Free online virtual pet games

Free online virtual pet games for kids get your kid adopting or creating a lovabale little animal, without having to buy a plush toy or trading cards first.

Many virtual pet websites are too distracting or complicated for many younger children, so I've suggested sites and activities that are a little more appropriate.

Here you'll find virtual dogs, virtual kittens, parrots, horses, a hamster, a widgetized cat...

...and even some cute and friendly dinosaurs for kids to have fun with!

Let's take a look at what's on offer - links open a new browser window:

A simple free online virtual pet for beginners!

Maukie!

Maukie is a virtual cat - in a widget! And what fun she is too - at least, I think she's a "she" :)

She'll follow the cursor if you move the mouse around. Scratch her head with the cursor and hear her miaow! Her ears and tail twitch, and she'll even try and catch the cursor with her paw!

The fun thing about this widget is that you can click "Get Widget" and install it on your Facebook or iGoogle page or your blog. If you want to edit the size of the widget, click the little pencil icon.

FooPets
Wow, this looks fun! Adorable, life-like animated pets gambol around the page, where you'll find out that you can play with your pet, scratch your pet's face with your cursor, personalize your pet's stuff - and even make some FooPet babies - after your pet's first birthday! Do be aware that if you don't take care of your pet properly, it may get sick... and eventually be taken to the shelter to be looked after.

There are currently puppies and kittens on offer - so choose your pet and create your account. Kids under 13 need a parent to sign up for them, and FooPet sensibly advises the following: "If you are under the age of 13, please have your parent or guardian register and assign you a FooPet, then together share the daily experience of pet ownership."

This is the kind of site that is very enjoyable for kids, but does need parents to join in the fun, too! Play free online virtual pet games in the Arcade, enter the Fooniverse, send a fun e-card featuring your pet, and take a good look around the lively community.

DinoSawUs
Here's a cute dinosaur virtual world for kids aged five to twelve - sign up for free, choose your dino, and explore. It's easy to find your way around, and there are activities in each part of the site such as a wordsearch, paws and claws (tic tac toe!), a fab catch the fireflies game in the campsite as well as coloring in, shooting hoops and more. We're currently following clues around the world to solve a mystery, so kids need to be able to read to join in that activity.

AdoptMe
"Adopt pets with a virtual life" here at AdoptMe.com, which offers a host of features - your pet can have its own blog, send e-greetings to other little critters and even create its own blog.

These free online virtual pet games and activities feature a good choice of pets - monkeys, turtles, a fish, snake, hamster or parrot - as well as dogs and cats!

You can adopt a pet without registering, but I think it's best to register and set up your account properly. Fill out the details including your email, and sign up for a free account. Choose your pet and explore the site. You'll notice that others can see your pet is online, and their profile and blog page are visible to others on the site too.

More virtual pets for kids
Check out my other suggestions for virtual pet games for children. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoyed this selection of free online virtual pet games!