School may be out, but that doesn’t mean the learning or creativity has to come to an end! Whether you’re hitting the road for a family vacation or soaking up sunshine at home, there will be the inevitable “I’m bored” or “What should we do now?” Read on for some of our favorite apps + kid-friendly tech tools to keep those kids busy (and secretly learning!) this summer!
For the Creative + Curious
Toca Life World (Ages 6 & More):
An open-ended game that lets kids build and explore entire worlds filled with silly characters and endless stories.
Khan Academy Kids (Ages 2 to 8):
Totally free and packed with literacy, math, and problem-solving lessons wrapped in bright, interactive fun.
Osmo (Ages 5 to 12):
This tablet-based system turns screen time into hands-on learning using physical game pieces and educational apps(ideal for rainy days!).
Learn While You Plan
Duolingo ABC (Ages 3 to 8):
A free app that teaches kids to read using short lessons and friendly characters.
Prodigy (Grades 1 to 8):
Combines fantasy gameplay with math practice to make learning feel like a quest.
Outschool (Kids & Teens)
Live, online classes for kids and teens on everything from guitar lessons to coding and even Pokémon history.
Road Trip Ready
Audible for Kids:
Keep them entertained (and screen-free!) on long drives with audiobooks like The Magic Tree House, Percy Jackson, or Charlotte’s Web.
Spotify Kids:
A curated music and podcast app just for children, with sing-alongs, stories, and fun playlists.
A Moment for Mom (or Dad)
- Kindle Paperwhite: Whether you're beachside, poolside, or couchside, enjoy a distraction-free reading experience with a glare-free screen and weeks-long battery life.
- Apple AirPods (or AirPods Pro): Our very favorite, must-have, always with us, go-to for tuning in—or tuning out.
Our Summer Tech Essentials!
We set you up for success during our holiday shopping guide last year, so y’all should be ready.... but just in case you’re desperate and in need of some last-minute shopping ahead of your next trip or staycation, don’t worry, we've got you. These are a few of our family-approved favorites:
- Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition: A kid-proof tablet loaded with parental controls and free access to Amazon Kids+.
- LeapFrog LeapStart: An Interactive learning system that uses books and a stylus to teach reading, science, and problem-solving.
- Yoto Player: A screen-free smart speaker for kids that plays stories, music, and activities using physical cards.
- Toniebox: A cuddly, screen-free audio device that uses character figurines to play stories and songs.
- JBL JR Headphones: Volume-limited, wireless headphones designed to keep kids’ ears safe while they listen on the go.