8 Helpful iPad Apps That Make Toddler Life a Heck of a Lot Easier

iTunes
iTunes

Whether you're heading out on a road trip with your mini me in tow or you just need a little help once bedtime rolls around, there's probably an app for that. And while we definitely don't advise plopping your kids in front of a screen for hours on end, sometimes technology has its benefits.

From educational apps that will help your little ones master their ABCs to programs that help your budding artist get creative, these iPad apps designed just for tiny toddler hands will actually make you think twice before shutting off their device. Scroll through to see our favorite picks!

01
PBS Kids Games

PBS Kids Games

Recommended for children 2 to 8 years old, the free PBS Kids Games app lets little ones play educational games and puzzles that feature their favorite characters, like the cast of Sesame Street and Arthur. They'll also get to try solving science-based problems, simple math equations, and more.

02
Nighty Night

Nighty Night

This interactive storybook is geared specifically toward bedtime — which means putting your children to sleep will become a breeze. The Nighty Night app ($3 for Android and iOS) eases toddlers to sleep through adorable animals, sweet lullabies, and narration that will make the Zzzs come easy.

03
The Petting Zoo

The Petting Zoo

There are few things more captivating than a gaggle of 21 animated animals. The Petting Zoo ($3 for Android, $4 for iOS) is chock-full of quirky creatures from elephants to alligators that make for some serious entertainment for developing minds.

04
Press Here: The App

Press Here: The App

This picture-book-turned-app is a favorite among the toddler crowd. Kids get to choose from 15 games and activities in the Press Here: The App ($2 for Android and iOS) that involve moving colorful dots around the screen.

05
Endless Alphabet
iTunes

Endless Alphabet

Toddlers get a superinteractive introduction to their ABCs with the help of some adorable monster friends using Endless Alphabet ($9 on iOS and Android), an app geared toward teaching kiddos to read ASAP. Children will learn to spell over 100 words as well as master their definitions in no time.

06
Dr. Seuss Treasury

Dr. Seuss Treasury

There's nothing better than 50 Dr. Seuss books all in one place. Get his most famous titles sent straight to your iPad via the Dr. Seuss Treasury app (Free seven-day trial on Android and iOS, $15 per quarter, $100 for the whole collection). Now for the real challenge: Hop on Pop or The Lorax first?

07
Peekaboo Barn

Peekaboo Barn

Toddlers can get familiar with all different types of animals and the sounds they make thanks to the Peekaboo Barn app ($2 for iOS only), which lets them explore a barn filled with sweet animals. Kids will learn how to pronounce each creature's name as they pop out to say hello.

08
Artie's Magic Pencil

Artie's Magic Pencil

Designed for kiddos 5 and younger, Artie's Magic Pencil (Free on Android, $3 on iOS) gives Picassos-in-training an intro into the art of doodling. Kids will improve their fine motor skills by tracing simple geometric shapes all while following a playful storyline featuring an adorable character named Artie.