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There are two very nice programs on the iPad which my 4yo likes:

Move the Turtle http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/move-turtle.-programming-for/... ($2.99)

Similar to the Logo programming language another commenter mentions. Starts simple, but goes into loop solutions a little too quick.

Cargo Bot (free!) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cargo-bot/id519690804?mt=8

Cargo Bot is much more visual, little or no text, but I think they dive into recursion much too fast (for 3 star solutions that is).

Bee Bot (free!) http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bee-bot/id500131639?mt=8

Just discovered, also for the really little ones. No comments yet.

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My wife has an iPad 3, but I have a Nexus 7, any similar tools for that? Anyone?

I'm far from an Apple fanboy, have an Android phone, but... the best investment I've ever made is an extra iPad for my kid.

There's sooo much good stuff for the little ones on the iPad that's really educational. Android is simply lacking in that respect (for now).

Case in point, I downloaded some apps, and without any intervention on my part she taught herself how to write letters (little skywriter), do simple math (monkey school math), work with sets (firstapp.com peeps), draw lovely artwork with commentary (doodlecast), learn about physics (amazing alex) etc etc.

Nothing better than having her come over to me and "explain" how things work.

If you think an iPad is going overboard in terms of expenses, a lot of this stuff works on the iTouch as well.

she's had a touch screen device for a few years now, something called a LeapPad which is designed for children. I think soon though that'll get passed down to my youngest who's currently 2, and she can have a cheap tablet of some kind as she's quite clumsy so wouldn't trust her with anything like an iPad!

Check out the Nabi 2 pad. Just bought one for my 5 year old and it's really nice. It's android based and made for kids and a lot cheaper than an iPad, it was roughly $200.

My 2.5 year old has been playing with our 1st gen ipad since she could pick it up. We just got one of the original Apple black rubber cases (http://www.amazon.com/Original-Apple-CASE-ZML-MC361ZM-Packag...) and it's survived all the times she's dropped it (only being able to drop it from a height of 2 ft helps reduce impact forces too :)

And by survived, I mean when we take it out of the case and wipe off all her sticky fingerprints it looks brand new.

She is too young I suppose, but this tool has been getting some exposure recently (create games on the PC for other platforms, incl. iOS and Android)

http://gamesalad.com/

Came across this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.darkgadget...

And this looks promising too (more like Cargo Bot) http://sourceforge.net/projects/andmaz/

PS I see more listed here (should have searched for those two names before posting)

http://www.techwithintent.com/2012/07/5-best-ipad-apps-to-te...

A longer list with resources for older kids:

http://breakoutmentors.com/kids-programming-resources/

Cargo Bot looks great, thanks! Trying it tonight with my son.

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