5 Reasons Your Kids Will Love Your New iPad

Tom Edwards is VP, Digital Strategy at Red Urban. He lives in Dallas, TX with his wife and 3 kids. He blogs at: http://theblackfin.com

iPad launch day… 5 ways you and your kids can benefit from the iPad

Netflix for iPad

As a tech savvy dad of three I am always looking for ways to improve my kiddos entertainment experiences on the go. With the release of the iPad today I am already looking at how the device can enhance my time with the kiddos. Here are five ways to immediately start enhancing your time together via the iPad.

1. Netflix & Movies: The Netflix instant streaming is amazingly smooth. You can be watching Veggietales in a matter of seconds. Speaking of movies… titles such as Toy Story, Toy Story 2 (HD) Alvin & The Chipmunks theSqueakquel and the Princess and the frog are available from iTunes and look great. With the larger screen and crystal clear display it makes watching videos and entertaining the kiddos an easier proposition than just your iPod or iPhone. With the optional iPad case you can place the iPad in an ideal viewing position.
2. Games: With over 400 games at launch (I stopped counting after Page 34). I immediately began downloading games that the kids and I would find interesting. There is a wide range of ages represented as well as games for both boys and girls. I have a 7 year old boy, 5 year old girl and 2 year old little guy.
   1. Scrabble ($9.99)– classic boardgame revisited for the iPad
   2. Draw (free)– simple drawing application that is fun for most ages
   3. UNO ($6.99) – Uno is always a good time with the kiddos… UNO!!!
   4. Worms ($4.99) – Nothing like taking control of worms with weapons
   5. Disney Fairies Fly on iPad ($7.99) – For the little princesses in your life this app will get them closer to Tinkerbell
   6. Phineas & Ferb Arcade on iPad ($2.99) – Fun arcade games from the two imaginative fellows.
   7. JellyCar 2 on iPad ($2.99) – Roll jelly car roll.
   8. Dora the Explorer Coloring Adventures ($4.99) – Fun coloring app of everyones favorite explorer.
   9. My First Words in American English ($2.99) – Help the little ones learn the basics
   10. VH1 Classic Presents: Intellivision for iPad ($2.99) – Old school gaming brought to the iPad.
3. iBooks & Read Along: Toy Story and Toy Story 2 read along apps are available on launch day.
4. Marvel Comics: A great way to view comics is through the Marvel Comics app. The benefits of the iPad are really apparent when viewing magazine style assets.
5. ESPN Score Center XL: This one is for the dads but I am already enjoying the benefits of this app in preparation for Final Four Saturday.

These are apps that are available on launch day that I found interesting. As with the iPhone expect a flood of new and innovative apps that will test the limits of the iPad and bring hours of enjoyment for you and your kids.