you are worried about online safety. Neopets, thank you for not changing any thing major, you have made so many neopians happy!! Keep up the amazing work by doing what you've been doing all these years!! Don't change a thing!!!!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Easy to play/use
See all 57 parent reviews

What’s It About?

In NEOPETS.COM's online world, Neopia, players explore a variety of landscapes, which offer games and curious shops where you can "purchase" a magical potion, a virtual snack, or a book to read to your pet. The more pets read, the smarter they become, which is important in the pet's ever-changing statistical summary of abilities, strength, health, and other attributes. Neopets require regular feeding. To purchase food -- or anything else -- you must gain Neopoints. To build up a bank of Neopoints, pet owners play games. You can also apply for an online "job," which usually involves a scavenger hunt to purchase more items from other players. Another way to scrape up points is to auction unnecessary items or place them in your online store. More mature players might invest in the Neopian stock market. Among Neopia's many participatory options are free clubs ("guilds") that have their own discussions, giveaways, and player hints. You can also write stories for the newsletter, submit drawings, work on your pet's Web page, or post on the NeoBoards.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (57 ):
Kids say (120 ):

Kids can get frustrated that they have to figure things out from other players. For example, you may learn on the boards that when the giant ice serpent sleeps the brave may sneak in and steal an item of his treasure. Also, there are players who scam other players out of their Neopoints and magical items, but a few third-party sites are combating this scourge.

On the positive side, messages posted on the boards are screened before they're posted, and those who break any rules will have their accounts frozen. Those younger than 13 aren't allowed to access the boards unless they've sent in parental permission.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about taking care of a pet. What's more important to give a pet -- a new coat or love and attention?

  • Parents can also talk to their kids about the dangers of obsessing about money and gambling. What does it mean to gamble?

Website Details

  • Genre: Virtual Worlds
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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