Those of us with kids have all been there. You’re waiting in line, on an airplane, or stuck somewhere with your kids and the “nuclear melt down” is imminent. Guided Access paired with a fun kid friendly app can really be a life saver. The following are the top three apps that have come to my rescue when finding I’m in a tight spot with my three year old. For directions on how to activate Kid’s Mode (Guided Access), see this post: Click/tap here.
Volt (FREE)
This app simulates a plasma globe where bolts of electricity emanate from the gray ball in the center of the window to up to four fingers placed anywhere on the touch screen. With the option of customizing the electricity color and the phone vibrating with each new finger touch, it makes for hours of entertainment. This app has been the most successful at keeping my son entertained.
Pro’s: Audio, Visual, and physical responsiveness. Can be silenced and still appealing. Con’s: Vibration option can drain the battery.
Click/tap here to go to the app in the app store: Volt
Flowpaper ($.99)
Flowpaper is a beautiful interactive drawing app for your iPhone that creates phenomenal colorful works of art. Unlike other drawing programs that leave a static “painted line or image”, the trail from you or your child painting is interactive and expands based on the direction and pull of each stroke. The art is truly breath taking with many different types of “brushes”. Between the interactive brushstrokes and explosive eye catching color, this app doubles as a great attention grabber and creative outlet for any child.
Pro’s: Quiet, Artistic, Colorful
Con’s: No audio feedback, expansion of brush strokes isn’t immediate
Click/tap here to go to the app in the app store: Flowpaper
Talking Larry, Ben, Tom etc… ($.99 each)
Any of the “Talking…” series apps have been a great option for many parents. These apps showcase an animal that repeats back anything that is said loud enough for the phone’s microphone to pickup. Each character responds to being “poked” in different ways that are bring about a lot of giggles. Each character comes with an extra set of buttons on the side that causes them to do something fun ranging from eating food to answering a phone. My son loves the “lightning” button for Talking Larry… after being zapped, he flaps back onto the branch.
Pro’s: The app repeats what is said keeping them entertained. Fun characters and actions.
Con’s: Can be noisy. Using Guided Access is a must to eliminate buttons that lead to in app purchases.
Click/tap here to go to the app in the app store: Talking Larry, Ben, Tom
What apps have you found most helpful when in a pinch?
