5 Family Travel Apps for Parents and Kids

If you have kids and you aren’t using technology to help while traveling, you’re doing yourself and your kids a disservice. Odds are your kids are tech natives and already know the games and books they want to install on their device to help on any trip. Load your device like you would your luggage: Make sure you have the family travel apps you need based on where you’re going.

Here are the apps you need the next time you’re traveling with the next generation in tow, be it across town, across the state, or around the world.

Useful Family Travel Apps

Sound Sleeper App

For: Getting the kids (and everyone else) to sleep on the road.

White noise can be a lifesaver when getting little ones (and even big ones) to sleep on the road. Instead of lugging around a separate machine, you can install this app on your mobile device and let it run all night while you’re charging. With dozens of options to chose from, you can tailor the sounds based on how much background noise you need.

Mamava App

For: Nursing moms on the go.

This crowdsourcing app is for moms and families in need of quiet and secure locations for pumping and breastfeeding. Even at locations that promote such resources, like airports and shopping malls, it can be difficult to find them. The Mamava app allows you to find lactation suites while in new cities, add to your own list of favorites, and rate locations to help other moms make smart decisions.

Owlet SmartSock 2 and App

For: Parents who want to monitor their little one from across the room or across the country.

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This device and companion app aren’t cheap ($299 for monitor, base station, “smart” sock sensor, and app) but they do offer 21st-century baby-monitoring options, including tracking your infant’s heart rate and oxygen levels. So if you’re worried about not hearing the baby while down the street at grandma’s house or you want to check in back home while across the country on a business trip, the Owlet device offers high-tech piece of mind. The Owlet SmartSock 2 can also be found on Amazon.

Apps from PeaPod Labs

For: Parents who want their kids’ touch device to be more than a distraction.

PeaPod’s development team has created more than 20 family travel apps designed to support and reinforce all the basic learning you want to instill in your toddler: numbers, letters, colors, etc., while introducing new vocabulary words, landmarks around the world and, thankfully, fun. Aimed at Pre-K and Kindergarten kids in particular, these apps are great for trips across the country or across town.

Duolingo

For: Parents who want to learn languages alongside their kids.

One of the best benefits of travel is exposure to new ideas and cultures. The great thing about Duolingo is that it is a great resource for kids and adults alike. Teaching concepts, vocabulary, and context for dozens of languages, Duolingo offers solid language learning in a kid-friendly package. Now you and the kids can prep for that trip to Paris with less fear of botching something on the menu.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Family Travel 101: What to Consider Before Traveling with Kids
• 7 Family Getaways for When Your Kids Aren’t Kids Anymore
• Children Flying Alone: What You Need to Know

Jason Flynn is a freelance writer, editor, and geek of all trades. Follow him on Twitter @flynntendo.