Editors Best Tech of 2011: The coolest apps for tweens and big kids

Those tweens and big kids can be a tough crowd when it comes to technology, but these apps have passed the test. And why we're always wondering where our iPhones and iPads are.











BrainPOP
Liz: Our post headline says it all: Brain Pop Jr answers kids' questions better than "ask your father." While technically a website, there's also a free iPad app that that features one of their entertaining, educational, non-patronizing movies a day. Topics range from presidential history to financial literacy, even 9/11.


Weird but True
Kristen: What is it about bigger kids being obsessed with all things odd and quirky (and occasionally gross)? So, it's no surprise that my own kids loves this app from Nat Geo, and happily use the trivia they learn to gross us out too.




Numbers League
Liz: Users call this possibly the best math app for kids ever, and we have to agree. You can't catch a bad guy without doing a little number crunching, and the combo of comic book fun with learning that feels like nothing of the sort makes it a winner.




Presidents vs. Aliens
Kristen: It's pretty hard not to love an app with this title, but considering how much my oldest has learned about the presidents, I love it even more. And shhhhh, you can catch me playing it all the time.




Albert
Kristen: This quirky little app uses every aspect of the iPhone in a series of different games that are pretty challenging, even for me. Just beware of the weird looks you and your kids will get when you blow into your iPhone mic in public.




Tiny Wings
Liz: Okay, so this one isn't just for kids. But for a totally fun, time-wasting, non-violent game with a little physics tossed in (justification, justification) Tiny Wings is still one of my favorites. Even though I've been stuck on the final Nest Up challenge for a week. Argh.

More 2011 Editors' Tech Picks:

Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Family-Friendly Video Games
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Productivity Tools
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Shopping Sites and Apps
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Grade School Apps
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Preschool Apps
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Kids' Gadgets
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Photo Apps and Services
Editors' Best Tech: The Coolest Websites of 2011
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Techcessories
Editors' Best Tech: Coolest Gadget Cases