On Despierta America: Fun apps to get your kids learning and moving!
Get your kids active and engaged with the top apps for physical activity! From Unruly Splats to Pokémon GO and Sworkit Kids, learn more in this post.
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Kids are spending a lot of time in front of screens these days. The numbers are terrifying; according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids from 8 to 18 years old spend an insane 7.5 hours in front of a screen each day. This doesn't even count the hours they spend on computers and tablets at school.
These challenges are not going anywhere. Many kids and young adults are not getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity that the CDC recommends.
There are many different ways to get kids active and exercising. Still, one of the best ways is to use apps designed specifically for that purpose. I visited Despierta America this week to show some of the apps that can help to make kids more active while having fun with tech.
Here is the segment (in Spanish) but, no worries, the all the apps and app videos are in English right after.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygbMc_aJioY
Here are five of the best apps to get kids moving:
Unruly Splats:
This app turns exercise into a game, with kids trying to rack up points by completing different challenges. Unruly Splats is the perfect cross-curricular STEM learning tool for kids. Combining coding games with active play and SEL activities, Splats offers a well-rounded approach to learning that is both fun and educational.
Perfect for kids aged 5-10, Splats helps them develop critical coding skills while encouraging active play and social-emotional learning. So not only will your child be having fun, but they'll also be developing crucial 21st-century skills.
What's more, Splats are fully customizable. You can tailor the activities to your child's individual needs and interests, with endless possibilities for creativity and learning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjPpa2tlztw
Pokemon GO
Kids love catching Pokemon! This augmented reality game gets kids walking, running, and even biking as they try to catch 'em all. This augmented reality game lets you capture, train, and battle Pokémon in the real world. So put on your walking shoes and get ready for some adventure!
Pokémon GO is the perfect way to get out and explore your neighborhood or city. As you walk around, your phone will vibrate to let you know when there's a Pokémon nearby. Take aim and throw a Poké Ball…you never know which Pokémon you'll catch!
Not only can you catch Pokémon, but you can also battle other Trainers at Gyms. Join up with a team and test your skills against other teams. Earn rewards for being victorious and use those rewards to level up your Pokémon. The best part is that you and your kids will burn many calories in the hunt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4qYBQxm8OQ
Beat Saber
This popular VR game has kids slashing away at virtual blocks to the beat of the music. It's a great workout and a lot of fun too. Join the newest craze in the world of video gaming: Beat Saber! This ground-breaking VR rhythm game is taking the world by storm and with good reason. It's immersive, it's challenging, and most importantly, it's entertaining.
In Beat Saber, you are transported to a futuristic world where you must slash the beats of adrenaline-pumping music as they fly towards you. The catch? You must do it in perfect time with the beat to score points. Trust us, it's more complicated than it sounds! But that's what makes Beat Saber so addicting.
Not only is Beat Saber insanely fun, but it's also great exercise. You'll be sweating bullets by the end of each song, but you'll have so much fun that you won't even mind.
Sworkit Kids
This app offers custom workouts for kids, with over 200 exercises. The Sworkit Youth Workouts are the perfect way to get your kids up and moving! These fun and easy-to-follow workouts are ideal for grades Pre-K through 2 and are a great way to get the wiggles out. With four different workout options, your kids can choose their favorite animals and get moving with the Animal Inspired Workout for Kids. They can also stretch with the Stretch It Out workout. No matter what activity they choose, your kids will have a blast while getting healthy and active.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOf6s9BvgnQ&t=87s
Mind Yeti
This app helps kids relax and de-stress through mindfulness exercises, making it a great way to wind down after a busy day or an intense workout. If you're looking for a way to help your kids (and yourself) calm down, focus, and connect better with the world around them, check out Mind Yeti. Mind Yeti is a research-based digital library designed to help kids and adults learn how to meditate, focus their attention, and relax their minds. With Mind Yeti, you'll have access to a wealth of resources that can help you improve your well-being. Plus, it's fun for the whole family since mom and pop can always use a little meditation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhEbpByopgE
These apps are sure to get kids moving and help them lead healthier, more active lives. They won't abandon technology anytime soon, but we can still use it to get them to be more active. So get downloading and let the fun and physical activity begin.