Apps That Can Bring Families Together

So often when family members use devices, it's for a solitary experience. Or, at least, it's not about connecting to people who are actually in the room with you. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way! There are great apps out there that actually encourage bonding, and some help you connect meaningfully with those who might be far away. Whether you're in the mood to get outside, play a game, or bust some moves, check out these apps to create some fun family time. Also, check out apps for collaboration, great sibling play-together games, and the very best movies to watch as a family.

Filter by:
Daily Vroom Poster Image
APP

Daily Vroom

age 2+

Parents get great brain-building tips for little kids.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2017)
OK Play - Learning Activities Poster Image
APP

OK Play - Learning Activities

age 2+

Quality activities for enriching parent-child interactions.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)
ReadAskChat for Children 0-6 Poster Image
APP

ReadAskChat for Children 0-6

age 2+

Simple stories, convo starters for parents to use with kids.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2017)
Abound Parenting Poster Image
APP

Abound Parenting

age 3+

Discussion starters for parents to cultivate kids' literacy.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)
Small Wonders (for Families) Poster Image
APP

Small Wonders (for Families)

age 3+

Playful prompts encourage co-use and conversations.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Zoog: Magical Storytime Poster Image
APP

Zoog: Magical Storytime

age 3+

Make, send story recordings to far-away loved ones.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Mac (2021)
Animal Antics (for Families) Poster Image
APP

Animal Antics (for Families)

age 4+

Fun storytelling encourages kid, caregiver co-play.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Bookaroo! Share Kids Stories Poster Image
APP

Bookaroo! Share Kids Stories

age 4+

Record your reading to share, but preview stories first.

Devices: iPad (2020)
Caribu: Family Video Calls Poster Image
APP

Caribu: Family Video Calls

age 4+

Read books or play games face-to-face, even when far apart.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook (2018)
Magicall Family Video Chat Poster Image
APP

Magicall Family Video Chat

age 4+

Play simple games on video calls; tech issues may interfere.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2021)
Heads Up! Poster Image
APP

Heads Up!

age 7+

Guessing game is family fun with real-world interaction.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2013)
THE GAME OF LIFE Poster Image
APP

THE GAME OF LIFE

age 8+

Classic game takes kids on a speedy 3D adventure.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2016)
Pandemic: The Board Game Poster Image
APP

Pandemic: The Board Game

age 9+

Save-the-world co-play strategy game challenging but fun.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2016)
Trivia Crack Poster Image
APP

Trivia Crack

age 11+

Addictive trivia game with some privacy implications.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2014)
Virtual Geocaching - Xnote Poster Image
APP

Virtual Geocaching - Xnote

age 12+

Send personalized, virtual treasure hunts to any smartphone.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2015)
StoryCorps Poster Image
APP

StoryCorps

age 13+

Capturing and sharing family stories couldn't be easier.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire (2016)
Geocaching Poster Image
APP

Geocaching

age 14+

Treasure hunt = family fun but not for kids alone.

Devices: iPhone , iPad , Android (2010)
Dubsmash Poster Image
APP

Dubsmash

age 15+

Pre-TikTok video creator is fun, inspires similar concerns.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)
Whatifi Poster Image
APP

Whatifi

age 16+

Cool, choice-based co-viewer has lots of mature content.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2020)