• 1. Pokémon GO


    Pokémon GO isn’t a fitness app, but it will definitely get your kids moving. Players must walk around in order play the game. Pokémon are placed using augmented reality in real world locations, so players need to walk around to find them, and in order to hatch a Pokémon egg, players need to walk a certain distance.

    • Ages: 9+
    • Availability: iOS & Android
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: Pokémon GO is a great game to get the entire family out and exploring while sneaking in some exercise. However, situational awareness is the key to being safe while playing Pokémon GO.

    Pokémon GO is an interactive game and offers plenty of opportunities for players to engage with one another; parents should be aware of this before letting their children play alone or unsupervised.

    Players can add one another as friends and can communicate with each other to compete in challenges, giving gifts, and trading Pokémon. Parents should also know that Pokémon GO offers in-app purchases, so spending expectations should be communicated before allowing your children to play.

    2. Sworkit Kids - Fitness Meets Fun

    Sworkit Kids turns exercising into a game with customizable workouts that build strength, agility, and flexibility. The app guides users through exercises that combine interval training with randomized exercises to keep kids from getting bored. The app challenges kids with questions like "how long can you hop on one foot?"

    • Ages: 4+
    • Availability: iOS & Android
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: Sworkit Kids should be used with adult supervision to ensure that exercises are completed properly. It’s important that an adult is around to help correct improper form and prevent injury as Sworkit Kids only gives verbal instructions for exercises.

    3. NFL Play 60

    NFL Play 60 is an augmented reality game in which players take real steps to explore in the game. Players can collect NFL players to build their roster, play catch, train, and prepare with them for competition against other teams. When a player moves, jumps, turns, and dances while holding their phone, their virtual player does the same.

    • Ages: 4+
    • Availability: iOS & Android
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: Parents must sign a release before their child begins playing NFL Play 60, which removes liability from the NFL and American Heart Association, should an injury occur while using the app.

    Because NFL Play 60 requires movement to play, parents should review situational awareness with their children before playing and ensure that they have plenty of space to run as kids will be focusing on their device screen to lead them in the game. Parents want to ensure that their children have protective cases on their device, as they’ll be running with their device in-hand, increasing the risk of damage.

    4. I Am Love: Kids’ Yoga Journey

    This interactive yoga app is made just for kids. Kids are guided through 13 yoga poses that are demonstrated by children. Yoga can be a great way for kids to reduce stress and decompress before bed.

    • Ages: 4+
    • Availability: iOS & Android
    • Price: $3.99 (iOS) & $0.99 (Android)

    Watch out for: While I Am Love can be safely used alone, it’s best for adults to go through the app, helping guide their child through each pose; it’s also a great way for parents and children to practice yoga together. Once your child feels comfortable, they’ll be able to go through a session with just the audio prompting poses.

    5. Just Dance Now

    Just Dance Now players dance to music and choreography using a smartphone as a controller and an internet-connected screen, such as a computer or Smart TV. This app will get your kids dancing to over 300 songs. Coins, the in-app currency, are used to play songs and they regenerate over time. There are also in-app purchases available for users that don't want to wait to play.

    • Ages: 4+
    • Availability: iOS & Android
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: While Just Dance Now is free to play, expect your child to ask to make in-app purchases as much of the popular music is locked behind a paywall. You should also be aware that users receive only 200 coins per day, which translates into two songs; be prepared to be asked for coin purchases so that your child can continue to dance with the app.

    6. GoNoodle Kids

    GoNoodle Kids is an app used in schools that is designed to get kids moving. Through interactive videos, kids learn how to control energy, focus, and be positive with mindfulness. Players have a character in the game that gets cooler the more you move.

    • Ages: 6+
    • Availability: iOS
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: GoNoodle Kids is an app meant to introduce quick bouts of movement in the classroom, so you should be aware that the modules are short. Don’t expect GoNoodle Kids to engage your child for long.

    7. Iron Kids

    Iron Kids is a kids' fitness app made by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This app is great for young athletes who want to learn about healthy strength training, balance, and fitness from sports medicine physician Jordan D. Metzl, MD, FAAP. Iron Kids features custom workouts, training tips, goal setting, and reminders.

    • Ages: 4+
    • Availability: iOS
    • Price: $2.99

    Watch out for: Developed with safety in mind, there isn’t much parents need to watch out for with the Iron Kids app. Each strength training exercise is demonstrated so that children learn the proper form. If anything, parents may wish to supervise to ensure that their child is performing each exercise correctly.

    8. Kids Fitness - Yoga

    This free yoga app features 10 poses and an animated character that guides kids through yoga poses. Each pose is illustrated and explained to make following along easier. Kids can reap the benefits of yoga by using this app.

    • Ages: 4+
    • Availability: Android
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: Kid’s Fitness - Yoga can be safely used alone, it’s best for adults to go through the app, helping guide their child through each pose; it’s also an excellent way for parents and children to practice yoga together.

    9. Geocaching

    Geocaching is a real world treasure hunt; there are geocaches hidden all over the world. Users of this app will need to go out and find the little treasures. This app acts as your toolbox and tells you everything you need to know to get started. Geocaching will require adult supervision.

    • Ages: 10+
    • Availability: iOS & Android
    • Price: Free

    Watch out for: Much like Pokémon GO, Geocaching requires children to be aware of their surroundings to ensure safety while playing. Geocaching is best done with an adult, especially if it requires driving to a new location and is a great activity for families to do together.