12 Games and Programs To Teach Kids About Money
Learning to manage our money can be fun. To achieve this, there are games and programs that promote, in a simple way, the understanding of concepts, as well as the development of skills and strategies in matters of personal finance.
With the games and programs that we will present in this article, it is possible and fun for children to learn: create a budget, save, invest, take out a loan, pay debts or take out insurance.
Discover 12 games and programs to teach kids about money!
1. Allowance game
The Allowance game can introduce children to the concept of earning money.
This game is aimed at children up to 5 years old. First, determine the monetary value. Then, count the money and go save.
Are you ready to introduce your child to the concept of receiving an allowance,
The Allowance Game offers an overview of the basics. Players earn money by completing “homework” and then spend money on whatever they want.
2. Monopoly
Monopoly is a staple board game for many households and has many variations that can suit children of almost all ages.
In the classic Monopoly game, players draw cards to move around the board.
They land on different properties that they can buy with their fake money, but they can also go to “jail”.
Among the many variations, Monopoly Ultimate Banking Edition focuses more on banking, and Monopoly Junior is an introduction to the basics of real estate investing featuring kid-friendly properties like zoos or arcades.
With each version, the main money lesson is how to build wealth through investing.
→ SEE ALSO: Budgeting for Children: How to Teach and Why it’s Important
3. Peter Pig’s Money Counter
Counting money is one of the first financial skills young children learn at school or at home.
Peter Pig’s Money Counter is an online game that makes it easy for kids to learn the values of coins and bills and how to count them.
Children sort coins and count money. Then, after completing the game, they are treated to a virtual shopping spree.
This is a very easy way for kids to learn the value of money with a free online activity.
You can also download Peter Pig’s Money Counter in Google Play Store or App Store. It is designed for children aged 5 to 8 years.
4. Backgammon
Board games are a fun way to have a family game night, but the benefits go beyond entertainment.
Research shows that board games can help players simplify complex problems and engage in creative thinking.
There are many age-appropriate board games to teach kids about money.
5. Kiddie Credit
Kiddie Kredit is a mobile app game that helps kids learn about credit. Players have a “credit” score that goes up or down as they work and earn Panda Bucks for them.
Credit Academy offers kids a simple look at ways they can improve credit scores. Parents can customize the tasks that children do to reflect their actual work.
Kiddie Credit is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.
6. Famzoo
Famzoo is a mobile finance app and prepaid debit card for kids and teens.
This money app is great for teaching kids responsible financial habits because they can take direct control of their own money.
Parents set up one account first, then create another prepaid debit card account for their children.
They can load money into the card, which kids can spend according to limits set by parents.
Famzoo offers more educational features than other prepaid cards for teenagers. There is a monthly subscription fee but you can get a discount by prepaying.
7. Pay day
Pay day is a classic board game that has been around since the 1970s. This game is great for teaching kids about money in an easy-to-play format.
The aim is to get the most money at the end of the game. Players will receive a “monthly salary” which they must use to pay outstanding bills.
The Pay Day Game can help children learn about: earn money; saving money; banking fees and loans and interest
This money board game is designed for children ages 8 and up and for two to four players.
→ SEE ALSO: What is Child life Insurance?
8. Misadventures in Money Management
Misadventures in Money Management is an interactive money game developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The game takes the format of a graphic novel in which you choose your own adventure, and is geared toward middle school and high school students.
This game is free to play online. Players must navigate through the path of money decisions and learn about: how credit works; importance of building savings; why impulse buying can hurt your budget; how debt can affect a military career.
9. Grocery shopping
A trip to the grocery store can give kids a chance to flex their math and counting skills. You can create a shopping list together, then set a dollar amount to spend.
As you go through the store, have your kids subtract the amount of each item from your grocery budget.
10. Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing might not seem like an obvious choice for teaching kids about money. But it’s more than a game about cute animals.
When kids play Animal Crossing, they can learn about:
Budgeting savings; Investing (in the “stalk” market); Home ownership; Creative Money Management supply and demand.
Animal Crossing is age-appropriate for children ages 3 and up, but teens and tweens can enjoy playing as well. It is available on select Nintendo gaming consoles.
11. US for children Mint
U.S. Mint for Kids features a number of online games designed to teach kids about money.
Most of the games are designed for young children who want to learn the basics such as: Identification of coins Coin counting; Making a change.
Sports US There is a mint, which creates coins for circulation. All games are free to play online.
12. Uber Game
The Uber Game gives teens and tweens a chance to see what it’s like to try to make it in the gig economy.
The game is based on real reporting from Uber drivers. Players must drive to earn enough money to cover their mortgage payments and other bills.
There is an easy level and a hard level, which introduces different challenges that gig workers often face.
This game can teach kids about budgeting, earning money and making spending decisions.
Games and programs for children are the best tools for learning about money and finances
Children learn easily and the sooner they know what to do with the money, the better.
Therefore, games and programs about finance are the best resources to entertain children on this subject.
After all, it is through play that children develop motor coordination and other skills, such as logical reasoning – and that is why using playful activities to talk about finances is so productive.
→ SEE ALSO: When Should You Give Your Child a Debit Card?
James Carter is a financial writer and consultant with expertise in economics, personal finance, and investment strategies. With years of experience helping individuals and businesses navigate complex financial decisions, James provides practical insights and analysis. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to achieve financial success.
