Business Games for Kids

In a capitalistic world, it's never too early to start learning how to make money. There are business software programs and online games for children as young as 8 years old.

These games range in complexity. Some are as simple as learning how to make change or add money. Others create a situation of buying and selling in order to learn the basics of price markup, and supply and demand. Still other programs offer a full management experience, dealing with employees, overtime, loans, competition, and market fluctuations.

Among the organizations that specialize in youth business education are Junior Achievement, The 4-H Organization (specializing in agriculture), and the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Each of these organizations provides training in some form for business-minded youth.

Among the online sources of business games for kids, there is the Money page at Kidskonnect.com, and the very well designed YoungInvestor Web site. Kidskonnect.com has nearly 50 links to child-oriented money and business games. FleetKids offers its own 8 online games, teaching investing and running a business, as well as offering interesting articles.

Here are more links to very worthwhile online and downloadable business games for kids (and adults, too!).

Lemonade Stand
Check the weather, buy the materials, set the price, and see how you do!

Pizza Place
Freeware. Run a pizza parlor, take orders, make pizzas, and deliver them. Can you make a profit?

Gazillionaire
Shareware. Build your own intergalactic trade empire as you deal with supply and demand. Can be played by up to 6 people on a single computer or by email.

Rags to Riches
Online game. Manage your own rock band on a 10 week tour and see how much money you can make (or lose!).

BizWorld software.
Programs designed to help young people develop business skills. Run your own Internet greeting card company and compete against other players to make the most money.