Summer road trip season is upon us. Luckily for all you tech-savvy parents out there, your smart phone will give you a few tricks to hide up your virtual sleeve that makes road travel with toddlers just a wee bit easier. Here are eight apps I’m currently loving (and you will too!).
Alfred the Robot Concierge
Help your kiddo explore a new city! Alfred The Robot Concierge provides curated recommendations using Clever Sense’s Serendipity Engine. In tune with the location, time, and user’s intent, his suggestions are personalized for each situation. TIME Magazine named it app of the week, which is how I found it.
Roadside America
Never miss another giant twine ball, crazy museum or hilarious statue — and let your kiddos pick where to make a cultural pit stop! Roadside America unlocks one of 7 oddity-rich US or Canada regions. It’s packed with easy-to-use, in-depth info and maps for the nation’s funniest and weirdest must-sees — over 7,800 eye-popping places when you unlock the entire USA and Canada. When you purchase the app for $2.99, Roadside America App for iPhone lets you choose one of seven US/Canada regions to unlock: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest, or California. You have the option in the App to also buy individual regions ($1.99/region) or Entire US/Canada ($5.99).
Pandora
Never worry about having kid-friendly tunes again. Pandora, your favorite desktop music player is also an app. Schweet. Before you hit the car, program your favorite family friendly bands into a station and you’re good to go. Need suggestions? See our kindie bands you don’t want to miss post!
Road Trip Bingo
Get your kids looking out the window! Sure, you can play the low-tech version of this game, but you gotta admit, it’s kinda fun to shake the phone to create your bingo card. The Road Trip Bingo app contains more than 40 items to find and displays them in image format. Perfect for toddlers! Note, there is mildly annoying music with this app. Don’t worry – you can turn it off. Developed by Bright Bunny, you can play this app on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. (99 cents)
Where Do Kids Eat Free Today?
Yeah, you heard me. An app that uses your current location to find the nearest restaurants hosting ‘kids eat free’ nights. The Where Do Kids Eat Free Today website and app helps you save a little green on your road trip, too! You can also submit restaurants with kids eat free nights via the app, which helps expand the database. Available for iPhone and Android, from Youniversal Apps. Don’t want the app? You can use your phone’s web browser to search their website database by zip code. (99 cents)
My Little Suitcase
The last time we went on a trip, the Bug put three t-shirts and her blanket in a suitcase and said she was ready to go. My Little Suitcase begins with a bright menu of choices for a beach trip, snow trip, camp trip, or sleepover. Kids get to pack their own mittens, camping lanterns and beach balls. One by one, they choose items into the suitcase until packing is complete. Designed for kids ages 2-6, this is a great app to start teaching your kids about travel. So when they arrive at their destination, they’re ready to PLAY. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad from My Busy Kit. (FREE)
Sunday Drive Scenic Route
Wanna travel ‘like a local?’ Download the Sunday Drive Scenic Route FREE app, which highlights ideal tours for families, adventurers and explorers featuring the best of America’s back roads and hidden treasures. Simple & easy to use, just click ‘Options’ at the to right side of the screen. Click Drives to view a listing of routes sorted by distance from your location. Impromptu road trip or need to make an unscheduled pit stop? You’re covered. You can even suggest routes/destinations within the app using the ‘share’ button and let your entourage know where you are through Facebook Check-ins. (FREE)
Sit or Squat
You betcha. It’s exactly what you think it is. An app to help you find the nearest restroom. As a mom who just finished potty training, this is going to be super handy. There isn’t too much more to say about this one. Developed by Densebrain and powered by Charmin. Download the 100% FREE Sit or Squat App NOW. (FREE).
Of course, be sure you’re stocked with all of our KneeBouncer Apps to keep your kiddos playing with purpose while you travel, to!
What apps are you swearing by? Would love to hear about them! Just leave a comment.
