Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quick offline games for parents and kids to play together.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Sesame Street Family Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
Open the app and read, "Where are you?" Then choose from At Home (in the living room, kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom), Away from Home (outdoors, in a restaurant, shopping, or waiting), or Traveling (in a car, plane, or train/bus or on a walk). Tap on the number of kids playing (from one to four or more). Read the name of the game, the object of the game, and what you need to play. Tap "Play this game" or "Show me another game" to view more relevant choices.
Is It Any Good?
For parents who are looking for an alternative to screen time to keep their kids occupied and learning at home, in the car, or when traveling long distances, this app is simple, old-fashioned fun with a modern tech twist. The games all include a Sesame Street character's endorsement ("Hey, buddy! Ernie has a game for you!"). Kids can learn important skills as they have lots of fun with a mom, dad, or caregiver.
The lists of instructions for the offline games are organized in a very pragmatic way, according to where parents may find themselves with kids in need of something fun to fill time or of bringing some fun to a mundane activity -- bath time, car rides, dinner prep time, and more. The items needed to play games are typical around-the-house stuff, such as cups, balls, stuffed animals, or a bag. SESAME STREET FAMILY PLAY offers lots of ideas for playing real-world games and discovering new ways to interact with your kids to promote learning and banish everyday doldrums anywhere, anytime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Daily transition times in the car, kitchen, or bathtub can be great opportunities for fun activities, such as the games on this app. Try a new one each day to mix things up, or play a favorite one at the same time to create a routine.
Many of the games suggested by Sesame Street Family Play borrow ideas from classic childhood games. What are some other games you remember from your childhood you can introduce to your kids?
Check out the "New on the Street" kid-protected area to read the parent tip of the week, videos, recipes, and more.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , letter or word recognition , Math : numbers
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : decision-making , thinking critically , Communication : listening
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : May 5, 2014
- Genre : Family Games
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Numbers and Letters
- Publisher : Sesame Street
- Version : 1.1.3
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 6.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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