11 Free Back-to-School Apps for Parents
Turn your smartphone or tablet into command central with everything you need to plan, prep, and navigate your kid's year. The best part? These great apps for Apple and Android devices are all free!
By Kourtney Eidam
1. Digital Tutor
Need a refresher course in math, English, and other subjects? School A to Z helps you answer your student's homework head-scratchers and gives project suggestions on a variety of topics.
Download the app from iTunes
2. Nifty Note Taker
Evernote offers quick ways to manage your growing to-do list: Record a voice note on the go for your partner or type up some tasks for your kids. Everyone has access to the notes on any of your family's devices.
Download the app from iTunes
Download the app from Google Play
3. Easy Reader
Cut down on storytime expenses and trips to the library with OverDrive Media Console. The app lets you "borrow" e-books from a selection of public and school libraries.
Download the app from iTunes
Download the app from Google Play
4. Kitchen Helper
Whether you're looking for lunch ideas or something you can whip up fast, allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner can help with its more than 40,000 options.
Download the app from Google Play
5. Class Aide
Designed for older students, inClass is great for parents who want to stay on top of all of their kids' assignments, due dates, and the other things that take up the school year. (Apple only)
Download the app from iTunes
6. Team Player
For less stressful soccer games and basketball practices, the app allows you to organize your children's busy schedules, contacts for the players' parents, stats, and other important info.
Download the app from iTunes
Download the app from Google Play
7. Brain Booster
KinderTown's team of parents and educators picks educational apps by age and subject so you don't have to. (Apple only)
Download the app from iTunes
8. Savvy Shopper
Save time and money on back-to-school shopping with RedLaser. Simply scan the item's bar code, and it compares online and in-store prices to locate the best deals.
Download the app from iTunes
Download the app from Google Play
9. Student Tracker
If you're nervous about your kid taking the bus, get Life360 Family Locator. Register his cell (it doesn't have to be a smartphone), and this app will find him on the map. It also has a panic button.
Download the app from iTunes
Download the app from Google Play
10. Virtual Assistant
The Cozi Family Organizer will keep your clan on the same page with reminders for homework or doctor's appointments sent out from the shared calendar.
Download the app from iTunes
Download the app from Google Play
11. One from us!
We had to give a shout-out to our own app: Playgrounds! From Parents and KaBOOM! Using GPS (or zip codes), the app lets you set up playdates and gives you a list of nearby play spaces, complete with directions and user ratings.
Download the app from parents.com/mobile-apps/playgrounds/
Related:
This article first appeared in Parents magazine.
