Educational Apps for Kids
In today’s digital age, learning has transcended the traditional classroom environment. Even children in kindergarten are now learning on tablets and devices. As a result, parents are always on the lookout for engaging and productive tools to supplement their children’s education. Fortunately, a wealth of quality, highly rated learning apps exists, making learning interactive and fun. Here are 10 free or low-cost apps that are perfect for children, focusing on essential subject matter while also nurturing creativity and emotional well-being.
PBS Kids
Price: Free
Best For: Early elementary students (ages 5-8)
Considered the gold standard for children’s entertainment, PBS Kids provides a treasure trove of educational games, videos, and full episodes from beloved shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Each interactive game focuses on early learning concepts, including literacy, math, and social skills, and is designed to be engaging and entertaining, making learning feel like playtime.
Khan Academy Kids
Price: Free
Best For: Ages 2-7
An academic powerhouse, Khan Academy Kids covers reading, writing, and math for preschool and elementary-aged children. With a personalized learning experience that adapts to each child’s needs, this app features interactive lessons, engaging stories, and beautiful illustrations. Its playful approach not only builds foundational skills in various subjects but also fosters a love for learning.
ABCmouse
Price: Free trial for 30 days, then $12.99/month
Best For: Ages 2-8
Although primarily a subscription service, ABCmouse provides a free trial, letting you test its extensive library of over 850 lessons across subject areas like math, reading, and art. Its comprehensive educational platform makes learning enjoyable and budget-friendly, making it a popular choice for children and parents alike.
YouTube Kids
Price: Free
Best For: Ages 3-12
YouTube Kids is a curated,
family-friendly version of the
popular video platform, offering a safe space for kids to explore educational content. Packed with entertaining and informative videos on various subjects, including science, art, and storytelling, parents can manage settings to limit screen time and manage preferences, ensuring that children receive age-appropriate and enriching content.
Prodigy Math
Price: Free with optional
in-app purchases
Best For: Grades 1-8
Making math “fun” is never an easy feat, yet Prodigy Math manages to turn mathematics into an engaging role-playing game. Children embark on quests to earn rewards while solving math problems tailored to their skill levels. Its game-based approach helps reinforce math skills in a stress-free, interactive environment, fostering both confidence and competence in mathematics.
Duolingo
Price: Free with
optional in-app purchases
Best For: Ages 8+
Duolingo is a phenomenal app for learning new languages in a game-like format. Children can select from 148 different languages and start their learning journey through exercises and quizzes. The app’s bite-sized lessons make it easy for kids to incorporate language learning into their daily routine.
Osmo – Genius Starter Kit for iPad
Price: $79.99 for the
starter kit (app is free)
Best For: Ages 5-12
Osmo offers a hands-on learning experience that combines physical interaction with digital gaming. The Genius Starter Kit includes games that teach spelling, math, and strategic thinking. Children interact with physical pieces while the app tracks their progress, making it a fantastic tool that combines technology with tangible play.
Me: A Kid’s Diary
Price: Free with optional
in-app purchases
Best For: Ages 5-12
In the age of social media, the emotional well-being of
children is as crucial as their academic development.
Me: A Kid’s Diary encourages kids to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe environment. With engaging prompts and a user-friendly interface, it helps children build self-awareness and emotional intelligence, enabling them to navigate their feelings and daily challenges.
Endless Alphabet
Price: $8.99
(one-time purchase)
Best For: Ages 3-6
Endless Alphabet gives younger children a delightful way to build vocabulary and phonics skills. Each word is accompanied by animations and interactive puzzles that make learning new words exciting and rewarding. Promoting early literacy skills in a playful setting, it’s a perfect choice for preschoolers and early elementary students.
Toca Life: World
Price: Free
with in-app purchases
Best For: Ages 6-12
Toca Life: World is a creative world-building app where children can create their own stories and characters. While it may not focus on traditional academics, it fosters creativity, storytelling, and social skills. The open-ended nature of the app allows children to explore scenarios and engage in imaginative play that’s beneficial for problem-solving and emotional development.
