Whatever you do, don’t say the “s-word”!
Yep, you guessed it…
“SCREEN TIME”
Nowadays it’s almost considered taboo.
Is this where mom-shaming started? It sure seems like it. Unrightfully so. It’s ok for your child to look at a screen…in doses.
As a physical therapist, blogger, and lover of watching TV with my hubby, I stare at a screen for hours. After a long day I want to rip out what feels like my bloody eyeballs and set them in ice water. Too much? Lol. I can only imagine how a glued-to-TV two-year-old might feel!
Of course, too much screen time can have negative effects on those precious developing brains. Read this article for more information, including guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
I’ll be the first to admit that a kid’s tablet is absolutely essential for family trips. A light, portable device that has it all: games, puzzles, shows, movies, learning apps, doodling, books, matching, and more. That’s a no-brainer for travel.
We live in an era of fun and free education at our fingertips. I’m not passing that up. Blippi makes the alphabet more exciting than a day at the park. I can’t compete with that with my dollar store math workbooks!
If your child only likes what you might consider “mindless” entertainment (of which aren’t we adults also guilty?), there is no need to worry! It will help their imagination, creativity and a sense of play. There’s no sweeter sound than that little kid chuckle, right?
But if you want screen time to feel more productive, try using their favorite show as a conversation starter. I snagged this idea from Jennifer Allen’s Instagram post on her profile, Wonders Within Reach. She recommends using apps like Veggie Tales from Minno Kids as a starting point for connecting with your child. They talk about the show’s message, for example, ways to overcome emotional hurdles. I think talking about what they just watched also sharpens comprehension skills.
The apps below can be found on the Kids Fire Tablet. Some of these apps have the annoying “pay more to unlock more,” but the standard app is still worthy of a free download. (As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases from any Amazon link. This is no extra cost to you, and it helps keeps this site running.)
If your child is old enough, they’ll probably need headphones, because what’s a bubble-popping game without the sound?! It will help your little one stay interested. Trust me. Jameson even wants the sound for his puzzles! There is a link to a highly rated headphones pair on my baby and toddler travel gear page, if needed.
The drawback to some free apps – the ads! Closely supervise your child while they play. Otherwise, you may end up with $50 in kids puzzles if those jumpy little fingers just keep pressing, pressing, pressing.
Option 1: Load up on ad-free apps. These are all free and easy to download through Amazon Prime. If you don’t have Prime then try YouTube for these shows. If you do sign up for Amazon Prime, the Family version gives you 20% off diaper subscriptions – that adds up quickly! Take it from a mom of two. Click here for a 30 day free trial.
Option 2: teach your child how to wait patiently and then press the x to close the ad. Ha. Option 1 sounding better?
TRAVEL TIPS:
Download some shows and apps in advance directly to the tablet. You’ll want back-up options in case you don’t have Wi-fi or if the Wi-fi craps out on you (it happens a lot!).
Also, some airlines offer free Wi-fi if you download their app ahead of time. I know United Airlines does this. That is, when the system isn’t down!
The suggestions below are intended for children ages 18 months to 5 years, give or take a bit.
Alright kiddos, time to watch and learn!
The Number One App for Everything
Khan Kids
If you only download one app, this is the app. Hands down.
I was researching apps and found Khan Kids. I then noticed I downloaded it years ago but never actually used it, silly mama. And now I am just shocked by what it has to offer.
After seeing how awesome it was, I thought I must have paid for it. Nope. It’s free! Khan Academy is a non-profit organization committed to providing free education.
The app has everything: activities and games for learning numbers, alphabet, math, reading, shapes, colors, logic, and more. It has stories about emotions and life lessons. When they get tired of that, on to coloring, drawing, tracing, popping bubbles, sorting, matching, or just listening to stories.
It even has an offline section. How cool is that?
The drawing feature is awesome with its pre-set backgrounds and scenes. They have coloring pages and activities.
I could go on and on. I just wanted to keep exploring it myself!
Best Interactive Apps for Learning
Fish School
These cute little fish help toddlers learn colors, numbers, letters, shapes and more. Although my son criticizes their presentation of the M or the W. One of those. He says it’s wrong. Lol. Let me know what your child thinks!
Moose Math
The creator Duck Duck Moose takes your child through mathematical adventures. It’s designed for ages 3-7.
Curious George – Bubble Pop
Any bubble pop game will entertain your younger toddler developing their fine motor skills. This app from PBS Kids moves slowly and counts the bubbles as they pop. That snail pace might be a good thing on a long flight!
Baby Games – Nursery Rhymes, Baby Piano, Baby Phone, First Words
Perfect for the youngest toddlers. The title says it all.
RV APPSTUDIOS makes other educational free apps with no ads:
Colors and Shapes
This was our child’s first app when he was 18 months old. I couldn’t believe how quickly he learned his colors and shapes.
Others worth downloading: Spelling, ABC Kids – Tracing and Phonics, and 123 Numbers
Best Games and Activities
Blippi Puzzle
The puzzles range from 12-280 pieces depending on your child’s puzzle-solving abilities. There are more pop-up ads on it currently than I remember, so watch carefully! Blippi the man himself is in every puzzle along with a vehicle or boat.
Kids Doodle
This art app by Doodle Joy Studio reminds me of the glow art supplies from the 90’s. You can create a new drawing or decorate your own photos. They have coloring and drawing games
Trucks
Another “go-to” from Duck Duck Moose. They have three trucks apps that are perfect for your truck-obsessed kiddo. Really anything from Duck Duck Moose is great.
Dino Puzzle
With this collection of puzzles by Yoger Games you can choose the level of difficulty, from 6-100 pieces. These adorable puzzles go great with our dino-themed Utah trip coming up! Jameson has had fun with these since he was two years old.
Disney Coloring
I’ve heard and read that this is great for all those Disney lovers. Your kids can dress and decorate their favorite characters. Disney dress up? How fun! Especially with their offline options.
Sago Mini – Airport
Sago Mini is another popular app with no ads or in-app purchase pop-ups. They are also offline for easy travel entertainment. They have a ton of “worlds” like camping, vacation island, zoo, town, space, and more. But I thought the Airport one was cutest. Your toddler will be happier if they are familiar with the airport and flying process.
Best Educational Shows
Blippi
Blippi is my, ahem, my son’s all-time favorite. I say it’s my favorite because he has taught our son so much. He has numerous clips and shows that hold his attention and expose him to new activities. Jameson watches the same videos over, and over, and over, and…
He learned the alphabet by age 2 thanks to Blippi’s enthusiastic and fun educational videos. Blippi has the most diverse content: nutrition, sports, animals, museums, playgrounds, trucks (my son’s obsession), and so much more. This man is a genius. I’ve gotta hand it to him.
Brain Candy TV
Um, my four-year-old can count to 30. He can count by tens. He can count by 100s. He knows more about the solar system than I do. Many of the shows are truck or dinosaur focused, so he is absolutely glued. His one-year-old sister is now mesmerized. Thank you Brainiacs.
PBS Kids
This app gives you access to all kinds of shows, with these top favorites: Look and Find Elmo on Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood.
Bob the Train – Nonstop
Jameson loved this alphabet train show however now it costs $2.99. It does a great job embedding the letters and their sounds into your brain. But this free version will suffice, with a broader subject matter of colors, letters, the universe!
But beware! The graphics are hypnotizing. Literally. They might even be too visually stimulating for some.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
The gang goes on fun and educational adventures. Or so I’ve heard. My son hasn’t gotten hooked on this yet. I may have to try again before our next Disney trip! This show has great reviews though, and the Color and Play app is a close second.
Ask the StoryBots
In the reviews I read, parents actually get some laughs from this silly informative series on Netflix. Inquisitive creatures go on adventures searching for answers to kids’ questions. The show is based on the award-winning educational app, so that may also be worth checking out. Oh, and don’t be alarmed by the random cameos. Snoop Dogg? Is that you?
Team UmiZoomi
The team works together to solve puzzles and patterns using math concepts. It’s American but can be shown in any location as they don’t use imperial or metric units. I’m not making it sound as fun as they do. Trust me.
Best Musical Shows
Coco Melon
I only included this show because one of the episodes has 1 billion views. I find it a bit mind-numbing and obnoxious, but I’m not a two-year-old, nor am I a children’s show creator. Jameson only watched it for a minute during our “research” for this post It does teach nursery rhymes if your child is into that sort of thing. Lol.
Do, Re & Mi
My husband caught our 17-month old dancing on the couch to these adorable birds singing their hearts out. Hats off to one of Amazon’s newest. And I don’t even like musicals!
Baby Shark
Everyone knows Baby Shark. Pink Fong also has 2 to 3-minute clips of songs about colors, shapes and more. Very popular, just not in our household.
Best Shows for Imagination
Tumble Leaf
If there’s a show that makes you feel like an imaginative, fun-loving child again, it’s this one! I think my four-year-old has a mini crush on Fig’s pink friend Maple. Adorable. You’ll be blown away by the animation. How do they do that?!
Stinky and Dirty
Your child will get a kick out of these funny, problem-solving, construction vehicle buddies.
Creative Galaxy
Need some awesome new craft ideas? Watch animated characters venture out into space and then switches to children doing live art projects. I’m so glad this show sparked my toddler’s art interest!
Super-Wings
If you’re as travel obsessed as I am, then you’ll be stoked to hear your little one talk about gondolas in Venice as they watch these planes take on challenges across the globe.
Timmy Time
A spin-off of Shaun and Sheep, this BBC show is actually tolerable, if not enjoyable, by adults as well as little ones. I’m not surprised. You can’t go wrong with BBC. There is no dialogue, just funny animal sounds. Timmy is a three-year-old lamb (three in sheep years, whatever that means), who faces emotional hurdles at preschool.
Wishenpoof
Despite the mediocre reviews, my son went through a ‘wish magic” phase on our last trip to Europe. It’s cute, but from what I’ve seen there isn’t much to it.
Best Read-Aloud Books
I usually pack one or two thin books or a lift the flap book and then rely on an app for the rest of our travel reading.
Khan Kids
Again, Khan Kids takes the cake on this one. They have a ton of different animated story options, including some available offline.
Kids Stories
This app has four free animated stories that our son loves to interact with. And mama likes giving her voice a break after a long day! Of course, I still cuddle and enjoy our story-time together. I’ll never give that up.
Well, there ya have it. Those should get you through about ten minutes on a flight.
I’m kiiiiiidding.
But just in case, read my post How to Keep Your Toddler Busy on a Long Flight for toy and activity ideas off the screen.
Most of these are apps that our toddler has tried and loved.
What does your child like? Leave a comment below with your suggestions!
