There are a mind-boggling number of apps out there for kids these days, and if you’re allowing them screentime, they might as well get some sneaky learning time out of it. But there poses the next dilemma: lots of learning apps are crazy expensive…and I hate to spend $$$ on apps that my kids don’t end up liking.
Luckily Disney makes a ton of apps, for varying age ranges and at varying price points (be aware that some apps, even free ones, offer additional in-app purchases for extra features). and most of them have an educational twist. Bonus: Disney also takes their educational apps very seriously. For their new line of Imagicademy apps, Disney Entertainment put together an advisory panel of child development specialists and educators who work closely with the app developers to ensure lessons are age appropriate and effective.
Here is a roundup of ten educational Disney apps for phone and tablet that will not only hold your kids’ attention but sneak in a bit of learning as well. Check them out in the slideshow.
All images are from the iTunes app store and © Disney.
More Educational Games for Kids:
Educational Disney Apps
-
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Color and Play
iOS and Android - ages five and under - $1.99
Fun, interactive coloring app teaches preschoolers about colors, shapes, 3D, and symmetry.
-
Disney Storytime
iOS - ages five and under - free
The free app comes with three stories, with the option to purchase up to twenty stories. Your kids also have the option to have the story read aloud to them, or to read it themselves and record their own voice for playback later.
-
Mickey's Magical Math World by Disney Imagicademy
iOS and Android (under "Mickey's Super Rocket Shapes") - ages three to eight - free
Kids will think they are building rockets and having outer space adventures with Mickey and his friends, but really they are learning counting, Common Core, and problem solving.
-
Mickey's Magical Arts World by Disney Imagicademy
iOS - ages three to eight - free
Kids can design their own characters and place them in cartoons alongside Mickey and friends. Teaches about coloring, drawing, storytelling, and music.
-
Jake's Never Land Pirate School
iOS and Android - ages three and up - $2.99
Join Jake and his crew in four pirate themed adventures. Use the camera capture to become a pirate character in the app! Kids will learn music, navigation, shapes, and problem solving (mazes).
-
Phineas and Ferb: Agent P vs. The Puzzle-Inator
iOS - ages four and up - $1.99
Help Agent P from the hit Disney show Phineas and Ferb escape Dr. Doofenschmirts and restore peace to the city! Kids learn creative problem solving.
-
It's a Small World
iOS - ages four and up - $3.99
Yes, I know the song gets stuck in your head. But this is a good one for both children and adults. Adults will appreciate the lovely artwork, and kids won't realize they are learning to say "hello" in sixteen different languages.
-
Toy Story: Story Theater
iOS and Android - ages six to eight - $1.99
Kids can create their own stories using the Toy Story characters, and record their own voice as the narrator. Teaches about storytelling and creativity.
-
Big Hero 6 Bot Fight
iOS and Android - ages four and up - free
Collect and evolve Bots by competing in puzzle games. Teaches older kids about strategy and problem solving.
-
Disney Magic Timer
iOS and Android - ages six to eight - free
If your kids struggle with brushing their teeth, this app collaboration between Disney and Oral-B will be a lifesaver. Disney characters encourage kids to brush their teeth for two minutes, by collecting stickers and badges to track progress.
