Favorite Kid Apps | Age 8 and under

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Untitled-1“There’s an app for that.” -Apple Inc.  It’s true, you know.  Whenever I’ve wanted to do, find, research, shop, see, organize or track anything in my life, there’s a app for it.  Be it Android or iPhone, my guess is that you can find an app that will do whatever it is you are looking for.  The only downfall to this app-filled world – weighing if the app is worth the cost.  This is especially true when it comes to apps for my kids.

Since I can barely remember a single day where I haven’t handed a phone over to one of the 4 kids to keep them occupied, I thought it would be worth it to share those favorite apps that my kids always find entertaining.  Even though apps are much more cost effective than those good ‘old “traditional” video games, I still find myself on the search for those perfect ones that won’t leave me feeling like my dollars have been wasted.

So, I bring you my kids favorite apps (in their own words):

pet shop storyMaddi (age 7) – “Temple Run 1 or 2” and any of the “Story” games {Pet Shop Story, Restaurant Story, Fashion Story, Zoo Story 1 and 2, Bakery Story, etc.}  I like them because in the Story games you get to own your own thing and create your own story.  I like “Temple Run” because it’s challenging and a straight adventure.

Maddi is officially in what I call the “in-between” stage.  She’s not little anymore but neither is she pre-teen.  These little games she loves so much are perfect for any child who would enjoy a “choose your own adventure” type story.  And best of all, most are free.  The Temple Run games creates more of a challenge and as Maddi said – adventure.

Nyx QuestIzzi (age 5) – “Netflix”.  ‘Cause I can watch movies whenever I want.  “Nyx Quest” because it’s fun and it makes you fly.

Not exactly the choice to make a mother proud, but there’s so much truth to her statement.  Locking down the Netflix app and allowing Izzi (or the other kids) to access shows when they want is something that is super-helpful.  It’s also something we learned very quickly to limit!  Nyx Quest is a game that entertains both Maddi and Izzi for long lengths of time – like waiting for a table at a restaurant or driving to California…because who wouldn’t want to be a winged girl that could fly.

 

nighty nightSophi (age 3) – “Nighty Night, Little Sheep!”and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!”  {In Nighty Night} I like that the animals make sounds and go nigh-night.  I like in the Pigeon book that you can make the Pigeon do what you want and it has me in it.

Nighty Night is also my husbands favorite app to “read” with the kids.  With its sweet animations and “expansion” packs that make the story like new, this app has been a huge pleaser in this house since it came out.  Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App! lives up to everything Mo Willems.  One of our favorite authors, this app brought the Pigeon stories to life for my kids and allowed them each to create their own situations with their own recorded voice for Pigeon to explore.

 

peekaboo presentsJude (age 19 months) – Since Jude has no words, I will speak for him.  When he’s not playing “drop the phone watch mommy get it”, his favorite app is “Peekaboo Presents”.  Because who doesn’t love opening presents?  This is my go-to when I need to keep him occupied and in one spot for more than 2 minutes.  And it works – 90% of the time.  Night and Day Studios offers a wide selection of “Peekaboo” apps that entertain all my kids.

 

Since I’m always on the hunt for more (what mom isn’t), what are your children’s favorite apps?