Kids' apps for outdoor fun

As the weather gets warmer, it's the perfect time to grab your smart phone and your kids so you can head outside for some fresh air and high-tech exploring.

Not only will these apps make outdoor family time fun, they're educational, too. Just remember, when you take technology out into the wild, it's a good idea to tuck it away in a durable case so it stays pristine.

Shoot a video, choose a still, then magically reveal parts of the video through the image with a swipe.

Ages: 6-12
Platform: iOS
Where to Buy? Free, iTunes.com

Don't settle for boring weather updates! This beautiful app will be one of the hottest downloads this summer.

Whether you need UV info for your family or a quick five-day forecast, this app lets you do it in your own personal style with colourful themes.

Ages: 6-12
Platform: iOS
Where to Buy? $1, gethaze.com

Not only will this app give you quick reference information about what's in your garden, but the diary-like features are perfect for the whole family so everyone can track your plant progress.

Ages: 6-12
Platform: iOS
Where to Buy? $4, itunes.com

You and your kids will love getting big bird knowledge on your small smartphone so you can spot and name up to 800 species flapping around North America.

Ages: 6-12
Platform: iOS & Android
Where to Buy? $10, audubonguides.com

Think treasure hunt 2.0. With this app, use your phone's GPS and digital clues to find nearby geocaches.

Sherlock Holmes will be proud!

Ages: 6-12
Platform: Android
Where to Buy? $10, geochaching.com

Whether you're in your own backyard or at the local park, this simple app will help you and your kids find out the name of a leaf in seconds (thanks to fancy visual recognition tech).

Ages: 4-12
Platform: iOS
Where to Buy? Free, leafsnap.com

Teach your kid how to tie knots like a pro. No matter where you are, from fishing to camping, this step-by-step guide puts the knotty details in easy-to-follow photos for the whole family.

Ages: 6-12
Platform: iOS
Where to Buy? $4, iTunes.com

With dozens of national parks in our beautiful country, consider this your family's official guide.  From what to bring and wear, to where to camp and what to cook, this download has you covered!

Ages: 6-12
Platform: iOS, Android & BB
Where to Buy? Free, pc.gc.ca

Love to garden? This app makes it easy to identity bugs wreaking havoc in your garden. For the kids, it's also a great excuse to get up close and personal with creepy crawlies.

Ages: 4-8
Platform: iOS
Where to Buy? $1, bugsinthegarden.com

It's all fun and games…until someone gets hurt. With this app, your family can learn about basic first aid information so you can stay safe in the great outdoors.

Ages: 8-12
Platform: iOS & Android
Where to Buy? Free, redcross.org