The Best Educational Apps for Kids That Make Learning Fun

by Michelle
March 22, 2025
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In today’s digital world, screen time is often viewed as a challenge for parents trying to limit tech exposure. But what if I told you that screen time doesn’t have to be a mindless activity? The right educational apps can transform your child’s screen time into a fun, engaging, and highly productive learning experience.

Instead of worrying about too much passive screen time, parents can use interactive and well-designed apps to help their kids develop cognitive, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills all while having fun.

But with hundreds of thousands of educational apps available, how do you know which ones are actually worth downloading?

I’ve done the research for you and compiled a comprehensive list of the best educational apps for kids of all ages. Whether your child is a toddler just starting to recognize letters or a tween mastering advanced math concepts, there’s something for everyone here!

So, let’s dive in!

What Makes an Educational App Truly Beneficial?

Before jumping into the list, let’s talk about what makes a high-quality educational app different from a basic game or video player.

When choosing an educational app, look for these five key features:

Age-Appropriate Content
Apps should match your child’s developmental stage. A toddler won’t benefit from an advanced physics app, just like a middle schooler won’t find a simple ABC tracing app engaging.
Interactive & Engaging Features
Apps should encourage active participation through games, quizzes, or creative problem-solving. The best apps make learning feel like play!
Minimal Ads & No Harmful Content
Some free apps bombard kids with ads and pop-ups, which can lead to accidental purchases or exposure to inappropriate content. Look for apps that are ad-free or offer a child-friendly experience.
Parental Controls & Progress Tracking
The best educational apps allow parents to monitor progress, set screen-time limits, and even customize learning paths based on the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Encourages Real-World Learning
An app shouldn’t just be a game, it should encourage real-life exploration. The best apps inspire kids to ask questions, try new things, and apply their learning in everyday situations.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into the best educational apps categorized by age group!

Best Educational Apps for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

At this stage, kids are naturally curious, playful, and eager to explore. The best apps for toddlers focus on early learning skills like colors, shapes, numbers, letters, and fine motor skills.

1. Endless Alphabet (iOS & Android)

Best for: Learning letters and vocabulary
Why Kids Love It: Adorable monster characters teach letters through interactive puzzles and animations.
Why Moms Love It: The app encourages phonics and word association without time limits or pressure.

👉 Affiliate Link: Find Endless Alphabet here!

2. Sago Mini World (iOS & Android)

Best for: Creativity, problem-solving, and imagination
Why Kids Love It: Open-ended activities allow them to explore, create, and interact with cute characters.
Why Moms Love It: No ads, no subscriptions just pure, imaginative fun!

👉 Affiliate Link: Check out Sago Mini World here!

Best Educational Apps for Pre-schoolers & Kindergarteners (Ages 4-6)

As kids approach school age, they start developing pre-literacy, basic math, and problem-solving skills. These apps help build confidence while making learning exciting.

3. Khan Academy Kids (iOS & Android)

Best for: Early reading, math, and social skills
Why Kids Love It: Interactive stories, songs, and educational activities featuring friendly animal characters.
Why Moms Love It: 100% free, no ads, and research-backed curriculum.

👉 Affiliate Link: Try Khan Academy Kids here!

4. ABCmouse (iOS & Android)

Best for: Comprehensive early learning
Why Kids Love It: Engaging lessons with story-driven adventures and fun characters.
Why Moms Love It: Covers reading, math, science, and even art in one well-structured program.

👉 Affiliate Link: Explore ABCmouse here!

Best Educational Apps for Elementary School Kids (Ages 6-10)

Kids in this stage are building on their reading, math, and critical thinking skills. These apps make learning challenging yet enjoyable.

5. Prodigy Math Game (iOS & Android)

Best for: Mastering math skills through an adventure game
Why Kids Love It: Feels like an RPG game, where they can battle monsters using math skills!
Why Moms Love It: The game adapts to the child’s level, ensuring they stay challenged but not frustrated.

👉 Affiliate Link: Try Prodigy Math here!

6. Duolingo Kids (iOS & Android)

Best for: Learning new languages
Why Kids Love It: Fun, interactive mini-games that make learning Spanish, French, and more exciting.
Why Moms Love It: Encourages language learning from an early age, improving pronunciation and vocabulary.

👉 Affiliate Link: Download Duolingo Kids here!

Best Educational Apps for Tweens & Teens (Ages 10-16)

Older kids and teens need apps that challenge their critical thinking, STEM skills, and creative problem-solving abilities.

7. Tynker (iOS & Android)

Best for: Learning coding and programming
Why Kids Love It: Allows them to build games, apps, and even Minecraft mods using coding logic!
Why Moms Love It: Great introduction to coding and STEM skills.

👉 Affiliate Link: Start coding with Tynker here!

8. BrainPOP (iOS & Android)

Best for: Science, history, and general knowledge
Why Kids Love It: Short, engaging educational videos that make complex subjects easy to understand.
Why Moms Love It: High-quality, trusted content with quizzes and activities.

👉 Affiliate Link: Check out BrainPOP here

Final Tips for Using Educational Apps Wisely