Children approach technology without the fear of many adults. They almost instinctively know how to navigate through touchscreen devices. Use that to your benefit by using the best apps for kids to hold their attention when you need them most.
Stuck waiting in line or plodding through a long-haul car trip? App developer Peter Evan Ginsberg rounds up the best iPhone and iPad apps to entertain (and maybe even educate) toddlers and preschoolers.
Super Why
Good For: Ages 3 to 6
What it is: Characters from the popular PBS TV series gently guide the way through four different games to help improve reading and writing skills.
Why I like it: The mini-games in Super Why each take a unique approach to the same themes, giving kids multiple paths to learning letters and words. The pacing is excellent—just slow enough so players understand what they need to do without ever getting bored.
$2.99 for iPhone/iPod touch, $3.99 for iPad
Parenting’s Birthday Party Playtime
Good for: Ages 3 and up
What it is: If your kids had fun with the adorable Toca Tea Party app, they’ll love the newest offering from Toca Boca and Parenting. This super-sweet app lets your kid have a birthday every day of the week. Let your kids gather ’round the phone to share birthday cake and more!
Why we like it: This beautiful, easy-to-understand app brings imaginative play into the digital age.
$1.99 for iPhone and iPad
Intro to Math, by Montessorium
Good For: Ages 2 to 5
What it is: An attractive app, created by a team of Montessori educators, that teaches the principles of math using virtual wood blocks.
Why I like it: I was skeptical at first of the subdued presentation, but the app really does capture kids’ attention. Intro to Math takes an indirect approach to teaching basic math concepts, easing players in with simple sorting puzzles and number drawing games.
$4.99 for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad
Entire list at: Parenting
My kids love the Super Why app and they learn so much from it. Another app that the kids find entertaining is the Dish Remote Access app. With the Sling Adapter hooked up to, my receiver the kids are able to watch all their favorite shows live anywhere we can get a Wi-Fi or 3G connection. I first heard about this app through a co-worker at Dish, because I was getting ready to travel with my kids and needed something to keep them entertained. This app worked wonders when we were on the road. It’s not necessarily educational, but the kids do love it!