10 Road Trip–Ready Kids' Apps
By Olivia Putnal
As soon as the kids start their summer break, many families pack up and go on vacation. But while road trips can be a lot less taxing (and more affordable) than flying, you'll need plenty of distractions to avoid hearing "Are we there yet?" every five minutes. Nowadays, with smartphones and iPod Touches, it's easy to let technology take over in the back seat. So before you hit the road, check out WD's favorite kid-friendly apps, the perfect distractions for long hours spent in the car. Photos: courtesy of iTunes
123 Color: Talking Coloring Book
If your toddler's car stash has deteriorated to melted crayons and filled-up coloring books, try this educational "coloring book" instead. The 123 Color: Talking Coloring Book app teaches number, letter and color recognition using art, music, animation, sound effects and voices. There's even a finger painting program called "Perfect Paint" that won't allow kids to color outside the lines. 99¢; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. For more information and where to buy, click here.
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Weet Woo!
Most parents can't help but worry that their kids will come across something inappropriate on the Internet, especially on video-sharing sites like YouTube. But have no fear, the Weet Woo! app compiles kid-friendly videos from the Web based on the age requirement you set. The program makes it easy for kids to navigate the videos and lets parents breathe a sigh of relief.$3.99; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. For more information and where to buy, click here.
Dr. Seuss's ABC
Dr. Seuss is one of the most popular children's book writers of all time, so it's no surprise he's got his own app. With Dr. Seuss's ABC, you can read the beloved story with your kids, or they can listen while the program highlights the words as they are read aloud, making it a great choice for all ages. $3.99; available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android-powered devices. For more information and where to buy, click here and here.
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The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail app has taken the classic computer game up a notch. With skill-based mini-games, challenges, side missions, new graphics and new departure options, your kids can (virtually) run wild for hours. Free; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. For more information and where to buy, click here.
Family Car Games
With 100 no-equipment-required activities appropriate for the entire family, the Family Car Games app tells you how to play each game, so you can put away the device and enjoy some quality time-unplugged. Choose from game categories like Memory Games, Out the Window and Singing Games so everyone can join in on the fun! $1.99; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. For more information and where to buy, click here.
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Road Trip Bingo
With all those pieces to keep track of, it'd be pretty hard to play bingo in the car-unless you've got the Road Trip Bingo app, that is. Instead of everyone having their own bingo board, you create a card with over 40 items for the family to find outside the car. You can search for signs, vehicles, animals and so much more. Once you've checked off five in a row, you've won! 99¢; available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android-powered devices. For more information and where to buy, click here and here.
My Little Suitcase
No matter where you're headed, with the My Little Suitcase application your kids can take their own vacation right from the back seat. They can select a type of destination (beach trip, snow trip, camping trip or sleepover) and then pack their suitcases accordingly. Let them go crazy with toys, clothes and all their other favorites, because it's all staying inside their virtual luggage. 99¢; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. For more information and where to buy, click here.
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Uno
Uno is a great game, but you're doomed to lose all the cards if you play in the car! Luckily, there's a no-fuss app that solves that problem. Older kids will love the touchscreen version of their favorite card game, where they can customize the rules, play online against friends or increase the difficulty by playing in Tournament Mode. Free; available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android-powered devices. For more information and where to buy, click here and here.
Battleship
Battleship is always a hit (literally!), especially with boys. But the bulky playing boards and teeny, tiny pieces probably won't last very long in the car, so this digital version is a must-have. The 3D video game involves explosions, guns and battleships, and is sure to keep restlessness to a minimum. 99¢; available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. For more information and where to buy, click here and here.
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Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Similar to other scavenger hunt games played on road trips, like I Spy, this app tells you what to look for and keeps track of the points to see who's winning. The whole car can participate in the hunt for objects, words or both-so make sure you keep your eyes peeled! 99¢; available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and free for Android-powered devices. For more information and where to buy, click here and here.
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.
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