App Time

In 2015, it’s inevitable that parents will have to hand their screens over to their toddlers now and then. When you do put them down for “app time,” why not make sure they’re consuming something that’s at least creative or educational? New York Family Baby is here to help with our roundup of 10 of our fave apps for toddlers, spanning everything from word games to fun drawing lessons.

1. Toddler Flashcards
Toddler Flashcards teaches basic words to children in an interactive and innovative fashion. The flashcards cover a wide range of vocabulary, from animals to food, and there’s even the option to play fun sound effects. What sets this app apart is its vocab offerings in more than 13 different languages. Free, iTunes

2. Tozzle
Tozzle is a colorful, playful puzzle app with more than 40 different puzzles to solve. Match a shape to its correct outline by dragging and dropping cows at farms or numbers on a chalkboard and playing with many more cool shapes. The app helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills, and we also love the fun sound effects that bring the different settings to life. $1.99, iTunes

3. Talking Carl
There are few apps as silly and entertaining as Talking Carl, a big, goofy character that repeats everything you say back to him in different, hilarious voices. Tickle Carl and he bursts out laughing, or feed him a bone and watch him feast. The latest version of the app lets Carl do all sorts of crazy things that are bound to keep both you and your child giggling alongside this lovable character. Free, iTunes

4. Petting Zoo
Petting Zoo brings your favorite children’s book characters to life in this beautifully illustrated, interactive storybook. Critically acclaimed author and illustrator Christopher Neiman infuses his lively characters with technology and artistry, and with over 21 hand-drawn animals to choose from, the activities are endless. Tickle an elephant or make the dog breakdance with this artful app! $2.99, iTunes, Google Play & amazon.com

5. Drawnimal
Drawnimal combines vocabulary and drawing skills in a colorful app that will teach children how to draw letters and the basic features of animals. Draw a C for cat, and then add some whiskers and ears for even more fun. Animals include penguins, jellyfish, zebras, gorillas, and so many more! $1.99, iTunes

6. PicsArt for Kids
PicsArt is one of the best drawing games for kids—and parents! Create masterpieces on blank pages or use templates to fill between the lines. Unlike most drawing apps, PicsArt lets kids use as many fingers as they want at the same time and provides a lively color palette to choose from. The app also has the option to teach children how to draw shapes, animals, people, and more. Free, iTunes & Google Play

7. Gappy Learns Writing
Follow a clear path by tracing dots and reveal the secret letter that Gappy is thinking of. Gappy Learns Writing is highly recommended from the Parents’ Choice Foundation for its fun approach to helping children dramatically improve their writing and alphabet skills without even realizing it. $2.99, iTunes, Google Play & amazon.com

8. Bebot
Bebot is an entertaining musical app that lets children pick sound effects and instruments to create bumping beats. Watch as Bebot the robot dances along to your new tunes while you jam out to your musical masterpiece. $1.99, iTunes

9. Toca Kitchen
Toca Kitchen is the perfect solution for toddlers who are fascinated with cooking, but aren’t quite old enough to help out yet. The app teaches children not to touch hot pots and pans while providing them with 12 ingredients to mix and match for more than 180 different recipes. Kids can slice, dice, and fry with four friendly companions. $2.99, iTunes, Google Play, amazon.com & Windows Apps

10. Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings
Created by PBS Kids and based off of the series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” this 2015 Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Award-winning app teaches children about the art of empathy. The app provides a dozen mini-games about feelings, sing-alongs with animations, a “feelings photo booth,” and many more innovative tools designed to teach children about different emotions and how to recognize them. $2.99, iTunes, Google Play, amazon.com & pbskids.org

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!

Debate Camp

Public Speaking, Debate and Global Awareness - - coveted skills in a camp-like environment! At Debate Camp, we provide a fun and inspiring space for youth to develop some timelessly-important skills; to hear opposing views and to confidently articulate their ideas well in the company of others. Debate Camp specializes in parliamentary debate, impromptu and prepared public speaking.&nbsp; We ensure that all program areas are highly interactive and suited to a variety of age groups (grades 5 to 10) and multiple ability levels. &bull; day camp and sleepaway camp options &bull; multi-level instruction &bull; suits all ability levels &bull; teaching ratio 1:8 &bull; parliamentary debate rounds on new topics daily &bull; feedback and fun! &bull; all resources provided Debate Camp believes in a well-balanced program where an academic focus is mixed with opportunities for traditional camp games and a fun and inspiring approach to learning. 2024 day camp options for NYC families include 3 x 1 week options in Manhattan / UES location (including our NEW 3 day Model UN camp) and NEW 1 week Overnight Debate Camp options in Maine &amp; Rhode Island (with r/t transportation options from NY Penn Station)&nbsp; All details on: https://www.debatecamp.com/newyork &nbsp;

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.