Sometimes kids just want to have fun with art. We’ve been checking out apps that allow for creativity no matter level of artistic ability. The nice thing about art apps is they can also tie in nicely with storytelling.

Kids don’t realize that by figuring out where something goes they are structuring a story with a beginning, middle and end. This translates later in the classroom when kids have to structure their thoughts for reports, project, and journal writing.

Challenge them to share their experiences this summer with the fun art apps below and see how much fun they can have telling a story.  Great apps for kids 5 – 13 years old.

Animation Desk for Kid is a fun way to create simple animation and is ideal for kids of all ages. Nice features include duplicating frames, add audio, adjustable frame rates and  width of your crayon or paint brush.

Once done you can export the video as a .mov file and email it to someone as a birthday card or party invite. It doesn’t offer importing options so you can’t take a photo yet but if you’re kid is eager to learn animation through drawing it is a nice tool.

Price $2.99

Faces iMake is super fun and is guaranteed to bring out the silliness in anyone. Using everyday objects like fruit, veggies, candy, letters, toys, music instruments, the list goes on! There are even lessons to inspire your young artist. Kids have to think about what makes up a face and how to represent features. It helps when learning to describe what they see so when telling a story they remember to add in the details.

We laughed as each of the kids did a self portrait then a picture of dear old mom which was, according to my 8 year old, h-y-s-t-e-r-i-c-a-l. Below is a creation my daughter came up with. I don’t think it quite captures my essence but it’s nice to be able to have a chuckle with the kids!

You can save and email out your creations and also add a message within the creation. Great for thank you cards and party invites with a twist.
Price 4.99

Splice – Video Editor has a free version that is getting great reviews. Featured as one of the top free apps this easy to used photo and video editors gives you the opportunity to create some fun memories of your travels and summer adventures. Great for teaching kids how to structure a story. Give the app to the kids and get them thinking about their summer. Watch them come up with some creative movies using photos and videos laying in their own music track and / or voice over.

As with most free apps there are in-app purchases available depending on what features you find compelling. Price: Free – for $3.99 you can opt to remove ads.