Best Educational Apps for Kids: Enhancing Learning and Fun

If you want to give your kids screen time but don’t want it to be wasted time, there are tons of fun AND educational games and apps available now. Here are the BEST educational apps for kids!

In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a significant role in almost every aspect of our lives. As a parent, you’re probably wondering how you can harness the power of technology to help your child learn and grow. The good news is that there are plenty of educational apps out there, focused on making learning fun and engaging for kids of all ages and skill levels.

As you explore the vast array of educational apps, you’ll find options tailored to specific subjects, age groups, and interests. These apps not only keep your child entertained but also help build essential skills such as reading, writing, math, and more. The key is to find the right app that strikes a balance between learning and enjoyment.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best educational apps for kids in 2023. These apps have been carefully selected based on their features, user-friendliness, and educational value, ensuring that your child’s learning journey is both fun and productive.

Importance of Educational Apps for Kids

In today’s fast-paced world, educational apps play a vital role in the learning process for kids. They help bridge the gap between traditional and digital learning methods, making it easier for kids to engage with the content while catering to their preferred learning style.

As a parent, you might be wondering how educational apps can benefit your kids. Well, these apps often offer personalized learning experiences tailored to your child’s needs and interests. They allow kids to progress at their own pace, helping to build confidence and motivation in learning.

Moreover, educational apps are designed to be engaging and visually appealing, capturing your child’s attention and keeping them motivated. These apps usually use interactive elements like games, quizzes, puzzles, and animations to enhance learning and make it more enjoyable.

Educational apps also support parents in teaching complex concepts that might otherwise be challenging to explain. Many of these apps are aligned with the Common Core standards, ensuring that your child is learning material that is relevant to their grade level and required curriculum.

What’s more, educational apps provide a safe and controlled environment for kids to learn essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. These skills are crucial for their personal and professional success in the future.

Choosing the Right Educational App

As a parent, finding the perfect educational app for your child can be a challenging task. But worry not, we’re here to help! When choosing an app, it’s essential to consider several factors, including the age of your child, what skills you want them to develop, and if the app is interactive and fun.

Age matters: It’s crucial to select an app that is appropriate for your child’s age. Many apps cater to specific age ranges, such as toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school kids, tweens, and teens. For instance, Busy Shapes is great for toddlers, while ABCmouse.com is ideal for preschoolers. Don’t forget to check if the app is adjustable in difficulty to support your child’s growth and learning progress.

Parental involvement: As a parent, you play an essential role in your child’s learning experience. Look for apps that encourage active parental participation and facilitate communication between you and your child. This will help you track your child’s progress, motivate them, and provide additional guidance.

Fun and engaging: The best educational apps are those that make learning an enjoyable experience. Look for apps with interactive features, engaging graphics, and rewards systems that motivate your child to continue learning. The more fun and immersive the app is, the more likely your child will stay focused and interested.

Skills development: Determine the specific skills you want your child to develop or improve. Nowadays, there are apps that focus on reading, math, coding, foreign languages, and more. For example, Duolingo is perfect for learning new languages and DragonBox helps kids develop their math abilities.

Interactivity: An interactive app that employs multiple elements, such as touch, sound, and motion, will capture your child’s attention more effectively. This aids in not only keeping them engaged but also reinforcing their learning and skills development.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and test out the app before introducing it to your child. By considering these factors and keeping your child’s interests and needs in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect educational app to support their learning journey.

Top Apps for Preschool and Kindergarten Kids

ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse.com is a popular choice among parents and educators for preschool and kindergarten kids. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers reading, math, science, and more. With storyline-based videos, quizzes, and activities, your child can easily engage with the content. ABCmouse is both an app and a website, making it convenient and accessible wherever your child is.

Khan Academy Kids

For kids aged 2 to 8, Khan Academy Kids offers great educational content. This app targets young learners with a broad range of topics and concepts. It features a wide variety of activities, such as letter tracing, reading exercises, and number games. Khan Academy Kids also includes storybooks, kids songs, and videos that help make learning fun for your little one.

Busy Shapes

Busy Shapes is an excellent app for preschoolers who are just starting to explore shapes and colors. This app gives your child a fun and interactive way to develop their cognitive skills. It has a range of puzzles and challenges that adapt to your child’s skill level, ensuring they continue to be engaged and challenged as they progress.

Starfall

Starfall is perfect for preschool and kindergarten kids, as it focuses on teaching early literacy and math skills. This app offers an entertaining mix of activities, games, and songs that cater to your child’s educational needs. From letter recognition to simple addition and subtraction, Starfall helps your little one grow and learn at a pace that’s comfortable for them.

Best Apps for Sharpening Math and Language Skills

Prodigy

Prodigy is a popular educational app that focuses on math skills. Designed for kids from 1st to 8th grade, this curriculum-aligned, fantasy-based math game is used by millions of students, parents, and teachers worldwide. With content from every major math topic, it covers 1,500+ skills and DoK levels one to three. The engaging game format encourages kids to practice and develop their math skills while having fun.

Duolingo

If you want to sharpen your language skills, Duolingo is the app to try. Catering to both kids and adults, it offers a friendly and accessible way to learn new languages through playful, short lessons. With a wide range of languages available and an adaptive learning experience, you can progress at your own pace. Duolingo is great for improving vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills in a convenient and engaging manner.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is an excellent resource for students of all ages. While it covers a variety of subjects, its math courses are especially beneficial for kids. The app offers a vast collection of lessons, including engaging videos and images that help explain math concepts. Whether you’re working on basic arithmetic or tackling more advanced topics, Khan Academy provides a user-friendly platform with ample learning opportunities.

Quick Math Jr.

Designed for young learners, Quick Math Jr. is an entertaining app that targets fundamental math skills. Focusing on kids aged 3 to 7, the app uses fun and interactive games to teach counting, addition, subtraction, and other essential math concepts. The app’s adaptive learning feature adjusts the difficulty level based on your child’s progress, ensuring a challenging and engaging experience that promotes growth in their math abilities.

Interactive Learning with Fun and Games

PBS Kids Games

Introduce your children to the world of interactive learning with PBS Kids Games. This educational app is full of colorful animations and entertaining characters that make learning enjoyable. PBS Kids Games covers a wide range of subjects, such as math, science, language, and art. Let your kids explore and learn from the well-designed games that cater to their individual learning needs.

DragonBox

When it comes to math, DragonBox offers a creative way to engage your children in problem-solving and critical thinking. The app focuses on making complex mathematical concepts more accessible and enjoyable for kids. With its range of games, DragonBox helps your child develop essential math skills and build confidence in their abilities. By transforming math into a fun challenge, DragonBox ensures your child stays motivated throughout their learning journey.

Minecraft

Unleash your child’s creativity and imagination with Minecraft. This game allows your child to build their own virtual worlds, using a combination of various resources and themes. While Minecraft primarily focuses on creativity and construction, it also provides educational value in areas such as coding, problem-solving, and collaboration. Encourage your child to create and explore their ideas in a safe and stimulating environment that fosters independent thought and innovation.

Screen Time and Health

As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the impact screen time can have on your child’s health. Too much screen time has been linked to increased risk of obesity, sleep problems, and behavioral issues. But don’t worry, managing your child’s screen time and incorporating educational apps can help strike a healthy balance.

First, establish screen time limits for your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. For children aged 2 to 5 years, they suggest limiting screen time to one hour per day. For school-aged children and teenagers, screens should be put away during family meals, social gatherings, and at least one hour before bedtime.

Next, choose educational apps wisely. Not all apps are created equal, so look for ones that promote active learning, like Khan Academy, which offers age-appropriate content across various subjects. Prodigy Math Game is another great option for kids in 1st through 8th grade, as it focuses on math skills in an engaging, game-based format.

Involve yourself in your child’s screen time by playing or learning together. This not only helps you monitor the content, but also creates an opportunity for bonding and discussion. Encourage breaks and physical activity in between screen sessions to reduce the risk of a sedentary lifestyle and support overall health.

Remember, achieving a balance between screen time and healthy habits is key. By paying attention to the screen time guidelines, opting for educational apps, and encouraging routine breaks, you can ensure that your child reaps the benefits of technology without compromising their well-being.

Screen-Free Learning Fun!

Ensuring Safe Learning Environment

As a parent, you must prioritize a safe learning environment for your children when selecting educational apps. It’s important to choose apps that are age-appropriate, easy-to-use, and free from harmful content. Here are a few guidelines that can help you make well-informed choices:

Research the app. Take some time to read app reviews and see what other parents or educators have to say about the app. Look out for apps with high ratings and positive feedback from the community. It’s always better to rely on their experience to gauge an app’s suitability for your child.

Check privacy settings. Make sure the apps you choose respect your child’s privacy. Apps should not require excessive personal information or share data with third parties. Always review the app’s privacy policy to ensure it aligns with your expectations.

Utilize parental controls. Choose apps that offer parental control features, allowing you to monitor and restrict access to certain content. This will help you create a tailored learning experience that’s suited for your child.

Collaborate with the school. It’s a good idea to check with your child’s teacher or school to determine which apps they recommend or use in the classroom. This collaboration can help ensure a consistent and safe learning experience both at home and in school.

Remember that you play an essential role in creating a safe learning environment for your child. By carefully selecting educational apps, you can ensure they engage in learning while keeping them protected from harm.

Ebooks and Reading Apps

Epic!

Epic! Books for Kids is a top pick for children’s reading apps. This friendly app offers a vast library of books tailored for young readers, covering a wide range of topics. With Epic!, your child will have access to a diverse collection of literature, encouraging them to explore their interests and develop a love for reading. The user-friendly interface makes it simple for kids to navigate the app and discover their favorite stories. Epic! is perfect for fostering a lifelong connection with books and reading.

Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week

Another fantastic educational app for kids is Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week. This app combines engaging animated movies with fun, interactive quizzes to create a unique learning experience for your child. Each week, your child will be introduced to a new movie covering subjects such as science, social studies, math, and more. After watching the movie, your child can test their understanding with an interactive quiz to reinforce their learning. This app provides an entertaining method for absorbing new information and broadening your child’s knowledge on various subjects.

By incorporating Epic! and Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week into your child’s routine, you are investing in their educational growth and development. These reading and learning apps provide an enjoyable and interactive way for your child to expand their knowledge and love for reading. With so many engaging resources available, your child will have endless opportunities to explore and discover.

Apps for Older Kids and Teens

As your child progresses to high school, they may be looking for more advanced educational apps that continue to foster their learning and curiosity. This section highlights two popular apps, Swift Playgrounds and ScratchJr, that can prove to be invaluable resources for older kids and teens.

Swift Playgrounds

Swift Playgrounds is an excellent educational app geared towards high school students who are interested in learning to code. With a friendly user-interface, Swift Playgrounds introduces users to the basics of coding with the Swift programming language.

Using interactive puzzles and challenges, your teen will develop valuable coding skills and problem-solving abilities. As they progress through the levels, they’ll become more confident with their coding knowledge. Some key features of Swift Playgrounds include:

Guided Lessons: Step-by-step instructions help users learn essential coding concepts.
Built-in Coding Keyboard: A specialized keyboard allows for easy, quick typing of code.
Progress Tracking: Users can track their progress through lessons and challenges.

Swift Playgrounds is free and it is only available on iPadOS, making it accessible for those with access to an iPad.

ScratchJr

For slightly younger kids who are still interested in coding, ScratchJr is a fantastic option. This app, suitable for ages 5 to 7, introduces children to programming concepts through a visual coding platform.

In ScratchJr, kids can create their own interactive stories and games by connecting together coding blocks that represent different actions. With a simple, intuitive interface, ScratchJr encourages creativity and allows children to develop foundational programming skills. Key features of the app include:

User-friendly Design: The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for kids to start coding.
Customizable Characters: Users can personalize their creations by editing characters and backgrounds.
Voice Recording: Children can add their own voices to bring their stories and games to life.

ScratchJr is free and available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

Both Swift Playgrounds and ScratchJr offer engaging and dynamic learning experiences that cater to the interests and abilities of older kids and teens. These apps can help spark a lifelong passion for coding and give your child a head start in a digital world.

Music and Arts in Educational Apps

As a parent or teacher, you want to introduce your kids to the wonderful world of music and arts. Educational apps are a great way to help your children explore these creative realms while also providing entertainment. In this section, we will be focusing on a fantastic app that dives into arts and culture, with a friendly and engaging approach.

Google Arts And Culture

The Google Arts & Culture app is a treasure trove of amazing art from around the world. With this app, your kids can virtually visit museums and art galleries to explore stunning artworks, interesting stories, and historical facts. By exposing your children to various art forms and cultural experiences, you’re giving them the opportunity to develop a broader understanding and appreciation for the beauty found in music, art, and different cultures.

This app offers interactive features like:

Art Recognizer: A fun tool that lets your kids point their device at an artwork, and it will provide them with information about the artist and the piece.
Art Selfie: A feature that allows users to take a selfie and find an artwork that resembles them. It’s an entertaining way for kids to explore different artistic styles and periods.
Virtual Reality: Immerse yourself in mind-blowing virtual reality tours of famous museums and galleries, allowing your kids to feel like they’re really there!

To make the most of the Google Arts and Culture app, encourage your children to explore the wide range of topics, artists, and artwork available. Let them dive into the fascinating stories behind the art and broaden their horizons through the power of educational apps.

Remember that your kids’ interests may vary, so offer them a variety of apps that cater to their preferences in music, art, and other creative fields. The key is to create a friendly learning environment that encourages their creativity and love for the arts.

Download Platforms for Educational Apps

When searching for the best educational apps for your kids, you’ll mainly find them on two popular platforms: the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. These platforms serve as excellent sources for discovering creative and efficient educational apps that cater to different age groups and learning needs.

To get started, simply open the relevant app store on your device, either the Apple Store for iOS devices like iPhone and iPad, or Google Play Store for Android devices. Use the search bar to look for specific learning apps or browse through their respective Education categories. You can filter apps based on their ratings, reviews, and even their compatibility with your device. Don’t forget to check free and paid options, as well as subscription-based models that can cater to your preferences and budget.

Some noteworthy educational apps available on both platforms include:

Khan Academy: Suitable for ages 4 and up, it offers learning opportunities across subjects like math, economics, and history.
PBS KIDS Games: This app hosts a variety of games for young children that are both fun and educational.
BrainPOP: Best suited for kids in grades K-8, it covers a wide range of subjects like science, arts, and more.
Duolingo: An exciting language learning app for kids in high school, it covers multiple foreign languages.

Remember, when downloading apps, always read the app description and reviews from other users to select the most suitable one for your child’s learning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top apps for enhancing reading skills?

For enhancing reading skills, your best options could be Starfall ABCs and Homer Learn & Grow. Both apps focus on teaching alphabets, reading, and comprehension with engaging and age-appropriate content. Starfall ABCs makes learning the alphabet colorful and interactive, while Homer Learn & Grow offers personalized learning paths based on your child’s interests and abilities.

Which apps are suitable for 10-year-olds?

MentalUP is a suitable app for 10-year-olds. It offers a variety of educational games that cover different subjects and challenge your child’s cognitive skills. Another good option is Khan Academy, which provides learning opportunities for a wide range of subjects such as math, economics, and history.

What are highly recommended apps for kindergarten students?

For kindergarten students, Starfall ABCs is a great choice as it focuses on learning the alphabet and early reading skills. Brainpop Jr. is another well-rounded option, offering educational videos on topics such as science, social studies, and language arts.

Which learning apps are most effective for 7-year-olds?

DragonBox is an effective learning app for 7-year-olds, as it teaches math skills in an engaging and fun way. Duolingo, on the other hand, is a language learning app that might interest 7-year-olds who are keen on learning a new language.

What are the top choices for 4-year-olds?

Starfall ABCs is a top choice for 4-year-olds, as it helps them learn the alphabet and develop early reading skills. Other apps suitable for this age group include MentalUP and Homer Learn & Grow, which offer various educational games and activities tailored to your child’s abilities.

What is the most effective learning app for students of all ages?

MentalUP stands out as an effective learning app for students of all ages. With its Pedagogical Product certification, it offers an Evidence of Impact awarded educational platform filled with engaging games and activities to help learners of all ages improve their cognitive skills across various subjects.