It does appear to be a great game for laying out a city. I'd consider it a class in homeschooling even - city planning. My son really likes Minecraft and I see some similarities, possibly? I just don't get Minecraft at all though. SimCity looks like it's a little more complicated, detailed and for older kids (who can read). :) They should make a homeschool version where they get education points for looking at nature, going to the library and taking a field trip. ;)