Players control penguin avatars and are able to waddle around and explore Club Penguin Island. Coins can be earned by playing Games or by digging in the Cave Mine. They are used to purchase clothing to dress up their avatar as well as furniture to decorate their igloos. Parties and mini-events are occasionally added to Club Penguin Island, bringing decorated party rooms, mascot visits, and exclusive event items.
Players also have the opportunity to role play, have snowball fights, earn Stamps, adopt Puffles, and interact with other players from around the world. Players who misbehave and break the Rules are immediately punished and risk being suspended from the game.