10 Fun Free Games (No Internet Needed)

Before your next flight or other web-less situation, be sure to stock up on some games to keep you entertained. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Jelly Car 2

Developer: Disney

Navigate your jelly car through a whimsical papery world. Bright colors and silly animations are amusing. It is pretty funny when your car gets mashed up in a cog-wheel. 

Click here to get the app

2. Mega Jump

Developer: Get Set Games

Easy to learn and easily addicting! Try and reach uncharted heights with your creature, eating coins to stay in the air. You are rewarded for playing in game coins, which can be used to buy extra power-ups. This is a nice feature when many games try to make you pay REAL DOLLARS for game add-ons.

Click here to get the app

3. Mega Run

Developer: Get Set Games

Although the name sounds similar, this game feels unique from Mega Jump. It reminds me of old-school Mario video games. Your creature runs through a fun world, avoiding obstacles and collecting coins and extras for points.

Click here to get the app

4. Tap Defense

Developer: TapJoy

A strategic game in a medieval setting. Protect your castle from evil invaders with an artillery of purchasable weapons. It starts out very easy but soon becomes challenging. The more you play, the more riches you will obtain.

Click here to get the app

5. Traffic Rush

Developer: Donut Games

My sister first introduced this game to me. I quickly became a fan after playing a couple of rounds. It is harder than it seems to direct traffic and prevent accidents from happening between cars, semi-trucks and motorcycles. Give it a try!

Click here to get the app

6. Flight Control

Developer: Firemint Pty Ltd

Similar concept to Traffic Rush but it is even better for a plane ride. You are the pilot bringing planes to land safely on the runway. Be careful not to let multiple planes collide.

*correction: this game cost 99 cents (so check out #11 for the 10th freebie)

Click here to get the app

7. Temple Run

Developer: Imangi Studios, LLC

Indiana-Jonesesque adventure guy makes his way through the a maze careful not to let the pack of wild animals behind him catch up. This is a simple game to learn and easy way to pass the time.

Click here to get the app

8. Subway Surf
Developer: Kiloo

Similar to Temple Run in the whole running through an obstacle course thing, but in this game you are a young boy running through a train station, you can also use a skateboard. And the animal behind you is an angry security guard.

Click here to get the app

9. Amateur Surgeon Lite
Developer: [adult swim]

I had to include this game because it is SO entertaining. You are the crazy surgeon operating on very interesting characters. The gameplay is consuming. Warning: you will probably want to get the full version like I did and its worth it!

Click here to get the app

10. NYTimes Crosswords
Developer: Magmic, Inc.

Keeping with the plane theme, crosswords are where it is at! Give your brain a break from the mindless games and try out some crosswords made by NYtimes.

Click here to get the app

11. A Quest of Knights On Rush
Developer: Chillingo LTD

You are the pint-sized knight fighting evil wizards and other medieval attacks with your mighty sword. See how far you can get before your life force drops to zero.

Click here to get the app

C

3 Free Apps for a Healthier You!

You want to get a head start on New Year's fitness goals and don't have personal trainer money. Here are some apps that can make a difference in your health without hurting your wallet.

1. LoseIt!
Developer: FitNow

If you're looking to shed a few pounds, maintain your physique or want some guidance toward a healthier lifestyle, this app is the answer. Since the key to losing weight is burning more calories than you take in, there's no way to fail if you stick to the plan. The app allows you to set a goal date, ideal weight and track daily meals and activities to keep you on target. Most activities are listed in the database with estimated calories burned with each one. Available on iPhone and iPad.

Click here to get the app

2. Heart Rate Monitor
Developer: Azumia, Inc.

If you're interested in tracking your heart rate for medical reasons or just wondering what your normal levels are, this is the app for you. During cardiovascular exercise, you want to keep your heart rate above a certain level so it's also great for that. Simply place your finger on the camera lens for a reading in a few seconds. The paid version adds the feature of tracking your levels over time but the free version is still useful.
Side note: You must have an iPhone 4 or later for this app as it requires a flash.

Click here to get the app

3. Yoga Free
Developer: Arawella Corporation

Yoga is an amazing exercise option for nearly everyone. Get into practice. With this free app that allows you to customize a routine and track the days you have completed yoga exercise. There are poses for the beginner to the guru. Audio and visual guidance makes starting out a breeze. Get moving! Available on iPhone and iPad.

Click here to get the app

10 Favorite Free Apps You May Not Have

From falling asleep faster, to effortless music listening, to saving money, there's the perfect app for all of your needs.

1) IM+
Developer: Shape Gmbh

Google Talk, Facebook, and other less well-known chatting tools can be accessed here. Fun features of changing the background and message tones make this app even better. You can designate a certain length of time to stay connected to the service, see when friends are typing in your chat and sync settings between all apple devices using iCloud. 

Click here to get the app

2) Gasbuddy
Developer: Gasbuddy Organization, Inc.

Perhaps you have heard of the website, but did you know there was an app? The simple interface makes finding the cheapest gas to fill up on the fly a simple task!

Click here to get the app

3) Accuweather
Developer: Accuweather, Inc.

Also, website-derived.... the clean app brings more detail and illustration to weather forecasting than the pre-installed weather app. You can view maps and video for those who would like that sort of information. My favorite detail is the humidity percentage and real-feel, which truly make a difference when it comes to choosing appropriate clothing and hair-styles. 

Click here to get the app

4) NPR
Developer: NPR

Even if you can't stand to sit through hours of news every day, there's an app to keep you generally informed of issues and events all around the globe. With the hourly newscast, you'll get to hear the highlights in right around 5 minutes. when you find an extra minute, there are stories available to listen to or read right at your finger-tips. You can make a playlist of stories to listen to at work or on a long drive or tune into your local NPR station with ease. 

Click here to get the app

5) Mint
Developer: Mint.com

This is an app that could change your life! It makes budgeting fun. If you use plastic more than cash, it is such a breeze to see exactly where your money is going, by tracking all transactions and categorizing them. You can set budgets, make goals and view your progress. You can add all credit cards, loan and bank accounts to get a clear view of your debts and assets. This app is a companion for mint.com which is awesome. By syncing between iPad, iPhone and website, you can always account for every cent!

Click here to get the app

6) Vocabology

Developer: Thatwith.me, LLC

Everyone can use a little self-improvement. In the days of texting, emoticons, acronyms and broken-qdown language, let us all remember the wide world of words that still exist. You'll get a new word each day from the dictionary you choose. This is helpful for expanding vocabulary in a new language, too!

Click here to get the app

7) Songza

Developer: Songza Media, Inc.

You want to listen to music but not sure what you want to hear? This "music concierge" could be a great fix! Just open up the app for suggestions based on the time, day, and activity. With a sleep timer, clock view, and optional facebook sharing, you will wonder how this app is still free!

Click to get the app

8) Urbanspoon
Developer: Urbanspoon

Ok, so maybe you do have this already...  but it has to be on the list because it is great. No matter if you are in your home-town or a brand new city, you can find eats to fit your taste and budget. There is a random selection tool if you are in the mood to experiment. Included are reviews, prices, and hours that the restaurant is open, and a menu if you're lucky.

Click here to get the app

9) iDream
Developer: George Talusan

Looking for a gadget that will help you sleep better but don't feel like paying for a new fancy machine? You can simply put this free app on your iPhone or iPad for a quick fix. There are different themes included such as white noise, pink noise, ocean, rain, etc. It has done the trick for me more than once for me and just might do the same for you.

Click to get the app

10) Crackle
Developer: Crackle, Inc.

Free movies and shows that are updated every month or so. The selection ranges from classics to relatively new in all genres. As always, you can't beat free.

Click to get the app