Apps to entertain the kids

With Christmas upon us and New Year's just around the bend, many families are contending with long road trips and crowded flights. All those hours in the car and at the airport are bound to bring out tantrums in toddlers, squabbles among siblings and the familiar "I'm bored" from tweens.

I asked a range of experts, from professional toy-reviewers to travel-savvy moms, for the best apps for iPads and iPhones to help keep the kids entertained. I've also added some unplugged options. Below are top picks by age.

Elmo Loves ABCs, for iPad, $4.99 -- Frequent encouragement by Sesame Street's favorite red fur ball keeps children engaged exploring the alphabet.

Why it's a hit: Elmo's shrill voice may drive you -- and seatmates -- nuts if your child doesn't wear headphones. But with loads of songs, more than 80 video clips, 75 coloring pages and interactive games about letters, this app pays for itself in entertainment value, said Jamie Pearson, co-publisher of www.BestKidsApps.com.

Memory Train, for iPad and iPhone, 99 cents -- Focus and concentration are rewarded in this memory game that doles out badges and peanuts to children who help Spacey the Elephant recall colors, shapes, numbers and other objects spotted from the train.

Why it's a hit: It's engaging and fun. And because the app is visually based, it can still be played with the sound turned off.

Desk to Go, $17.99 -- This art supply bag unfolds to form a sturdy surface for coloring, drawing and writing.

Highlights Hidden Pictures, for iPad and iPhone, $1.99 -- This app is a modern take on the Highlights magazine puzzles you played in your dentist's waiting room. Hundreds of objects hidden in eight illustrations turn from black and white to color when found.

Why it's a travel hit: Hunting for the hidden pictures requires focus, which translates into quiet for long stretches.

Zingo to Go! $15.99 -- In this fast-paced twist on Bingo, pictures and words are used instead of the traditional letter/number grid. Children try to match the images and words on game tiles to the corresponding stoplights on their game boards. Because the first with a completed traffic light wins by shouting "Zingo!" this game is better suited to car rides than plane trips.

Why it's a hit: Self-contained pieces mean you don't have to worry about missing parts. Children learn picture recognition and build memory skills. Also, "parents will actually enjoy playing it, too," said Brian Gordon, a founder of ebeanstalk.com.

Stack the States, for iPad and iPhone, 99 cents -- Players are rewarded with cute cartoon characters of the 50 states by answering questions correctly that they pile in stacks to win.

Weird but True, for iPad and iPhone, $1.99 -- More than 300 wacky factoids from National Geographic Kids include revelations like girls have more taste buds than boys and gorillas burp when they're happy. Users can rate the level of "weirdness" for each and share favorites with friends via e-mail.

Why it's a hit: "It's just the right amount of quirky and gross," said Liz Gumbinner, publisher of Coolmomtech.com.

USA License Plate Game, $19.99 -- This game board with a map of the United States helps keep track of license plates when playing the classic spotting game on long road trips.

Why it's a hit: Children learn the names and locations of all 50 states. Added appeal: It's not electronic.

Casey's Contraptions HD, for iPad, $2.99 -- Players create Rube Goldberg-like machines with objects, from slingshots to balloons, to solve puzzles and recover Casey's toys. There is also an optional social network, Game Center, where children can share solutions.