Elmo’s on the line, and your kid is in charge

There’s something about a ringing phone that grabs a toddler’s attention. Elmo Calls by Sesame Street turns that into a playful, interactive experience. Your child gets pretend phone calls from Elmo himself, complete with his signature giggle and cheerful voice. It’s simple, it’s silly, and it actually works for keeping little ones engaged.

The app doesn’t try to teach letters or numbers. Instead, it focuses on social-emotional stuff: saying hello, talking about feelings, and practicing simple conversations. Elmo might call to ask about your child’s day, sing a short song, or just say “I love you.” Each call is short—maybe a minute or two—which is perfect for short attention spans. You can also schedule calls to happen at certain times, like during a diaper change or before naptime. That’s a nice touch for parents trying to build a little routine.

There are a handful of call types. Some are pre-recorded, others let your kid “talk back” by tapping the screen. Elmo reacts to those taps with laughter or encouragement. It’s not deep interaction, but for a 2-year-old, it feels real. The graphics are bright and clean, straight out of the TV show. No ads, no in-app purchases, no random links that a toddler might accidentally tap. That alone makes it worth a look for parents who are tired of apps that try to sell you something every five seconds.

The main downside? After a few calls, the novelty can wear off. There aren’t many different scripts, so your kid might hear the same joke or song a dozen times. Some parents report that the calls don’t always trigger reliably, especially on older devices. And if your child is used to more interactive games—like tapping to make things move—this one might feel too passive. It’s really more of a toy phone experience than a game.

Best for kids who already love Elmo and are in that phase where pretend play is just starting. Use it as a calming activity, not a main attraction. One tip: schedule calls for when you need a few minutes of quiet, like in the car or during a doctor’s waiting room. It won’t replace a tablet full of games, but for what it is, it’s sweet and safe.