In 2015, it’s inevitable that parents will have to hand their screens over to their toddlers now and then. When you do put them down for “app time,” why not make sure they’re consuming something that’s at least creative or educational? New York Family Baby is here to help with our roundup of 10 of our fave apps for toddlers, spanning everything from word games to fun drawing lessons.
1. Toddler Flashcards
Toddler Flashcards teaches basic words to children in an interactive and innovative fashion. The flashcards cover a wide range of vocabulary, from animals to food, and there’s even the option to play fun sound effects. What sets this app apart is its vocab offerings in more than 13 different languages. Free, iTunes
2. Tozzle
Tozzle is a colorful, playful puzzle app with more than 40 different puzzles to solve. Match a shape to its correct outline by dragging and dropping cows at farms or numbers on a chalkboard and playing with many more cool shapes. The app helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, and we also love the fun sound effects that bring the different settings to life. $1.99, iTunes
3. Talking Carl
There are few apps as silly and entertaining as Talking Carl, a big, goofy character that repeats everything you say back to him in different, hilarious voices. Tickle Carl and he bursts out laughing, or feed him a bone and watch him feast. The latest version of the app lets Carl do all sorts of crazy things that are bound to keep both you and your child giggling alongside this lovable character. Free, iTunes
4. Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo brings your favorite children’s book characters to life in this beautifully illustrated, interactive storybook. Critically acclaimed author and illustrator Christopher Neiman infuses his lively characters with technology and artistry, and with over 21 hand-drawn animals to choose from, the activities are endless. Tickle an elephant or make the dog breakdance with this artful app! $2.99, iTunes, Google Play & amazon.com
5. Drawnimal
Drawnimal combines vocabulary and drawing skills in a colorful app that will teach children how to draw letters and the basic features of animals. Draw a C for cat, and then add some whiskers and ears for even more fun. Animals include penguins, jellyfish, zebras, gorillas, and so many more! $1.99, iTunes
6. PicsArt for Kids
PicsArt is one of the best drawing games for kids—and parents! Create masterpieces on blank pages or use templates to fill between the lines. Unlike most drawing apps, PicsArt lets kids use as many fingers as they want at the same time and provides a lively color palette to choose from. The app also has the option to teach children how to draw shapes, animals, people, and more. Free, iTunes & Google Play
7. Gappy Learns Writing
Follow a clear path by tracing dots and reveal the secret letter that Gappy is thinking of. Gappy Learns Writing is highly recommended from the Parents’ Choice Foundation for its fun approach to helping children dramatically improve their writing and alphabet skills without even realizing it. $2.99, iTunes, Google Play & amazon.com
8. Bebot
Bebot is an entertaining musical app that lets children pick sound effects and instruments to create bumping beats. Watch as Bebot the robot dances along to your new tunes while you jam out to your musical masterpiece. $1.99, iTunes
9. Toca Kitchen
Toca Kitchen is the perfect solution for toddlers who are fascinated with cooking, but aren’t quite old enough to help out yet. The app teaches children not to touch hot pots and pans while providing them with 12 ingredients to mix and match for more than 180 different recipes. Kids can slice, dice, and fry with four friendly companions. $2.99, iTunes, Google Play, amazon.com & Windows Apps
10. Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings
Created by PBS Kids and based off of the series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” this 2015 Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Award-winning app teaches children about the art of empathy. The app provides a dozen mini-games about feelings, sing-alongs with animations, a “feelings photo booth,” and many more innovative tools designed to teach children about different emotions and how to recognize them. $2.99, iTunes, Google Play, amazon.com & pbskids.org
