Five great Android time-wasters for this weekend

Hey, it's Labor Day weekend. And as far as we're concerned, we're going to do everything we can to not lift a finger. In fact, we're not even going to bother writing any more. Without further ado, here are five Android apps that will help you waste away the weekend and not take up too much brain power:

1. Ski Safari (99 cents)

Don't think. Just ski. You're controlling Sven, who's doing all he can to escape the avalanche. You have to help him hop, flip and catch rides to keep ahead of the rushing snow. You've got some friends to help out as well, in the form of a yeti, a wolf, eagles and more. Challenges help keep things interesting. Works great on tablets, and is fine on phones.

2. Jetpack Joyride (free)

This one's in the same vein as Ski Safari. You're trying to go as far as you can, collecting coins to upgrade your jetpack, or purchase gadgets and utilities. You have missions to complete, scientists to high-five, and vehicles to hop onto. We've been loving this on the Nexus 7, and it's OK on phones as well. The only downside is that it's still only available on the Amazon Appstore.

3. MiniSquadron (free, $2.99)

You're a big pilot controlling a tiny plane, shooting your way through eight levels and three modes. There are 56 planes to be unlocked as you progress, each with different armor, speed and armaments. Flying is as simple as pointing the on-screen stick in the direction you want to go, though you'll have to watch your attitude, lest you stall your plane.

Where's my Water

Where's my Perry

4. Where's my Water/Where's my Perry (free, or 99 cents each)

I love these games. My kids love these games. You have to clear the way for water to reach Swampy the alligator, or to activate Agent P's tube transport thingy. Collect ducks (or gnomes) to unlock bonus levels. If you have kids who love Phineas and Pherb, they'll love Where's my Perry.

5. Temple Run (free)

An oldie but a goodie. Keep ahead of the monkeys, run as far as you can, collect coins for boosts, and slide under rocks and leap over voids. Gameplay's simple, though it can move so fast you'll wonder how you ever got that far in the first place. There's also Temple Run: Brave (99 cents), themed after the movie.

Phil Nickinson