Dinosaur Junction Launches Flash-Based Kids World

Dinosaur Junction announced today the launch of another Flash-based kids world. In Dinosaur Junction, players can play casual and educational games to earn gems that can be spent on clothes, chat (if they're premium members), and  go to a virtual museum (the site is a sponsor of the real San Diego Natural History museum) to learn about some current dinosaur research and exhibits.  There's definitely an educational theme. Part of the business model comes from an online store that features books and educational DVDs as well as toys and games.

The site also offers a premium version for $5.95/month that gives the users new missions, activities, and abilities. Premium membership also gives parents access to the Parent's Corner system, which gives control over daily access, the ability to view chat history and buddy lists, and receive warnings about children's behavior.

I like the educational bent--and I imagine parents would too--but I'm not sure how users will react to the idea that you have to pay to get access to safety options.

It looks like it skews slightly younger--at least based on the Webkinz-eqsuq graphics--than the other dinosaur world that's currently in development, DinoKids, which has more of a platformer, Maple Story look to it.

Dinosaur Junction might still be considered in development as well. There wasn't anyone on any of the servers when I checked (though it is mid-day and kids are probably in school) and the version number on the log-in page puts Dinosaur Junction at .0895. It just launched, though, and kids do love dinosaurs, so maybe there'll be more in there soon.