Top 5 Apps of the Week – The “Stellar Apps for Parents and Kids” Edition

Jeez. This week was absolutely chockfull of truly fantastic apps.

We had a hard time narrowing them down to only five.

But thankfully we did! And you can’t go wrong with this list. From gorgeous design and engaging gameplay to quirky challenges and old family favorites, each of these apps can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.

Alright, I’m legitimately excited to share these awesome finds with you.

Let’s get started!

Top 5 Apps of the Week

1. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP - iPad ($4.99) & iPhone ($2.99)

If we could let the whole world know about this app, we would.

Rarely (and possibly never) have we reviewed an app that is of the same mind-blowing caliber as this. We may have described apps as “gorgeous” in the past, but my gosh… we’ve been cruelly misusing the word because the thought and time that has been dedicated to the layout and design of this app is astonishing.

It’s hard to describe what this game actually consists of. There are battles, but I wouldn’t call it an action game and there is a story, but it’s not linear, it unfolds as you explore. It’s a living novel, one where you have to use your brain to progress through the pages and each chapter is built through interactions within the proceeding level.

Honestly, if you have an iPad and you don’t have this app, your life is incomplete.

(And I may or may not, but definitely did download this as my desktop picture. That’s how much I love this app.)

2. Numberlys - iPad & iPhone ($5.99)

Moonbot Studios is making quite the name for themselves, and for good reason.

Their project ““The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” just received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short. And Numberlys doesn’t disappoint in the least.

It’s a new type of digital experience, kind of a hybrid between a movie and an interactive story book. There is quite a bit of learning potential woven into the finely designed fabric of this app. And although it may be geared to a young audience (one that is looking to master their ABCs), parents will still delight in the design and Pixar-like universal appeal of this app.

3. Winter Walk  - Android (Free!)

We love this app because it’s so simple, but incredibly enjoyable.

All you have to do is hold onto your hat.

But there’s somehow so much more. There’s a story that unfolds and adorable little characters that make an appearance. It’s really the little surprising details that make this app delightful. Kids will love it because it’s a cute, easy-to-play little game. But even as grown-ups (kind of), we have to admit that we spent way too much time reviewing this game, and discussing it over and over again in the office as an excellent example of an app that can truly be enjoyed by all ages.

4. Freddi Fish and the Stolen Shell - iPad & iPhone ($2.99)

I used to play this game all the time when I was little. Freddi Fish, MathBlaster and Where in the World in Carmen SanDiego are the main reasons I know anything about critical thinking, math, history and geography. Sadly, this is no joke.

For some reason this little fish makes lessons stick with you.

The app is really just a recreation of the computer game, which is fine by me because I have a soft spot for Freddi and the interactivity of the touch screen lets you interact really well with the content. Kids will love it as a new experience and parents will have fond memories of finding the stolen shell.

5. Fling a Thing - Android & Apple (Free!)

This game makes the list because, although it may not have the same incredibly standapart characteristics of the top four, it’s still a super fun game that can be mindlessly enjoyed by parents and kids.

While Superbrothers is an app you’ll want to dedicate time to in the evenings after work or school, Fling a Thing is the type of game that you use to kill time while waiting for at the dentist’s. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The just-challenging-enough gameplay will keep everyone occupied and entertained for a decent while. Sometimes that’s all you need.