With the release of the iPad Air and the new iPad mini, Santa’s sleigh will probably be weighed down with sacks full of tablets this Christmas. And with kids becoming more tech savvy than their parents these days, expect them to be snatching the tablet from your hands at every opportunity.

But with mind-numbing games, expensive apps, hidden add-on costs and parental filters that can never be 100%, it can be hard to let your kids loose with new technologies without worrying. So we’ve picked ten of the best apps for kids, ones that encourage creativity and learning, whilst being cheap, or even better, totally free.

One of the big things to watch out for with kids’ apps is the in-app purchases (IAP), which can end up leaving you with a big bill, without your kids knowing that they are spending any money at all. Before you install, make sure you check that the apps don’t have any secretive expensive add-ons that your children can unknowingly install and leave you with three digit bills. So if the app says it’s free, look closer at the small print!

5. Toddler Soundboard

Toddler Soundboard

This free app is aimed at toddlers, teaching them their numbers, letters, colours and shapes. The interactive app is bright, colourful and engaging, with no IAPs to worry about.

4. Curious George’s Town

Curious George's Town

A fun and educational app that is free from IAPs and only £1.99. The app aims to teach children how to save up coins that they earn on the game, and purchase items to build a town. There is also a section for parents in the app to make a customisable rewards chart for chores in the real world, making the game come to life.

3. Star Walk HD

Star Walk HD

For stargazers everywhere, this is the app for you. Hold your iPad up to a clear night’s sky and details of the constellations in that area will come up on screen. Perfect if you live in the countryside or are taking your kids camping, it’s a great way of getting them interested in the sky above. It is affordable too, at only £1.99 for the entire solar system in your hands.

2. WWF Together

WWF Together

This free app is the perfect introduction for kids to the world’s most endangered species. It lets you see how these animals survive and gives you a story of their lives. Your kids can experience ‘tiger vision’, and help to chop bamboo for the pandas. There are new species stories with updates, that allow the app to gradually grow and teach your kids more.

1. Paper

Paper app

A totally free app that will unleash creativity in your kids. With five tools, including Draw, Sketch, Outline, Write and Color, you can draw, paint or write anything you wish. The best thing about this app is that it’s not just for kids. It’s a different way of taking notes and drafting ideas. One for all the family.