Outdoor apps: get outside with your smartphone

Since Pokemon Go at the latest, we know: Apps are not just for indoors. They can even lure our children out into the fresh air. We have collected examples of outdoor apps and a few warnings for parents.

Pokemon Go is the best-known, but by no means the only outdoor app that combines our real environment with virtual elements. There are numerous programmes that bring nature and technology together on smartphones - even for children.
While many parents wonder whether children shouldn't enjoy nature without a device because they already stare at their devices too much at home, other parents breathe a sigh of relief: «Finally, my teenager is getting some fresh air!» Lilian Suter, media psychologist at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, says: «I think encouraging exercise with outdoor apps in a playful way is a good thing. If it becomes a joint family endeavour, all the better.»

Risks and side effects of outdoor apps

However, there are a few things you should bear in mind when using the app and discuss with your child if necessary. Does the app contain adverts or in-app purchases that are unsuitable for children? Does GPS need to be activated and does the app require a permanent internet connection, which may incur additional costs?

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One aspect is particularly important to Lilian Suter: «Parents should accompany their children outside if possible and support them in using the app.» On the one hand, they can help if, for example, technical questions arise. On the other hand, children should not be out and about all alone in unknown places, for example where a scavenger hunt app has taken them. It is also very important to always be aware of potential dangers in the area - such as road traffic!

Data protection for outdoor apps? Often rather inadequate

Before installation, you should also pay attention to which data and programmes the app wants to access later. Some apps want access that they don't actually need for their function. Why does a navigation app need access to contact data, for example?
You should also bear in mind that your own movement radius is theoretically visible when GPS is switched on. Here too, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of an installation and read the terms and conditions of the app in question beforehand. What exactly happens to my movement data? Is it stored or passed on to third parties?

Finally, Lilian Suter has a practical tip: «If you use the app together, a tablet is usually better than a smartphone because of the larger screen. And of course, the battery should be sufficiently charged beforehand.»
Picture: Fotolia

Popular outdoor apps

Agent X

Everyone is probably familiar with the classic board game Scotland Yard. With the app, the hunt for Mr X doesn't take place in the living room, but outside. As Agent X, a player must escape his pursuers. The detectives have to catch him. Gadgets such as camouflage caps and smoke grenades provide variety in the game.

Available for: Android, iOS
Recommended age group: 10 years and older
Cost: The free version contains adverts. The full version costs 3 francs.
Safety note: The app requires a constant GPS connection so that it can update the positions of Agent X and the detectives on the map. The app also transfers data online - so it is advisable to only play if you have a data flat rate or keep a constant eye on your mobile data consumption.

Wild animals and tracks 2

It's not always easy to motivate children to go for a walk. The Wild Animals and Tracks 2 app enables children to recognise the tracks and traces of animals. Numerous background information, sounds and pictures round off the interactive fun.

Available for: Android, iOS
Recommended age group: from 4 years
Costs: There is less content in the free LITE version. The complete PRO version costs 3 francs.
Note: Wild Animals and Tracks 2 is purely a reference book. Therefore, it does not require an Internet connection or GPS.

World around me

What is this building? What is the name of this park? Where is the nearest ice cream parlour? With the World Around Me app, you can get information about your surroundings in a matter of seconds.

Available for: Android, iOS
Recommended age group: 8 years and older
Cost: The free version contains adverts. The ad-free version costs 2 francs.
Note: World Around Me requires a GPS connection in order to localise the user's position and recognise the surroundings. The app also requires a constant internet connection - which can quickly become expensive with Swiss roaming charges if you want to use the app abroad.

Troovie

With the Troovie app, you can create scavenger hunt adventures with individual tasks and questions in just a few minutes. The animations and sounds are particularly appealing to younger children. The game ensures that everyone plays the same amount and the mobile phone is passed around.

Available for: Android, iOS
Recommended age group: 4 to 10 years
Cost: In the free basic version, the scavenger hunts are limited to 750 metres. There are in-app purchases for longer, so-called mega treasure hunts. The prices vary here.
Note: An internet connection is required to download the app and create the treasure hunt. The actual game works offline. However, a constant GPS connection is required to localise the mobile phone and update the map.

Sky View

The Sky View app uses the camera on your mobile phone to identify celestial objects - whether you're on the terrace in the evening or out for a walk during the day. For example, you can discover the International Space Station ISS or Jupiter together.

Available for: Android, iOS
Recommended age group: from 4 years
Cost: The free LITE version already contains a large number of star images and planets. The full version costs 2 francs and offers additional content and functions.
Note: The app requires a GPS connection to determine your own location and relate it to the current starry sky. Caution: In-app purchases are possible - the best way to protect your child is to prevent involuntary purchases with a pin code.

Read more:

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