Webkinz World returns to internet browsers after hiatus

The small, plush Webkinz stuffed animals popularized in the late 2000s are making a comeback — with their virtual world officially back up and running after an a long hiatus.

Early access for the browser-based version of Webkinz Classic is now available, according to Webkinz Newz. It can be found at webkinz.com.

Users can play either on the browser version or the Desktop App, as all of the data will be the same across both.

Webkinz said it’s continuing to update site features and address various bugs, but both the TV and coloring book features are now working again.

Specific issues that are known by Webkinz and a detailed list of unavailable features can be found here.

For example, the following games are not currently available on browser, but they can still be played in the PC/Mac app and mobile App where applicable:

• Flutterbugged
• Goober’s Atomic Adventure
• Grand Grotto
• Jumbleberry Blast
• Leapin’ Llama
• Pet Party Parade
• Spree
• Tile Towers
• Wacky-er Zingoz
• Webkinz Scrambled
• Whimsy Sky
• Zingoz Pop
• Zingoz Zangoz

Launched in 2005, Webkinz was among the first fully featured Flash-based websites, offering users a complete virtual world experience. It remained active until Flash was discontinued at the end of 2020, according to Webkinz News.

Although Webkinz World continued through its PC and Mac apps, as well as mobile versions on iOS and Android, the company said it had always hoped to return to web browsers like Chrome and Safari so players could access the game anytime, anywhere.

“We have had one goal with this project — get everything working, particularly those features that mobile players currently don’t have access to, like challenges, the Curio Shop, trading and the Employment Office,” the release said. “And of course, we had to get all the games running — from our earliest games like Pumpkin Patch Protector, to favorites like Cash Cow and Jumbleberry Fields.”

A new line of the Webkinz plush stuffed animals is available this fall at various local retailers. Some in Southwestern Pennsylvania include:

• S.W. Randall Toyes and Giftes at 630 Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh
• Renee’s Hallmark at 185 Blazier Dr. Ste 5 in McCandless
• Wexford Ace Hardware at 11910 Perry Hwy N in Pine
• Holly’s Hallmark at 5301 Grove Road in Whitehall
• Bethel Park Shop and Save at 5001 Library Road in Bethel Park
• Learning Express Toys at 1500 Washington Road Suite 2503 in Mt. Lebanon
• Majesty at 161 Old Route 30 Suite 7 in Hempfield
• Victorian Treasures at 318 Main St. in Irwin
• Vargo’s Card & Gifts at 8865 Norwin Ave. in North Huntingdon
• People can search by zip code online to find the closest store that carries Webkinz.