Summer is around the corner, which means the kids will soon be out of school and ready for the next adventure. Trying to keep your kids entertained while still exercising their brains is always a challenge for busy parents. Luckily, I've got a few products that can help! Here's my list of some must-have gadgets for your little ones this summer. From educational apps and entertaining tech to a safety product, these gadgets will be a hit with you and your kids.
The FiLip
This genius device is designed specifically to enhance the connection between you and your kids. FiLip is a smartwatch that uses GPS to track the location of your child, as well as allows parents to set a "SafeZone" that will alert them if their kid has left this set radius. With a FiLip app, you can also pre-program five phone numbers that your kid can easily call with the push of a button, keeping you connected with your little one in all situations. Side Note: Pay attention to the battery!
Polaroid Kids Tablet
Looking for an all-in-one device that can help your little one learn and laugh at the same time? The Polaroid Kids Tablet has a durable, 7" display design that comes full of exciting features with kids in mind. Your kid can practice reading with the 10 interactive e-books included, or flex their creative muscles with the various art tools and games. This tablet even comes with a stand for optimal video viewing -- what more could a kid (or parent) ask for?
Cool Coding Apps for Kids
Hopscotch
Hopscotch HD is an app best suited for children around age 10 who can read independently and follow instructions. The program allows kids to "write" code that will control characters in this fun, game-logic educational app. Kids will learn the logic behind coding in a fun and engaging program.
Tynker Premium
This colorful and kid-friendly app teaches children skills and ways to program. With high-quality design elements and an intuitive, adventure story-based format, Tynker Premium will take your little one through exciting puzzles as they learn the fundamentals of programming. This app is ideal for children eight years and above.
Scratch
Started by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch is an online community and tools for young people to learn, collaborate, and program their own interactive stories, games and animations which they can share with other users. Let your kids dive into this creative outlet where they have endless possibilities for different projects -- if they can dream it, they can create it with Scratch!
Lego Mindstorm
Last, but definitely not least... a classic kids toy, revamped. These aren't the LEGOS of your childhood back in the day! The LEGO Mindstorm series features various buildable projects that combine the traditional LEGO building system with advanced technology allowing kids to create their own robots. Following the step-by-step 3D builder guide, your kids can build and program their robots to take commands instructed by remote control. Your kids will love the online LEGO Mindstorm community, where they can share their creations and adventures with other LEGO fanatics.
Whether it's engineering, creativity or safety on your mind for your kids this summer, be sure to keep these great gadgets and apps in mind!