The 10 Best Apps for Kids of 2011

More Best Apps for Kids

Playtime Theater

Your little one can showcase his storytelling skills by creating his own play and puppet show! The customizable, interactive, and recordable show includes characters, props, and sound effects, and it's set in a medieval castle. Kids ages 5 and up can even use their own voices to act out scenes. Future shows will include trips to outer space, a pirate ship, and a dinosaur world. ($2.99; iPad only; playtimetheater.com)

Doodle Pro

Tired of rummaging through your bag for scraps of paper when your kid feels like drawing? This free app means the end to that nuisance -- and your child will never be bored again at the doctor's office or on a long car ride. Doodle Pro lets her create unique drawings with shapes and colors. For more advanced artists, there's a pencil tool for sketching. You can even save the artwork and email it to family and friends or use the app to jot down notes and to-do lists. (Free; iPad only)

Bookworm

Suitable for older children learning to read, this educational word search game can improve comprehension and boost vocabulary. It features Lex the Bookworm, who encourages kids to form words by linking letters left to right and up and down. The bigger the word, the more points you earn. If you run into trouble, simply shake the iPhone to re-scramble the words and start over. Play the classic version or challenge your child with a timed match. ($2.99; iPhone, iPad)

Zoodles Kid Mode

A series of fun and educational videos and games for kids ages 2 to 10, Zoodles allows you to browse by subject (cognitive and creative development, math, reading, etc.) and choose the programs most suitable for your child. It also puts your device into a "kid safe" mode so you don't need to worry about her wandering onto any other sites or opening up other apps. (Free; iPhone, iPad, Android; zoodles.com)

Easy Kid Timer

Are you constantly running late because you can't get everyone out of the house on time? Does your child always dawdle? If so, you're not alone, and this app, which teaches the concept of time, is popular with moms. You can easily customize it with your own pictures and task descriptions (getting ready for school, for instance, or cleaning the room). It can reinforce the importance of patience, too. When your child asks for a treat, set the timer so that he has to wait a little for it. He'll learn that good things come to those that wait -- without whining. ($1; Android only; appbrain.com)

Copyright © 2011 Meredith Corporation.

Linda DiProperzio is a mom and a freelance writer covering a variety of topics, including parenting and pregnancy. Her work can be viewed at www.lindadiproperzio.com.

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