Summer Vacation- Don't Forget to Pack the Apps!

Summer is here and school is out! Many families are taking vacations or will take one in the near future. As a matter of fact, we are heading to Disney World! As you begin making your "to do" lists, don't forget to surprise your kids with a few new apps for the ride! Actually, it turns out to be inexpensive and, if you choose wisely, educational. I wanted to share a few of our favorites in no particular order.

1. World of Goo - This is a fun and addictive physics-based puzzle game that everyone will enjoy! It's classic! It is available for both the iPhone and iPad.

2. Cut the Rope- This is a fun-filled, puzzle game where the object is to help the monster get to the candy. Be warned! It's not as simple as it looks! This is available for both the iPhone and iPad.

3. Rocket Math - Blast off to space age math fun! As both a math teacher and homeshooling mom, I have to say this game rocks! Our kids actually fight over it! It's a great way to practice basic skills while having great fun! It's available for both the iPhone and iPad.

4. Toontastic- This is an amazing app for developing toons! Kids can bring their stories to life and then share them with the world on ToonTube. It stimulates creativity and sparks the imagination! It is available for both iPhone and iPad.

5. Magic Piano - This app let's you be a professional pianist without knowing how to play the piano. I love it! Each day there is a new free song available for download. Again, it is available for both iPhone and the iPad.

6. ArtStudio - Create your own images or enhance photos with this all in one portable art studio. Less messy than having markers in the car! Best used on the iPad!

7. Creatures and Castles- This is a fun, interactive, puzzling adventure. Choose your hero and let the action begin!

8. Jelly Car 3 - Disney is back with this squishy physics puzzler! Great fun for everyone! It is available on the iPhone and the iPad.

9. Draw Jump - Help Cosmo, the eco-friendly rocket man, jump HIGH! Instead of rocket fuel, you draw trampolines to help hurl him higher and higher. According to our kids, it is totally uber! It is also available for the iPhone and the iPad!

10. Tiny Wings - Super fun, but difficult to explain! Basically, you help a bird that can't fly travel across the island. This app is battling Angry Birds for the top spot! Try it on either the iPhone or iPad.

11. Lego Harry Potter - Our kids say this app is exactly like the DS game, but way cheaper! Use your magic to complete challenges from episodes one through four. It works well on both the iPhone and the iPad.

12. Battleheart- This is a fantasy battle game that works great on the iPhone or iPad. Gamers will face off with the popular RPG bad guys like goblins. There is some mild violence, but it is very cartoonish!

That's the dynamic dozen! There are so many apps from which to choose that my list could go on and on. I polled the kids and these were their current faves! So, while you are packing the sunscreen and bathing suits, stop by iTunes and load up on a few fun apps. Also, please share your favorites!

Happy Summer!