Tinybeans Pick: Piknik

Piknik Preschool Apps Bundle (Ages 2-11)

With thousands—yep, thousands—of activities, our favorite characters, and new content every month, it’s no wonder Piknik is our pick (no pun intended) for the best kids’ and preschool app bundle out there. This bundle of 8 complete apps (for the price of what we often pay for just one) keeps up with your kiddos’ ever-evolving interests, spanning games, math puzzles, creativity projects, speech practice, printables, and a ton more. Piknik is designed for kids 2-10 years old (with no ads!), so the whole crew can play their way (for just one price). It also inludes family sharing across Apple and Android devices, plus it’s available offline—just download and go.

Right now, you can snag your free 1-month trial of the Piknik Unlimited Plan with—8 apps for the price of 1—and a 25% discount (regularly $11.99, now only $8.99!) on your monthly subscription every month until you decide to cancel!

Piknik Preschool & Kids App Bundle ($11.99)—Download Your Free Trial Here!

More Great Preschool & Kids’ Apps

PBS KIDS Games (Ages 2-8)

Daniel Tiger, Pinkalicious, Wild Kratts, Elmo, and more are all waiting to play with kids 2-8 on the PBS KIDS Games App. Hundreds of free educational games are available to play alongside the characters your little ones will instantly recognize, along with parent rescources for you.

PBS KIDS Games—Download Here!

ABC Mouse (Ages 2-8)

A popular (with both kids and parents!) educational app that grows along with kids, ABC Mouse’s games cover everything from math and reading to science, music, and art. With over 10,000 activities to complete, your kids will learn new things well into elementary school. Try ABC Mouse free for 30 days, then $14.99/mo, or a special annual offer of $45.00/yr until you cancel.

ABC Mouse ($12.99/mo, $59.99/yr)—Download Here!

Khan Academy Kids (Ages 2-8)

Easily one of the best toddler apps you can get for free, Khan Academy Kids includes everything from academic basics to social-emotional learning through games and activities. It even teaches kids the importance of exercise and the fun of doing it with dance breaks and yoga videos.

Khan Academy Kids—Download Here!

Starfall (Pre-K-5th Grade)

Starfall has been around for a long time (since 2002!) and remains a staple as one of the best kids and preschool apps. Through colorful graphics and games, your littles can begin learning and recognizing letters and sounds, then move up as they grow, all thr way to 5th grade.

Starfall (Free-$71.88/yr)—Download Here!

Monkey Preschool Learning (Ages 2-6)

Since the launch of Monkey Preschool Learning’s first preschool geared app—Monkey Preschool Lunchbox—their apps have evolved into a full collection of goodies that support ABCs, counting, logic, biology, geography, and math concepts for even the littlest kids. They’re chockful of colors and fun monkeys (of course) that keep young learners totally engaged.

Monkey Preschool Learning ($1.99+)—Download Here!

Sesame Street (Ages 2-5)

We’d never leave out Sesame Street! The collection of apps and ebooks covers everything Sesame Street does best: numbers, letters, art, games, and lots of learning with iconic friends.

Sesame Street—Download Here!

My Very Hungry Caterpillar (Ages 2-5)

It starts with a tiny egg, and as your littles feed him, play with him, and tuck him in for a nap, they’ll be developing nurturing skills and a love of nature. Plus, the My Very Hungry Caterpillar App is pretty darn cute.

My Very Hungry Caterpillar—Download Here!

Duck Duck Moose (Ages 2-12)

Duck Duck Moose partnered with Khan Academy to create a full curriculum of apps for ages 2-10, spanning reading, math, spelling, music, and more. Education, play, and creative expression are all covered, and the collection grows with your kiddos, so you’ll always have a go-to.

Duck Duck Moose—Download Here!

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• Between 18 and 24 months, screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
• For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on weekend days.

Instead of beating ourselves up for allowing our kids to watch a show, speech-language pathologist Moira Chrzanowski suggests that we take the opportunity to help our little ones develop their language skills. “For the most part in that zero to five age range, verbal language skills should be your top priority as far as education goes, and that includes listening and speaking skills.”

@rooted.in.language

Don’t come at me, Bluey fans! #rootedinlanguage #parenting #toddlertips #speech #languagedevelopment #learningtotalk #learningwords #firstwords #screentime #slp #speechtherapist #speechdelay #speechtips #parentingtips #toddlerparents #peppapig #danieltiger #msrachel

♬ original sound – Nintendo – Nintendo

Some shows do a much better job at teaching these skills, Chrzanowski explains on her TikTok account @rooted.in.language. “When choosing media that’s going to be high quality for your kid, you need to intentionally choose based on what’s age appropriate that hits that zone of proximal development… that means they’re actually able to engage and learn, not [something] that’s way above their head so they disengage and become passive listeners.”

These are the three shows she recommends and why they are so great:

1. Miss Rachel: “She expertly employs a parentese, child-directed style of speaking. She specifically targets the articulation of speech sounds and vocabulary building. She shamelessly exploits the power of song and repetition to great effect, and she explicitly teaches vocabulary and scripts for functional social routines and common activities—things like getting dressed for different weather, bedtime, playground play, going to the zoo, going to a birthday party. All of these strategies target big, complex skills and target them well, making her show the ‘chef’s kiss’ for having an actual impact on language development,” Chrzanowski says.
2. Peppa Pig: “What I like about Peppa is the short and relatable story arcs, shorter than Bluey. Yes. Bluey episodes aren’t long, but they’re too long for a lot of two-year-olds. And a lot of the Bluey topics are complex, which mostly go over a two-year-old’s head and therefore don’t hold their attention,” Chrzanowski explains. “Peppa Pig episodes are under five minutes long. They’re simple, they’re happy, they’re the kind of plots a two-year-old can begin to follow… The best part about Peppa Pig for building language skills is the slow rate of speech. The dialogue and narration in Peppa Pig is noticeably slower than your average rate of speech.”
3. Daniel Tiger: “The best feature of Daniel Tiger is its use of short repeated songs to address daily feelings, problems, and experiences. I’m talking [about] little ditties that are 10 seconds or less. Each little melody surrounds a particular theme and is repeated frequently across a single episode,” Chrzanowski says. “This aspect of Daniel Tiger is the main reason I find it so effective for building language skills—because it hits two key checkpoints for language learning: memory and motivation. Memorable because of the short, repetitive, catchy tunes a lot like commercial jingles. Motivating because the topics are highly relevant and immediately applicable to toddlers’ little lives.

So there you have it! The next time you need to pull out a screen, cut yourself some slack and remember that you’re helping them become better communicators in every way possible.

1. The Wild Life

In this animated telling of Robinson Crusoe, the protagonist is shipwrecked on a desert island with his trustworthy dog Aynsley. Upon the shore, a group of animals befriends them and the adventures begin. The group battles pirates and deals with some seriously vengeful cats trying to destroy life on the island. While there is some minor violence (pirates throwing knives, Crusoe being bitten by a cat), overall it's a fun kid-friendly free movie on YouTube.

Best for ages: 6 and up.

Watch it here. 

2. Snow Queen

Before there was Frozen, there was Snow Queen. A more direct take on Hans Cristian Andersen's iconic tale, a young girl named Greta must battle the evil queen and rescue her friend in this free movie for kids on YouTube.

Best for ages: 6 and up.

Watch it here. 

3. A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures

Always a good pick for kids, this charming tale about a baby sea turtle braving the perils of the ocean deep is a lot of fun. After hatching in 1959, Sammy travels the world for 50 years, picking up friends and having exciting adventures along the way. 

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here. 

4. Pixies

Thanks to a Pixie's curse, Joe Beck has lost the love of his life, and now he needs to right a wrong from many years ago to end the curse.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here. 

5. Thomas & the Magic Railroad

Train lovers will love this live-action version of the iconic engine and friends. Mr. Conductor's (Alec Baldwin) supply of gold dust is critically low, and he needs the help of Lily, the granddaughter of a caretaker in charge of a magical steam engine, and Thomas the Train. They leave the imaginary island of Sodor and head to the real world to find more and meet the trouble-making Deisel Engine 10 along the way.  

Best for ages: 4 and up. 

Watch it here. 

Related: 15 Free Full-Length Kids’ TV Shows on YouTube

6. The Reef 

In this sweet free kids' movie on YouTube, a young fish named Pi loses everything and heads to the Reef and his family. There he meets a beautiful fish trying to ward off the affections of a bully shark. Will Pi save the day? 

Best for ages: 4 and up. 

Watch it here. 

7. White Lion

Older kids will appreciate this gorgeous film about a young African boy who befriends a white lion cub before embarking on an epic adventure. The film uses beautiful real-life nature footage to tell its story. Consequently, expect sad scenes depicting the cruelty that the infamous "circle of life" imparts. 

Best for ages: 10 and up. 

Watch it here. 

8. Ribbit

This free movie for kids on YouTube is about a frog who doesn't enjoy water or jumping and wishes he could be like other animals in the rainforest. So, he sets off with his best friend, a flying squirrel, to discover his true self. 

Best for ages: 6 and up. 

Watch it here. 

9. March of the Dinosaurs

Calling all budding paleontologists! This animated docu/drama is set in North America during the Cretaceous Period and follows a young Edmontosaurus named Scar as he and his herd migrate south for the winter, as well as a Trodon, who stays put in the frigid North. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the action, although young kids might be scared when mega meat eaters Gorgosaurus and Albertosaurus make their entrance. 

Best for ages: 7 and up. 

Watch it here.

10. Quest for Camelot

What do you get when an adventurous girl, a blind hermit, and a silly two-headed dragon team up to find the sword Excalibur in hopes of saving King Arthur and Camelot? A journey through the Enchanted Forest filled with danger, bravery, and laughs. Will they get the sword to King Arthur in time to foil evil Sir Ruber's plan? 

Best for ages: 6 and up. 

Watch it here. 

11. Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon

Pushok the Dog's dad is in trouble! The adventurous canine teenager blasts off into outer space aboard a US spaceship with his furry friends to find his astronaut father, and he meets up with all sorts of characters along the way, including a macho monkey and a baby alien. Against all odds, Pushok and his friends save the day and learn about the power of teamwork along the way. Best for ages: 5 and up. Watch it here.

12. Jumbo

An adorable film about an elephant named Jumbo who prepares for the local spelling be with his jungle friends. There's plenty of spelling happening, so the kids might pick up a word or two! Best for ages: 4 and up. Watch it here.

13. Halo Legends

Based on the popular video game, this free movie on YouTube for teens expands into the Halo universe with seven origin stories. Best for ages: 13 and up. Watch it here. 

14. Bunyan and Babe

While on a visit to their grandparents, two young kids, Travis and Whitney, discover a greedy land developer's sinister plot for a Minnesota town. When Travis falls through a magic portal, he meets the mythical Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. The unlikely team faces minor peril, and has plenty of unforgettable adventures, but will they be able to save the town in time? Best for ages: 7 and up. Watch it here.

15. Air Buddies 

In this sixth film from the Air Buds film franchise, Molly and Buddy have puppies! The little ones also have sports skills and use them to save their parents when they're dog-napped. Get ready for lots of antics and plenty of laughs. Best for ages: 5 and up. Watch it here.

16. Tad: The Lost Explorer

Tad is a construction worker by day, but dreams of being a famous archeologist by night. He gets his chance when he's mistaken for a professor and sent to look for a lost Incan city of gold. He meets up with Professor Lavrof and his beautiful daughter Sara, who are waiting for the famous professor to crack the code, but things don't go exactly as planned. Will he find the lost city and win Sara's heart? Best for ages: 6 and up. Watch it here.

Related: 40 YouTube Channels Just for Kids

17. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Fairy tale-loving tots will want to sing along with this 1965 version of the classic story. With minimalist sets and tons of musical numbers, this Cinderella feels more like watching a stage show than a movie—so don't go in expecting special effects. But anyone who loves the story of the cinder girl who finds her prince will be all in.

Best for ages: 5 and up.

Watch it here.

18. Mee-Shee the Water Giant

When some important machinery belonging to an oil company is lost in Canada, a man and his son have to cancel their trip to Disney to find the missing machinery. But they find an adventure they couldn't have expected when they discover a legendary sea creature.

Best for ages: 7 and up.

Watch it here.

19. The Stolen Princess 

Set in the magical age of kings, princesses, and knights, in this fun Ukrainian animated film, Ruslan, a traveling artist who dreams of becoming a knight, meets the beautiful Mila, not knowing she's the daughter of a king. When the evil sorcerer Chernomor steals her away, Ruslan sets out to rescue his true love and prove that real love is stronger than magic. 

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here.

20. Akeelah and the Bee

A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here.

21. Ice Princess

Awkward teen Casey Carlyle has always dreamed of being a champion figure skater, but she's got a tough mom who insists she heads to a top university instead. Casey refuses to give up on the chance to be like the other skaters she sees at the rink. With the help of her coach, the cute boy who drives the Zamboni, and a lot of heart, Casey goes for the gold. 

Best for ages: 8 and up.

Watch it here. 

 

According to Common Sense Media, nearly half of kids (42%) have a phone by age 10. That number jumps to 71% by age 12 and 91% by age 14—with most parents admitting that they give their kids a phone for safety reasons.

But that doesn’t mean kids need an all-access pass! As parents get more and more savvy about the dangers of technology for kids, cell phone-makers are stepping up, making more specialized parental controls and specialized phones to keep kids safe.

So, whether you’re leaning toward an old-fashioned flip phone or a smartphone with built-in safeguards, here are our top picks for the best cell phones and phone watches for kids.

Best Phone for Monitoring (and Limiting) Your Child’s Screen Time: The Bark Phone

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Unsurprisingly, the makers of one of the leading parental control apps have designed a phone with all those controls pre-loaded, giving parents full oversight of their child’s experience.

The Android smartphone (it’s a Samsung Galaxy, in case your kids care) is outfitted with all of Bark’s parental controls, a customizable array of settings that can be as strict or loose as you want them—from being able to “pause” all functions of your kid’s phone at the tap of a button (even when your child isn’t with you) to being able to set specific time limits for apps. Like any “regular” Android smartphone, kids can download apps from the Google Play Store, pending parent or guardian approval.

It also notifies you of any problematic behavior. Parents will love that the Bark app sends timely notifications if any messages, posts, or searches contain references to drugs, porn, bullying, and other potential concerns.

Bark Phone Pros:
– An extensive parental controls dashboard allows parents to limit apps, screen time, and downtime hours.
– The “Pause” button is great for turning kids “off” when needed (i.e., at dinner or bedtime).
– Screen time can be set for individual apps or for “all apps” as a whole.
– Parents can approve (or deny) a child’s contacts.
– Parents are notified of any potentially concerning texts, posts, or searches (i.e. bullying, pornography, strangers contacting kids, or drugs).
– GPS location monitoring is more accurate than other phones we tested.
– The geofencing option lets you know when your child leaves or arrives in a certain area.
– It’s difficult for even tech-savvy kids to bypass parental controls.

Bark Phone Cons:
– The monthly service fee, which covers both cell phone service and monitoring, is expensive compared to some other phones.
– The parental controls can be confusing and hard to navigate.
– Kids may get frustrated that they can’t load certain apps (like those specific to iPhones, for instance).
– Bark’s basic data plan has a 4 GB limit that will be used up quickly by most kids.
– While Bark will monitor posts and messages and notify you of concerning activity, it doesn’t always catch content within social media apps (sketchy near-naked video content on TikTok, for instance, may slip through).
– Bark uses its own network, so you can’t add the phone to your existing cell phone plan.

Cost: The phone is free from Bark.us when you sign up for a monthly plan; monthly plans start at $59/month for 4GB of data per month.
Online: Bark.us.

Best Zero-Internet Phone: The Gabb Phone 4

The Gabb phone is the perfect “first phone” for kids who can handle having a phone instead of a watch (I.e., they’re not going to leave it at school or a playground the first week of using it). Sleek and straightforward, Gabb uses a modified Android smartphone to give kids calling and texting capabilities—as well as “smart message filtration and GPS tracking”—without internet, gaming or social media features.

Kids will love the way it looks and feels (you’d never know it wasn’t a “real phone,” says our tester); parents will love that their kids can’t do much more than use it to communicate. The phone comes only with preloaded “essential” apps like Gabb messenger and a calculator, with “optional” apps that parents can add including chess and solitaire.

Gabb Phone Pros:

– The phone comes without an internet browser, app store, video games, or social media apps.
– Parents can set approved contacts, and the phone automatically blocks most spam calls.
– The simple interface offers only a few options: Calling, texting, music (with Gabb’s curated “clean” music library), camera, calculator, voice recorder, calendar, and clock (with stopwatch/ timer).
– Includes GPS location tracking with location updates.
– Kid-safe messaging uses smart filtration to flag all high-risk content or block incoming explicit images or video.
– “Locate Phone” function plays a sound on the phone to help your child find the phone when it’s lost in your home.
– No Internet, streaming video, or app store.
– The 13-megapixel camera is good for a low-cost phone.

Gabb Phone Cons:

– Parents can’t block the use of the phone at certain hours.
– Kids (especially tweens and teens) may balk at the idea of a phone that doesn’t do much more than call or text.
– Doesn’t work with your existing cell phone carriers; users must use Gabb wireless.
– May not appeal to older kids who want more features.

Cost: $100 for phone plus $18 for monthly service.
Online: Gabb.com

Best Phone for Giving Your Kids Apps… but Not “Those Apps”: Pinwheel Phone

Billing itself as a “phone that grows up with your child,” the Pinwheel may be the best of both worlds for your little techie: It has tons of apps for your kid to peruse—but “approved” apps are only the ones deemed educational or enriching by Pinwheel’s team of curators. (Parents can allow other apps, but Pinwheel vets them and categorizes them into tiers so you know how harmful they might be for your child).

“Using a phone as entertainment doesn’t set kids up well for success,” said Pinwheel’s “Chief Mom” Shelley Delayne. “Using it as a tool to help manage their life, using it for communication, using it to learn new skills—those benefit a kid.”

That means YES to Kindle, Chess, and Scratch, and NO to TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Parents are given the control to pick and choose from the more than 250 curated apps and decide which—if any—should be available on their child’s device.

Pinwheel PhonePros:
– Parents can add Pinwheel’s curated library of about 1,200 apps to their child’s phone as they deem appropriate (or have no apps at all!).
– No access to the Internet, social media, or an app store.
– Parents can monitor text and call history as well as approve contacts.
– Parents can set time limits for phone use (such as turning it off during school hours or at bedtime).
– Pinwheel comes in several sleek designs, including a Pixel 8A, which will help kids “buy in” to the idea of the phone.
– You can see your child’s text messages and call history.
– GPS tracking and geofencing can keep digital tabs on your child.
– The phone can be added to your plan with most major cell phone carriers.

Pinwheel Phone Cons:
– The parental controls app is a bit confusing.
– Older kids may still resent the fact they can’t use social media or games of their choosing.
– Some loopholes may allow kids to get onto the internet (via links sent in e-mail, for instance).
– Depending on which phone model you choose (the Pixel 8A is $599, for instance), it can be more expensive than other “kid phones.”

Cost: Phones vary, with models starting at $99 (plus $17.99 a month for a Pinwheel subscription and whatever your carrier charges for an added phone line).
Online: Pinwheel.com

Best Flip Phone: TCL Flip Phone

If you want to make calls like it’s 1999, this is the phone for you. While we didn’t try this one ourselves, it topped the New York Times’ list for the ”Best First Phones for Kids.”

Mostly, that’s because it doesn’t let your kid do much more besides call and text—so if basic communication is your goal, this flip phone will check those boxes. It also has a basic camera and (limited, slow) access to the internet, so your kid can get online if they want to. That said, if you were of phone-owning age in the nineties, you’ll remember that typing anything via a numeric keypad was seriously not fun. Your kid will agree.

TCL Flip Phone Pros:
– Your kid won’t be able to do much more than make calls or text.
– No apps.
– There’s a basic camera.
– It’s cheap.
– Long battery life.
– Your kid will look totally retro! (Obviously, this is probably not a “pro” for your kid).

TCL Flip Phone Cons:
– No parental controls mean that you can’t track your child’s location, manage contacts, or monitor messages and calls.
– Group texts are virtually impossible for your kids to join (this may be a “pro” for you, but not for your kid).
– You can’t block spam or unknown calls.
– While it is slow and hard to access, your child can still use an internet browser on this phone.
– Some models (the Flip Pro) have an external SOS button, which is useful for teens, while younger kids may accidentally press the button.

Cost: There are several models (many are sold out online or hard to find); prices start at around $29.
Online: TCL.com

Best Phone Watch for Younger Kids (5-11): Verizon Gizmo Watch 3

This cute little watch is fun and colorful for kids to wear, and little kids will love that it has simple games and a step counter. Parents will love that it has accurate GPS tracking, easy geofencing (so they can be notified when a child leaves or arrives at a set area), and parental controls that make it impossible for kids to access the internet or contact anyone except pre-approved contacts. Some models also have rudimentary cameras, which is a bonus or a detriment, depending on your preference.

Gizmo Watch Pros:
– Only $10 per month.
– Only parent-approved contacts can call or text your child’s watch,
– The watch can’t access any internet content.
– Easy to use, with a handful of simple games like Tic Tac Toe and “Gizmo Says” (which is like Simon Says).
– Kids can send emojis or preset messages, including “When are you picking me up?” or “I love you.”
– Some models come with a camera (this can be a pro or a con, depending on your comfort level).
– Accurate GPS and geofencing.
– Parents can fill out Medical ID information via the app, which will be displayed via a widget on the phone.

Gizmo Watch Cons:

– You have to use the Gizmo app to send and receive text messages with your child, which is cumbersome.
– You must also open the app to track your child’s location (and we found that the location didn’t update as quickly as we would have liked).
– Certain functions (like the step counter and geofencing abilities) can drain the battery life.
– It can be hard for kids to hear you via the watch speaker (though to be fair, this is true for all phone watches).
– No music player.
– You can only get the phone with a Verizon plan (though you can open a dedicated account for the watch if you’re not already a customer).

Cost: $149 plus $10 per month added to your cellular plan.
Online: Verizon.com

Best Phone Watch for Younger Kids (Runner-Up): The Bark Watch

We love Bark—and its newly-released watch is a great little gadget for parents who want to track their kids’ whereabouts or use Bark’s extensive parental controls to monitor text messages. It has super-fast and accurate GPS-tracking, easy-to-use audio texting (tap-texting is not easy), and a basic camera younger kids will enjoy.

Bark Watch Pros:
– It’s lightweight and easy for kids to wear.
– No apps or internet access make it a good choice for kids under 10.
– Bark’s parental control app lets parents track location, set approved contacts, and monitor text messages.
– Geofencing options notify parents when and if their child leaves a set area.
– Bark parental controls can pause the watch or set screen time limits for messaging and calls.
– Parents are notified of any concerning text messages.
– There’s an SOS button on the side of the phone in case of emergencies.

Bark Watch Cons:

– Limited options may make it easy for kids to navigate (there’s not even a calculator) but may leave some kids underwhelmed.
– In addition to the side SOS button, Bark also lists 911 in the kids’ contacts list. This makes it way too easy for little fingers to accidentally call or text emergency services. (On my sample phone, for instance, 911 was listed right below “Mommy,” and the first time my daughter tried to text me, she instead texted a 911 operator, who told my daughter to “Stop playing with 911”).
– The watch has no step or activity counter, which would be a nice feature for parents who want to encourage physical fitness.
– Bark uses its own network, so you can’t add the watch to your existing cell phone plan.

Cost: $169 plus $15 per month plan.
Online: Bark.us/bark-watch

Best Phone Watch for Older Kids: Apple Watch SE GPS With Cellular

If you’ve got a tween and can afford an Apple watch, it’s a great option. After all, while the Apple Watch has a slew of app options, there’s not much social media browsing that can be done on a 1.5-inch screen, and the watch has no camera for your budding TikTokker to film herself doing who-knows-what. It’s also got a higher approval and reliability rating online than any of the kid-watches out there.

It’s not cheap, of course—which matters if your child is prone to leaving things behind. But it’s a great gadget with a number of fun apps that kids can use without becoming zombies to their screens. Plus, if you’re an Apple family, you can use Apple’s Screen Time features to disable various apps of your choosing.

Apple Watch SE Pros:
– They’re reliable and work with all major carriers.
– Parents can use Apple Screen Time to pause the device, set screen time hours, limit explicit content, and restrict apps and contacts.
– Kids won’t be as reluctant to use it since it’s not a “kiddish” watch and appeals to adults as well.
– If you’re an Apple family, it’s easy to track your kid’s location.
– Apple Watch’s activity rings can track your child’s steps and overall fitness.
– Optional Apple Care (which costs $49 for two years) will repair or replace your child’s watch if it breaks (though it doesn’t cover lost watches).
– Newer model Apple watches are waterproof, which is helpful, especially at crowded waterparks and beaches.
– Apple’s Screen Time settings can pause the watch, limit contacts, block callers, and set screen time.
– The watch’s cell phone number can eventually be transferred to a phone.

Apple Watch SE Cons:
– It’s expensive, starting at $299.
– The watch may have too many options and controls to easily navigate, and may be distracting.
– It’s hard to block spam texts and calls.
– Screen time settings can glitch, giving kids the ability to access inappropriate content on their watches.
– It can be difficult to block or limit group texts.
– Parents can’t see messages their child receives
– Since this is an adult device, it takes some tech-savvy to successfully navigate Apple’s Screen Time controls. Similarly, tech-savvy kids can find loopholes.

Cost: $299
Online: Apple.com

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And then I discovered something that 100 million families worldwide had already caught onto: Lingokids! Even though I was late to the game, I was pumped. It’s the #1 early learning app for kids aged 2-8, using more than 1,600 engaging and fun activities to low-key teach important life skills. Toddlers can easily interact with the many games, videos, digital books, and songs, while bigger kiddos will barely realize how much they’re brushing up on their math and reading skills. One of the things that caught my eye was how inclusivity and kindness are themes that run throughout their well-rounded programming. After all, today’s kids need engineering and empathy; reading and resilience; math fluency and mindfulness. And Lingokids delivers all of that and more, so kids can thrive in an ever-changing world.

When I find something I love, I can’t wait to tell every parent I know! So here are six reasons I fell for Lingokids.

Your Kiddo Calls the Shots

The app’s unique Playlearning approach lets children choose their own adventure as they navigate the Lingokids universe independently—and parents never have to worry that they’ll see something they shouldn’t while moving between activities, games, songs, and books. Plus, let’s be honest, kids love any opportunity to be in control.

A Well-Rounded Curriculum (But Make it Fun!)

Kiddos love the adorable cast of Lingokids characters, and their parents love how much they actually learn from those little critters like Billy and Elliot. On the surface it’s all fun and games, but there’s a solid curriculum of interactive learning adventures that teach math, literacy, science, arts, and more—and even get kids moving. It’s the perfect blend of traditional and modern skill-building that engages and motivates kids around the globe.

Over 1,600 Activities to Level Up Learning

Like so many kids, mine learn best when they’re fully engaged, and with more than 1,600 fun, expertly designed activities curated by the Lingokids education team and Oxford University press it was pretty much guaranteed that they’d find ones they love. They’ll keep your littles immersed for hours, grow their curiosity, and get them excited about the world around them. Plus, there are even “together games” where parents and kids team up and you can help them learn important skills while having fun together.

More than Just an App

Lingokids and its universe of captivating and colorful characters are everywhere your kids want to be. From the app to award-winning podcasts and new original content every month on YouTube, your child will love exploring and learning with Baby Bot, Cowy, Billy, Lisa, and Elliot. The hardest part will be choosing their favorite!

Parents Won’t Feel Left Out

Lingokids has an entire section devoted to parents. From great off-device ideas like scavenger hunts to parenting tips on how to foster essential life skills like personal hygiene, there was even a place for me—and the kid-friendly recipe tutorials totally got my two helping in the kitchen! No matter your age, Lingkids has a way of turning even the most boring activities into pure fun.

Ad-Free & Super Safe

Last but certainly not least, you can feel confident that your kids are safe cruising around the Lingokids app. The platform is advertising-free and there’s no way for children to veer into inappropriate territory (no YouTube-style rabbit holes here!). So, sit back and relax while they scroll.

Ready to try it for yourself and see what all the hype is about? Our friends at Lingokids are offering a free 7-day trial when you sign up. Plus, leading up to the Holidays, Tinybeans families will receive a 30% discount on a one-month subscription with code TINYBEANS30.

The Snack Town All-Stars

Join in on the fun with Banana, Apple, Orange, and, Grape. These animated healthy snacks sing fun songs about eating good foods and there are even soothing lullabies for naptime. One of the most popular videos is Stay Healthy Shake, which encourages kids to get up and move. We love this for the times when you need a quick 15 minutes.

Blippi

With his orange glasses, suspenders, and bowtie, Blippi has taken the toddler world by storm. His educational content teaches young kids about everything from colors to numbers. Blippi’s whimsical and exaggerated mannerisms and the simple-to-follow lessons are brought to life with age-appropriate props and backgrounds. This not only appeals to toddlers but also keeps them engaged and entertained while they are learning.

PBS Kids

The PBS Kids YouTube channel offers loads of educational and engaging content for toddlers, including access to full episodes of shows like Pinkalicious and Arthur. Your tots will love the simple animation in Peep and the Big Wide World, which teaches kids simple science concepts as their favorite newly hatched chicken explores the world with his friends (a robin and a duck). 

Sesame Street

This YouTube channel features episodes from the long-running, award-winning children’s show. The compilations and themed content around important holidays and events are not only educational but interactive, too. Toddlers will love seeing all their favorite Sesame Street characters from Elmo to Grover sing and dance. With over 23 million subscribers, the YouTube channel is as popular as the show many parents grew up with and are now eager to share with their own children. 

Related: Movies for Toddlers That Aren’t Too Scary (and Will Hold Their Attention)

Gabby & Friends 

After revealing a surprise, real-life girl Gabby grabs her stuffed cat and says a few magical words. She then becomes a tiny animated figure who goes on adventures in her amazing dollhouse. Kids can watch full episodes of the Netflix show, Gabby’s Dollhouse, on the YouTube channel. They can also enjoy videos of simple crafts, songs, and educational content like learning the colors of the rainbow. Parents can enjoy some special bonding time with their toddlers during the crafting videos because young kids won’t be able to do these by themselves. 

Ms. Rachel Songs for Littles

With over 11 million subscribers, Ms. Rachel’s soothing and melodious voice provides toddlers with lessons on letters, sounds, and numbers. The preschool teacher was inspired to create her channel after her own son was diagnosed with a speech delay. With a special focus on language development, Miss Rachel focuses on providing kids with an interactive experience they can follow along with. Her puppet sidekicks Herbie and Georgie also grab kids’ attention.

Danny Go!

According to the website, this YouTube channel is geared toward kids from 2-7. With catchy and fun songs like The Dinosaur Dance and Fire and Ice Freeze Dance, Danny Go! encourages kids to get moving by showing them simple dance moves they can easily do. There are a cast of regular characters like Mindy Mango, Tiny Danny, and scientist Pap Pap who provide movement breaks and educational lessons against colorful and engaging backgrounds. 

Super Simple Songs

This YouTube channel with more than 42 million subscribers appeals to toddlers with its simple and classic songs. Many videos feature old-school puppets or animated characters that will entertain and engage kids who will love singing and dancing along. From classic nursery rhymes like Humpty Dumpty to age-old songs like Skidamarink, this channel will keep your toddler on their toes. 

CoComelon

With musical repetition and bright colors, this channel is perfect for toddlers. The repetition helps them to build their vocabulary and acquire early literacy skills with the use of nursery rhymes and songs. CoComelon also teaches toddlers about colors and numbers, and provides other important life lessons.

The Learning Station

This channel is fun and educational, focusing on everything from early literacy development to social and emotional learning. One of the most popular songs, Herman the Worm, has racked up 150 million views. Kids love the simple melody and silliness factor of the goofy song. 

Related: 41 Giggle-Inducing Jokes for Toddlers

Storyline Online

This literacy program features some of the most popular and entertaining celebrities reading kids’ books. Presented by the SAG-AFTRA foundation, kids will love the lively reading where celebs do a variety of voices and get truly animated. Parents may want to watch alongside their kids to see celebrities from Oprah to Jennifer Garner. In one particularly enticing entry, the late, great Betty White reads Harry the Dirty Dog.

Now streaming exclusively on Peacock, this fourth installment delivers all the charm they’ve come to know and love about the franchise. There’s a ton of action and heart, more iconic Jack Black humor, and, of course, all the incredible food (you’re in for some late-night dumpling and noodle cravings, trust us).

Whether your kids can recite all the lines in the first three movies by heart or you’re introducing them to Po for the first time, Kung Fu Panda 4 promises a fun-filled night. So round up your favorite snacks, pile onto the couch, and get ready for the latest epic adventure.

Here are a few details about why you need to watch Kung Fu Panda 4 (that’ll get you pumped up for your family’s Peacock movie night!), from a whole new set of challenges and life lessons to fresh pals and villains!

1. A new adventure unfolds in a brand-new place.

Po has a new destiny, and it’s one he never anticipated: He must find a new hero to replace him as the Dragon Warrior so he can step into his ultimate role as the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace.

Not yet ready to give up “something he’s finally good at,” Po goes on one final mission to kick butt before he meets his days of workshopping proverbs. He teams up with Zhen, a quick-witted fox with sticky fingers, to save his home and Juniper City, a big city he’s never traveled to (think NYC in the land of Kung Fu Panda).

The duo is put to the test as they uncover the truth behind mysterious sightings of villains Po had previously vanquished—including the ferocious Tai Lung!—and come face-to-face with The Chameleon, a wicked, shape-shifting sorceress.

Through unexpected twists and turns, Po learns the true meaning of bravery and leadership as he finds new allies and discovers that heroes can emerge from the most unlikely places.

2. It’s packed with key lessons for both kids & adults.

At its core, the Kung Fu Panda franchise never fails to inspire kids to be courageous and believe in themselves, but film number four is taking the life lessons to a relatable level. As Po faces the reality of his true destiny, he learns to embrace change and the new responsibilities that come with it—a perfect reminder as the school year ends (and some welcome inspiration when kiddos return to school!).

The movie also highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, and doing the right thing, showing that when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle. Parent tip: Have a family chat about the film’s lessons after streaming the movie on Peacock.

3. Expect humor that parents will appreciate, too.

What’s a Jack Black movie without his trademark quick-witted humor? Kung Fu Panda 4 is loaded with jokes, from Po’s hilarious antics to his banter with Master Shifu. Like all the films in the franchise, there’s no shortage of moments that’ll leave you in stitches.

Watch the closing credits for an awesome rendition of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time” sung ever-so-perfectly by Jack Black himself. And if you have any budding performers in your crew, we recommend turning this moment into a fun sing-along.

4. There’s all the nostalgia.

Longtime fans will appreciate seeing Master Shifu, Po’s loving, adoptive dad Mr. Ping, Po’s biological father, Li Shan, and a quick cameo from the Furious Five. But we have a feeling your kids will also love the bad guys, and this installation brings back more than 15 years’ worth of Kung Fu Panda villains (seriously, where did the time go?). Think the fierce leopard Tai Lung, the menacing leucistic Indian peacock Lord Shen, and the powerful African buffalo General Kai.

5. The characters are voiced by a star-studded cast.

Kung Fu Panda 4 boasts an incredible lineup of talent, bringing both new and familiar characters to life with remarkable voice performances. In his fourth go as Po, Jack Black infuses the character with his unique blend of humor and heart that audiences of all ages can root for.

Awkwafina, who voices Zhen, brings sharp comedic timing and vibrant energy to make this new character an exciting addition to the story. Viola Davis also joins the cast as The Chameleon, with a commanding and menacing tone, along with Ke Huy Quan as Han, Ronny Chieng as Fish, and Lori Tan Chinn as Granny Boar.

Dustin Hoffman is also back as the wise and disciplined Master Shifu, alongside Bryan Cranston, who reprises his role as Li Shan, James Hong as Mr. Ping, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung.

Watch Kung Fu Panda 4 to enjoy Po’s latest adventure from the comfort of your home. And if your family needs a little refresher on all the events that have taken place in the Valley of Peace (you’re not alone), you can catch all four films from the franchise, streaming now on Peacock—talk about a perfect movie marathon night!

Need ideas on how to create an awesome movie night at home while you stream the film? Check out our latest video for fun ways to have a Kung Fu Panda 4 watch party.

This article is a paid partnership between Tinybeans and Peacock, in connection with the release of ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ on Peacock.

What is the Glow App?

Glow is more than just an app; it’s a 4-app collection that works as a comprehensive tool designed to support you from the early days of trying to conceive, through pregnancy, and well into the parenting journey. Whether you’re tracking fertility, monitoring a pregnancy, or looking for guidance with your little one’s milestones, Glow has got you covered. Glow’s family of 4 apps is with you every step of the way.

The Glow App Family

The Glow Apps are each designed for every stage of parenting. Track your fertility and focus on conceiving with Glow, stay on top of your health during pregnancy with Glow Nurture, get insights into taking care of yourself and your newborn with Glow Baby, and track menstrual cycles and learn about regulating your cycle with Eve by Glow.

Our recommendation? Opt for Glow Premium, the subscription that gives you access to all 4 apps’ premium features! Plus, get 20% off the Glow Premium yearly plan with code TINYBEANS20!

Why You’ll Love It

Personalized Insights & Tips

Glow offers tailored insights and advice based on your unique data. From ovulation predictions to personalized pregnancy tips, it’s like having a personal health guru in your pocket.

Community Support

Parenting can sometimes feel isolating, but with Glow, you're never alone. The Glow Community features vibrant forums where you can connect with other parents, share experiences, and get advice. You're essentially part of a 24/7 virtual support group.

Comprehensive Tracking

Glow’s tracking capabilities are seriously impressive. For those trying to conceive, it tracks your cycles and predicts fertile windows. During pregnancy, it monitors everything from your baby’s development to your symptoms. And once your little one arrives, it helps you keep track of feedings, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones.

Expert Resources

Glow provides access to a wealth of expert articles, covering topics from fertility health to baby care. Whether you're looking for breastfeeding tips or sleep training advice, Glow's got the answers you need.

Our Favorite Glow Features

Fertility Tracker: For those on the journey to parenthood, Glow’s advanced fertility tracker uses data to predict ovulation and fertile windows, helping you understand your body better.

Pregnancy Tracker: Once you’re expecting, Glow becomes your pregnancy companion, offering weekly updates on your baby’s growth, and health tips tailored to each stage of your pregnancy.

Baby Tracker: After your little one arrives, Glow continues to support you with tools to log feedings, diaper changes, sleep, and developmental milestones, ensuring you stay on top of your baby’s needs.

Community Forums: Join a community of like-minded parents and parents-to-be, where you can share stories, ask questions, and offer support.

Health Insights: Glow provides personalized health insights based on your data, giving you a deeper understanding of your body and your baby’s development.

Get Started with Glow!

1. Download the App Glow is available for free on both iOS and Android devices. Simply download it from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Set Up Your Profile Enter some basic information to create your personalized profile. This helps Glow tailor its insights and tips to your unique needs.
3. Start Tracking Begin logging your data, whether it’s your cycle, pregnancy symptoms, or your baby’s activities. The more information you input, the more personalized your experience will be.

And remember to use promo code TINYBEANS20 for 20% off your Glow Premium yearly plan!

Parenting may come with its fair share of challenges, but with the Glow app, you’re never navigating it alone. Its comprehensive tools, supportive community, and expert resources make it an invaluable companion on your journey from conception to parenthood. Download Glow today. After all, every parent could use a little glow in their life!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers unless otherwise noted.

It wiggles, jiggles, and entertains your kiddos endlessly. It’s slime—and your child can’t get enough of this ooey, gooey sensory material. From the basic building blocks and rad recipes to awesome explorations that glow, puff, fluff, and more, check out the slime videos for kids that your science-loving littles will watch constantly.

Super-Easy Slime

Is this your first time making slime? Don’t stress over the recipe. You don’t have to figure out ratios of ingredients or mixing times by yourself. Check out this easy peasy slime video tutorial from Courtney Wohl—for beginners!

Basic Slime with Add-Ins

WhatsUpMoms brings you a Borax-free slime recipe that you can add almost anything into. This slime seriously stretches and is completely easy to customize.

Giant Slime

Mary and Izzy of Life with Brothers have more glue than you could imagine. Watch and see what happens when these two creative kids mix every bottle and jug they have in arm’s reach.

Non-Toxic Slime

While your kiddos can’t eat this ooey-gooey recipe, it is safer to play with. Crazy Kool’s video recipe details the entire process, including the not-so-toxic materials you’ll need.

More Borax-Free Slime

If you don’t feel comfortable adding this cleaning product to your slime recipe, check out this pantry pick-packed option!

Mystery Wheel of Slime

Yes, this video is exactly what the name sounds like. EvanTube HD’s mystery wheel of slime challenge shows what happens when you add random ingredients to a favorite slime recipe. Along with plenty of glitter glue, this duo also mixes in cereal, popcorn, and more.

Make Slime in the Microwave

AmazingStuff’s microwave slime uses kitchen-friendly picks. This recipe is ideal for sensory explorations or concerns about slime safety.

Fluffy Slime

Gillian Bower’s Borax-packed slime is like a dreamy little cloud. This video can help you to make fluffy, puffy slime in a rainbow of colors. You can also learn how to make a textured fluffy slime that feels as amazingly awesome as it looks.

Glow-in-the-Dark Slime

Mister C from Learning Science Is Fun gives a detailed description of how to make glowing slime! This Borax recipe is an awesome exploration for older kids and tweens.

More Glowing Slime

Gross Science’s glow paint slime video can help older kids learn more about the science behind this type of rad recipe.

Let SIRI Pick the Slime

Karina and Ronald of Sis vs Bro let SIRI pick the ingredients for their latest batch of slime. While you might not want to dry the exact recipe in the clip, the SIRI challenge will give your kiddos the giggles!

Glitter Slime

Melissa Swigart’s glitter slime recipe can help you whip up batches of shining fun—and you’ll only need to use three ingredients. To find out what the big three mix-ins are, check out the YouTube tutorial.

The Wrong Milk

Is it milk or glue? This hilarious challenge from Life with Brothers gives Mary and Izzy choices that may, or may not, make their slime recipes better.

Unicorn Slime

Your littles are into everything unicorn. Don’t let the rainbow-filled fun stop now. Amy Locurto’s rainbow unicorn slime is everything your kids could imagine and so much more.

Blindfolded Slime Challenge

What would happen if your kiddos tried to mix a batch of slime blindfolded? In this hilarious clip, you’ll get an answer. 

If your kids (and you, it’s OK to admit it) are feeling a little lost without new episodes of Bluey, we have some great news! A video game based on the adorable heeler, her family, and friends is coming this fall. You and your kids will be able to step into Bluey’s shoes (paws?) to experience a new level of learning through play when Bluey: The Videogame drops on Nov. 17 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.

“It’s very important for us to capture the essence of fun and games that is central to the series,” Kevin Jorge, Head of Games at BBC Studios, said in a statement. “We know fans will be excited to explore Bluey’s world and join in with the Heeler family’s antics.”

Up to four people can play at a time as Bluey, Bingo, Chilli, or Bandit. You’ll be able to navigate through scenes from the show, including the Heeler’s home, the playground, the beach, and more while completing challenges and activities. Rewards include fun costumes for your characters, stickers, playable episodes, and new locations. Minigames and challenges are inspired by the show—yes, that does mean you’ll get to play Keepy Uppy and Magic Xylophone. And because Bluey: The Videogame is made for players of all ages, you can set the difficulty level. The idea is that younger players should be able to explore at their own pace and feel accomplished as they play, but older fans should still feel challenged.

Related: 15 ‘Bluey’ Episodes That Absolutely Nail Parenting

“It is always our goal to create games that can act as an entry point to the world of video games and to some of the most important entertainment franchises on the planet like Bluey,” Stephanie Malhan, COO of Outright Games, said in a press release. “It’s a thrill for us to bring Bluey’s world to life with a level of interactivity that has never been seen before, and by ensuring that the game is accessible and enjoyable for all ages we know fans across the globe will be delighted.”

Since we haven’t had any new Bluey episodes to watch since July, this news couldn’t come at a better time. Now to make our rewatch last the two months until the game comes out.