Top iPhone apps for kids

iPhone & iTouch apps for kids

As we sat in the doctor's office last week, both of my kids clamored for the privilege of playing with my iPhone.  I have downloaded a few apps that they can play and it may have been a bad idea.  Now I get no peace and my phone runs the constant risk of being dropped or thrown. 

The iPhone and iTouch present a unique opportunity for developers to create simple and often educational applications that can be used by kids from preschool on up.  I am a cheapskate and never download anything but the free apps so my list only includes those.  If you have suggestions for some of the paid apps (which often cost only a dollar), please feel free to tell us about them in the comments.

By the way, these apps only require gentle movement of the phone.  When handing your iTouch or iPhone over to the kiddos, I do not recommend the light saber or other apps that require lots of motion.

All of these can be downloaded on your iPhone or iTouch from iTunes.

BubbleWrap iPhone App

Bubble Wrap
Distraction value = 8
Age range - toddler & up
Do you like to pop those little plastic bubbles of air that should be used as packing material but are often more of a fun toy for the whole family?  If you do then download this app.  There is no point.  Just poke at your phone and pop the bubbles. 

iWrite Words iPhone App

iWrite Words Lite
Distraction value = 7
Age Range = 3 & up
This is my favorite educational app.  You trace letters on the screen to spell a word.  The letters are large and numbered dots show what direction to trace.  It's a great kinesthetic way to teach the correct way to shape each letter.  Cheering and other fun sound effects reinforce the lesson.

Scribble iPhone App

Scribble
Distraction value = 9
Age range = toddler & up
This is just what it sounds like.  A simple app that allows you to scribble in several colors on a solid background or on a photo you have taken with your phone.  It might require some help from you to change colors or load a photo for the younger ones but is a great way to kill time.  It is also a lot easier than carrying crayons around in pockets and purses.

Whack 'em All

Whack Em All
Distraction value = 5
Age range = 4 & up
Tap the critters as they poke their heads out of the holes but don't tap a cat or it's negative points.  This one keeps my both kids busy for a while.  There is an elusive critter that requires you to shake the phone.  Fortunately he only appears on higher levels.  I don't approve of any shaking of my phone by slippery little hands.

Knots

Knots
Distraction value = 7
Age range = 5 & up
This one is "Twister" for your fingers.  Put one finger down on a spot and another spot appears.  Without lifting the first, place a finger on the second spot.  More spots and more fingers and you will understand why it's called Knots.

JellyCar

JellyCar
Distraction value = 9
Age range = 8 & up
This one is my son's favorite.  You control a bouncy car in a flexible world.  You have to make the car bigger or smaller to overcome puzzle-like obstacles and reach a goal.  I think it is hard and the slightest movement of the phone will send the car bouncing uncontrollably, but my son will play endlessly.  The puzzle aspect requires logical thinking so this one is almost educational.

DizzyBee

DizzyBee
Distraction value = 9
Age range = 4 & up
The free version is a bit limited but my 4 year old has not noticed yet.  Once she figures out she is doing the same three levels over again I might upgrade and fork out the big $.99!  Guide a little bee around a maze to save his friends while avoiding the grumpy face.  That's the game and it's addictive to the under 10 crowd.