10 Fun and Educational Smartphone Apps for Kids

There are one too many pundits who claim that computers sabotage a child’s natural intellectual and social growth potential, but this is the new world order. It’s up to us, as responsible parents to nurture our children with a “technological balance”. We monitor and help choose age-appropriate programs that are both fun and imperceptibly educational as well, noting that family time and school work are of high priority, as well as sports and socialization. Here are our top ten programs for children of all ages, and do make sure to get a scratch guard and a good casing, as kids will always be kids!

1.    Fruit Ninja
 

Maker: Halfbrick Studios
Format: iOs, Android
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Cost:  Free for Android (with Premium Versions) US $.99 for iOs
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fruit-ninja/id362949845?mt=8
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.halfbrick.fruitninja&feature=search_result

Deftly slice and splatter fruit as a bladed Ninja in this highly addictive game! With three varied game play modes:  Classic, Zen and Arcade, things become more splatter-y fun! The object is to “cut” through fresh produce that bounces up on the screen while avoiding the bombs, and later try and do combination slashes for bonus points and level unlocks.

This is wonderful for a child’s motor coordination, as it is playable even by three year olds. However, you’ll have to carefully instruct younger children to maintain their respect for food.  It’s a good thing because one can teach discernment between the virtual and the real world early on.  

 

[previous|page|next]

2.    Geo Walk HD -3D World Fact Book
 

Maker: Vito Technology Inc.
Format: iOs
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Freeware (Limited Time Promo)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geo-walk-hd-3d-world-fact-book/id379602269?mt=8

If you remember sitting down and being fascinated with your encyclopedia set or Almanac as a child, you will like this application which is almost like that, just a lot more visual. Curious about Easter Island or Stonehenge? Geo Walk will take your kid scrolling around the world, checking out various landmarks, history, important people and trivia. Different viewing modes are available, and the images are truly high definition. Hundreds of quizzes are in store for learning minds.

This program is a good supplement for school, or just something that may spark new interests in your child. However, it’s not available on other platforms.

 

[previous|page|next]

3.    P2K Money
 

Maker: Loconuts Inc.
Format: iOs
Rating: 4/5
Cost: Freeware
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/p2k-money/id405631656?mt=8

With several countries in recession, and our economy as unpredictable as today’s weather, it would make much sense to begin educating you older kid about basic finances. And what’s a better tool to learn from than a smartphone or iPad, used extensively in today’s business sphere? P2K Money allows a child to enter his or her “income” or allowances, savings and expenditure. It also has a “wish list” feature that can teach them how to save, and decide for themselves if certain purchases are actually worth spending for.  

Everything is sound, simple and sensible on this application, except that the figures only come out in dollars.

 

[previous|page|next]

4.    Kids Paint Free
 

Maker: Virtual GS
Format: Android
Rating: 4.5/5
Cost: Freeware
https://market.android.com/details?id=virtualgs.kidspaint

For the budding artist and to foster a creative mind, this application does wonders. Create mini-masterpieces with the touch of a finger on the screen palate. To erase, simply shake the device.  Kids can also import photos and edit them with panache. A pirate’s beard on kuya is just a touch away. Although Kids Paint Free is a handy tool, as parents, we should also promote creativity through kinetic and tangible means using clay, paint, paper mache and the like. Enjoy your little Picasso!

 

[previous|page|next]

5.    Aniworld Lite
 

Maker: Mtoddlearn
Format: Android
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Freeware
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.aniworld.lite

Take the zoo with you!  Aniworld Lite is made for children aged one to five, allowing them to explore through a variety of 35 cute (36, if you think snakes are cute, too) animals. 250 different pictures and clear audio allow for a lot of laughs for the whole family. The “Animal Home” shows a child where the particular creature lives, “Feed Me” displays its typical diet and “Pet Me”, the most fun aspect which is self explanatory. It also showcases animals from birth to adult stages. Aside from education, teaching a child about animals instills a sense of compassion in them. This app is a definite win-win!

[previous|page|next]

6.    Talking Tom
 

Maker: Outfit7
Format: Android and iOs
Rating: 3.5/5
Cost: Freeware
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talking-tom-cat/id377194688?mt=8
http://www.appbrain.com/app/talking-tom-cat-free/com.outfit7.talkingtom

Just about the funniest application there is for children is this voice altering cat (you need a mic for some units but most built-in phone mics wok fine) that you can pet, feed, and poke. With a microphone, Talking Tom will repeat what you say in a humorous voice. Kids can also record their creations and post them on Facebook, YouTube, email or SMS, or simply save the file. The only thing is that kids can grab his tail or shock him with loud sounds and enjoy being mischievous. Personally though, I find that my three year old is still friendly to our feline friends no matter how much he plays this game.  If you’re not one to own pets, this app might not be for you or your child.  Again, balance is the key.

 

[previous|page|next]

7.    Make Me A Superhero
 

Maker: Captive Games
Format: Android, iOS
Rating: 4/5
Cost: US $.99
http://www.appbrain.com/app/make-me-a-superhero/com.captive.superhero
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/make-me-a-superhero/id340819028?mt=8

Although quite underrated, this cool application is seamless, interactive and quite the delight.  
Customize your own super hero with a selection of helmets, apparel and boots; grab a weapon of choice, capes or wings; choose a superpower and name your new character, and save it or share it on Facebook. Yes, even Mom or Dad may have a crack at this. For the limited features, I believe it should be free, but fun has a price at times. On the side, you can also have your kids write stories about their heroes’ adventures in a journal to complete the creative experience.

 

[previous|page|next]

8.    Nursery Jam

Maker: Cool Your Boots
Format: iOS
Rating 5/5
Cost: US $2.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nursery-jam/id362305819?mt=8

A Mozart in the making deserves this application that’s definitely worth the money. Music, art, and a decent selection of graphics are showcased in Nursery Jam. A child can learn music by layering sounds of different musical instruments on top of tracks, hone their ABCs while looking at pictures and hear how different instruments sound like. Groove with animals in Barnyard Stomp, learn shapes on Beat Street, or get funky with Flower Power, and play the drums on petals.  A total package.

 

[previous|page|next]

9.    iStoryBooks
 

Maker: iStoryBooks and Infomarvel Business Solutions Inc.
Format: Android and iOs
Rating: 4/5
Cost:  Freeware
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istorybooks/id427769032?mt=8
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.infomarvel.istorybooks&feature=related_apps

Contribute to conserving the trees by using a little bit of electronic media. This application boasts of a good selection of fairytales, animal and folk stories, and educational books, all presented in audio and text. While the Apple Store only features 25 books, the Android market updates your library with one new story every week. Parents can choose to save or delete books from the program. It can be used to read bedtime stories, teach, or enhance learning.  But as with other programs, do limit kid’s exposure to bright light and encourage breaks every 20 minutes (stare at something far for 30 seconds) for eye health.

 

[previous|page|next]

10.    Classic Simon
 

Maker: Mobikats ltd
Format: Android
Rating: 5/5
Cost: Freeware
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.neilneil.android.games.simonclassic

Surprisingly simple, yet extremely enjoyable, Classic Simon is the good old memory game that lets the player repeat colors and sounds in the order they were dictated by the program. Too plain? Try it out, and you’ll be amazed. Kids will be able to practice memory, coordination and order skills, while adults can have fun with the higher tiers.


Photo by liewcf via flickr creative commons