I have a conference call on Monday and a fifty-fifty shot that my four year old won't still be napping when the phone rings. And I've just found the solution to keeping her quiet and occupied while I finish the job: Falling Sand Game consists of different particles and elements that can be controlled via the mouse or trackpad to create different environments. It's like watching an ant farm or one of those crazy glycerin-filled desk objects from the early 90s--totally mesmerising, and manipulating the screen is a zen exercise.
It'd be an easier pastime for a child who can read, but the different elements are color coded and a younger child with some mousing skills should be able to get the hang of it quickly.
(via Bella Dia, who also links to another of our family's favorite online timesucks, alphabet/art/animation site Bembo's Zoo)
