I’ll be the first to admit it: I LOVE my iPod Touch.
I knew that I would use it to access my email, control my podcast addiction, plus keep up with my calendar. What I didn’t bargain for was the entertainment value for my children. I’m amazed that some of the best games to keep them occupied at the doctor’s office can also be educational.
1. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Cost: 0.99 Ages 2-5
This game for the preschool set is loved by all three of my children. There are puzzles to be solved, sorting by size, color recognition and matching games.
However, I have to be honest – the music and sound effects of this game give me a headache after a while.
2. Itsy Bitsy Spider – Duck Duck Moose Designs
Cost:0.99 Ages 18 months and up
Duck Duck Moose has a fabulous collection of children’s apps for the iPod and iPad – we currently own Itsy Bitsy Spider and Wheels on the Bus.
The spider rules in my house! I love the bright colors, music, and fun things to discover. Following the spider through the scene, your children can learn about science, counting and more! I’ll be checking out their new apps on the site soon.
3. Alphabet Sonnets
Cost:0.99 Ages: 2 years +
I haven’t had the opportunity to try this app out for myself, but saw it mentioned on Parenting.com.
It features short alphabet songs, great for teaching toddlers their ABCs.
4. Shape Builders
Cost: Lite version with 15 puzzles, full version $0.99 Ages 2+
Perfect for puzzlers just starting out, the Lite (free) version has 15 puzzles to try out for free. Simply slide the pieces in place to make letters, shapes and pictures.
5. My First Puzzles
Ages 3 and up: 1.99 on iTunes. Lite version available for free
This is another one of my children’s favorites. It’s rated ages 3 and up, but my youngest twin is a whiz with this app, at 27 months old.
The free version has four puzzles to try on for size, before committing to the full version. I’ll be upgrading soon.
6. iSign Alphabet
Cost: Free! All ages
Working on signing with your children? This app is perfect for reviewing letters of the American Sign Language alphabet, and quizzing your children as well.
Clear pictures make it easy for anyone to replicate letters at home.
No more preschoolers at home? Never fear! There are plenty of apps for school aged children, too!
7. Airport Mania
Ages 6 and up: Lite version free
If you love time management games, you may have to bargain for ‘iPod time’ with your kids!
Get the airplanes into the air, fuel them up, make repairs, and take off on time, all while keeping passengers happy.
8. Kids Word Search
Cost:0.99 Ages 6+
Have children who love word searches? This app has hundreds of puzzles, organized into categories. Easy to keep your word whiz happy!
9. Hangman
Cost: Free Ages 7+
The classic game, updated for today’s technology. I love that the letters you’ve already guess are clearly crossed out, since I have a tendency to forget.
Great for kids and adults alike!
10. Kids Bingo
Cost:Free Ages 6+
Ready to play cover-all?
‘B-4′ you know it, the whole family will be hooked on this classic
11. Mad Libs
Ages 6 and up: Free in iTunes store
Young or old, who doesn’t enjoy Mad Libs? Imagine playing this while riding in the car, reading the stories to each other, laughing all the way!
This version even gives hints for the various parts of speech, just in case you get stumped.
Have I missed one of your favorites? Are there more apps that you love? Be sure and leave a comment, so that we can try them out, too!
When she’s not loading her iPod full of apps for her children, Dianna can be found on Twitter, or writing about life with identical twins at The Kennedy Adventures.
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
Great post! I just knew that this had to be my first comment on my new iPad.
I love using my iphone too. I have the periodic table of elements, Latin, and a Spanish learning app too. I didn’t know about the Mad Libs, so thanks for that!
Our newest one that the kids love is Annoying Fruit- it changes their voices and gives us lots of giggles! FREE
They also like Trace-FREE, Warships(battleship)FREE, Toy Mechanic $1.99, Flight Control $.99
I like using Flashcard Touch $4.99, for school-you can make your own or find some pre-made. Then you always have them with you.
We love the “Miss Spider” apps for our iPad–they are a bit expensive but have 3 games, a movie, and a book, and our youngest LOVES the Miss Spider characters/stories. You can tell they have a really well thought-out design–it’s really straightforward for kids, and I think part of the reason why my son likes them so much is that he doesn’t need any help with them.
I didn’t know about MadLibs! thanks!
Some of my boys’ favorites:
Angry Birds – makes them focus on angles and trajectories, and considering where structures would be weak
Cut The Rope – again, angles and trajectories
Angry Birds is WAY addicting, and even my 2.5 year old boys try to play it!
For that reason, I’m avoiding Cut the Rope for now …. :)
Duck Duck Moose has some more great ones, Fish School is our favorite! And it’s pricey, but Miss Spider’s Tea Party app has totally paid for itself. But our current favorites are Cookie Doodle and Cake Doodle. Basically a drawing app, but you also put together the ingredients which involves measuring and counting.