When I first purchased my iPad I figured I would put an app or two on it for the boys. They’re 3 and 4 by the way, 14 months apart. I had no intentions of them using it frequently.
The iPad has been a great tool for teaching the boys letters, numbers and objects. It has also been a great source of entertainment when we’ve gotten stuck at the auto repair shop or even waiting in restaurants…
Here is the list of my recommended toddler apps — most of the apps listed are available for both the iPod/iPhone and the iPad so be sure to check them out!
 ABA Flash Cards (Various Versions!)By Kindergarten.com Price: FREE I have to say, these are my personal favorite for the kids! I found these after having downloaded SEVERAL different toddler ‘flash card’ style apps and found all the others disappointing. These apps are awesome AND free… which makes them even better. Here are the ones we have:
I can not stress enough how cool these things are. You’re just going to have to go and start downloading them yourself! The animal or alphabet sets are great ones to start with. The images are clear, names are included on the cards. There is a place you can tap at the bottom that reads a description of the animal. Tap the animal and it will repeat the type/name. |
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Price: Free
 This app is entertaining but calming — It includes 6 different areas/games for your little ones to play. 6 card memory match and the barn yard games are the favorites for my little guys.
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 Peekaboo BarnBy Night & Day Studios, Inc. Price: $1.99 This was a free app when I originally downloaded it for our iPod 2 years ago, having had it for that time frame I can tell you it has been worth $1.99. This app features a barn with its doors closed. It starts out by playing an animal noise — when you tap the barn doors it opens to reveal the animal. The animal type is then shown on the bottom of the screen as they say the animal’s name. Tap the barn again, the doors close and it repeats with a different animal. Both my boys have loved this app and they did learn the barn yard animals well. |
 Toddler Touch & SeeBy iCrysta Price: $0.99 This little app my oldest has pretty much out grown but it has a variety of ‘themed’ backgrounds and when you tap the screen it makes a fun little noise and puts a stamp where ever you’ve touched. |
 Awesome Eats™By Whole Kids Foundation Price: FREE This fun game has your children sorting and stacking fruits, veggies and whole grain foods. I wont lie… I play it too. |
 Dr. Seuss BandBy Oceanhouse Media Price: FREE This is a pretty cool and entertaining musical app. You can build your own instrument and either play your own songs or follow along by pushing the colored buttons indicated on the screen. Both the little ones enjoy this game. |
 Angry Birds (Various Versions)By Rovio Mobile Ltd. Price: Free My boys love angry birds. I try not to play it, I lose time playing it, I wont lie. |
 Toy StoryBy Disney Price: FREE This is an interactive version of Toy Story book. Both the boys enjoy this app, they can follow along as the narrator reads the story. |
 Toy Story 3 Memory MatchBy Griffin Technology Price: FREE Memory card game with the Toy Story characters. It’s cute, has 3 levels and you can play a timed version or unlimited time. |
 Thomas Game PackBy HiT Entertainment Price: $2.99 My children are train obsessed. I was hesitant to buy this app because, well, it’s a $3 app. It has three games, ‘Matching Mission,’ ‘Cargo Mazes,’ and ‘Engine Puzzles.’ The engine puzzles is the favorite of all there games. Voices are accurate to those in the movies and they really do enjoy playing it. |
There you have it, our list of the best iPod, iPhone & iPad apps for toddlers. If you have any favorites that we don’t have listed here I’d love to hear about them. We’re always up for new ones so long as they’re educational!
