With so many toddler friendly apps on the market for Android and iOS, finding software that's appropriate can be challenging for parents. Typically kids between 1 to 3 years cannot read and are still developing their fine motor skills.

However, with the right educational apps, toddlers can improve their vocabulary, learn about their surroundings, and stay occupied while parents socialize.

These 5 apps are some of my favorites, easy enough for an 18-month-old. They all include free versions so it's fun, cheap entertainment.

#1 - PicsArt Kids

PicsArt Kids is a fun game to help your toddler develop their drawing and doodling skills. The app includes many activities, a coloring book with dozens of templates, a simple blank canvas which is perfect for younger kids, and a learning mode with mazes shapes and scenes.

When you're finished you can save the sketches into a gallery. It’s great to go back and see your child’s development from their early drawings.

(Android, iOS)

#2 - LEGO Duplo Train

Almost every toddler loves playing LEGO. The Duplo Train app lets toddlers build their own toy train. With the game including several different roles for children, they can be a train engineer, choosing which carts to attach.

There are also many simple mini-games along the way as the train makes its journey. During the game surrounding landscape can be tapped which creates sounds and actions.

(Android, iOS)

#3 - Peekaboo Barn

If your child likes animals then Peekaboo Barn will keep them entertained. Animated animals play peekaboo with your toddler inside the Peekaboo Barn. This is a simple children's app that has friendly farm animals behind each of the barn doors.

Animations keep younger kids attention, with Animal names and sounds helping to teach. With the game available in several languages, it’s perfect for bi-lingual children.

(Android, iOS)

#4 - Endless Alphabet

Endless Alphabet helps teach toddlers to put letters and words together, via a series of mini games. Children put words together in simple and engaging spelling puzzles, assisted with talking words. Upon completion of each word they're rewarded with short animations that explain the word's meaning.

(Android, iOS)

#5 - DipDap

Dipdap is a cute drawing game that has you and your kids following Dipdap through animated scenes. Each scene is missing object which children draw to complete a scene.

The app includes 16 animated scenes and a sketchpad. The apps inbuilt camera roll saves drawings online to share with family.

(Android, iOS)

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