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9 Best Virtual Playdate Apps UK 2024 | Caribu, Marco Polo and More

Everybody – even Elmo! – has been hosting virtual playdates over the last year. Whether you're locked down at home or just a bit overwhelmed by the many responsibilities of being a human parent, virtual playdate apps can keep toddlers, kids and even teens happy and connected. 


There are some excellent apps and sites available which make hosting a virtual playdate simple and fun. Connecting to likeminded mums and dads or enjoying story time with the grandparents can be a breeze too! In this article, we'll help you compare the best virtual playdate apps and choose one that's just right for your family. Read on to find the Apple and Google Play links to our ten favourites. 

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Virtual Playdate App in the UK - Buying Guide

This section of our article is dedicated to informing you about the different kinds of virtual playdate app. It will help you decide what you're looking for in an app so you can choose one (or more!) that will be easiest to use and most relevant to your family. We can't wait to share our tips with you!

1

Scheduling, Video Calling, Games or New Friends? Choose the App Based on Your Playdate Priority

First things first, you should decide what it is you need from your new app. Are you looking for a place to host virtual playdates, schedule them (applicable to real-life playdates too!) or simply meet other parents and children nearby? On our list, we have examples of all three – and more. Or why not download several? They're free, after all!

Some Apps Simply Allow You to Arrange, Invite and Schedule Virtual Playdates

Some Apps Simply Allow You to Arrange, Invite and Schedule Virtual Playdates

Arguably the simplest type of playdate apps are those aimed at organising you and your child's (hopefully busy) social schedule. They make it easy to send out invites online, either via email or to other app users. You can then have all your playdates fixed in one place and won't double book or let anyone down by missing a meet-up. 


Playdate organiser apps do not provide a virtual space to actually hold the event – you'll need to download a separate app for that – but they do keep times, dates and names clear and accessible.

Kid-Friendly Video Calling Allows You to Enjoy a Playdate From the Comfort of Home

Kid-Friendly Video Calling Allows You to Enjoy a Playdate From the Comfort of Home

These apps are at the heart of virtual playdating – they provide an online space that connects your child to another pal or family member, showing their happy little face on the screen. Although they can't hug, they can still share laughter and catch up, even if the world is falling apart or they live divided by oceans. 


We recommend arranging an activity for each child to do in their own space at the same time, such as painting, clay modelling, or even an outdoor hunt for flowers and creepy crawlies. 


Either use the video app afterwards as a kind of show-and-tell option, or set up the video call so kids can chat, share ideas and occasionally wave to one another while they create! Virtual playdates like these are ideal for keeping in touch while avoiding excessive focus on the screen

Feeling Isolated? Choose an App that Connects You to Likeminded Parents With Similar-Aged Kids

Feeling Isolated? Choose an App that Connects You to Likeminded Parents With Similar-Aged Kids

Apps like these are just like a dating app but for friendships, so can feel a bit strange to some of us, but the joy of a video call is that you can get a feel for a person and build trust before meeting and introducing your kids in the real world. People are verified and you can keep addresses totally private.


In the early stages of parenthood, meeting new friends and finding playmates for your baby isn't easy, but this kind of app expands your social circle so you can share the stresses and pains of raising a child with someone who fully gets it. 

Want to Watch a Film or TV Show Together? There's an App for That!

Want to Watch a Film or TV Show Together? There's an App for That!

Need a bit of quiet time after a noisy day of father- or motherhood? A low-key virtual playdate where your youngsters calm down with their favourite film is a clever option. All the better if they can watch it in unison with their BFF online. Don't waste time messing around with one-two-three NOW! (someone always clicks 'play' on two, it's a scientific fact.)


Instead, let an app do the syncing for you so the film or programme plays out in two living rooms at once. This can be turned into a whole 'virtual sleepover' or 'movie night' event with cosy cushions, PJs, takeaway pizza and cinema snacks, making a really fun way for children to connect, even if they can't be in the same place.

Read-Together Apps Offer a Chance to Bond When Families Live Far Apart

Read-Together Apps Offer a Chance to Bond When Families Live Far Apart

Virtual playdates are just as important to older family members as they are to kids. When parents are away or when grandparents live someplace far, an app can be the simple solution for connecting two favourite people who can't see each other in person. And to make that meeting even more special, why not share the magic of a good book?


Grandparents love to read kids a bedtime story, while budding young readers often can't wait to show off their new-found sounding-out skills.


Apps that are connected to a virtual library of child-pleasing reads make perfect sense – they give meaning to a video chat that might otherwise feel unstructured and allow family members to share the excitement of a story beloved by young and old. This is a top pick for connecting military parents with their children, too.

2

Keep an Eye Out for Extra Features That Add to Your Playdate Experience

Keep an Eye Out for Extra Features That Add to Your Playdate Experience

It's always useful to know what extra features your app comes with. If you're choosing one that helps you meet new people or schedule playdates and invite other guests, look out for extras such as playdate inspiration or freebies, goodies and rewards that thank you for using the app regularly or sharing it with friends. 


For video calling apps, look out for a chat sidebar where you can type things – ideal if the sound isn't working yet or your kids are feeling shy! Screen sharing is another useful option if you've planned an online quiz or want to do a show and tell activity involving digital documents. 


Built-in games save you time wracking your brain for playdate ideas and provide a pacey, challenging focus for an otherwise vague and untethered chat. Similarly, stickers, emojis, filters and drawing tools can liven up the virtual playdate experience, keeping easily distracted minds engaged or making almost-grown-ups feel like they're using proper social media. 

3

Make Sure the App Will Engage Kids of the Right Age Range

Make Sure the App Will Engage Kids of the Right Age Range

For very small children, a standard video calling app could be enough. Mums can chat away while babies get stimulation from the shapes, colours and friendly faces on the screen. 


Once little ones are beginning to speak and engage, apps with pictures, libraries and simple activities like drawing, colouring or matching games can be wonderful, right up to the age of 6 or 7. 


For children aged 7 and over, more inspiring playdates with complicated games or interactive experiences can provide lots of fun. As they reach 11 and head towards their teens, they may want to feel independent, so check the age limit of apps with additional content (such as online gaming or video), since it's not always suited to younger eyes. 

4

Who's In Charge? Some Apps Allow Independence, Others Give Parents the Last Word

Who's In Charge? Some Apps Allow Independence, Others Give Parents the Last Word

All the apps on our list give the parents the chance to monitor how their children use them, but some provide a sense of independence too. For most of the apps we've chosen, the parents do the signing in and setting up, leaving the child free to play once contacts have been established. 


We believe it's best to monitor carefully who your child has on their friends list, ideally by seeking out an app that reduces contacts to those whose phone number the account holder has saved. 


Trust your child to select the games or videos they access, keeping a good-faith eye on them as they search independently for content they enjoy online. This way, you can nurture a sense of freedom and careful judgement in them while still making their safety and protection a top priority. 

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9 Best Virtual Playdate Apps in the UK

Now on to the exciting moment where we begin our countdown of the ten best virtual playdate apps of this year. Here you'll find a good variety of options with mini descriptions and comparable spec tables with all the key information. Browse, download and play the day away!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Caribu App

Caribu

Caribu App Caribu 1

Play, Read and Draw Together in a Cosy Video Chat

2

Marco Polo App

Marco Polo

Marco Polo App Marco Polo 1

Texting, Photo Sharing and Video Chats With Complete Privacy

3

JusTalk Kids App

JusTalk Kids

JusTalk Kids App JusTalk Kids 1

Controlled, Kid-Friendly Alternative to Standard Messenger and Video Apps

4

Google

Google Arts and Culture

Google Google Arts and Culture 1

Explore the World's Art and Culture from Home

5

Zoom US

Zoom

Zoom US Zoom 1

The Nation's Favourite App for Video Chats

6

Play: Date App

Play: Date

Play: Date App Play: Date 1

Expand Your Social Circle – and Your Child's!

7

Bunch

Bunch: Group Video Chat and Games

Bunch Bunch: Group Video Chat and Games 1

Have Fun With Silly Games and Video Chats

8

Teleparty

 Teleparty 1

Watch the Latest Netflix Films and TV Shows With Pals

9

Keedoo App

Keedoo

Keedoo App Keedoo 1

A Simple Way to Connect and Arrange Playdates

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Caribu AppCaribu

Caribu 1
Source:apps.apple.com

Play, Read and Draw Together in a Cosy Video Chat

Topping the virtual playdate app charts is Caribu; a user-friendly, kaleidoscopic meeting place just right for connecting kids and grandparents at story time. This app allows parents to create an account for their child, invite family and friends (who can sign up for free) then let the learning and laughter commence. 


Caribu has a huge library of children's books and affiliations including Thomas the Tank Engine, Elmo and Barbie. Kids can select their favourite story and read it aloud on video while Nan and Grandad beam with pride. Friends can also meet up and enjoy activities together! Lots of fun, totally safe and a cute way to stay connected.

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No.2

Marco Polo AppMarco Polo

Texting, Photo Sharing and Video Chats With Complete Privacy

This app is a safe, family-oriented alternative to the more widely known social media and video calling programmes. It is perfect for no-frills video chats, but there are also photo sharing options and text messaging, with extra privacy and control – you can only connect to people whose phone numbers you have saved. 


If you simply want to set your kids up in front of a screen while they crack on with the playdough or origami with their friends looking on (and ideally enjoying the same activity!), this app is all you need. It can also act as a replacement for the more disconcerting worlds of Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. 

No.3

JusTalk Kids AppJusTalk Kids

Controlled, Kid-Friendly Alternative to Standard Messenger and Video Apps

JusTalk allows kids to video call and message their pals from smartphones and tablets, while their parents oversee the contacts list. Older family members or schoolmates can use the app to connect to kids (with parents' permission), chat away, send GIFs and stickers, draw pictures and – of course – have video playdates.


It's a wonderful choice for kids growing up fast who value a little freedom, as it promotes independence while giving parents peace of mind – Mums and Dads can use a four-digit passcode to take charge of the social features. Set the phone or tablet up beside an art or crafting activity for a longer, more engaging playdate. 

No.4

GoogleGoogle Arts and Culture

Explore the World's Art and Culture from Home

We adore this fun app as a playdate option, though it doesn't have to be shared and could simply serve as a fascinating way for your young ones to while away an hour or so. Google Arts and Culture offers stunning virtual tours of museums and galleries from all over the world. 


Arrange to tour the same place at the same time and discuss as you go using a screen-sharing app, video call or even that old classic – the telephone! It could become the basis for future playdates; kids begin by exploring a Frida Kahlo exhibition and spend the following meet-up painting self-portraits in a video chat. It's utterly mesmerising for grown-ups too!

The Nation's Favourite App for Video Chats

Suitable for children as well as adults, Zoom (suitable for smartphones, tablets or PCs) is a good option for a straightforward video call, connecting kids to grandparents or schoolmates to best chums with extras like a chat sidebar, fun filters and screen sharing. 


It's not exactly tailored to youngsters' needs, but for junior school-age children or teens it's completely fine for a joyful video meet-up, and if you're using it anyway for work or your own online gatherings, it could save you faffing with multiple apps. Basic but useful, you'll have the responsibility (or freedom!) of choosing an activity and simply doing it at the same time as another family.

Expand Your Social Circle – and Your Child's!

We like this app for three reasons: it's simple, it's safe and it keeps parents in touch during what can be a really lonely time in a person's life. This app is another one solely intended for connecting to other parents and arranging playdates, rather than providing a space for them or any activities. 


Along with providing the chance to make friends with other parents nearby, this app allows you to earn rewards. Play: date recommends fun parent-and-child activities and lets you know about offers and goodies you can claim discounted or free too. Use it together with another app to live out your virtual playdate dreams. 

No.7

BunchBunch: Group Video Chat and Games

Have Fun With Silly Games and Video Chats

Best suited to older children, this app is a fun way for groups of three or more kids to connect and has lots of game ideas like Hoops, Uno and MarioKart. What we like about this app is the option to pre-arrange meet-ups and sort friends into groups so you can easily send out invites. 


This app comes a little lower on our list as it does have some less kid-friendly options including Call of Duty, so be sure you monitor your child's usage. With the right care, this app can be really inspiring for kids who want to break away from the childlike graphics of programmes specifically aimed at little'uns. 

Watch the Latest Netflix Films and TV Shows With Pals

Wherever you and your favourite people are in the world, this app is a great way to feel connected. After a busy day of running, screaming, puddles and paint splatter it can be great to have a calming playdate booked where your kids settle down for quiet time with their favourite movie.


Previously known as Netflix party, Teleparty allows you and a faraway friend to watch a film or TV show in sync through Netflix, Disney, Hulu or HBO. You can chat and upload screenshots, emojis and GIFs too. Ask your child to choose the film, crack out the blankets and popcorn and cuddle up for a movie night, knowing friends are out there doing the same. 

A Simple Way to Connect and Arrange Playdates

This app is useful in a few different ways. Using Keedoo, you can sign up for local parent-and-child groups or community chats and get in touch with families in your surrounding area – ones you might not have met otherwise. Create simple invitations for playdates in a click or two!


This app does not actually provide a hosting space for virtual playdates; it is about connecting, organising and meeting rather than actually hosting. Use it in conjunction with another app so you can enjoy time together chatting, playing, watching a film or drawing, but have all your meetings and dates scheduled efficiently in one easy-to-manage place.  

More Ideas for Time Indoors With the Kids

More Ideas for Time Indoors With the Kids

A day indoors with your family can feel like a blessing or a nightmare, depending on the day, your state of mind, and of course, your budget. Engaging indoor activities needn't be costly, though more expensive puzzles and games can end up being great value as they can last for ages! Below we've shared links to our favourite articles guiding you through fun ways to while away the hours with your kids at home

Summary

Thus concludes our rollercoaster ride through the best virtual playdate apps you can buy in the UK this year. We really hope our thoughts were helpful and allowed you to compare products easily to find what you wanted! 


Among our picks we think there are some proper gems, and we hope they'll make life more fun and chilled out in equal measure, no matter your family set up!


Author: Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Playdate Apps

No. 1: Caribu AppCaribu

No. 2: Marco Polo AppMarco Polo

No. 3: JusTalk Kids AppJusTalk Kids

No. 4: GoogleGoogle Arts and Culture

No. 5: Zoom USZoom

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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