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As families settle in at home, parents are seeking ways to keep their children constructively engaged. One option is to encourage kids to download apps that can help them maintain their mental and physical health. Below are some of the top free apps available.
Eat & Move-O-Matic
(Available: Apple Appstore; Age range 9-18)
If you want your children to grasp the impact of their dietary choices, Eat & Move-O-Matic is an excellent choice. Developed by the Learning Game Lab at New Mexico State University, this app helps kids become mindful of their eating habits. It allows them to compare the calorie content of their food selections with the corresponding types and durations of physical activities—such as cycling, running, or walking—that are necessary to burn those calories.
Nature Melody
(Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play; Age range: 5-18)
A vital aspect of leading a healthy life is getting sufficient sleep, and the app Nature Melody can assist in achieving this. Functioning as an alarm clock, it features over 30 calming, nature-themed sounds designed to wake children up gently in the morning. Additionally, the app includes a nap function and a sleep timer for a relaxed winding-down experience in the evening.
NFL Play 60
(Available at: Apple Appstore, Google Play; Age range: 5-18)
For kids passionate about sports, particularly football, but struggling to get them active, NFL Play 60 is a fantastic fit. Developed by the NFL in partnership with the American Heart Association, this app allows children to envision themselves as professional football players. However, rather than just controlling their avatars on-screen, kids must actually engage in physical activities—like running, jumping, and catching—to make their avatars move. The app tracks the number of steps taken during gameplay.
Space Chef
(Available: Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-12)
To promote healthy eating habits among kids, encourage them to try Space Chef. Created by the Lawrence Hall of Science, the makers of the Monster Heart Medic app, Space Chef teaches valuable lessons about nutritious foods. It goes a step further by offering over 60 simple and child-friendly recipes, empowering kids to eat healthily and take charge of their dietary choices.
Super Stretch Yoga
(Available at: Apple Appstore; Age range: 9-18)
In addition to meditation, practicing yoga is an effective means for kids to unwind both their minds and bodies for optimal well-being. Super Stretch Yoga, developed by renowned yoga instructor Jessica Rosenberg, teaches children yoga through video demonstrations by peers, emphasizing breathing and movement. The app features a character named Super Stretch and includes 12 different poses, each with varying levels of difficulty. Kids can also use the built-in camera to capture images of themselves performing the poses.
Three Good Things: A Happiness Journal
(Available at: Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-18)
Recognizing that mental health is influenced by a sense of well-being, if your children enjoy writing, suggest they download Three Good Things: A Happiness Journal. This app encourages kids to reflect positively by writing about three good things that happened to them each day. Additionally, it offers a feature that allows them to share their journal entries on social media.
