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You’ve got creative nieces and nephews, and summer break gives them more time to stretch those creative muscles in fun ways. And creativity is more than arts and music—making, tinkering, and experimenting are all ways kids can be creative. Whether they want to write code for a video game or make an origami crane, kids can explore their creative side with some of our favorite apps, games, and websites. Let the making begin!

Creating Media

Teens can shoot videos, add special effects, make music, and more with these creative titles. They’ll employ a wide range of skills as they create new content—from imagination and brainstorming to communicating and collaborating.

Ages 13-17

1. Flixpress (Ages 13+)
Kids can produce original videos in a simple online setting using templates, which allow some freedom to choose content and edit text (though the limits that are in place may stifle some kids’ creativity). Flixpress encourages sharing projects through social media, email, and YouTube—so it might be best to get their parents’ approval beforehand.

2. Fotobabble (Ages 13+)
This fun and relatively simple app lets kids use spoken language to narrate photos. Fotobabble creations take just a few steps to make and can be enhanced with the in-app editing tools, effects, and themes. Teens may need guidance if they share their photos publicly.

3. Rock Band Blitz (Ages 13+)
This downloadable rhythm game helps foster an appreciation of popular music, allowing kids to feel and become part of the rhythm via well-timed button taps. Players get to hear their individual tracks that make up a song, including bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals.

4. VideoFX Live (Ages 13+)
Kids can shoot video and use their creative skills to sequence scenes with a wide variety of special effects to make fun movies. VideoFX encourages the use of social media; if kids are 13 and older, they have the opportunity to practice smart and safe online sharing.

5. The Beatles: Rock Band (Ages 14+)
This ambitious interactive band simulator takes kids through a magical mystery tour of 45 remastered tracks that span the Beatles’ legendary career, allowing players to try their hand (or voice) as one of the Fab Four rockers. Songs contain some mildly suggestive lyrics.

One of the fun aspects of Flixpress and VideoFX Live is the ability to share creations via social media. Make sure your teen niece or nephew understands the responsibilities and consequences of making a video public on social media sites.

Photo: Ambro
Published: May 29, 2013