From clever apps & free games to animal web cams & fun ways to get kids moving – how you can use screens for good

The Sun

6 hours ago

WITH the long summer ahead, parents may find themselves relying on screens more than they would like to keep the kids entertained.
A recent survey found that a third of mums and dads will be using phones, tablets and TVs to fill up the six-week break.
But this doesn't have to mean rotting your children's brains or exposing them to online dangers.
If you choose carefully, there is plenty of content that can be enriching and engaging – and won't break the bank.
Here's our pick of the best . . .
OPEN THEIR MINDS WITH YOUTUBE
THERE are dozens of great educational channels on YouTube.
Using the YouTube Kids app, select the channels you want them to see and limit everything else.
A great pick is MC Grammar, the rapper alter-ego of teacher Jacob Mitchell.
His channel is full of rap versions of favourite books by authors such as David Walliams and Julia Donaldson, and he also raps the times tables.
Or try Kids Invent Stuff, run by engineer and inventor Ruth Amos.
Kids will have hours of fun in the garden with The Range's bargain buy - it also lights up, plays music & is on sale
Children send in drawings of inventions, which Ruth and her team then have a go at making.
So far they've made everything from doorbells that explode popcorn to a 6ft unicorn that poops jelly babies – combining science with a whole load of fun.
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CBeebies presenter Maddie Moate' s channel is packed full of educational and entertaining content for all ages, including one about how astronauts poo in space and another all about exploding cucumbers.
She also has a second channel, Let's Go Live, with co-host Greg Foot.
It features easy science activities to do at home, using items bought from the supermarket, so kids can put their learning into practice.
GET THEIR BODIES MOVING TOO
SCREEN time isn't an excuse to be a couch potato, so check out Cosmic Kids Yoga, available as a YouTube channel and an app.
Yoga instructor Jaime Amor helps them practise yoga moves to songs and stories, such as Room On The Broom or Moana.
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Jaime also has a Peace Out series, which introduces mindfulness to children aged five and upwards – perfect for calming overactive rascals.
SEE THE WORLD FROM THE SOFA
YOU don't have to get on a plane this summer to see the world, thanks to innovative website explore.org.
The site features live webcams dotted all over the globe, ranging from an aquarium in Monterey Bay, California, and bird sanctuaries, to an elephant park in Tembe, South Africa.
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They even have cameras located in a puppy play room and a kitten rescue centre.
It's live, so you never know what will cross your screen – and if you're lucky you might see something super special.
PLAY GAMES
IF your kids are badgering you for expensive games or consoles, steer them to ones you're already paying for through streaming subscriptions.
On Netflix, head to the main screen and click on the Games tab.
Options, which include Sonic Mania Plus, can then be played using a smartphone as a controller.
The games do not work with an Apple TV.
Amazon Prime offers a selection of free games to download, usually available to play on your PC.
The choice refreshes every month.
And on Sky TV, head to the Play.Works app to access a load of kid-friendly games that they can play on the telly.
The range includes retro options such as Pac-Man and Tetris.
PODCASTS THEY WILL LOVE…
GOT a long car journey coming up? If so, it's time to download a podcast.
Most of them are free on either Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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Try Bust Or Trust, which investigates some of Earth's most interesting mysteries, including supposedly haunted paintings, aliens and the truth behind Stonehenge.
Younger kids will be entranced by Thomas & Friends Storytime, a weekly podcast with tales about the origins of the engines – and plenty of life lessons too.
But kids of all ages will love Story Pirates.
With help from comedians, songwriters and celebrity guests, the hosts bring to life stories that have been written by children.
Recent episodes include an interview with a zombie expert and a Dungeons And Dragons special.
It's an award-winning series with weekly episodes plus a huge back catalogue to enjoy.
For budding history buffs, there's You're Dead To Me, where comedians and expert historians have funny chats which should keep the whole family engaged.
Episodes have covered everything, from Arctic exploration to King Arthur.
And at the end of a long day, Sleep Tight Stories has lots of child-friendly tales which promise to send your little ones off to sleep.
…PODCASTS YOU'LL LOVE TOO
IF you've got older kids, there's a wealth of podcasts that are aimed at adults but have lots to offer teens too.
The Rest Is History is hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, and they have a real knack for explaining history in simple terms.
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Another great option is Stuff You Should Know, hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant.
They are able to explain just about anything, from the origins of ketchup to what lurks in the catacombs of Paris.
But if it's a simple laugh they're after, then the Off Menu podcast will serve up hours of entertainment.
Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster interview celebrity guests all about food, asking them to pick their favourite starters, sides, mains and deserts.
Recent episodes have included Marvel star Sebastian Stan and Star Wars' Daisy Ridley, as well as actor David Tennant.
If you've got a teen who loves movies, a great option is Film Sack.
Four hosts watch an old movie – one that's available on streaming services – and give it a playful review over the course of 90 minutes.
This is best if you have older teens.
The show is largely clean, though that will depend a little bit on the movie that's being 'sacked' (ripped apart).
Recent episodes have included a look at Ocean's Twelve and The Goonies.