7 Kid Friendly Android Apps (all free)

While hanging out with my newest niece and nephew, I got to thinking about what goodies I could install on my cell phone to entertain them. OK, at about 5 weeks of age, there isn't much these kids are into beyond eating, sleeping and dirtying diapers. Heck, they don't even want to use my phone as a chew toy yet. But, you can never be too prepared, so I poked around the Android Market to see what I could come up with.

So here it is, 7 apps that I think might be especially kid friendly. Remember, this is from an Uncle's perspective, not a parent - so for all I know these are terrible suggestions.

Note: apps with the tag market can be found and installed by searching the Android Market for the application name. Apps with the word built-in, are, as you might guess, already built in.

• Draw! market - This is a simple app that allows you to scribble on the screen. Should be fun for doodling as well as attempting to draw real pictures (though, good luck!). There are few controls to get in the way, but if you do want to get fancy you can change pen colors and even save your work.
• Tub Thumber market - This is a simple drum kit app. You see the pictures of the drums and thump away. You can't record your masterpiece, but it should be entertaining none the less.
• Comedy Sound market - This is a soundboard - a collection of related sounds that you can play on demand. It's not very extensive, but for small kids it could be a simple gadget to play with. I tried all the sounds with the twins, alas they weren't phased by any of them. Oh well, better luck next time.
• My Tracks & orienteer market - These apps are ideal for older kids. They will allow them to play around with both direction and their location. What kid wouldn't want to take a walk around the block and see the path they took on a map? Orienteer provides a basic compass kids can experiment with and it works just fine indoors.
• PaiJump PapiJump market - This simple game has you twist and turn the phone to get your little character to jump just right. I'm sure a kid could master it in just a few minutes, leaving us adults struggling to make any progress at all.
• Voice Recorder market - The Voice Recorder does just what it says it does. Use it to record goofy sounds, make your own radio program or any of 100 other uses. It's simple and should provide entertainment to kids of all ages.
• YouTube built-in - YouTube provides tons of kid friendly content if you know what to look for. Everything from Sesame Street - Animal Sounds to the Alphabet Song in Japanese is available for you to watch. Just be creative, and fun should be had. Note - this app definitely requires adult supervision, as there's plenty of content on YouTube even an uncle knows isn't kid appropriate.

So, what apps do you find kids like to play with the most? Please share in the comments.