In general, the best educational apps are geared towards specific age ranges. While some let you customize the app based on your child’s age, several apps are only for a certain age range. Do keep in mind; it’s important always to monitor what games your child is playing and ensure they aren’t spending too much time on their tablet. While there are several advantages to screen time, the disadvantages are known to show their faces.
Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers
Khan Academy Kids
Topping the list of the best educational apps for kids is Khan Academy Kids. The app will help your preschooler with their math, writing, problem-solving skills, and more. Even the older kids can play with their younger siblings on this one. The app is ideal for children ages 2-8.
In addition, the app encourages children to practice their reading skills. While not all preschoolers can read, it helps begin the stepping stones to their future love of reading.
Finally, the app is 100% free. There are no memberships to sign up for or any in-app purchases—two of the reasons why the Khan Academy made the list.
Montessori Preschool
The Montessori Preschool app helps kids with their numbers, colors, shapes, reading, and phonics. Actual Montessori teachers designed the app. In addition, the app teaches children the fundamentals of Montessori teaching. This includes self-confidence, autonomy, and adaptability.
Throughout the game, kids can earn coins to decorate their classroom or create an avatar. The app includes games like I Spy, matching beginner letter sounds, and working on geometric shapes.
Children can work on their knowledge of landmarks, oceans, and continents through the program’s 3D globe. Kids can even master their numbers up to 10,000.
While the first week is free, you will then need to decide whether to pay by the month or subscribe for a whole year. New content is added, which I appreciate. I have paid for apps where my child loses interest because nothing new is added.
SplashLearn
Preschoolers will have a ball while learning to count objects, understand shapes and patterns, and work on their addition and subtraction. The SplashLearn app offers games, worksheets, and other activities to encourage your child to learn.
After your one-week free trial, you can choose whether you want to continue with a subscription. There are several purchase options available, so you don’t have to commit to a whole year with the app. You can choose either a monthly, quarterly or annual subscription. I appreciate this option because my kids sometimes get bored with apps regardless of how many updates occur.
As a note, if you are a teacher, there are options to receive the app for free for your school. It’s a wonderful way to access everything SplashLearn has to offer without the cost.
Finally, if you are looking for some non-screen ways for your child to work on their skills, we have a list of the best math toys for teaching math to kids. Sometimes, kids need the tools right in front of them to learn best.
ABC Mouse
A favorite game in my house is ABC Mouse. I truly believe it to be one of the best educational apps for kids and can be used by children as young as two. In addition, when you sign up, you can have multiple users tied to the same account so that each child can sign in with their own name.
The app helps children in various areas, including reading, math, science, spelling, and the arts. You input each child’s age, so the material they are given is age-appropriate.
ABC Mouse offers a free 30-day trial, which is much longer than most apps. After the trial is up, you can then decide whether you would like to keep your subscription. They usually run specials and typically costs around $60 per year.
Best Educational Apps for Kids
Stack the States
Stack the States is a fun way for children to learn more about all 50 states. Kids will learn capitals, state shapes, where each state is on the map, abbreviations, and more. Throughout the game, the states become interactive, making it a fun way to learn U.S. geography.
As kids play, they can earn bonus points which will unlock new games. The app allows up to 6 user profiles and has a one-time fee of $2.99. There are no in-app purchases, so you don’t have to worry about the app costing any more money after the initial charge.
Math Balance
If you are looking to sharpen your child’s math skills, look no further than the Math Balance Educational Game. The game has 30 levels to test your child’s understanding of algebra. In addition, they will also learn about equality/comparison, practice skills, and flexibility with numbers.
The Math Balance app offers a free trial but then will charge $29.99 per year. I appreciate the one-week free trials because it gives enough time to figure out if the app is the right fit for your child.
Finally, if your child is struggling with learning specific skills, we have a guide on how to teach multiplication to children.
Crazy Gears
I’m a huge fan of all things STEM and STEAM, which is how Crazy Gears ended up on the list. The app tests a child’s critical thinking as they design a real mechanical engine. Kids have the opportunity to control rods, chains, pulleys, and gears as they move from one level to the next.
It allows children to learn how one mechanism affects another. There are no straightforward directions, and children can design the game as they please. Parents will want to check out the included handbook to help understand the concepts and vocabulary in the game. The app has a one-time cost of $2.99.
Epic
If you are trying to encourage your child to read more, check out the Epic app. It’s a fun, interactive way for children to become more confident in their reading ability. Kids have access to over 40,000 books and videos and can either read to themselves or select the read-to-me option.
As someone with one reader and two on their way to reading, I really like the read-to-me option. My middle son gets a little timid when he’s trying to read, so I like that he can first practice with the story being read to him.
Finally, there is a one-month free trial available, and if you wish to continue, you will be charged $8 a month for unlimited books. You don’t have to commit to a full year, so that you can cancel at any time.
Monster Physics
Another one of the best educational apps for kids is Monster Physics. Kids can build and operate rocket ships, cars, helicopters, cranes, and much more with the app. They can decide which type of metal to use and what necessary parts are required. Once their creation is complete, they can then test it out.
In addition, the app helps teach kids about mass, density, acceleration, velocity, and speed. The game comes with 50 missions for children to solve. What I like is there isn’t just one solution to each mission. It allows kids to have the opportunity to figure out what they think would work best.
Finally, the app has a one-time cost of $1.99, and you won’t ever see any ads or be prompted for in-app purchases. So, have your child break out their inner physicist and start creating!
Best Educational Apps for Preteens
CodeSpark Academy
If you have a future programmer on your hands, consider downloading the CodeSpark Academy. The older kids will enjoy learning how to code and create their own games and stories. Children can learn about the logic of programming through challenging puzzles to test their wits.
Kids can earn daily rewards based on their performance and are offered challenges to complete. The app allows for three separate profiles so that you can get all the kids in on the fun. Finally, the app is free to download, but there are some in-app purchases available.
Marble Math
The Marble Math app is an entertaining game for kids who are working on their math skills. During the game, kids move their marble through a series of mazes. Children can customize the levels they play to ensure they are on the correct course.
Kids can choose the level of difficulty, making sure kids are always being challenged. It’s important to make sure the app advances the more your children learn. There needs to be a vertical climb; otherwise, your child will be bored of their given material.
Finally, if your child gives the incorrect answer, the app allows the opportunity to re-do their question, so they can understand where they went wrong. The app comes in just under four dollars, making it an affordable addition to your child’s line-up of educational apps.
Accomplish Reading
The Accomplish Reading app can help those children who are struggling with understanding reading comprehension. Kids will be asked a series of questions and have the opportunity to agree or disagree with the statement. If they guess incorrectly, they have the chance to review what they have read and re-answer.
I find it important to teach children how to read and comprehend what they are reading. The app will even provide your child with progress reports to track how well they are doing. Accomplish Reading has a one-time purchase cost of $1.99.
MentalUp
Next on the list of the best educational apps for kids is MentalUp. The app includes over 100 educational and entertaining games to help increase your child’s brainpower. Games include brain puzzles which are excellent at improving memory, developing problem-solving skills, strengthening focus, and building concentration.
The app allows for two child user accounts and does require a subscription. You can choose to pay for 3 months, 6 months, or a full year. You do receive a better deal if you pay for a whole year.
Crossword for Kids
My oldest son loves crossword puzzles. Something I know he inherited from my mom. Aside from the cuteness factor of the two of them doing crossword puzzles together, it’s a great activity for kids. It can help your child with their vocabulary, spelling, writing, and reading.
The Crossword for Kids App is for kids who haven’t filled out their first puzzle yet. It’s a great intro to the love of crosswords, and before you know it, they will be whipping out the New York Times puzzle. The app only costs two bucks, and there are no additional purchases required.
Finally, once your child has mastered their crossword puzzle skills online, encourage them to do their own puzzle for you to complete. It’s a great way to take the skills they’ve learned from their game and apply their own creativity to it.
Advantages of Screen Time
While I’ll go over a few disadvantages to an excess amount of screen time, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t necessarily turn your nose up to letting your child play with one of the best educational apps for kids. As with everything in life, moderation is key.
Educational Value
Each of the apps on this list is here for a reason. They provide educational opportunities for kids. Some kids are visual learners, and while they shouldn’t rely on a screen all the time, it’s a great way for little ones to learn their numbers and letters.
It is important to adjust which games they are playing as they get older. My 7 year old recently told me he was bored with the games on his tablet. It made sense. He is a rising second-grader, and some of the games were targeted towards Kindergarteners.
Take some time every few weeks or at least every other month to review what games your child is playing. They may not mention they are bored until you bring something up. Let’s be honest; sometimes, children aren’t the best communicators.
Spending Time Together
While sometimes tablets are given out so mom or dad can get things done around the house (raises hand), it’s also a fun way to sit together and play. My kids love for me to watch them play their games, and it becomes very interactive when I’m sitting there with them.
It’s also a good opportunity to see exactly what they are playing, to make sure it is age-appropriate. It’s easy to get in the habit of just passing the tablet to your child and moving onto something else, but next time, sit down with them and play along. You might be surprised how much they enjoy showing you what they have been working on.
Can Promote School Readiness
Educational apps are a great way to get children, especially preschoolers, ready for school. The majority of kids would prefer to sit down with a fun, interactive game rather than do traditional schoolwork. While the latter is necessary, educational games are a great way to prepare them even more for school.
For current students, it’s a great way to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. In fact, it may be an easier way for some children to learn. Not everyone does well in the classroom setting. Kids can take what they learn on an app and apply it to what they are working on at school.
Downsides of Screen Time
While there are plenty of benefits to educational apps, remember there are some downsides to screen time. Like anything, too much of anything isn’t good. Here are the drawbacks to allowing your child to over-indulge in their tablet time.
Not Enough Physical Activity
If your child is glued to their device all day, they aren’t getting the much-needed exercise kids require. In fact, kids who spend too much time on their devices are more prone to obesity and other health conditions.
I sometimes will have my kids play outside after their screen time is over. I figure it’s a good time for them to run off some built-up energy by lounging on the couch playing games. If your kids are starting to get restless after tablet time, try sending them outside.
Reading Less Often
If older kids are on their devices all the time, they are missing out on reading. While kids may lose interest in reading as they get older anyway, it’s important to keep that avenue open. The majority of kids would probably rather play a video game than grab a book.
There are so many benefits to reading, and kids are no exception. If your child prefers to pick up a tablet rather than a book, try to make the reading opportunities fun. When that doesn’t work, give them an incentive. If they get 20 minutes of reading in, they can get some tablet time.
Mood Changes
If my kids spend too much time on their tablets or watching television, their mood has a major switch. There are some days where extra screen time happens. Whether someone is sick, it’s a rainy day, or just one of those days, it happens. However, I can always tell the difference in my kids.
To keep that in check, make sure only to leave the binge-watching for those “special” occasions. If your child is spending too much time playing their favorite games, you likely will see a difference in their personality. Thankfully, if you can address the situation early on, there is a small chance of a long-term problem developing.
Tips on Offering Screen Time
Set Time Limits
A large number of tablets allow you to set a timer each day. This ensures your kids can’t fight with you about giving up the tablet at the end of their allotted time. They might not be happy, but there isn’t anything they can do about it until the next day.
Setting a time limit is beneficial, so there are clear boundaries of how long your child can be on their tablet. It will establish a good routine, and your child will anticipate how long they will have.
Choose Age-Appropriate Apps
While some kids aren’t bothered if the app they are playing is geared towards a certain age range, they aren’t reaping the benefits of the educational app this way. This is another reason why it’s good to keep an eye on what your child is playing.
Limit Non-Educational Games
This may make me an uncool mom; however, limiting the number of games that provide no educational benefit is highly encouraged. The majority, if not all of the kids, enjoy video games. However, if your child is spending countless hours playing video games, they are not reaping the educational benefits that are available to them.
While you don’t want to tell your older children they can never play the “fun” video games; it’s important to limit the time they have. This is why it’s great to know the list of the best educational apps for kids.
Refrain from Screen Time Before Bed
You likely know looking at a screen right before bed is not recommended. It can make it difficult to fall asleep, and you likely will have a hard time waking up in the morning. Kids need their rest, so it’s important not to allow any screen time within a half-hour to an hour before bed.
Even though the best educational apps for kids are meant to increase their brainpower, they still need time to shut down their brains before going to bed.
FAQs – Educational Apps for Kids
How much screen time should my child have?
There’s no question that too much screen time isn’t good for young children. Well, really, it isn’t good for anyone. However, how much time should you allow your child to use a tablet or smartphone? My pediatrician has always said no more than one hour of total screen time per day. This includes both handheld devices and television.
The AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests no more than two hours per day. You can break this down any way you’d like. You can split it between television and a tablet, or divide it up a different way. Some days my kids will have their time on the tablets but don’t watch anything on television.
Remember, go easy on yourself if your child has some days where they exceed two hours. You want to make sure they are getting in plenty of physical activity, but sometimes we all need a break in front of the television.
Finally, make sure to turn off all devices 30-60 minutes before bed. That goes for you, too, parents! Looking at a screen right before bed will make it more difficult to fall asleep and ensure a good night’s sleep.
When can children start engaging in screen time?
The AAP recommends children under the age of two do not have any screen time. However, there is nothing wrong with your one-year-old talking with their grandparents on a video chat. If you have older children, your younger kiddos will likely start watching television a little sooner than most.
If your child is between 18 months and 2 years old, you can begin to introduce some games on a tablet or other device. Just be sure to limit the time. The best educational apps for kids are a wonderful way to begin exposure to screen time. It allows children the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, all while having a good time.
Should I pay for apps?
While some apps on the list are completely free, others require you to sign up for a membership after the free trial. In addition, while some games don’t require a membership, they are in-app purchases required to access extra levels. So, is it worth it?
If your child benefits from a specific game and has some cost involved, it may be worth investing in it. What you don’t want to do, is get in the habit of always paying for the apps. It’s going to lead your child to believe they can get any app they want, and we know that’s not always the case.
Finally, take advantage of those free trials. It’s a great opportunity to see if it engages your child enough. I’m guilty of downloading the app for the free trial, forgetting about it, and then my child only gets one chance to try it out.
RELATED: Best Free Apps for 3-Year-Olds
Final Thoughts
While offering your child an electronic device shouldn’t replace hands-on learning, the best educational apps for kids offer a fun way to learn. Understanding how much screen time you should allow and the proper age to introduce it will help set your child’s game playing tone.
Now the fun can begin as your child explores new ways to learn math, science, social studies, and more. Remember to keep an eye on your child as they play to ensure they are playing age-appropriate games. You’ll be amazed at all the things they can learn right at their fingertips.
