Free Kid-Friendly Apps for Summer Entertainment

Your Smartphone or iPad can be a lifesaver when summer boredom strikes. Be prepared by downloading a few free and educational apps that will keep your kids entertained and informed. They can work on everything from their Spanish vocabulary to their chess skills and you won’t have to hire a pricey tutor to teach the lessons.

Pocket Frogs
If your little guy or gal has a thing for frogs then the free Pocket Frogs app is a must. This summer your kids will love trading, breeding and collecting a diverse collection of amphibians.

Paper Toss 2.0
Surprisingly addictive, Paper Toss 2.0 will teach your kids about things like geometry and velocity without them even suspecting that they’re learning something useful. Since its original launch three years ago Paper Toss has been downloaded more than 100 million times.

Chess With Friends
Experts agree, the younger kids start to learn to play chess the better they’ll eventually become. Kids as young as six can start mastering this game and now the free Chess With Friends app can help your kids get started this summer.

Learn Spanish- MindSnacks
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a Spanish class with the free Learn Spanish- MindSnacks app. The free version features six games designed to build Spanish vocabulary, reading, writing, listening and conversation skills. Keep in mind that while the first level is free, in order to advance you’ll have to invest $4.99.

Kids Coloring Book
Save yourself from a mess and designate some art projects to your iPad. The free Kids Coloring Book app includes 81 different coloring pages, 40 marker colors and the ability to save your drawing to a gallery.

The Oregon Trail Free
This summer get your kids involved in one of the first computer games you probably ever played: Oregon Trail. It’s a revamped version of the classic pioneering game. Your kids will learn along their westward journey as historical references, real locations and famous characters from the past are integrated throughout.

By Alison Storm

Save 12% on your purchase of $99 or more at Musician's friend! Celebrate your child's talents with new musical instruments. Be sure to use coupon code UC12. Coupon expires 06/22/2012.