Screen Play

Boy using mobile phone

 

Harness Technology To Inspire Active Play

Screens can be amazing tools to stimulate kids' appetites for active play. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to apps that encourage learning, movement and creative pursuits in the real world. If you are unsure where to start, recruit your kids to find some that appeal, then head out and play them together. It's a great way to bond through active, outdoor fun. The apps below are just a few suggestions to get you started.

Shoot For The Stars

There are astronomy apps galore! Take stargazing to the next level with these apps that allow users to point their device to the sky and instantly identify stars, constellations, and satellites. All of the apps below are free (a least for the lite versions, which contain ads):

Star Walk 2
Star Chart
Sky View

Seeing Green

Why not take a nature walk? Download one of these apps and see how many plants you can identify on your stroll:

Plant Snap
Plant Net
Leaf Snap

Nurture Nature

When it comes to great ideas to get kids outside, Nature Play WA has got you covered. Our Play in WA app, Nature Passport app and Play Trails app contain hundreds of activities designed by experts in outdoor play and experiential education to keep your little ones buzzing with outdoor play options.

Play in WA
Play Trails

Meet The Insects

Every kid knows creepy crawlies are fascinating creatures. The 'Meet the Insects' app series will turn kids into budding backyard bug enthusiasts with virtually everything they'd want to know about the insect kingdom.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

Australia has more than its fair share of unique flora and fauna. These apps will help you become bio-adventurers and appreciate what's on our own doorstep. Plus, your sightings contribute to real research and conservation.

Australian Bird Guide
QuestaGame
Field Guide to Western Australian Fauna

A World of Adventure

The variety of apps available to get your kids active outside is impressive, and it can be as easy as googling key words that are of interest. These might include, 'campfire cooking', 'fishing', 'mountain biking', 'orienteering', 'fishing', 'hiking', etc. A few honourable mentions go to the following apps, which are particularly handy at getting older kids outside:

Pokemon GO
Geocaching
Bear Essentials

Top Tips

Screen time can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

  • Technology can encourage active & creative play in the real world.
  • Spend time with your kids while they use outdoor apps - it is a great way to bond.
  • Stuck for screen-based ideas? Get you kids to help find some great apps you'll both enjoy.

Apps Based on TV Shows

Outdoor Family Fun with Plum - Daily activities to get your family outside, exploring your neighborhood and learning about nature.

Plum’s Photo Hunt - More from this PBS 'Plum's Landing' character - this time he's sending kids outside with their device to complete photo missions

Nature Cat’s Great Outdoors - Based on another PBS KIDS show, this app releases new outdoor adventures daily.

Outdoor Family Fun with Plum
Plum's Photo Hunt
Nature Cat's Great Outdoors

The Office of The eSafety Commissioner suggests checking age ratings, consumer advice and reviews at the following sites:

Australian Classification Board’s online database

Australian Council on Children and the Media

Common Sense Media (US)

NetAware (UK)

Click to access the login or register cheese