A classic of historical simulation games, The Oregon Trail (for kids aged 8 to 12) has taken on new realism in its latest edition. You can now experience panoramic views of places such as Fort Kearney and Independence, meet your companions and trading partners via full-motion video, and see the trail and terrain that lie ahead as you journey.

The challenge is more realistic as well. You encounter many more forks and make more critical decisions on this Trail. Even if your kids have mastered the route in previous editions, they're likely to spend some time in the "hospital" with this one. (For those new to the game, that's where you wind up when your "health" level gets too low.) But the core value of Oregon Trail—its ability to teach history, geography, budget-management, and other real-world matters via entertaining simulation—remains as strong as ever.