It’s natural to feel cautious about buying an iPad or tablet for a toddler, but the truth is that it’s now an everyday part of parenting. In fact, a recent YouGov report found that 85% of kids under the age of 5 have their own iPad or access to a family member’s tablet. With so many amazing free applications and videos available to keep little ones both entertained and educated, it’s little wonder why they’re so popular. Below, we’ve put together some of the best apps and games for toddlers. Check them out and let us know what you think!
Everything’s Rosie games
Let’s start with our own: at Everything’s Rosie, we’ve developed a number of free online kids games that will keep your little ones both entertained and intellectually stimulated. From our bubble burst game to memory games, matching pairs, and virtual jigsaw puzzles, there’s so much to see and try out. You can even download Everything’s Rosie Join the Dots sheets and have your toddlers colour in with an Apple Pencil or stylus. Dozens of hours of fun await!
YouTube Kids
It’d be strange to put together a list of the best iPad apps for kids without giving a nod to YouTube Kids. This dedicated kids app was developed to give parents peace of mind: kids can only access child-friendly videos and features like commenting and sharing have been turned off, so you can let your children enjoy their favourite cartoons without worrying about what they’re watching. Be sure to subscribe to the Everything’s Rosie YouTube channel.
PBS Kids
PBS is a staple in every American child’s formative years, featuring shows like Sesame Street and Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. The free PBS Kids Video and PBS Kids Games apps are ideal - you can let your little ones play fun games on their iPads that are based on some of the most popular PBS shows like Arthur, Odd Squad, Curious George, and Cyberchase. Not only are their games and videos great fun, but they have an educational undertone, too.
Storytime - Reading Stories App
As PBS Kids is only available to download in the United States, we thought we’d offer a UK alternative. The Reading Stories App was developed by CBeebies and offers kids access to dozens of amazing new stories from some of the world’s most famous brands, including recent additions from the likes of Numberblocks and Alphablocks. Interactive storybooks like these help support early years reading, and kids can read and watch along independently or with a grown-up. If you’re looking for more like this, check out our kids readalong books.
Potty Time with Elmo
The Potty Time with Elmo app is the first premium app or game on our list - it costs £2.49 in the UK - but it’s definitely worth it if you’re trying to potty train your child. Let Elmo read your children an animated storybook and leave kids to immerse themselves into a world filled with games, songs, stickers and a potty progress chart. In the story, Elmo helps his toy Baby David learn to use the potty. There are some really catchy songs that you can sing along to, too, including When It’s Potty Time, You Feel It, I Am Waiting on the Potty, Flush Goes the Potty, I Wash, Wash, Wash My Hands and Boom, Boom, Ain’t It Great to Be a Big Kid.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Play & Explore
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a modern classic, and one that virtually every child has read growing up. Publishers have given the Caterpillar franchise a modern twist with a dedicated app, packed with the beautiful drawings and artwork that you would expect from Eric Carle. It teaches early learning skills, and you can download a version for free. The app features award-winning 3D technology and gentle animations that bring the characters to life, with fun and easy activities and the ability to earn badges for completing extra puzzles and challenges in every scene. You can guide Brown Bear around a forest maze to find her bear cub and even complete jigsaw puzzles of kids’ favourite characters. Lots of fun to be had!
Go Explore - Fun Early Learning Skills App
The final game we’d like to mention in today’s piece is CBeebies Go Explore. It’s packed with free CBeebies learning games and videos based on the early years' curriculum and can help your little ones get ready for starting school. There are no in-app purchases and kids can play offline, which can offer peace of mind. Maths is covered by Numberblocks, whilst Love Monster teaches the time and daily routines. You’ll also find some mindful activities to support wellbeing and content focusing on phonics, shapes and understanding the world.
Do you have any iPad app or game recommendations that we can add to this list? Let us know on social media and check back soon to the Everything’s Rosie blog for more tips.