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"Best of" lists

Get age-appropriate ideas and inspiration for every interest:

  • Best movies
  • Best games
  • Best apps
  • Best websites
  • Best TV
  • Best books
  • Best music

Editors' picks

Classic, off-beat, and memorable titles our editors love for every age!

Best apps: Our recommendations for families

all ages | Preschoolers (2-4) | Young kids (5-6) | Kids (7-8) | Preteens (9-11) | Teens (12-14)
If it seems like the world of apps is overwhelming, that's because it is! But never fear -- our editors have combed through the thousands of apps out there to pick the best. Whether you want to teach your preschooler the ABCs or read a great interactive story, yes, there's an app for that.

  • Best iPhone Apps of 2011
    Apple names its top picks of the year.
  • Gift Ideas: Our Kids' App Picks
    App-tastic gifts for all ages.
  • Journal Apps, Online Diaries, and Digital Scrapbooks
    Apps and websites help families hold on to treasured holiday memories.
  • Popular Android Apps
    Find out what's hot in the world of Android apps.
  • Learn-to-Read Apps
    Your phone can now be a great way to teach kids to read.
  • Storytelling Apps
    Kids can create and share tales with these imaginative apps.
  • Dinosaur Apps for Kids
    Fun and educational picks for the dino lover in your family.
  • Preschool Apps for Android
    Kids will love learning pre-reading skills and more.
  • RPG Apps -- Role Playing Games
    No need to stay on the couch with these RPGs.
  • Kids' Apps We Love: Toddlers
    Traveling with a tot over the holidays? These apps will come in handy.
  • Apps That Make You Laugh
    These playful apps will keep kids in stitches.
  • Top 10 Paid Apps from the iTunes Store
    We keep track of the chart-topping apps.
  • Top Paid iPad Apps on the iTunes Store Charts
    We keep track of the chart-topping iPad apps.
  • Dr. Seuss Apps
    Whimsical rhymes encourage early literacy.
  • Apps for "Angry Birds" Lovers
    Aim for victory in these fun trajectory games.
  • Best Action Apps
    Fun and fast, these super apps keep violence to a minimum.
  • Harry Potter Apps
    Zap! And these wizardly apps can be yours.
  • Best Book Apps for Kids
    These gorgeous literary apps offer more than words.
  • Best Holiday Apps
    Get into the holiday spirit with these fun seasonal apps.
  • Best Card Game Apps for Kids
    Keep these virtual decks in your pocket for anytime play.
  • Halloween Apps
    Spooky monsters and creepy games kids love.
  • Best Android Apps for Kids
    Apple isn't the only game in town.
  • Trick-or-Treat Apps
    Handy tools allow families to plan, stay in touch, and more.
  • Counting Apps
    Preschool is all about the ABCs, the 123s, and having fun.
  • Virtual Pet Apps
    These virtual cuties can teach some good lessons.
  • Alphabet Apps
    We waded through all the ABC apps for the best.
  • Simulation Game Apps
    For kids who love to plan and organize, these apps rock.
  • Adventure Games Apps
    Kids can play the hero in these fascinating tales.
  • Animal Lover Apps
    Beasts who teach and animals that mesmerize.
  • Hidden Object Puzzles
    Hunt and you shall find tons o' fun.
  • Apps for Elementary School
    Great educational apps for grade-school kids.
  • Homework Help Apps
    Interactive references at your fingertips.
  • Apps for Girls
    From dress-up games to adventure apps, these choices promote creativity and imagination.
  • Vocab Apps
    Brush up on your smarty pants words with these apps.
  • Spelling Apps
    These games encourage early literacy.
  • Best Math Apps
    Math is always more fun when it's a game.
  • Best Road Trip Apps
    Keep the kids occupied in the back seat, or join in!
  • Best Music Apps for Kids
    The only way to fit a piano in your pocket.
  • Best Kid Games Mobile Apps
    A collection of fabulous apps for tons of kid-friendly fun.
  • Educational Apps
    Learning and fun all wrapped up in one.
  • Science Apps
    These on-the-go references can help a little scientist out.
  • Multiplayer Apps
    Great games to play with friends and family.
  • Outer Space Apps
    These apps are out of this world.
  • Best Preschool Apps
    Open up a world of possibilities and fun for wee ones.
  • Great iPad Apps for Kids
    We love the iPad for big-screen kid play.
  • Best Strategy Game Apps
    The best games make you think.
  • Music Maker Apps
    Mobile devices make great instruments.
  • Best Creative Apps
    Channel creative energy with these artistic apps.
  • Best Board Game Apps
    Take these classic games on the go.
  • Top Shooting Game Apps
    Not all shooting games are violent.
  • Free Apps for Kids
    You don't need to spend money for great games.
  • Classic Arcade Game Apps
    The best of the '80s gone mobile.
  • Movie Apps
    Watch movie, get app? Only the good ones.
  • Fun with Food Apps
    Kids love to play with their food.
  • Best Zombie Apps
    Mix a little humor in with your undead.
  • Top Puzzle Apps for Kids
    Mind-bending puzzles to make the brain work.
  • Racing Game Apps
    Mix skill with fantasy in these cool games.
  • Top Time-Management Sims in Apps
    You gotta be quick to win these fast-paced games.
  • Top Sports Games Apps
    When you can't get outside, you can still play sports.
  • Apps for Making Art
    Creative and convenient fun on the go.
  • Best Apps for Kids Ages 15-17
    Our editors' app picks for older teens.
  • Best Apps for Kids Ages 12-14
    Our editors' app picks for young teens.
  • Best Apps for Kids Ages 9-11
    Our editors' app picks for tweens.
  • Best Apps for Kids Ages 5-8
    Our editors' app picks for young kids.
  • Fun Arcade Games Apps for Kids
    Chop, fling, tilt, jump -- and enjoy!
  • Favorite Word Game Apps
    Build vocabulary and have fun too.
  • Best Family Games Mobile Apps
    Fun, play-together games for all ages.

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See what our editors recommend

What we love
  • New Kids' Movies
  • Chapter Books: New York Times Bestsellers
  • PBS Kids Games and More
  • Girls' Dress-Up Games
  • Free Apps for Kids
  • Disney Junior TV
  • Best Wii Games
  • Fitness Games
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  • Best Fairy Tale Movies
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  • Best movies
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