Us mums know that screen time can be used wisely – and there are fantastic apps that keep kids entertained and help them learn while they’re having fun. Here are some of our faves!
On the lookout for the best apps for kids? We love an app with a bit of educational value – something stimulating and fun that little ones can master. And most importantly, something you won’t feel guilty about letting your child play with because we all know there are times when screen time, used wisely, can save the day (they certainly serve a purpose when it comes to surviving plane rides with kids). Here are some of our favourite apps for the little ones who are still in preschool…
Pro-tip: Mums, check out these great time-saving apps to help you juggle your busy lifestyles.
1. Khan Academy Kids
When it comes to educational apps for children, you can’t go wrong with Khan Academy Kids. This early learning app is made by Khan Academy and Duck Duck Moose, in partnership with the Stanford Graduate School of Education. It has everything from videos to activities, and even printables, that are suitable for kids aged two to eight. Parents also love that it has a good balance of structured and open-ended activities that not only educates, but allows kids space to express themselves creatively. Another bonus point: it’s a free app, but it’s ad-free!
Free app. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. Magic Valley
Every day is an adventure in Magic Valley. This interactive storytelling web app (yep, no downloading required) allows your child to be the hero of their own story, where they explore different places and learn new things together with their story buddy, aka their favourite animal. Designed together with early childhood pedagogical experts, this app is perfect for kids aged four to seven who’ll get to learn character-building values like kindness, resilience, and bravery through the stories. Its stories include interactive elements, where kids have to make choices or solve problems, to promote purposeful screen time rather than passive ones. This is a healthier alternative to overtly stimulating screen time that may overwhelm kids, especially since Magic Valley’s stories and in-app activities contain educational elements (eg. counting and colouring), which could help with their cognitive development. Plus, being able to see their names and avatar throughout the stories makes the experience more engaging and rewarding for your tot. We love!
Bonus: Get four stories for free when you create your kid’s account today! Also, you can order a personalised hardcover book – “Antarctic Adventure” – featuring your kid as the hero with Arlo the King Penguin at Magic Valley’s booth in Bird Paradise while stocks last. Online ordering will also be available soon!
Paid web app (first four stories are free). No download required.
3. Endless Alphabet
Here’s a fun app that teaches kids some literacy skills. Endless Alphabet is a word-learning app that gets kids to form a word by dragging the alphabets into their respective place. The app produces the phonetic sound for each of the alphabet that’s being moved into its place. Our founder Chris Edwards, who’s also a mum of three, loves this app for the cute animation and great vocabulary selection (think words like ‘tangle’, ‘scrumptious’, and even ‘gargantuan’).
Paid app. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store (play the first seven words for free!).
4. Bloom
Bloom is a fab music-making app that’s also a visual treat. Created by ambient music pioneer Brian Eno and fellow musician Peter Chilvers, this music-generating app is really simple and intuitive to use. But that’s not all – the app comes with mesmerising graphics in the form of colourful bubbles. Each tap ‘activates’ the bubbles, which are accompanied with lovely, soft sounds. Tapping around the screen will create more bubbles that play the sound at different pitches. Both you and your toddlers will enjoy this cause-and-effect ‘game’, especially since it plays such soothing music. What’s more, your little genius can create chilled-out tunes that you can relax to. Win-win!
Paid app. Available on Apple App Store.
5. My Very Hungry Caterpillar
Love the book? Your tot will love this app! Kids get to create their own version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar story in this open-ended activity app. From feeding the caterpillar (it’s very hungry, after all) to exploring the app’s universe with it, every day is a surprise as you get to unlock new activities. And yes, the caterpillar eventually goes into a cocoon and comes out as a butterfly – just like the book!
Free app. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
6. Peekaboo Barn
As its name suggests, Peekaboo Barn is a peek-a-boo game in a farm setting. But don’t underestimate its simplicity – this app can entertain your tot for a good amount of time without being over-stimulating. In fact, your little one may even learn the names of farm animals as the app calls each out when the barn door opens. One of our HoneyKids mum, Kate, even recommends this for long plane rides!
Paid app. Available on Apple App Store.
7. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Looking for an app that’s more challenging? Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a fast-paced game that teaches young kids about colours, shapes, letters, numbers, and memory skills. Kids get awarded with stickers every time they solve a challenge. While the graphics may not be the most impressive, we’re pretty sure the kids will still have loads of fun at helping monkey pack his lunchbox.
Paid app. Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.