PBS Kids releases STEM-inspired apps

With summer in full swing, it is time to check out the latest PBS KIDS apps to keep kids entertained on those long car, train and plane rides. With STEM-inspired apps like the just released READY JET GO! Space Scouts (on iOS, Google Play, and Amazon), parents can trust that their kids are using their screen time for good while still having fun and learning new skills to keep their minds sharp and avoid the dreaded summer slide.

The new READY JET GO! Space Scouts app (on iOS, Google Play, and Amazon) allows kids to become the ultimate Space Scout by designing, building, and engineering with five STEM focused games. Traveling tots will love designing and engineering rovers on the Moon, building a mission controller and piloting their own spaceship through the solar system. READY JET GO! Space Scouts encourages critical thinking and curiosity, allowing kids to uncover the wonders of space from the safety of the backseat

● ALA award-winning PLAY AND LEARN SCIENCE helps curious kids to learn scientific concepts and curate problem-solving skills by experimenting with water, weather, physics and light in a digital environment. Sharp sound effects and clear graphics allow children to immerse fully in exploration of the natural world. In fact, an independent study conducted on the Play & Learn Science App showed that children who engaged with the app demonstrated increased understanding of science content, as well as increased use of science vocabulary. This hands-on and critically acclaimed app is a great fit for kids vacationing in new ecosystems, who are interested to learn more about what they see.

The new SPLASH AND BUBBLES FOR PARENTS app helps parents facilitate their child’s continuous learning and exploration while school is out of session. With a focus on ocean science, the app provides families with conversation starters, videos, and activities to discover together. It’s the perfect way to learn together!

● Explore Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood sparks imagination as kids visit new places and create their own stories alongside Daniel Tiger and his friends. With enriching settings for make-believe, the app lets kids enjoy exploring everything from the bakery to an enchanted garden. Children will love this immersive game, as they’re swept into a digital playland that keeps them entertained – even while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic!

● JET’S BOT BUILDER app from READY JET GO! challenges kids aged 4 to 8 to use engineering skills to design and create their very own robot to travel through the solar system, learning crucial problem-solving skills along the way. Through these interactive travels, players must overcome obstacles by using the engineering design process to plan, create, test and improve new parts for their own robot creation. By crafting new parts to improve their robots, kids will need to think outside-the-box, fostering flexible thinking and problem-solving skills.

The PBS KIDS Playtime Pad is pre-loaded with hours’ worth of entertainment, with 120 video clips featuring favorite PBS KIDS characters, 25+ educational games, and free apps to be downloaded and enjoyed time and time again. It’s perfect to entertain kids during long trips.

Note: We are part of the PBS Kids VIP program but all opinions are our own.