If you are looking for things to do with your kids during the next few weeks we compiled a list of resources from some of our favorite partners that you can use to help your kids plan or start a new business.
This obviously is not the best time for a lemonade stand, but your children could use this time to plan a summer business or to turn a hobby into a business. Planning a business with your children is a fun activity that the whole family can do together that will also build your children’s skills and invest in their future. Here are some resources that can help:
Great place to start:
The VentureLab Entrepreneurship Mindset Workbook features sixty self-paced activities in English and Spanish around thirteen key concepts in entrepreneurial thinking and can be completed around the dinner table. This is a great guide and way to organize your thinking about which business to start.
Fun business ideas:
The Startup Squad has videos of nearly seventy different girlpreneurs talking about their businesses. Go here and here to get ideas for some great children’s businesses. Our website also has a number of blog posts with different business ideas.
Goldieblox has a YouTube channel filled with videos about different crafting and STEM projects that can be used to start a business. Check out all their videos here.
Zazzle allows your children to upload a design and create their own line of t-shirts, mugs, hats, and much more.
One note: please try to order any supplies from your local stores during this difficult time. If your local stores cannot ship the products to you, or make it available for pickup, then look to an online retailer as your second option.
Books to read for the whole family:
Small businesses are struggling so please support your local bookstore if they are still operating! Many local bookstores can ship books or offer curbside pick-up. You can use our Indiebound links to order from your local bookstore today.
You can find a list of great fiction books with an entrepreneurial theme for children of all ages here. We’ve got activities, parent guides, and kid guides for old favorites and new ones, too including The Baby-Sitters Club, Olivia Opens a Lemonade Stand, Cupcake Diaries, and many more.
We also recommend some non-fiction books for kids and adults including:
Starting Your Own Business – An extension of the trusted For Dummies brand, this book is written with young learners in mind and walks kids through the steps that turn a bright idea into a profitable business.
How to Start Your Very First Business – From the team that brought you Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, How to Start Your Very First Business goes beyond saving and investing advice to encourage kids to think like entrepreneurs–providing them with the crucial, step-by-step basics they’ll need to earn their very first dollar.
Venture Girls – From an engineer and entrepreneur, a conversation-changing parenting book about how to build an entrepreneurial mindset in your girls and engage young women in science, technology, engineering, and math, filled with practical advice for both parents and educators.
Other free resources and tools:
Bizkids has some great activities, lesson plans, games, educational tools, and videos including a great business plan template that can help your kids move from idea to business.
Ready to start selling? Etsy has an easy to use platform for you to set up your kids’ first business. Shopify is another popular platform for starting a business.
Is the business getting more sophisticated? Try these tools:
Need to register the business? The Small Business Association (SBA) has some tools and links here and the IRS offers some information about different business structures here.
Did your children earn more than $400? Congratulations, now they have to pay taxes! The IRS has tax guidance for young entrepreneurs.
Want to find out the sales tax rate in your area and when you need to charge sales tax? Shopify has a great guide here.
We hope these resources help you pass the time while investing in your children and building anticipation for the summer—which we all hope will be a return to normalcy. Until then, our thoughts are with all of you for your health and safety.
I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.
The holidays are on the horizon and Amazon has everyone covered. The online retailer has spent the last few months compiling some of its best selling toys and games to bring us this year’s “Toys We Love” list. With a variety of ages and interested, this comprehensive list is perfect for starting off your holiday shopping. We’ve picked our top 10 faves, so keep scrolling1
Babies & Toddlers
Fisher-Price Little People 1-2-3 Babies Playdate
This folding, take-along Little People Babies playset is great for on-the-go play. It features two sides of play, lights, music, and Smart Stages learning content. The adorable set comes with three babies, a rocking horse, feeding table and spoon play pieces and also lights up and plays sounds.
This eco-friendly toy features seven brightly colored nesting pieces that stack easily from large to small, while also allowing children to use their imagination and stack in any order. The set is designed with no center post, making it a perfect first stacking toy for babies.
Melissa and Doug Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter
Order up! This adorable ice cream station comes with 28 pieces that include a scooper, toppings, cup, spoon cones and a reusable menu for hours of delicious, pretend play.
Perfect for kids three to eight, B. Toys toy orchestra has everything your littles need to become mini maestros. Kids can choose up to six toy instruments that will play in the orchestra pit and enjoy 15 melodies. The interactive toy lights up and includes 13 overall instruments for the full orchestra experience.
Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Outdoor and Explore Camper
This sweet playset from Disney Jr. is packed with fun. Each one comes with one camper vehicle with a built-in kitchenette, one Mickey Mouse figure, one Pluto figure, chair, telescope, table, ladder, two campfire logs, one campfire with grill, one tent, one fishing pole with fish, and one boat. It also plays Mickey Mouse phrase and sound effects!
This Amazon exclusive Journey Girls is the perfect holiday doll. The special edition 18" doll comes with a holiday-inspired attire that includes a red satin dress with gold brocade, gold rhinestone jewelry and ankle strap sandals.
Kinetic Sand's Sandisying Set is a must for your sand collection. The super fun kit comes with 10 tools and two pounds of sand in two colors that you can sculpt, mold and grate for hours of hands-on play.
Thames & Kosmos Mega Cyborg Hand STEM Experiment Kit
This battery and motor-free STEM experiment is perfect for young learners. Kids can build their own wearable mechanical hand that they operate with their fingers in a right hand, left hand or claw configuration. This interactive kit uses the power of air pressure, water, and kids own hands for hours of play.
Transform your tablet into a hands-on coding adventure. Designed for ages 5–10, Coding Starter Kit builds coding skills in progression with 3 hands-on learning games. Watch your child learn to code as they connect colorful blocks of code in the physical world to chart the adventure on their screen.
The Mandolorian fans will be thrilled to receive this galactic set. The 1,000+ piece set comes with everything you need to create the Razor Crest ship, in addition to four minifigs. The best part? You also get a baby Yoda!
Ah Dallas….home to the Cowboys, big trucks and even bigger family adventures. That’s right ya’ll, this North Texas metropolis is evolving into a fantastic kid-friendly spot filled with world-class museums, fantastic parks and Tex-Mex cuisine that can’t be beat. Here’s a handy lil’ guide to the biggest and best ways the family can enjoy Big D.
Where To Hang Your Hat
Great Wolf Lodge
This all in one hotel-waterpark is awesome for families. Problem is, you might not make it out of the hotel! Kiddo friendly activities include story times, Lazer Frenzy and the kids Scooops Spa. Fort McKenzie and the Whooping Hollow will keep the younger set totally occupied, while older kids jam down slides like the Totem Towers, Alberta Falls and River Canyon Run. (100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine, Tx 76051)
Hotel Palomar
This boutique hotel is pricey but super accommodating to families. Rooms come equipped with Nintendo gaming systems, a complimentary goldfish is provided during the stay and organic snack options are available. Located near the SMU campus, it’s in a prime location for reaching Uptown or the Arts District. (5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, Tx 5206)
Embassy Suites Galleria
This super family friendly spot offer two-rooms suites with living rooms, complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and a rooftop pool with family cabanas. Rooms can include a crib, high-chair and and a kiddo-friendly room service menu. The DART is within walking distance and the Galleria is near. A best-best for the wallet, the Embassy can definitely fit the family’s needs. (14021 Noel Rd, Dallas, Tx 75240)
See The City
M Line Trolley to the Arts District
Thought SF had the monopoly on trolley rides? Think again and then grab a ride on the M Line Trolley from Uptown to the heart of the Arts District. It’s a 365-free-to-all ride that yes, comes air conditioned for those crazy hot summer days. Park near or walk to any of the frequent stops in Uptown and be on the way. With lots of water play, imagination playgrounds, impromptu art, random drumming sessions and food trucks from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm daily, Klyde Warren Park(2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, Tx 75201) is one of those stay and play for hours kinda park. Kids will love the treehouse, the misty creeks and the water fountains, parents will love the Dallas skyline, the complimentary newspapers and magazines from Dallas Morning News and the walking proximity to tons of food and transportation. It’s a good chance something super cool, such as classic movies in the park or live concerts, will be happening when the sun sets so this must-see spot is a good bet for just about any time of day, any day of the week.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to stash a swimsuit and extra change of clothes in the diaper bag, as the splash zones are absolutely irresistible to little ones.
If the sun is just too blazing hot or the kids have had enough of the water fountains, zip across the street to the Dallas Museum of Art(1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, Tx 75201), where general admission is free everyday. Head directly for the Center for Creative Connections. There are two awesome spaces for kids, divided by age. Little art lovers can learn about colors, put on a puppet show or climb to their hearts content in Aurturo’s nest. The Young Learners Gallery is a spectacular spot for expanding minds, especially the constantly evolving playhouse and whiteboards waiting for original artwork. There are outdoor sculptures to see and the main gallery is great for the oldest members of the gang.
Having opened less than two years ago, it’s hard to say what will be more engaging at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (2201 N Field St, Dallas, Tx 75201); the chance to challenge a T-Rex to a foot race, creating an earthquake beneath your feet or the jaw dropping crystals and gems. It’s five floors of WOW, so choose wisely. This world-class institution will take more than one day to discover. Little kiddies will want to start at the Children’s Museum, a space on the bottom floor filled with a mini-Trinity River, sandbox filled with dinosaur bones, a Farmer’s Market booth and a climbing structure built like the Dallas skyline. Word to the wise; be tempted to cover tiny eyes on the way in, the water zone and frog park in the front of the museum is irresistible but best left as a last stop.
Insider Tip: Nursing friendly baby stations are available in the Children’s Museum or in the restrooms near the Cafe.
Explore the Outdoors
Dallas Arboretum and Rory Meyers Children’s Garden
Calling 66 acres in East Dallas home is the world renowned Dallas Arboretum. The DFW metroplex can feel somewhat like a parking lot and this gorgeous slice of land is a welcome retreat. With rotating exhibits including Dallas Blooms, Autumn at the Arboretum, and Cool Thursday Concert Series, this outdoor museum is a breath of fresh air for anyone who visits. Newly opened in 2013, the Rory Meyers Children’s Garden is 17 living galleries created specifically for kids to experience the awesomeness of nature and science. With adventures in secret gardens, super cool kaleidoscopes, trees to climb, daily performances and even a hurricane tunnel, one visit won’t be enough. And no worries, there is shade and water to help keep the cool. (8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, Tx75218)
Insider Tip: It’s a pricey place to visit, so be sure to buy tickets ahead online and save $5 in parking fees. If visiting in the sweltering heat of August, admission is only $1!
Trinity River Audubon Center
This absolutely hidden treasure is located on the outskirts of the city. With five miles of hiking trails, an awesome nature exhibit chronicling the history of the Great Trinity Forest, gift shop and even a bullfrog named Jeremiah, this LEED certified center is a fantastic way to learn about the natural landscape of Dallas. Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch, then head out among the 120 acres in search of birds, otters, beavers and other native critters. (6500 Great Trinity Forest Blvd, Dallas, Tx 75217)
Find The Tourist Traps
Reunion Tower
Quite possibly the most iconic building in the Dallas Skyline, the recently re-opened GeO-Deck in Reunion Tower offers jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of Dallas and it’s surrounding areas. Wander the glassed-in open air observation deck. Get interactive with large touch screens and check out famous JFK assassination spot Dealey Plaza, with one of the zooming cameras. Nosh at Cloud Nine, part of the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant Group, where the kiddie meals are reasonably priced. (300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, Tx 75207)
Insider Tip: Located downtown near Union Station, it’s super easy to grab a ride on the DART from other parts of the city.
Galleria Dallas
Dallasites love to shop and what better way to show off a favorite tradition than Galleria Dallas? Filled with ritz and glitz, ice skating rink, a vast array of shopping opportunities, and of course, air conditioning, a trip to this collection of shops should be on the list. Little ones will love spending time at rainforest themed Play Space, located on level 3 near Nordstrom. Older kids and tweens will beg for a turn around the ice skating rink. (13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, Tx 75240)
Insider Tip: Showtime Saturdays at Play Space are super fun for everyone. From clowns to magic shows and comedy acts, kids will have a blast! Gather before 11:30 a.m. for prime seating.
Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Texas
If there’s one thing Big D does bigger and better than other cities, it’s amusement and water parks. The summer months are ridiculously hot and so cool slides, lazy rivers and splash zones are a must for hours of outdoor entertainment. Head for Hurricane Harbor, the water park portion of Six Flags Over Texas flagship location. There’s Hook’s Treehouse for the tiniest members of the family, Lazy River for every all shapes and sizes, Surfs Lagoon for sun worshipping and much more.
Where To Grab Some Chow
The Truck Yard
After a day of serious play, head for The Truck Yard in lower Greenville, where good food, brews and benches abound. Parental Guidance Alert: Kids are welcomed with open arms but this is a real outdoor food space and there is 15,000 square feet of dirt to be dealt with. Be prepared and bring your ergo, moby or whatever baby carrier du jour you’ve got in your bag. The cheesesteaks is a must-try and there’s some awesome cocktails and beers to pair with it. (5624 Sears St, Dallas, Tx 75206)
Insider Tip: Kids will scream for Barker’s Ice Cream, located right outside the entrance to The Truck Yard.
The Lot
This recently voted Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant by D Magazine is truly that; a great place to take the family for a yummy meal. The children’s Garden and Play Area out back will keep tiny hands and minds occupied long enough for Mom and Dad to catch a breather, enjoy a bite and the amazing outdoor dining space. The kid’s menu has great options including cashew butter sandos and sweet potato fries. The menu is locally sourced and the beer garden abounds with local brews. There is a space to play cornhole and foosball. Yeah, this place pretty much rocks. Coolest part? It’s about a mile away from the Dallas Arboretum, so it’s a perfect stop-off after a day of flora and fauna. (7530 E Grand Ave, Dallas, Tx 75214)
Chuy’s
Delicious Tex-Mex and a push-pop for the little ones too? Yup, Chuy’s in Uptown is a slam-dunk dining spot. Filled with fun decor, fantastic food and those beloved push-pops, everyone will leave happy. If it’s not too steamy, ask for patio dining because on those perfect nights, this patio is slammin’. Try the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom or if your stay in Dallas falls during the Green Chile Festival, order a dish off the special menu, you won’t be sorry! (4544 McKinney Ave, Dallas, Tx 75205)
Trail Dust Steak House
If yer lookin’ for a place to git some honky tonk and some steak, dust off them boots at the Trail Dust Steak House. Located in Arlington, not too far from Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags, (hint, hint) this is a yee-haw, fun-for-all stop. With a two story slide, live music and dance floor, not to mention some pretty tasty looking menu items, this is a real slice of Texas country style. (2300 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, Tx 76006)
Insider Tip: Beware of wearin’ a tie after five!! It’s likely to get snipped off by any of the staff. This ain’t no country club after all!
What big adventures have you and the family had in Big D? Tell us in the comments below!
–Gabby Cullen
Photo 1Courtesy of GrapevineTxOnline, Photos 2,3,4,5 by Gabby Cullen, Photo 6 by Robert Hensley via flickr Photo 7 Courtesy of the Galleria via flickr. Photo 8 courtesy of The Lot.
To the bus! This week Scholastic Entertainment made an exciting announcement: it’s partnering with Brownstone Productions and Universal Pictures to bring the first live-action hybrid and full-length film of The Magic School Bus to life!
The movie is based on the best-selling Scholastic book series by author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen, which has never been brought to the big screen it its 26-year history. Elizabeth Banks has already been cast as everyone’s fave teacher, Ms. Frizzle.
“We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest for knowledge and adventure in a fresh new way that inspires the next generation of kids to explore science and supports the dedicated teachers who help make science real and accessible for young learners every day,” said Scholastic Entertainment President and Chief Strategy Officer Iole Lucchese.
The famed series has over 80 million books in print worldwide and spent 18 years on PBS as an animated show featuring Lily Tomlin. No word yet on the release date of the new film, so stay tuned!
Many parents around the world are wondering what to do with their kiddos now that school is almost over and camps have been canceled. If you’re looking for ideas for kids and families, please check out some ideas below!
Ages 3-5:
Painting by numbers. Around this age, learning numbers can give them a head start when they do start school. Painting by numbers is basically coloring books, but with numbers that match the corresponding area of the picture. You can paint by numbers using watercolor, color pencils, or crayons. Find great painting by numbers books online and even at your local bookstore.
Ready to read. These fun and educational by-age activities are great for beginner learners. Depending on their age and skills, you can find lots of fun activities for your kids.
Sidewalk chalk. This outside activity is tons of fun for little ones. Take some colorful chalk and write and/or draw uplifting words and art for neighbors. Your child can certainly do this when no one else is around for safe distancing practice, but imagine the fun and delight your neighbors will have when they walk out of their front door! If you don’t have chalk available, you can make some at home if you already have the ingredients.
Ages 5-8:
Gardening at home. Gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding skills you can teach your children. In fact, gardening is great for any age, gender, and experience. The easiest and most fun way of gardening is starting with seeds. Seeds grow into seedlings which eventually become larger plants that will grow into flowers or food. Seeds do take a lot longer than seedling plants but they are much more rewarding when you can track the progress of your seeds.
Computer games. Since we live in a technical world, kids eventually will be using computers and technology. Most school-aged kids are already using computers at school. If you have a computer at home, this is a great time to teach your young learners some technology skills. Once they are in school, they’re required to do basic reading and other curricula on computers. Based on your own family routine, limit kids this age to up to 1 hour of online learning, whether through games or skill setting on Google Docs.
Writing letters and cards. Writing letters and greeting cards seems to be a lost skill. But some teachers across the country are still teaching young students how to write a proper letter and greeting card. This important skill can later be applied when kids attend birthday parties or need to write to a company for school projects. You can use whatever paper stock you have at home.
Ages 9-11:
Special interests. Around this age, your children probably already developed their own interests. Broaden their interests (within safety reasons) by having them go online for research or reading books.
Crossword puzzles and Sudoku. These brain-challenging activities are perfect for growing minds. Find easy ones that are appropriate for their age and skills.
Gardening advanced. If you have younger kids as mentioned above, their older siblings can also help with gardening. Have kids at this age write names of the plants on wooden sticks, paint clay pots, or even build small wooden planters with a parent’s help.
Ages 12 & Up:
Advanced readers. Kids around this age either already developed a love for reading, or are reading only when it’s required by the school. But it’s never too late to get your kids to enjoy reading. If you have an older child that’s struggling with reading a book from beginning to end, get them to read books of their personal interests. If they’re interested in a certain sport, find books about that sport. Interested in cars? Find books on how to fix cars or design cars. Interested in fashion? Find books and magazines that focus on fashion design, fashion merchandising or making clothing.
Graphic novels. Contrary to what you read when you were younger, graphic novels have really changed and evolved. Graphic novels or comic books are books that tell stories through art. Depending on the interests of your pre-teen and teen, graphic novels range from popular series to mainstream superhero books.
Upcycling projects. Upcycling is one of the best ways to reduce waste. With the world around us fighting climate change and trying to reduce waste, upcycling is both fun and ethical. Kids as young as 8 can learn to upcycle what they have around the house, in their neighborhood, and even at school. Upcycling is essentially taking what you already have and finding new uses for it. The best and easiest upcycling projects include garden projects and turning something old into new.
Random acts of kindness. When kids are a bit older, teach them that doing good for the world can have many benefits now and throughout their lives. When you do something nice for someone, it sparks joy for that person which they’ll think about throughout the day. In turn, it might even spark kindness from that individual to perform another random act of kindness for someone else. Check out Random Acts of Kindness platform for some wonderful ideas.
I hope you all can find some peace and joy throughout this troubling time. Whether we are one individual, one nation, or one world, we’re all in this together.
I am a mom first and foremost. I might not be a supermom, but I am constantly learning and growing.Topics I stand with are parenting, the environment, and living a healthy and happy lifestyle. I work at an elementary school and I have 30 years experience in the health industry.
It’s great to be able to get the kids outside but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. Never fear, this list of indoor play spaces all around Austin, Texas will up your kid’s activity level no matter the weather. Scroll through and fine your next favorite indoor playground today!
photo: Thinkery / Kirk Tuck
Thinkery
Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. This spot offers 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities for children and families to learn through play. Through a variety of hands-on, interactive STEAM exhibits and programs, Thinkery encourages physical, emotional and cognitive development for young learners and fosters joyful curiosity for all ages.
Mt. Playmore
This Texas-sized indoor playground is the ultimate indoor playground for all ages. It has a massive climbing structure, which wraps around the perimeter of the room. The playscape is also designed to accommodate adults, who are welcome to play alongside their kids without the risk of getting stuck in any impossibly tight spaces. They also have a toddler-only area, arcade and kiddie rides.
Little Land Play Gym and Pediatric Therapy
The play equipment at Little Land Play Gym was designed by pediatric therapists to be fun and growth promoting. Parents can take comfort that their children are playing, developing, and growing in a setting that’s just as enjoyable for adults! Drop in to play, enjoy a class or drop off the kids on a Friday Night and get the night to yourself.
The COOP
Kids will play for hours in the giant ball pit, the two-story curly slide, a super cool rope climbing tunnel and the jumbo bouncer equipped with a basketball net for “kid-friendly” dunking. They’ll pow wow in the COOP tee pee, or play the day away on the electronic gaming floor. Parents can enjoy free WiFi, an espresso bar, great magazines and stress-free birthday parties.
Loco-Motion Inflatable Play
This spot offers 14,000 square feet of play for kids 10 and under. They can bounce the day away in the many inflatables or do some pretend play in the Little Town. It’s also a great spot to have a birthday party.
Toybrary
If this isn’t the most brilliant concept ever, we don’t know what is. Decrease clutter in your house and borrow toys from Toybrary’s lending library. You can also enjoy slides, tents, tunnels, bikes and trikes, costumes, rocking horses, toys, books, and so much more—designed especially for ages six months to five years.
Jumpstreet
This indoor trampoline park is perfect for when you need to get some real exercise. Kids can jump on the trampolines, ride the bull, play dodgeball and try your luck with the arcade games.
12617 Ridgeline Blvd.
Suite B
Cedar Park, TX Online: gotjump.com
We’ve been waiting since June 2018 when Apple first announced a partnership with Sesame Workshop to hear about the lineup of planned programs—and now we know one of them will be a new coding TV show for preschoolers!
The announcement came at Apple’s huge press event on Monday, Mar. 25 by none other than Big Bird himself. Joining him on stage at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino was his new Muppet pal, Cody. The show is one of the first kids programs for the Apple TV+ platform, a new streaming service that offers originally-produced movie and television content straight from Apple.
photo: Courtesy of Apple
Newcomer Cody told his audience that, “By teaching preschoolers about coding, we’re giving them the opportunity to change the world!”—and we couldn’t agree more. In addition to being a solid foundation for all things tech-related, coding also offers teaches kids how to use critical thinking skills and collaborate with others.
Currently, neither Apple nor Sesame Workshop have released the name of the show, nor how they plans to present coding tutorials to its audience of young learners. Despite not having all the details, one thing remains clear: Apple is building the next generation of programmers from the ground up.
Winter’s not always easy, especially when you’ve stir-crazy kids on your hands. The next time cabin fever sets in, escape to an amazing museum that caters to kids. You’ll spend the day cozy and warm inside while also learning about science, history and art: a win-win! These children’s museums are totally worth a visit—read on to get all the details about the best one in every single state.
1. Alabama: McWane Science Center, Birmingham Since opening its doors in 1998, McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors to learn about all things STEM through exciting hands-on experiences. Permanent indoor exhibits include Itty Bitty Magic City (a play area perfect for kindergarteners and younger tots), Alabama Dinosaurs (featuring fossils discovered in the state) and NatureScope (discover birds and creepy crawly things).
2. Alaska: Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Fairbanks The Fairbanks Children’s Museum is all about play-based learning, and kids have a blast with all the awesome hands-on experiences and programs. You can get messy with hands-on art programs, mingle with other parents and tots during special meetups and scale a rock wall, just to name a few.
3. Arizona: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix With over 48,000 square feet of play space, there’s enough to do at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to keep your tots busy all day long. There are more than 300 play experiences spread over three floors, in addition to a range of classes about everything from fossils to art. Be sure to check out the Schuff-Perini Climber, a tree-like sculpture that gives kids a bird’s-eye view of the museum’s atrium.
4. Arkansas: Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville Your crew will love the Amazeum, an awesome interactive museum with a focus on art, science and Arkansas culture. Be sure to check out the climbable tree canopy, indoor cave and tinkering hub, in addition to daily activities like DIY workshops, day camps, and playgroups. There’s even a Cloud Theater that gives you space to relax with calming music and time-lapse images of clouds.
5. California: Exploratorium, San Francisco With more than 650 exhibits, you need at least a day or two in order to see and try everything at San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Truly a hands-on interactive experience for ages 4 to 12, kids can take a sensory-loaded trip through a tactile dome, experiment in a tinkering studio and play in an eye-catching shadow box, and that’s just scratching the surface. The hundreds of exhibits are built in-house and are constantly evolving, which makes every trip unique.
6. Colorado: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver The Children’s Museum of Denver offers a nine-acre campus for kids of all ages to explore. Highlights include Altitude, where mini mountain climbers will make their way up and around over three levels of Colorado heritage to reach the lookout at the tippy top, and Box Canyon, an indoor mountain range for the small set. Don’t miss out on The Teaching Kitchen, Fire Station No. 1 and Art Studio, too.
7. Connecticut: Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown Kids ages 1 to 7 will have a blast exploring Kidcity’s one-of-a-kind, hands-on exhibits, all of which are built by in-house artists. There’s a Fishery, where you’ll use conveyors to bring in the catch of the day; a Space Age Roadtrip, where friendly aliens take a trip on Route 66; and a medieval village called Middleshire, where kids can build a castle and keep watch for Vikings. Be sure to block out a good chunk of time for your visit—they’ll be entertained for hours!
8. Delaware: Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington Your little explorers will have the chance to discover the worlds of science, math and technology at the Delaware Children’s Museum. Monkey around in the Stratosphere, a cool climbing structure that overlooks the museum’s lobby; learn what an architect does and how buildings take shape, and let your tiniest tots play on a model train in the transportation-themed area.
9. Florida: Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa During your visit to Glazer Children’s Museum, kids will have the chance to set sail on a cruise ship, become a firefighter for the day, build a pillow fort and explore an indoor playground. Psst ... they offer free admission on the first Tuesday of every month, along with bimonthly events for kids with special needs.
10. Georgia: Atlanta Children’s Museum, Atlanta You’re bound to have a blast at Atlanta’s go-to destination for little learners. Gateway to the World invites mini explorers to climb through the layers of the earth and enter a one-of-a-kind, child-powered, rotating globe, while Step up to Science hosts a permanent lab with experiments conducted on a daily basis. Babies and toddlers can cast a line, enter a magical forest and even climb a tree house in Leaping into Learning, while older kids can work the farm, flip burgers in the diner and shop till they drop in Fundamentally Food. Don’t forget to look for the art studio in Let Your Creativity Flow, too!
11. Hawaii: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, Honolulu Whether you’re an island dweller or just on Oahu for vacation, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is definitely worth a visit. Kids are encouraged to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing and smell to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Highlights include Tot Spot (a special play zone for your tiniest ones), Fantastic You (an up-close and personal look at the human body) and Rainforest Adventures (an exploration of rainforests and our precious natural resources).
12. Idaho: Museum of Clean, Pocatello For a seriously unique experience, you’ve got to check out the Museum of Clean. There’s not just one focus here—everything from clean air to clean water to clean language is covered. Kids will love exploring the museum’s play areas and interactive features (and looking at a massive collection of vacuum cleaners is pretty fun, too!).
13. Illinois: Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview To folks living or vacationing in the greater Chicago area, Kohl Children’s Museum is just what the doctor ordered for beating back the winter blues. With 17 permanent exhibits, kids are able to expend tons of extra energy when they become veterinarians, nature explorers, chefs, mechanics and even Whole Foods employees, all in one day! It does get busy when the wind chill drops, but seeing your littles get in a full day of imaginary play is worth the crowds. Don't want to leave for lunch? Stop off at the Cosi in the museum’s entryway for food and drinks.
14. Indiana: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Worthy of a vacation in itself, lucky families who visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis are in for five floors of energy-zapping activities and fun. The granddaddy of all children’s museums has almost 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, 11 permanent exhibits and over 120,000 real artifacts in the museum collections. Kids can discover prehistoric beasts in Dinosphere, visit the International Space Station, travel far and wide in Treasures of the Earth, or take a virtual ride on the steam engine designed to tackle the steepest railroad grade in the country in All Aboard!
15. Iowa: Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville The Iowa Children’s Museum is all about inspiring kids to learn and grow through play, and their multi-sensory exhibits hit it out of the park. Aspiring chefs get to work in a pretend pizzeria; tots can learn basic physics lessons with race cars, tracks, and mazes; and train-obsessed kids will have the chance to play with model trains weaving their way through Iowa. In case that’s not enough to tire them out, there are also special events for art-making, STEM learning and more.
16. Kansas: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson Go on a space odyssey at the coolest museum in Kansas, a 105,000-square-foot space and science center that’ll keep your whole crew entertained for hours. Watch a jaw-dropping show in their state-of-the-art planetarium (you can even get a preview of what the sky will look like that very night), browse the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world and watch live demonstrations of science experiments.
17. Kentucky: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville A visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is sure to be a home run, especially if you’ve got sports fans in your family. You’ll get to see how baseball bats are made (and you’ll get a miniature bat to take home), crawl through a giant glove, try your hand at a simulated pitching experience and hold bats that were used by baseball legends.
18. Louisiana: Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans With a visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, little ones will have the chance to learn about everything from reading and math to architectural ideas and the nuances of grocery shopping—all through super fun, hands-on activities and exhibits. Find out how to use a fulcrum or a pulley with the Simple Machines exhibit, head to Art Trek to explore a range of different media and techniques and go back in time to check out the recreated courtyard of one of New Orleans’ oldest buildings. With a fun mix of science, art and Louisiana-inspired activities, there’s really something for everyone.
19. Maine: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland Kids 10 and under will love spending the day playing and learning at this gem of a museum in Portland. The hands-on exhibits range from an exploration of the camera obscura to a kiddie-style farmers market (complete with bakery and fish market) to a special area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots. And since this is Maine, after all, there’s even a replica lobster boat where kids can learn about the state’s working waterfronts.
20. Maryland: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore With loads of options for purposeful play, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is undoubtedly one of the best indoor spaces in the Mid-Atlantic region for kids ages 0 to 10. It’s currently under construction, with new exhibits due to open in spring 2019, but in the meantime, you can still get your play on in their Construction Zone exhibit. Little ones can design their own robots, build with giant blocks and launch rockets toward a mini-moon.
21. Massachusetts: Boston Children’s Museum, Boston There are 88,000 square feet of hands-on engagement at the Boston Children’s Museum. The focus on science, culture, health & fitness and the arts make this an ideal destination when it’s just too cold to be outdoors (or anytime, really!). Locals and tourists alike benefit from the scores of programs and activities developed by museum educators, and a few attempts to make it to the top of The Climb, the three-story climbing structure in the center of the museum, will leave your kids tired and happy.
22. Michigan: Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing In 1972, Impression 5 became one of the first hands-on science centers in the country, and they’ve been a Michigan favorite ever since. With a focus on dynamic, interactive activities that encourage kids of all ages to play, create and challenge their understanding of science, it’s well worth the trip. Learn about oral health with giant dental tools, step into a full-size body bubble, become a naturalist for the day and more.
23. Minnesota: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul The Minnesota Children’s Museum’s mission is to spark learning through play, and you’ll see what they mean after one visit. Kids will love exploring The Scramble, a four-story vertical adventure with a spiral slide and a netted catwalk. Let them get creative making their own stories at Imaginopolis, and spend some time in Our World, a mini-city with everything from a post office to a farmers market.
24. Mississippi: Mississippi Children’s Museum, Jackson Kiddos will have a blast playing the day away at this Jackson gem. The 40,000-square-foot museum houses five galleries of educational, interactive exhibits and weekly programs that focus on everything from literacy to science to Mississippi heritage. Learn about healthy eating in a cute kitchen, make a masterpiece in the art studio and find out about the state’s agriculture.
25. Missouri: City Museum, St. Louis We recommend wearing comfy clothes for your day at the City Museum because you’ll definitely be crawling, sliding and climbing. With lots of interesting architectural features like old chimneys and salvaged bridges, it’s captivating for kids and adults alike. Venture through hidden tunnels, monkey around on fun jungle gyms and zoom down indoor slides—your little explorers will love it all.
26. Montana: Children’s Museum of Bozeman, Bozeman Offering hands-on exhibits, summer science camps, after-school activities, and educational programs, the Children’s Museum of Bozeman is a cultural hub. Kids can make slime in the science lab, collect eggs from chickens on the farm, tinker with electric circuits and more. Even your tiniest tots will love their special zone that offers plenty of space for rolling, crawling and climbing.
27. Nebraska: Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln Spend the day exploring the Lincoln Children’s Museum’s three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs. Check out Cuckoo Construction, the museum’s largest exhibit yet, which gives kids a chance to help build walls and watch foam bricks fall. Chill out in the Grow Zone, an interactive indoor garden perfect for tiny tots. Cruise over to the water exhibit, where you can watch the rain fall from the clouds above and build dams to hold the water back.
28. Nevada: DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Las Vegas The three-story DISCOVERY Children’s Museum opened in 2013 and is home to nine themed exhibition halls totaling 26,000 square feet of interactive hands-on core exhibits. It’s hard to miss The Summit, a 70-foot tower covering 22,000 square feet with 12 levels of engaging, hands-on play. Kids can lift a car with a lever and (if they make it!) take a peek at the amazing roof at the very tippy top. Check out a mini Hoover Dam in Water World, walk into a Dr. Seuss book in Young at Art or watch your crawling cuties wander around Toddler Town—a desert-themed space complete with trains, tunnels and an art zone.
29. New Hampshire: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Dover The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is all about hands-on discovery, and you’ll get what they mean when you see their amazing exhibits. Engineer a flying machine and launch it from a 30-foot tower, venture into a cave to read glow-in-the-dark books and find secret paintings, dig for Triceratops fossils and more. Between the exhibits, STEAM Lab drop-in sessions and junior science classes, there’s enough to keep you coming back for more all year long.
30. New Jersey: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City Inspire your budding scientists and engineers with a visit to Liberty Science Center, home to 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater and lots more. Catch a planetarium show, check out views from the Hubble Space Telescope and meet some of the animals that live in the Hudson River. Young learners can even don a white coat and perform checkups in the Doc McStuffins exhibit.
31. New Mexico: Explora Science Museum & Children’s Museum, Albuquerque Spend the day learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math through fun hands-on activities at Explora. Experiment with balls and ramps to slow down the effects of gravity, make a masterpiece out of recycled materials and discover the unique characteristics of water. Be sure to check out their events calendar, offering everything from music jams to adults-only evenings.
32. New York: The Strong Museum of Play, Rochester With roots dating back to wealthy Rochesterian Margaret Woodbury Strong's extensive doll and toy collection, the museum has grown into an impressive 100,000-square-foot destination. While the entire facility is worth exploring, stellar permanent exhibits include Can You Tell Me How to Get To Sesame Street? (featuring all of the series' popular characters, as well as a 123 Sesame stoop for sitting and photo ops); the Wegmans Super Kid Market, a hyper-realistic replica of a grocery store sponsored by the boffo hometown chain; American Comic Book Heroes: The Battle of Good vs. Evil; and Reading Adventureland. The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, and when you add on-site restaurants, a carousel and easy-as-pie parking, it's a destination worthy of a family road trip!
33. North Carolina: Discovery Place Science, Charlotte A visit to Discovery Place is a must for opening little eyes to the wonders of science. From World Alive, where guests can wander through a rainforest and an aquarium, to Think it Up, a “thought studio” of multisensory colors, sights and sounds and back to Project Build, where anyone can be an architect for a day, every inch of Discovery Place is dedicated to making learning fun and interesting. The tiniest family members have their own special place for discovery in Kid Science, and the Discovery 3D theater screens family-friendly movies and short films perfect for all ages.
34. North Dakota: Dickinson Museum Center, Dickinson Science-loving kiddos will enjoy learning about dinosaurs and more at the Dickinson Museum Center. Check out fossils that were discovered in the area, see their collection of rocks and minerals and play in an augmented reality sandbox. You can even peek inside the fossil laboratory to watch paleontologists at work preparing recently discovered fossils for research and display.
35. Ohio: COSI: Center of Science and Industry, Columbus With over 300 interactive exhibitions, a seven-story extreme theater, the country’s only high-wire unicycle, and Little Kidspace, created just for kiddos ages 0 to 5, there’s enough educational fun to keep the entire family entertained for days at COSI. Encounter Poseidon at Ocean, the playground depicting the mysteries of the sea. Check out the Energy Explorers exhibit, which teaches families about energy and making smart choices, or get up close and personal with a T. rex in the Dinosaur Gallery. With their range of traveling exhibits and classic features, every COSI visit can be a different adventure.
36. Oklahoma: Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole Since 1993, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has been a favorite destination for Oklahoma families. The museum is based on an imaginary town, where kids can explore many careers, all from a pint-sized vantage point—they can become a judge, doctor, artist, news anchor, meteorologist, actor, pilot, EMT or firefighter for the day. Plus, you can get lost in the 12,000-square-foot Castle Maze, see aquatic life native to the state and take a ride on a miniature train.
37. Oregon: OMSI: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland OMSI is a can’t-miss museum in Portland, where kids and adults alike can immerse themselves in all things science and technology. Use “human power” to take a virtual trip through Portland, craft your own world using an augmented reality sandbox and experience the sights and smells of the world’s only permafrost research tunnel. Be sure to check out their cool camps and classes too, on topics ranging from kitchen chemistry to web design.
38. Pennsylvania: Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia The name says it all. What other place has the singular mission of encouraging young visitors to touch everything? Start a visit to the Please Touch Museum in Hamilton Hall, at the huge “monument to play”— a 40-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty’s Arm and Torch (made out of toys). Move toward Roadside Attractions, where engineers can repair cars, collect tolls, and take a trip to the future. Be sure to say hello to the Please Touch puppets: Pinky, Pickle, Melita, Dr. Penny and many more, who pop up and perform daily.
39. Rhode Island: Providence Children’s Museum, Providence Kick cabin fever to the curb with a visit to the Providence Children’s Museum, home to hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore culture and all things STEAM. Check out Play Power, where you can send objects soaring through air tubes and construct magnetic mazes; The Climber, a kid-favorite two-story-high climbing maze; and Coming to Rhode Island, an interactive time-traveling adventure that introduces kids to people who immigrated to the state. Their events calendar also has loads more fun in store, including live theater and art sessions.
40. South Carolina: The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenville Spark your kiddo’s curiosity with a visit to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. With 19 interactive exhibits, there’s enough to keep any kid entertained for hours. Build dams and learn about water in Reedy River Bend, report the news or weather in the 7 News Studio and monkey around on a multi-story climbing structure. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a tasty meal at the museum’s in-house cafe.
41. South Dakota: Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings Make a day of it with your whole crew at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. In the exhibit Our Prairie, kids can learn about the region’s past and role-play the daily tasks of living on the land over one hundred years ago. Head to Sensations to experiment with patterns, textures, shapes, and colors and collaborate on hands-on activities. Then cruise over to KidStreet to pick up your mail, tune up your car and make sandwiches and ice cream sundaes. There’s also a cozy MiniExplorers area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots.
42. Tennessee: Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, the Creative Discovery Museum is totally worth a visit. Their permanent exhibits include Corner Clinic (become a doctor for the day), Culinary Corner (make healthy snacks using ingredients from the museum’s rooftop garden), Little Yellow House (let your tiniest tots exercise their imaginations) and Excavation Station (grab a shovel and get digging in the sand). Be sure to check out their events calendar for the latest goings-on, from a snow day celebration to a honey harvest.
43. Texas: Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston With 14 permanent galleries and exhibits along with a cafe, library and family learning center, we are bowled over by the 90,000 square feet of play available at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Start at Kidtropolis, a play city built and run by kids from the ground up on a daily basis, and move on to How Does it Work?, where your budding scientists have access to a ton of hands-on experiments, like creating a roller coaster and sending messages via fiber optics. If there's still time, go undercover in the S.E.C.R.E.T. spy experience.
44. Utah: Treehouse Children’s Museum, Ogden Since 1992, Treehouse Children’s Museum has been a favorite for kids ages 1 to 12 (and their families, too). The exhibits encourage playing imaginatively and making new stories—there’s the Big Red Barn where you can “milk” a cow and collect eggs from chickens, plus areas based on different countries so you can dream up an international journey. There’s even an Oval Office where tots can pretend to be the president.
45. Vermont: Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich Founded in 1974, the Montshire is now one of the busiest museums in northern New England, and for good reason. It’s dedicated to teaching visitors about natural and physical sciences, ecology and technology through its 140 hands-on exhibits. Kids will love getting a look at the inner workings of toys; examining seeds, bones, and plants under a microscope; experimenting with different types of instruments; and playing with different types of bubbles. This one’s sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.
46. Virginia: Amazement Square, Lynchburg With four floors and nine galleries of hands-on, interactive exhibits, Amazement Square is (fittingly) an amazing place to spend the day. Start off by exploring Amazement Tower, a climbing structure with slides, ladders, tunnels and a zip line that spans all four of the museum’s floor. Then get creative in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, where kids can paint on the walls and rock out on stage. Toddlers will also love playing in Shipwreck Cove, a special under-three area with a pirate ship and a coral reef.
47. Washington: Washington: Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia The most visited children’s museum in Washington, it’s our go-to for hands-on science and art learning. With more than 150 exhibits, you’ll never run out of things to do—kids can shop in a mini farmers market, send scarves through a 25-foot AirWays Maze, make and float their own boats and lots more. Be sure to check out their events, too, including free first Friday nights and art studio sessions.
48. Washington D.C.: National Building Museum, Washington D.C. Go on an architectural adventure at the National Building Museum. Kiddos can learn about design, construction and engineering through the museum’s two distinct areas. The Building Zone (for ages 2 to 6) lets them stack and balance faux bricks, drive a miniaturized bulldozer and romp around a “green” playhouse, while the other area, Play Work Build, has foam blocks of varying sizes, allowing adults and children alike to build and demolish their own creations. Click here to find out more (plus get the scoop on more of our favorite kid-friendly museums in the DMV).
49. West Virginia: Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling Located in beautiful Wheeling, kids of all ages will love exploring the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. You’ll find interactive, operating model train layouts, along with toys you’ll remember from your childhood—dolls, dollhouses, toy soldiers, playsets, trains, planes, and ships, just to name a few. Kids will have a blast taking a peek into the past (and seeing how far toys have come!).
50. Wisconsin: Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton Foster your kids’ curiosity with a visit to the Building for Kids Children’s Museum. They’ll have the chance to climb into a 10-foot human heart, make a masterpiece using blocks, become a firefighter for the day, build boats and lots more. Check out the events calendar for more fun activities, like toddler playtime sessions, STEM workshops and story times.
51. Wyoming: Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, Jackson The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is all about fostering a love of learning through collaborative play and creative problem solving, and with their interactive exhibits and exciting programs, the littles will definitely be on board. Become a pilot for the day, go shopping in the Mountain Market, build a cool creation on the Magnet Wall and snuggle up for some quiet time in the Book Nook.
It’s pretty much inevitable that if you have a child growing up in today’s world that they can navigate electronics as well as (if not better than) you. Whether it’s a tablet, iPod, cell phone or computer, children are exposed to technology every day. They’re learning how to use these devices in school and yes, they do rely on them for entertainment purposes. Though it’s important to limit screen time and ensure that your child is getting adequate time outdoors and ample physical activity, not all screen time is a bad thing. There are countless educational apps that help enrich a child’s learning, teach problem-solving skills and reinforce lessons being taught in school. Here’s a list of a few of my favorite educational mobile apps for school-age children.
1. How It Works?
Inquiring minds want to know. And this app is perfect for those kids ages 6 to 8 who are fascinated by natural phenomenon including volcanoes, planets and energy. This app uses interactive games, animation and short, digestible lessons to help explain how things work. This app is great for both readers and non-readers. This app also includes easy to understand experiments, which help to reinforce the concepts being taught. This app can be purchased and downloaded for $2.99.
2. Kids Academy
This app is geared toward children ages 2 through 6 how are just entering, enrolled in and preparing to graduate from preschool. This app addresses a wide range of subjects from math and writing to phonics and even reading. Your child will love the thousands of interactive games, puzzles and videos that Kids Academy. What’s even better about this app is that it provides ideas for off-screen activities that will help reinforce these ideas and provide the opportunity for hands-on learning. Some of the games include sorting and matching, which is great for your child’s fine motor skills and problem-solving. This app can be downloaded for free, though some in-app purchases may be required.
3. Kids Vocabulary, Grammar & Language Learning Games
This is a great app as a stepping stone into reading for learners under the age of 5. This app offers countless language-development games. But it’s not just about reading in this app. Many of the activities offer elements of math and science as well. As your child expands their knowledge and hones their skills, you can adjust the level of difficulty. This is the perfect app if you have multiple young learners in your home since each account can have up to 4 users. You may be wondering why all your children can’t simply use the same account. Another awesome feature of this app is individualized learning. Each of your children will use activities, lessons and games that are designed for their current learning level, needs and skills. The free version of this app has limited access. You can purchase the full version for $3.99. You may also need to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee.
4. Time, Money and Fractions On Track
We all know how frustrating math can be at times. Especially when it comes to things like fractions, money and time. Well, this app is the answer to all your mathematical prayers! Time. Money and Fractions On Track is available for $4.99 in the app store but is completely worth the money. The game is geared toward children between the ages of 6 and 7. This is about the time these concepts are introduced in school. Not only does Time, Money and Fractions On Track make learning fun with colorful images, graphics and funny sounds, but it also offers a stress-free learning environment. Children are scored or graded on the tasks they complete. This allows them to casually explore different concepts at their own pace, without fear of failure. This is an important step in building your child’s confidence as a learner.
5. Math Evolve – A Fun Math Game
Does your child love video games? Well this game, which will only cost you $1, is customizable to your child’s age and resembles and arcade game. The game is designed for children over the age of 6 and covers concepts ranging from addition and subtraction up to multiplication and division. With customizable content, your child can adjust the difficulty as needed. And because they’ll feel like they’re playing a video game, it’s an educational win for everyone.
6. KidECook
Another awesome deal at just $1, this app will teach your child math skills through the joys of cooking. Your child will learn about weights, measurements and enhance their ability to follow directions. Each recipe requires that your child follow the step-by-step directions, adding the ingredients one at a time. Kids can count as they add them and must pay attention to the order in which they’re being asked to do so. The best part is, you can replicate these recipes in your very own kitchen, creating delicious and nutritious snacks.
Make screen time fun and educational with some of these awesome apps. Your kids will be having a blast while learning at the same time. These apps are a great way to reinforce learning, introduce new concepts and bring value and meaning to your child’s screen time.
I am a 32 year old mother of a son and wife to an officer. I am honest about both the love and struggle of parenting. I enjoy being active and writing is my passion, second only to my family.
Thanks to an ever-growing crop of educational apps aimed at kids, screen time doesn’t have to be mindless! When it’s time to let the kids on the tablet or phone, indulge their brains with engaging and educational apps that’ll teach them about science, computing, math, foreign languages and much more. Kids can get their STEM skills on with our picks of some of the best apps that will teach and entertain. Read on to find out more about our favorite educational apps.
1. Hopscotch: Make Games
While there are plenty of apps on the marketplace designed to make computer programming more accessible to young learners, few are as simple to use and kid-friendly as Hopscotch. Aimed at kids ages 8 and older and created by a group of Brooklyn-based parents, educators and computer scientists, Hopscotch features a proprietary visual programming language (similar to Scratch) that helps young and beginner programmers develop basic coding skills and create neat digital projects—like games and interactive widgets—using drag and drop programming blocks. For inspiration, Hopscotch’s website features many games created by kids using the app.
Available for iOS, free with additional subscription options starting at $7.99/monthly.
2. Crazy Gears
Understanding the fundamentals of how mechanics work can instill interest in engineering for kids who like to tinker. Crazy Gears is an award-winning digital puzzle game that replicates the functions of real moving parts and mechanical engines that will engage young engineers’ critical-thinking skills. By manipulating gears, chains, rods, and pulleys, players pull themselves through higher levels and learn how different mechanisms affect one another when constructing a machine. There are no right or wrong answers to solving puzzles, so mastering challenges through creativity is the name of the game. While the app is aimed at kids ages five through nine, the puzzles are intriguing and satisfying for older kids and parents, too.
What’s not to love about robots, right? Tinybop’s ingenious robot-making app lets young scientists create, test and collect robots on their mobile devices. From building exoskeletons to adding various robo-embellishments, Robot Factory is a fun, creative way to excite kids’ imaginations. Featuring an open-ended construction kit, players can pick from 100 parts to build thousands of different robots as well as add color schemes and specially recorded sounds. Kids will enjoy collecting and sharing robot stickers, while parents will appreciate no in-app purchases or third-party ads.
Filled with an assortment of surprising and silly characters, the Monster Math app takes junior mathematicians—grades one through three—on math-filled adventures that teach them about common core math skills. Featuring Maxx, a smart and kooky monster character, players help Maxx save his friend Dextra while practicing basic skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. A practice mode lets players solve math problems without the time constraints of needing to save characters during regular game play, and a multiplayer mode lets players invite friends to play together in real time.
Available for iOS and Android, free with in-app purchases and additional premium subscription options starting at $17.99/annually.
5. LightBot
Featuring 50 levels and 20 challenges, LightBot is a programming puzzle app that teaches players how to use programming logic to level up through the game. By guiding a robot to light up tiles and solve problems using basic computer coding commands, the app nurtures an appreciation and understanding of procedures, loops, and conditionals—all basics to computer programming. Available in nearly 30 languages and no in-app purchases, LightBot is a fun and addictive way to learn how to code.
Empowering kids with a love for math, award-winning edutainment company DragonBox offers a wide assortment of gaming apps aimed at young learners ages four through nine and older. From math basics to algebra and geometry, DragonBox apps feature colorfully designed and animated games that guide kids through a variety of math skills through fun, interactive challenges. Created by a high school math teacher in 2011, DragonBox apps have been lauded by parents and educators alike, and featured in a variety of media outlets around the world.
Using augmented reality, Anatomy 4D takes students and educators on an extraordinary journey inside the human body and heart, revealing the spatial relationships of organs, skeleton, muscles, and body systems. Featuring beautiful and realistically rendered graphics, the app’s cutting-edge technology provides an in-depth and interactive way to explore human anatomy. The app works by printing images from a library of images within the app, then using your mobile device to scan the image, the augmented reality experience comes to life.
For parents of polyglot kids who already know about the acclaimed Gus on the Go language apps, which are available in 30 languages, a new series of apps called Stories by Gus on the Go take foreign language learning to the next level with read-along animated story books that will delight kids ages three and older. Currently available in French, Greek, Hebrew and Spanish, Stories by Gus on the Go features classic children's stories, including “The Three Little Pigs” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” as well as fun interactive games that help to reinforce foreign language vocabulary.
Inspired by the eponymous visual programming language created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ScratchJr is a pared-down app that teaches kids as young as five years old the basic coding skills needed to program their own interactive stories and games. Using drag and drop programming blocks, players can make characters move, dance and sing. Through problem solving and design, young coders can create cool digital projects while developing skills in computer science and critical thinking.
Based on author Theodore Gray’s internationally best-selling book of the same name, The Elements app is a scrumptious visual exploration of the elements that make up everything around us. More than a simple reference app, The Elements showcases the building blocks of our universe through engaging words and photographs. Like the book, the app neatly mixes art and science, but the app’s interactive environment affords deeper dives into the rich details about each element. Parents and kids alike will never look at the periodic table in the same way again.
This free English literacy app teaches children ages 3-6 how to read. The app is designed specifically for younger users to enjoy independently. It includes over 300 fun, bite-sized lessons teaching the alphabet, phonics, and sight words. Duolingo ABC is aligned with Common Core standards and based on recommendations by the National Reading Panel.
