There is no getting around it – most kids have access to, and love using, devices. If they are used appropriately and within reason, they can provide entertainment and education. We know there are many apps on the market, not all appropriate for kids, so we have compiled a list of fun apps which are loved by kids (and their parents.) These apps are free (at the time of publication), though some contain in-app purchase, so make sure your settings are secure to avoid unnecessary purchases by little fingers.

10 Fun Apps for Kids

1. LEGO Duplo World

Little LEGO/Duplo lovers will love this bright and colourful app. Users can work towards achieving different learning goals such as counting 1 to 10 and sorting by colour etc, using familiar Duplo products. The app also encourages imagination and creativity, whilst developing fine motor skills, in a fun and inviting way.

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPad, iPhone and Android

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

2. Kids Doodle – Color and Draw

Adults and children can let their creativity shine as they doodle and draw with the Kids Doodle app. With more than 20 brush styles to choose from, you can create and share your masterpiece.  You can even watch a video replay of your drawing in action. It’s a wonderful way to destress, use your creativity and fill the screen with colour.

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPad, iPhone and Android

Cost: Free (Option to pay for an ad-free version)

3. Angry Birds 2/Angry Birds Friends

Since the original Angry Birds game launched in 2009, there has been many versions released, many of which are no longer available. There is however new and improved versions, including Angry Birds 2 and Angry Birds Friends. Angry Birds is a challenging game requiring skill and logic to fling birds to topple towers, in an effort to progress through the levels. Fun and slightly addictive!

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPad, iPhone and Android

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

4. Toca Hair Salon 4

The kids will have fun crimping, colouring, brushing and cutting hair in this Toca Hair Salon. Start by choosing a model (both males and females available) then get started. You can wash it, dry it and then style it, and don’t forget to snap a pic of the finished style for the gallery. If your child loves this app, be sure to check out the other Toca apps on offer.

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPad, iPhone and Android

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

5. Fruit Ninja

This game is all about slicing fruit. By sliding your finger across the screen to slice fruit and create combos, you can unlock different swords.  Challenge yourself with the arcade version, which includes bombs, which you must avoid.

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPad, iPhone and Android

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

6. Musical Me!

This app is part of the Duck Duck Moose empire and is a wonderful way to introduce little ears to music. Through a variety of games, children can learn about rhythm, sounds, notes, and pitch, changing levels from 1-3 if they want a challenge. If you love this app, there is also a multitude of other Duck Duck Moose apps to be discovered.

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPhone (though can be used on most iPads)

Cost: Free

7. Thinkrolls – Kings and Queens

After customising your own character and choosing which level of difficulty to play (easy or hard), players will need to think ahead using logic, strategy and trial and error in order to solve puzzles and work their way through the various scenes. This game has a fairy-tale setting, depicting dragons, castles, and of course kings and queens, and will have kids thinking and using problem solving skills in a play-based environment.

Recommended Age: 5+

Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad and Android

Cost: Free (a paid version is available)

8. Where’s My Water? 2

Following on from the popular Where’s My Water?, Where’s My Water? 2 follows Swampy, Allie and Cranky on an adventure through the sewer, soap factory and beach. Players need to dig through dirt to guide the water through the levels, collecting as many ducks as possible on the way.

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad and Android

Cost: Free (in-app purchase)

9. Khan Academy Kids

This popular app is both educational, fun and creative. It contains movement videos, a space for creating, reading, math and logic components, as well as offline content, which can be handy if there is no wi-fi. There is also a massive range of books to read, with the option of reading yourself or being read to.

Recommended Age: 3+

Compatible Devices: iPad, iPhone and Android

Cost: Free

10. Where’s the Meerkat?

Just like Where’s Wally, only this time you need to search and find a mob of meerkats. In each scene you need to locate ten meerkats as they make their way around-the-world, including a stop at the Great Barrier Reef! After finding the meerkats, you are asked to search for bonus items before moving onto the next scene. But be warned – some of the cheeky little meerkats are very difficult to spot!

Recommended Age: 4+

Compatible Devices: iPhone and iPad

Cost: Free (in-app purchases)

Many of the above apps have ‘in-app’ purchases. We recommend you check out the apps first to see if they are suitable for your child and change the settings accordingly. Adult supervision is always recommended when children are using devices.

Further Resources

Understanding the digital world our children inhabit can be daunting and confusing, but thankfully there is a large range of trusted information and reviews out there.

Visit Common Sense Media for objective advice, expert reviews and other helpful tools to help navigate today’s media and technology.