Apps for kids: the best way to educate and entertain

1. YouTube Kids

Google has launched YouTube Kids, a video service that caters to the needs of children. Parents need not worry, as the content is curated specifically with children in mind. The app shows educational clips, entertainment videos and children’s channels. Shows children can watch include Reading Rainbow, Thomas the Tank Engine and National Geographic Kids.

There are a few parental controls, including the option to disable search, limit screen time and monitor volume levels. Further, the comments section is disabled. However, there will be kid-friendly ads.

Available for Android & iOS, YouTube Kids is currently accessible only within the U.S. However, given the potential of this app, we can expect a worldwide launch soon. Meanwhile, you can try these other kid-friendly apps.

2. Animal Orchestra Music Game

Animal Orchestra is an educational music game for pre-school kids. Unlike games that teach letters, numbers and shapes, this app uses musical instruments to educate and entertain.

Animal Orchestra is a place where animals play musical instruments, and kids are asked to recognise each instrument by the sound. The crocodile comes with a saxophone, the elephant with cymbals, the giraffe with a piano, the turtle with a harmonica, the kitty with a flute and so on. Along with the instruments, children can learn something about each animal too.

Try the app here: Animal Orchestra

3. PicsArt for Kids

PicsArt for Kids offers multiple choices: drawing, colouring and learning. Children can draw pictures, colour sketches and learn to draw using simple shapes.

The app supports up to 10-finger drawing simultaneously. The app is designed especially for tablets, but also works well on smartphones. There is an option to zoom images, making it easy for children to colour on the smaller portions.

Try the app here: PicsArt for Kids

4. Sudoku

This Sudoku app from Acropa comes with a variety of games. Other than the usual numbers, it also uses alphabets and symbols, making the game enjoyable for children.

Acropa’s talking Sudoku comes with 21 playing levels, and is therefore good for both children and elders. While this app is free, an ad-free paid version costs you Rs.250.

Try the app here: Sudoku

5. Star Chart

Children love watching stars, and the planetarium is one of their favourite destinations. To satisfy their curiosity, here is an app that acts as a virtual planetarium. It is does not show some pre-recorded or 3D stars, but shows stars in real time. Just point your Android device at the sky and the app will tell you precisely what you are viewing.

The app calculates the present location of the stars and planets visible from earth and shows them in real time. It uses GPS technology, 3D universe and other high tech functionality to bring the sky to your hand held device.

Try the app here: Star Chart