Gender-Neutral Apps

We've all been at our local big-box store shopping for a birthday present and had to decide: girl aisle or boy aisle? There's definitely some crossover, but much of our kids' play experiences are still defined by traditional gender roles. Though it's true that boys and girls are different, it's important to acknowledge the commonalities at the same time as challenging the limits of "blue" and "pink" play. These apps embrace the overlap, employ outside-the-box male and female protagonists, and offer fun for all.

My PlayHome Poster Image
APP

My PlayHome

age 3+

Virtual dollhouse encourages creative play.

My PlayHome Hospital Poster Image
APP

My PlayHome Hospital

age 3+

Playful visit to the hospital can prep for the real thing.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2016)
My PlayHome School Poster Image
APP

My PlayHome School

age 3+

Magical free-play school appeals to a wide audience.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2014)
My PlayHome Stores Poster Image
APP

My PlayHome Stores

age 3+

Kids are encouraged to shop at this virtual plaza.

Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers HD Poster Image
APP

Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers HD

age 3+

Cheerful preschool math app covers wide range of skills.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Kindle Fire (2013)
Toca Kitchen 2 Poster Image
APP

Toca Kitchen 2

age 4+

Open-ended cooking game lets kids play with their food.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2014)
Toca Hair Salon 2 Poster Image
APP

Toca Hair Salon 2

age 5+

More tools, characters, and hair-styling fun in nice sequel.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2013)
Homes by Tinybop Poster Image
APP

Homes by Tinybop

age 6+

Explore homes around the world in impressive detail.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2014)
One Globe Kids - Friends Around the World Poster Image
APP

One Globe Kids - Friends Around the World

age 6+

Stories, beautiful photos help kids build global awareness.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2017)
Roxie's a-MAZE-ing Vacation Adventure Poster Image
APP

Roxie's a-MAZE-ing Vacation Adventure

age 6+

Challenging and fun labyrinths require logical thinking.

Devices: iPad (2011)
Daisy the Dinosaur Poster Image
APP

Daisy the Dinosaur

age 7+

Cute, free coding game covers the basics.

Devices: iPad (2012)
Monument Valley Poster Image
APP

Monument Valley

age 7+

Beautiful, brain-twisting puzzle game.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2014)
GoldieBlox and the Movie Machine Poster Image
APP

GoldieBlox and the Movie Machine

age 8+

Young filmmakers will delight in empowering stop-motion app.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2014)
Hopscotch-Programming for Kids Poster Image
APP

Hopscotch-Programming for Kids

age 9+

Easy-to-use visual tool makes coding fun and social.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2016)
Machinarium Poster Image
APP

Machinarium

age 12+

Challenging robot adventure surprises with touching story.

Devices: iPad (2011)