Let’s face it, sometimes iPhones and iPads come in handy when needing to keep our children quietly entertained, especially in sticky situations like at a busy restaurant, during a long car ride, or on the airplane. With that in mind, we’re sharing our top five, tried-and-true toddler apps that will help your little ones stay focused, exploring and learning while on the go!

Press Here, The App, $1.99, iTunes.
Based on the Hervé Tullet book, Press Here, which has children interact by pushing printed dots and swirls, the app offers iPhone and iPad entertainment with 15 games and activities that immerse children in a magical world of brightly winking, blinking, multiplying, and colliding dots that little kids love.

Peekaboo Barn, $1.99, iTunes.
The bouncing Peekaboo Barn is full of adorable and friendly farm animals. From a mooing cow to a squeaking field mouse, the Peekaboo Barn is sure to have your littles smiling and learning animal sounds alike.

Elmo Calls, $0.99, iTunes.
Our favorite furry friend from Sesame Street wants to talk. This brilliant app gets kids to answer the phone when Elmo calls. The kids can FaceTime, receive voice calls, and voice messages from their red monster buddy and they will love laughing and playing along with Elmo himself.

Nighty Night, $2.99, iTunes.
Nighty Night walks kids through the bedtime routine of their favorite animals by having them put them to bed and turn off the lights in their stalls. The app features soft lullaby music and gentle narration and will become a relaxing favorite for kids and parents.

Interactive Alphabet, $3.99, iTunes.
We love this app because it is not only a great, interactive learning tool for toddlers, but there is also a baby mode with an alphabet tour for the littlest learners. This app features big, bright pictures, fun interaction, and tolerable music that the kids will enjoy.

Have any apps for kids worth sharing? Feel free to do so in the comments below.