Exploring online art with parents, learning the basics of coding, or even composing beatbox tracks. Mobile apps designed for young kids now offer plenty of meaningful activities. But is your tech-savvy first-grader discerning enough to choose the best ones? This is where they may appreciate getting a few suggestions from you.
Most children nowadays own a phone by the age of seven. Bill Gates, on the other hand, didn’t let his children have a cell phone before they were fourteen. One thing is certain, kids use digital technologies at an increasingly young age, and the immersive world of apps and videos can quickly become overwhelming for them.
Therefore, regardless of when your kids get their first mobile device, your parental guidance is essential. Such as when they are learning to use new apps or deciding what apps they want to try. For the latter, we provide a few tips. Most apps we suggest come with information about recommended age range and availability on Android/iOS. It’s always good to double-check that the app is suitable for your child, so that the activities it offers are neither too simple, nor complex for them.
Exploring Art
Some apps for kids offer a great way of learning about art and ways how to create it. You will find apps for young filmmakers or photographers, and there are some great easy-to-use options for those who’d like to try composing music too.
Family Fun with Arts & Culture
A family section of Google's extensive online visual art gallery, which can be explored for hours on end. Getting around may be a little trickier for children, but this allows for an opportunity to explore the world of art with them.
For the whole family
Android/iOS/web
An amazing app and a website where kids can easily create beatbox songs. It features simple and intuitive controls with a fun design. Composing their very first track doesn't have to be complicated at all.
For the whole family
Android/iOS/web
Basics of Coding
Understanding the basics of programming: now useful, but soon, essential. Not only will it teach your children skills like problem-solving and logical thinking, but it will help them build resilience too. Knowing how to code will also allow them to become more competent users of digital technologies and have a deeper understanding of the software and apps they will use on daily basis. Importantly, it will also open many doors for them career-wise. With coding apps for kids, designed to teach them the basic principles while playing games, learning to code can also be fun.
An award-winning coding platform where users can both play games and design their own.
For kids aged 10–16
iOS
Children can create interactive stories and games to learn the basics of programming.
For kids aged 5–7
Android/iOS/web
Creative Games
Kids are naturally creative. They enjoy inventing new things or taking a creative approach to solving problems. Creativity is key to the healthy development of their personality and success in future life. That is why it pays off to practice it. With the help of mobile applications, they can immerse themselves in new worlds, try logic games, and design things.
An original game with colorful graphics, in which children create their own worlds made with cubes. They can wander through their creations with one of the cute characters. The newly created worlds can be both shared online and combined with friends.
For kids aged 9–12
Android/iOS/Kindle Fire
Intuitive app in which kids can design the interior of their dreams.
For kids aged 4+
Android/iOS
Education
For those who love learning, training their mathematical or logical thinking, and exploring new territories, there are many quality apps to choose from.
An app from an American non-profit education organization, with games that support children's education. It doesn’t contain any ads or subscriptions.
For kids aged 2–7
Android/iOS/Amazon
In this platform that connects in-class learning with at-home math practice, kids can battle foes and rescue pets by answering math questions. They can build a team with personalized characters and learn to cooperate in solving problems. Unlike other apps, this one is web-based.
For grades 1–8
Web
Reading, Video & Relaxation
When your kid wants to just chill out, watch a video or listen to an audiobook, there is an app for that. They need to learn to relax after an eventful day, appreciate a good book, or even catch up with the latest trends on the kids’ version of YouTube. However, you should set clear boundaries for them to know how much video is too much, so that they don’t develop a tendency to binge-watch.
The kids’ version of the original platform features videos suitable for children, with an interface so simple that even the smallest ones can control it. All you have to do is set up an account for your child as a parent and type in the child's age.
For kids aged 4+
Android/iOS
A playful application in which children mix differently colored liquids to create enchanting combinations of shapes and colors.
For kids aged 4+
Android/iOS
An e-book library with over 35,000 children's books and a read-to-me feature for the little ones not old enough to read yet. Ideal for when you want to allow your kid to have some quality screen time. Good for kids of various ages.
For kids aged 4–12
Android/iOS
With ESET Parental Control for Android
TRY FREE FOR 30 DAYSExploring online art with parents, learning the basics of coding, or even composing beatbox tracks. Mobile apps designed for young kids now offer plenty of meaningful activities. But is your tech-savvy first-grader discerning enough to choose the best ones? This is where they may appreciate getting a few suggestions from you.
The Internet is a vast source of information for all of us, and naturally some people use that information for good, and some for ill, like “grooming” and stalking children. What can you as a parent, teacher, or other concerned adult do to protect kids against online predators and solicitation?
