12 Apps That Can Bring Families Together
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Phones and tablets can actually help bring families together as long as you have the right apps. Our friends at Common Sense Media are here to share the best apps to download for some family fun with kiddos and their parents.
So often when family members use devices, it's for a solitary experience. Or, at least, it's not about connecting to people who are actually in the room with you. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way! There are great apps out there that actually encourage bonding, and some help you connect meaningfully with those who might be far away. Whether you're in the mood to get outside, play a game, or bust some moves, check out these apps to create some fun family time. Also, check out apps for collaboration, great sibling play-together games, and the very best movies to watch as a family.
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Ustyme
Age: 3+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Android, Chromebook
Video calls emphasis to shared reading experiences.
Download it here.
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Disney Karaoke: Descendants
Age: 8+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Evil's never been so fun with sing-and-dance-along tunes.
Download it here.
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Kindoma Storytime
Age: 4+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Great app makes long-distance shared reading easy.
Download it here.
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Disney Karaoke: Frozen
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The Game of Life: 2016 Edition
Age: 8+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Classic game takes kids on a speedy 3D adventure.
Download it here.
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KidMix — The Social Network & Playdate Planner for Kids
Age: 8+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Social media scaffolding, playdate planner, fun content.
Download it here.
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Trivia Crack
Age: 11+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Windows Phone
Addictive trivia game with some privacy implications.
Download it here.
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Heads Up!
Age: 7+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Guessing game is family fun with real-world interaction.
Download it here.
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Virtual Geocaching - Xnote
Age: 12+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Send personalized, virtual treasure hunts to any smartphone.
Download it here.
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StoryCorps
Age: 13+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
Capturing and sharing family stories couldn't be easier.
Download it here.
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Geocaching
Age: 14+
Devices: iPhone, Android
Treasure hunt = family fun but not for kids alone.
Download it here.
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Dubsmash
Age: 16+
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Silly lip-synching, shareable fun for older teens.
Download it here.