Our Favorite iPhone Apps for Kids

How did people parent before the iPhone? I have been an iPhone devotee since Lulu was about three, and having that magical little box with us on long trips or in doctor’s office waiting rooms has been such a lifesaver. We use the iPhone for everything, from getting directions to recipes for a quick dinner to a white noise machine when we’re staying in a hotel. But my kids’ favorite thing to do on the iPhone is play games. So here, without further adieu, are Lulu and Tate’s favorite iPhone apps.

1. Way Cooler – This app takes your photos and makes them, well, way cooler. Lulu has loved playing around, taking photos of herself and others, and adding googly eyes, crazy noses, little creatures and all sorts of fun embellishments. The aesthetic kind of reminds me of old school Ren and Stimpy, and the gross factor is just fun enough for kids her age. Best part, it’s FREE!

2. Toca Boca Birthday Party – Pretty much anything from Toca Boca is on Lulu’s list (we also have the Christmas app, the clean-up app and the haircut app), but her current favorite is Birthday Party. You pick each part of the party, things like a cake, gifts, drinks, plates, etc., and then throw a little party. Lu would spend forever with this game if we let her. Cost – $1.99

3. Fruit Ninja – This is a game that is addictive for kids and adults. Basically, you’re trying to slice up fruit with a ninja sword (aka, your finger) before it falls to the bottom of the screen. Lu likes to play in easy mode, but if you play in game mode, it can get pretty intense. All four of us enjoy this one. Cost – $0.99

4. Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App – Pretty much anything from Mo Willems is fantastic, and this app doesn’t disappoint. It’s based on his characters from the Pigeon Book Series, and let’s kids create their own stories and then save them to read later. It’s sort of like a mad libs with a grumpy pigeon. There are other features too, like learning how to draw the pigion and memory games with the bus driver. Cost – $4.99

1. Wheels on the Bus – This is one of the first apps I bought when Lu was little, and Tate loves it too. The Wheels on the Bus is one of his favorite songs, so he gets really excited when the music starts playing. For each verse, there is a new screen where you act out parts of the song, while singing along. Cost – $0.99

2. Peekaboo Barn – This is by far Tate’s favorite thing to do on the iPhone. This app teaches kids about animals, and when each animal knocks at the barn door, Tate gets so excited to hear their noises. He likes to steal my phone and I’ll find him sitting with this game on his bedroom floor. Little rascal. Cost – $1.99

3. Sprout TV App – This is a great app made by PBS Sprout for kids to watch their programming in a safe environment. Tate will yell “Coooookkkiiiieeee” until you pull up this app and let him watch clips of Cookie Monster. This only works well with Wifi, so keep that in mind when you promise your little one they can watch it. Cost – Free

What are your favorite apps or games for kids? Any lifesavers out there I should know about?