Android

Beautifully simple design by a highly respected app-developer. This one is actually REALLY easy to use (even babies just tapping randomly on the screen will produce delightful results) but also interesting enough to engage adults (depending on where you tap the screen, the pitches may be higher or lower, so you can work on playing a scale or even a song if you want to!). The balls also roll to one side of the screen or the other if you tip the iPad creating a cascade of sounds as all the balls make their noise together.  Try holding your finger on a ball for a surprise!

My child actually played this as a 2 year old, but it took a lot of adult assistance as he conquered the learning curve. I’ve put it in school age here because I’m guessing that’s closer to its intended audience. Use the gadgets and pieces in the sidebar to build an “invention” that will perform a hilarious animation when it’s all put together (very Rube Goldberg-esque). The machines start out simple and get increasingly complex as you progress through the games. There’s no time limit or scores to stress out about.

A wordless game that invites you to explore this tiny world together, solving puzzles, collecting missing pieces and unlocking new areas to discover.  Utterly delightful and an excellent multi-generational activity. Reminiscent of Myst, but without the sense of foreboding. Available on both the iPad and on your computer screen!