Looking for Virtual Lincoln Logs
January 29, 2011 4:45 PM Subscribe
My 4 yr old son loves building structures with blocks. In addition to the real thing, can anyone suggest an online/computer based app that would be interesting/fun/challenging for him to play with?
I'm wondering if there's anything like an easier to use version of Google Sketchup that my 4 yr old could use to build towers, bridges, buildings, etc. in either 2D or 3D. Anyone familiar with computer games or sites that have these sorts of activities?
I'm wondering if there's anything like an easier to use version of Google Sketchup that my 4 yr old could use to build towers, bridges, buildings, etc. in either 2D or 3D. Anyone familiar with computer games or sites that have these sorts of activities?
Lego Digital Designer is quite simple to use and great fun. You can share designs and order the required pieces too.
posted by Kandarp Von Bontee at 4:48 PM on January 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Kandarp Von Bontee at 4:48 PM on January 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
Fantastic Contraption is really great (though challenging even for adults). Magic Pen is similar, easier, and also has a sandbox mode which may be more his speed.
posted by phunniemee at 5:26 PM on January 29, 2011
posted by phunniemee at 5:26 PM on January 29, 2011
fearthehat: "Minecraft might be good."
More specifically, the free "Creative" version of Minecraft would be a good fit. There are no enemies, no day/night cycle, the player can't be hurt, blocks can be placed or destroyed instantly (no mucking about with crafting tools or hacking away at a single diamond block for ten minutes), and it's, well, free. You can watch some gameplay footage here.
posted by Rhaomi at 5:30 PM on January 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
More specifically, the free "Creative" version of Minecraft would be a good fit. There are no enemies, no day/night cycle, the player can't be hurt, blocks can be placed or destroyed instantly (no mucking about with crafting tools or hacking away at a single diamond block for ten minutes), and it's, well, free. You can watch some gameplay footage here.
posted by Rhaomi at 5:30 PM on January 29, 2011 [3 favorites]
I was going to suggest Crayon Physics and World of Goo, but the coordination and problem-solving skill they take would probably frustrate a 4-year-old child. They're very fun and hands-on, though. Try them, he might be good at them!
posted by Nomyte at 5:33 PM on January 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Nomyte at 5:33 PM on January 29, 2011 [1 favorite]
Stackopolis, but it involves a timer so it could be frustrating for a 4-year old unless he's very good with a mouse.
posted by fuse theorem at 5:44 PM on January 29, 2011
posted by fuse theorem at 5:44 PM on January 29, 2011
World of Goo has the free-form area at the end, which might work.
posted by Leon at 7:14 PM on January 29, 2011
posted by Leon at 7:14 PM on January 29, 2011
Tetris will improve his creations but isn't exactly block building.
posted by taff at 9:35 PM on January 29, 2011
posted by taff at 9:35 PM on January 29, 2011
Phun is a 2D physics sandbox which he might like. It has the advantage of using a fairly simple interface. You can create blocks, wheels, draw your own shape with a pen, join them together, and other things. Here's a video.
posted by Bachelor of Attendance at 11:16 PM on January 29, 2011
posted by Bachelor of Attendance at 11:16 PM on January 29, 2011
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posted by fearthehat at 4:48 PM on January 29, 2011 [4 favorites]