Long car journeys, flights or train trips with kids can feel a lot shorter with the right app on hand. Whether you’re looking for something calming, something creative, or just a bit of harmless fun to buy yourself twenty quiet minutes, we’ve pulled together 15 of the best apps for kids when travelling — all recommended by MyKidsTime parents who’ve actually used them on real journeys.
A few things to keep in mind before you download: check the age suitability and any in-app purchase settings on your device, and where possible download apps over Wi-Fi before you set off, since data can be patchy on the road. Pricing and availability for individual apps can change, so it’s always worth checking the current details on the App Store or Google Play before you buy.
Jump to an app:
#1 Pou · #2 Subway Surfers · #3 Bubble PopStar · #4 Minecraft – Pocket Edition · #5 The Very Hungry Caterpillar · #6 Audible · #7 Toca Hair Salon 2 · #8 Angry Birds Go! · #9 Disney Junior Play · #10 Where’s My Water? 2 · #11 Disney Junior Appisodes · #12 Jetpack Joyride · #13 Littlest Pet Shop · #14 Style Studio: Fashion Designer · #15 Draw a Stickman: EPIC
#1. Pou
Pou is a virtual pet app that’s simple enough for younger kids to get the hang of quickly. Adopt your own alien pet, customise how it looks, and take care of it by feeding, cleaning and playing with it to keep it happy and healthy. Kids can also play mini-games within the app to earn coins.
Available on Android and the App Store.
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#2. Subway Surfers
A firm favourite for a reason — this is an endless-runner chase game where you dash, dodge oncoming trains, and help Jake, Tricky and Fresh escape the grumpy inspector and his dog. Surf on a hoverboard, use a jetpack, and swipe your way out of trouble. New cities and updates are added regularly, so there’s always something fresh.
Available on Android and the App Store.
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#3. Bubble PopStar
A classic bubble-popping puzzle game — match same-coloured bubbles to pop them and score points. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy for kids of any age to pick up, making it a good option for a quick burst of entertainment on shorter journeys.
Available on Android and the App Store.
#4. Minecraft – Pocket Edition
Minecraft is all about building and exploring with your imagination. The Pocket Edition includes Survival and Creative modes, multiplayer over a local Wi-Fi network, and randomly generated worlds to explore. Kids can craft, build and breed animals in worlds they create themselves — a nice change of pace from fast-paced action games, and hugely popular with kids of all ages.
Available on Android and the App Store (paid app — check current pricing in-store).
You might enjoy our Only Guide to Minecraft You Will Need
#5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle’s much-loved character comes to life in this gentle, interactive app. Watch the Very Hungry Caterpillar crawl across the screen, help him explore, pick him up, or peek into his colourful toy box. Hatch him from an egg, drag tasty fruits from the tree and watch him munch his way through them, then tuck him into bed when he gets sleepy. A lovely, calm option for younger travellers.
Available on the App Store and Android (paid app — check current pricing in-store).
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#6. Audible
The Audible app lets kids listen to audiobooks on the go, and it’s a real saviour on longer journeys. You’ll need an Audible membership to download titles, and once signed up you can listen on multiple devices and cancel your subscription any time. Membership plans and pricing change from time to time, so it’s worth checking the current options on the Audible website before you sign up.
> “This has been a saviour on longer journeys with my 8-year-old.”
Available on Android and the App Store (free app; Audible membership required to download audiobooks).
You may also like 15 of the Best Reading Apps for Kids
#7. Toca Hair Salon 2
Run your very own hair salon with six fun characters to choose from and a full set of styling tools, from a simple comb and scissors to a curling iron and straightener. Trim moustaches, spray mohawks in bright colours, or give someone the curls they’ve always wanted — great creative fun for kids who love make-believe play.
Available on Android and the App Store.
#8. Angry Birds Go!
A fun twist on the classic Angry Birds format — this time it’s a downhill racing game set on Piggy Island. Fling birds and piggies down the track at speed, navigate twists and turns, and upgrade your ride from soapbox car to supercar as you go.
Available on Android and the App Store.
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#9. Disney Junior Play
A great option for younger kids, this app brings together favourite Disney Junior characters in one place, including Sofia the First, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. There are games, puzzles, sing-along videos, dress-up fun and sticker book scenes to enjoy. The core pack is free, with the option to purchase additional content in-app.
Available on the App Store.
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#10. Where’s My Water? 2
Join Swampy, Allie and Cranky in this physics-based puzzle game from Disney. Guide fresh water, purple water and steam through cleverly designed levels across locations like the Sewer, the Soap Factory and the Beach. It’s a great one for the whole family to enjoy together, and the puzzles are free to play.
Available on Android and the App Store.
#11. Disney Junior Appisodes
Preschoolers can watch, play and interact directly with their favourite Disney Junior TV shows in a whole new way — touching, tapping, swiping, tilting and shaking their way through interactive episodes. The award-winning Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally episode is included for free, with additional episodes available to purchase in-app. Worth noting: downloads for this app can be large, so download over Wi-Fi before you travel.
Available on the App Store.
#12. Jetpack Joyride
Suit up with a selection of jetpacks and take to the skies as Barry Steakfries in this action-packed endless runner from the creators of Fruit Ninja. Easy to pick up and genuinely fun for parents too — this one’s a good option if you want to join in rather than just hand over the phone.
Available on Android and the App Store.
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#13. Littlest Pet Shop
Help Blythe and her friends adopt, care for and entertain adorable little pets. Wash them, feed them, play with them, and build houses and play areas to welcome even more. With over a hundred pets to collect, including dogs, cats and bears, this app is free to play with the option for in-app purchases.
Available on Android and the App Store.
#14. Style Studio: Fashion Designer
Best suited to older kids with an interest in fashion, Style Studio lets your child create their own line of custom designs, from casual chic to haute couture. Dress a model in your designs, add props, and lay out your very own magazine cover.
Available on the App Store.
You may also like these 10 Fun Fashion Designer Games for Kids
#15. Draw a Stickman: EPIC
In this imaginative adventure, you draw your own stickman hero and guide him through obstacles set by the evil Zarp — drawing flames to light fuses, warding off dragons, covering trolls in spiders, and more. Once you’ve finished the first adventure, there’s a sequel to move on to for more stickman fun.
> “My 8-year-old adores this game — if you haven’t tried it, do, your kids will love it!”
Available on Android and the App Store.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age are these travel apps suitable for?
The apps on this list span a wide age range, from gentle interactive story apps like The Very Hungry Caterpillar for toddlers and preschoolers, right through to building, racing and creative design apps better suited to older kids and tweens. Check the age rating and content on the app store listing before downloading for a younger child.
Do these apps work without an internet connection?
Many of them, like Minecraft, Subway Surfers and the puzzle-style games, can be played offline once downloaded, which makes them handy for flights or areas with patchy signal. A few, particularly ones with in-app purchases or streaming content, may need an internet connection to load extra content, so it’s worth checking each app’s details and downloading everything you need before you travel.
Are these apps free to download?
Some are free with optional in-app purchases, while others are paid apps. Prices can change over time, so check the current cost on the App Store or Google Play before downloading.
What should I check before giving my child an app for a long journey?
It’s worth checking the age rating, whether it includes in-app purchases, and whether it needs a live internet connection. Turning on any parental controls or purchase restrictions on the device beforehand can save any surprises mid-journey.
Related Articles
- 10 New iOS Apps for Kids
- 10 Best Educational Apps for Kids
- 20 of the Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers
- 15 of the Best Reading Apps for Kids
- The Only Guide to Minecraft You Will Need
- The Ultimate Technology Guide for Kids and Their Parents
Before You Go
Looking for more ways to keep kids entertained and engaged, on the road or at home? Browse our full collection of learning and entertainment ideas for kids, or save this article so you’ve got your travel app list handy the next time you’re packing for a trip.
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