After installing and setting up the free app, parents create an account for themselves and for each child age two and up using the app. The settings are parent-protected by year of birth and have everything you could want in terms of settings: child profiles, parental account, manage titles (where certain titles can be removed from the child's view, like maybe Barney), quality settings (for switching HD off or on and allowing the app to use cellular data for downloads), manage downloads (where items can be removed), support, rate app, privacy policy and the unlock content area where the subscription is made.

After all of the parental tinkering in settings, adults can hand over the app to the little kiddos to peruse and make merry. The app is cleanly designed and easy to navigate. Children can browse by character like Thomas the Train, Lalaloopsy, Charlie Brown and 46 others, or browse activities, videos, books, apps or choose from recommended titles. From here, all a child needs to do is click an item and once it has downloaded, no more internet connectivity is needed. Parents don't have to come look give a password or check the iTunes account to see if there's $2.99 for an app little Jimmy wants. If it is in the NetKids app and they can see it (per parent settings) they can download with a simple click and then start playing.

The apps are not scaled-down versions. These are the real deal. The same content available in the Lalaloopsy Dinerapp that sells for $2.99 is available in the NetKids app and included in the subscriptions price. The same holds true for the books which are beautifully illustrated and professionally narrated as well as the videos which include the Pajaminals, Paddington and Sabrina the animated series.

This is how the subscription works: $7.99 per month which can be ended like all of subscription based apps in the app store. The only down side is that once the subscription has ended, users are blocked from playing within the app. On the bright side, users get a chance to get really into books, videos and apps before spending a big chunk of money. Personally, I fell in love with Karmaliscious (a matching game) while reviewing this app and might subscribe just on that alone. Oh, and they have Charlie Brown. I mentioned that before, but my son adores all things Peanuts and I'm beginning to gush a bit, so back to the professional reviewing thing I do.

I don't normally like subscription-based apps. Many times I believe a better alternative can be found in the app store that costs less and has a one-time purchase price, but in this case, I can't find one. This app is being brought by a developer with a history of good product and licensing to use very popular and beloved characters that are classic and newer to the scene such as those from How to Tame a Dragon, Rio, Kung-Fu Panda and Wubbzy. Cupcake Digital also offers new content weekly and I have a feeling that this subscription-based option might be on-time in the app store.