Here are some great apps to have on hand for long trips. When you’re settling in for a long flight — perhaps even a major life transition like moving abroad with kids to Qatar — keeping little ones entertained in a cramped space can be a challenge. If they’ve already exhausted books and rounds of I Spy, these apps cover a wide range of interests and ages to keep everyone happily occupied.
Play virtual board games, create storybooks, or solve word puzzles together. If they’d rather play alone, sandbox-style games or puzzle apps will keep them engaged — and thinking. Whether you’re playing as a family or your kid is flying solo, you’re sure to find something for everyone from takeoff to landing.
Busy Shapes 2
APP, age 2+
A simply brilliant puzzler that develops critical-thinking skills.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends – First Words
APP, age 2+
Eric Carle favorites teach vocabulary in English and other languages.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android.
Peg + Cat: The Tree Problem
APP, age 3+
Help Cat get out of trees using spatial skills in this fun game.
Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Kiko’s Thinking Time
APP, age 4+
Charming games help little ones build core cognitive skills.
Devices: iPhone, iPad.
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos
APP, age 4+
A classic reborn as a fee-based e-library with a great selection.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Sprinkle Junior
APP, age 4+
Super fun water puzzles for youngsters.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android.
Tales Untold
APP, age 4+
Well-crafted audio stories to entertain parents and kids alike.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad.
Crazy Gears
APP, age 5+
Fun, STEM-themed free play with easy off-screen connections.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad.
Gro Garden
APP, age 5+
Free play in a virtual, sustainable garden that requires patience.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Pango Build Park
APP, age 5+
Imagine, create, and play at custom-built theme parks.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android.
Thinkrolls: Kings & Queens
APP, age 5+
A fun, challenging puzzler inspired by fairy tales.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Toca Hair Salon 3
APP, age 5+
Creative free-styling with even more options and features.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Barefoot World Atlas
APP, age 6+
A delightful way to learn about animals, people, and more.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad.
Kahoot! Big Numbers: DragonBox
APP, age 6+
A clever math and resource-management game that requires some patience.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android.
The Robot Factory by Tinybop
APP, age 6+
This stellar sandbox tool encourages kids to improve their designs.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad.
Toontastic 3D
APP, age 6+
The same great animated story creator, now with 3D graphics.
Devices: Android, Chromebook.
Where’s My Water?
APP, age 6+
This puzzler’s plot and unique gameplay will captivate all ages.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android.
Hovercraft – Build Fly Retry
APP, age 7+
Cool 3D modeling, racing, and revision, but has lots of ads.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Minecraft
APP, age 8+
A worthy mobile version of the popular PC game that encourages creativity.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire.
Stack the States
APP, age 8+
A surprisingly fun geography education game.
Devices: iPhone, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire, Windows app.
Conclusion
These apps provide a wide range of experiences, from creative exploration to educational challenges and hands-on problem-solving. Whether focused on gameplay, learning, or both, they are designed to entertain and inspire curiosity in kids across various devices. With an array of options available, parents can choose apps that align with their child’s interests while fostering creativity and learning in fun, engaging ways.
