Star Walk Kids — Explore Space & Planets ($2.99 for iOS and Android)
What it is: an astronomy app with colorful graphics and animated videos that teach mind-boggling concepts in an entertaining way. Adults, like me, who may be inept at spotting Polaris or Orion’s belt can benefit too.
How it works: This app is fun inside but especially outdoors with the ultra-dark sky you might find on a camping trip. After launching the app outside, you can hold your phone up to the night sky to see what stars can be viewed from your location. As you move your smartphone, the app uses its built-in gyroscope to reveal the night sky. Indoors you can swipe across the landing page for info or tap the magnifying glass to choose your topic, ranging from planets to stars and constellations.
Why it’s great: This app can help kids or young-at-heart adults learn about astronomy in an entertaining, simplified way. It is chock-full of short animated videos. Instead of detailed explanations that might make your head hurt, you get short explanations about everything from the Hubble Telescope to Jupiter and Ursa Major. I had forgotten that Ursa Major contains the Big Dipper.
Chimani Acadia (Free for iOS and Android)
What it is: a guide for visitors to Maine’s Acadia National Park. It has a detailed map and lists hiking and biking trails, operating hours, shuttle buses and more.
How it works: The landing page is a menu filled with options ranging from the photo gallery to hiking and auto touring. When you find an activity or point of interest you want to remember, click on the plus sign to store it under your favorites. You can also create a trip plan. After you indicate your interests and whether it’s a family trip, solo adventure, etc., the app suggests places to go. When visiting Acadia National Park, click on Viewport and point your phone at an area to learn more about it.
Why it’s great: This app keeps its info onboard, so a data connection isn’t necessary. The Hiking section not only describes the area, it details trail type (easy, moderate, etc.), distance and estimated time. The My Trip tool rocks. I built a trip as a solo traveler with an interest in history, hiking, biking, horseback riding and boating, and I received more than 20 possibilities. At Jordan Pond House, for example, I could boat, hike and/or have afternoon tea.
Earthquake (Free for iOS and Android)
What it is: a free English/Spanish app from the Red Cross to teach people what to do before, during and right after an earthquake. It also sends alerts from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for earthquakes in the U.S.
How it works: First, you set earthquake alerts. I chose current location and my home. Then you can discover quake history in your location, learn how to react in an earthquake and take tests to earn badges. The tests are pretty easy, but I was surprised to learn 45 out of our 50 states are at risk for a moderate quake.
Why it’s great: This may not be a happy travel app, but it can be an educational way to kill time in an airport and might save your bacon if a quake hits during your vacation. Earthquake puts lifesaving info at your fingertips. Its tool kit is really cool because it can turn your phone into a flashlight, a strobe light or an alarm. It also helps you make a plan to assign different duties to family members. And you can create a custom I’m Safe message to be sent out via email, text, Facebook or Twitter to tell people you are OK. The app also can steer you to the nearest Red Cross shelter.
Terry Gardner is a freelance reporter.
