best educational ipad games for 3 year olds uk

The Best Educational Apps For Kids: The 2024 Guide

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Whilst it’s vital to set boundaries with screen time, educational apps for children can play an important role in learning and development.

We have rounded up the best educational apps for children by age, and since there are new apps available every week, this list will keep growing!

The best educational apps for kids from 0 to five years old (Early Years Foundation Stage)

Between birth and five years old, your child will mostly learn through games and play .

The rate at which they learn is astonishing – it might be hard to keep up!

These learning games apps are designed to help little ones enjoy developing new skills.

1. Suitable for kids of all ages, Simply Piano is probably the best Piano learning app out there.

Whatever your level, progress at your own pace with the app’s tailored lessons and real-time feedback. Gain the skills you need to play the songs you love and make your musical dreams come true.

Simply Piano listens to the notes you play – on any piano or keyboard – and gives you immediate feedback, so you know if you’re on track or need a bit more practice.

From classical pieces to all your favourite Disney songs, build your skills by playing music you love.

Dive even deeper with warm-ups, personalized exercises, and sheet music.

Enjoy step-by-step tutorials perfectly paced for beginners.

And if you can already play, their advanced courses will take your skills up a notch.

2. Thinkrolls Play & Code

Unleash your child’s inner genius with Thinkrolls Play & Code, the award-winning, logic and problem-solving app for kids.

The app offers more than 1,000 logic puzzles, fun brain games and a unique pre-coding platform where kids can create, play and share their own logic puzzles.

Thinkrolls Play & Code will train your kids in eight key cognitive areas:

• logical thinking
• problem-solving
• spatial reasoning
• processing speed
• inventiveness
• creativity.

The app integrates a wealth of STEM and pre-coding concepts into a fascinating play experience.

You’ll be amazed by how quickly your little ones will learn to solve complex problems, think multiple steps ahead and seamlessly apply these skills to real-life scenarios.

3. Fish School

This app includes eight fun educational activities to help children learn about letters, numbers, shapes, ABC song, colours, differences, matching and playtime.

Colourful fish transform themselves into different letters, numbers, shapes, colours and more.

We think this is one of the best educational apps for 4 year olds.

4. Duck Duck Moose

The team here create a huge range of apps for little ones, including Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

In this free app, traditional songs are given a funky twist – check out the resident cow who is reading the ‘Moo Yorker’.

5. Toddler Counting 1,2, 3

Created by Australia-based Giggle Up, this free, no-fuss, simple counting game can be adjusted to increase the difficulty levels.

Ideal before your child starts primary school.

Kids will learn the names of animals , toys, household objects and more, with positive feedback along the way.

6. The Go Explore app

Brought to you by the BBC, the app includes everyone’s favourite CBeebies character Bing and the townsfolk of Biggleton.

There is also a Den area that you can visit to discover the games your child has been playing.

7. Elmo Loves 123s 

Full of games, activities, and videos, which will help teach children about numbers and counting.

8. LEGO DUPLO World 

LEGO DUPLO WORLD is carefully aligned with the highly-regarded Headstart Early Learning Outcomes Framework to ensure it is age-appropriate and meets the developmental needs of 2-5-year-olds.

Each activity targets key learning goals for toddlers and preschool kids.

In the Parent Centre, you can read about the learning benefits of each activity.

9. Little Oxford

Oxford University Press’s app Little Oxford is the only preschool app with activities which support the seven key areas of Foundation Stage and Oxford International Early Years Curriculum.

Little Oxford is a new Augmented Reality app for 3 to 5-year-olds, created by educational experts, and built on decades of knowledge of how children learn.

The app was developed with an Early Years specialist and offers a unique learning through-play experience to ease the transition to primary school.

It harnesses the latest AR and VR technology to create an engaging learning experience for children and parents.

Available on the App Store and Google Play, a limited version of the Little Oxford app is free to download, with the full app available with a discounted subscription of £15 for three months or £30 for the year.

There are no additional in-app purchase options.

If you’re looking for the best apps for toddlers, try one of these.

10. Teach Your Monster To Read

Universally loved by parents, this award-winning app delivers what it promises – it really does help you teach your kids how to read!

The best educational apps for children age 5 to 7 years old (Key Stage 1)

1. onebillion is a non-profit organisation based in London that has built comprehensive, scalable educational software for children in and out of school.

With a focus on teaching reading and numeracy in the child’s own language, the organisation work around the world to help the most vulnerable children.

The ‘onecourse’ app has been developed for tablets and smartphones, both iOS and Android and classes are available in Swahili (Tanzania), Chichewa (Malawi) and English (UK).

2. Help your kids to improve their memory with the simple, quick and fun Monster Hunt app.

The perfect game to play whilst the kids are waiting for their tea.

3. Collins has created a huge range of educational resources, including the free Big Cat Reading Assessment Tool.

It has been designed to help teachers assess and analyse children’s progress in reading, but parents will find it useful too.

4. Word finding games seem to stand the test of time and PopWords! is one of the most popular free word search apps available.

Kids need to find words as fast as they can from an endless stream of letters.

Longer words will earn more points; kids will feel stretched and progress is tracked to make the learning measurable.

5. It’s never too early to start learning maths skills – including algebra!

DragonBox Algebra is an award-winning app that makes one of the more difficult maths subjects a little easier.

Designed for age 5+, the app presents algebra problems through fun interactive games that cover addition, division and multiplication.

6. Spelling Stage

We like this one as you can play spelling games as a family and it feels more like a game than it does school.

7. Count On Me!

Count on me! is a maths app for children aged 6 to 9 years old.

Based on a unique concept of Game Embedded Teaching,it involves combining science with game design which encourages children to discover the magic of mathematics and accelerates their learning.

Research has shown that children who practice maths by playing  Count on me!  improve their skills by 60% per cent, compared to children who do not use the app.  

Count on me! provides short learning sessions with proven results.

Children can only play the game for 15 minutes per day as the characters in Numberia ‘rest’, so it means limited screen time with maximum learning outcomes. 

The best educational apps for children age 7 to 11 years old ( Key Stage 2)

Keep up with your child’s learning as they work through the challenging last years of primary school!

1. iMovie is one of the most popular movie-making apps, and for good reason.

Kids love to experiment with their photos, videos and audio clips and create professional-looking videos.

You will need macOS to use this app.

2. For children who find handwriting tricky, Dexteria helps with fine motor skill development.

Available for £5.99, the app has been developed in consultation with Occupational Therapists and aims to increase coordination and motor control in the hands and fingers.

It can also be used to help a person recover from strokes and injuries.

3. Marvel is the king of the playground right now and with Marvel Hero Tales from Kuato Games , kids can join Ms Marvel, Spider-Man and Captain Marvel (Member exclusive stories) and discover a new way of experiencing Marvel adventures.

They get to run, swing and fly their way across New York City as you they the power of words to defeat the bad guys and tell their very own stories, with new adventures being added all the time.

Marvel Hero Tales uses a unique system that lets players control the story through the power of language.

Developed with experts in language development, the system is mapped to UK Key Stage 2/US 2nd Grade reading skills to help with vocabulary development.

4. Key Stage 2 is an ideal time to introduce another language and DuoLingo is a brilliant free app to start developing those language-learning skills.

Bite-size lessons mean your child won’t feel overwhelmed with learning new words (and it is common for teachers to use this app in the classroom!).

5. Brain Pop is a learning resource created over 20 years ago that covers all core subjects with different apps for different age ranges with an emphasis on self-paced learning.

The app covers subjects like Science, Humanities, English, Maths, Art, PHSE & Citizenship, and Design & Technology.

The music apps are especially fun and interactive.

Material can be reviewed more than once so your child won’t feel rushed.

Movies, quizzes, animations and games make learning fun.

6. Kids Brain Trainer

Completely safe and designed for kids, this game helps your child learn through play.

There are four colourful and educational sections, “Kids Brain Trainer (Preschool)” has 144 games specifically designed to contribute to, exercise and develop your child’s motor and cognitive skills.

The game aims to help improve visual attention, visual-spatial relations, short term memory, visual-motor coordination, bi-lateral coordination, tactile skills and much more.

Fables World

Fables World is a laptop and phone friendly teaching platform that helps children aged 4 – 14 master maths in just five minutes a day.

The app is popular with families and schools and is used by over 10,000 families in the UK whose kids struggle with maths.

The app uses funny cartoons and jokes such as ‘farting fractions’ to engage kids with maths in a way which makes them laugh and retain information.

The best educational apps for children age 11 to 14 years old ( Key Stage 3 )

By now, kids might have their own devices.

Load them up with these fantastic apps:

1. Garage Band turns your iPad or iPhone into a collection of touch instruments and a full-featured recording studio.

Kids can create their own music and record performances, which can then be shared with family and friends!

2. For comic-book lovers, the Comic Book app will be fun to use.

Kids can use their own photographs to make comic strips with a range of effects and speech bubbles.

This could be a great app to engage reluctant readers.

It costs from £2.99 in the App store.

3. The Human Body by Tinybop lets children explore the human body in a frank and fun way with sound effects and interactive activities.

Although many younger kids will enjoy this app, it’s also good to remind teens of what is going on in their ever-changing bodies!

4. For budding artists, AutoDesk Sketchbook is an easy to use free app that will help your child build confidence as they experiment with quick sketches and more developed artwork.

The camera on your child’s phone can be used as a scanner so line art can be imported with a transparent background, ready to build on.

The app is free.

5. True or False Chemistry

A fast-paced game for secondary school-age kids to help them learn and remember the periodic table.

The best educational apps for children aged 14 to 16 years old (Key Stage 4)

During the pre-teen and teenage years, apps are useful for organising schoolwork and staying on top of assignments as well as learning skills that might not be taught in the classroom.

1. Evernote is a popular note-taking app that allows users to share information.

Perfect for homework assignments.

Android alternatives include Google Keep where you can store notes, lists, photos and audio files.

2. If your child has an iPod touch or iPhone, why not download the Kindle app?

Your child might find it easier to keep up with reading if they can simply do it on their phones rather than lugging books around.

3. Learning outside of the classroom knows no limits with Skillshare .

Online lessons include design, illustration, business, technology, photo and film , entrepreneurship and writing but be warned that you do need to purchase many of them.

There are options to get together to learn with friends by creating a ‘team’ and the app has offline access to avoid chewing up data on your devices.

4. EdPlus Kids

EdPlus Kids is for kids of all ages and there are over 200 topics to choose from.

The app is an Oxford University spinout and while they’re big on maths, they also cover science, languages and more fun subjects like animals from Africa .

The app is free while schools are closed and is usually £4.99 a month/£29.99 a year.

If your kids are young but ready for smartphones you may like to invest in a phone monitoring app.

We bought a lifetime Kidslox subscription which means we can block or restrict certain times, give time limts and generally help them to stay safe online.

Give your kids MFL (modern foreign language) class a boost with Prepy; an app that helps them improve language learning and retention.

Who do you think does the best apps for kids?

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30 Best Educational iPad Games for Kids in 2024 (Free and Paid)

Learn while you play!

Tablets are a regular part of most kids’ routines these days, and teachers and parents can use that to their advantage. There are a lot of terrific iPad games for kids that are designed for learning but disguised as fun! Here are some of the best that cover reading, math, science, social studies, and more for kids of a variety of ages.

Free iPad Games for Kids

The earlier kids start to learn new languages, the better. When we’re young, our brains are more receptive to learning language in general. Duolingo no longer has a specific version just for kids (though they do have a reading program; see below). But the general app itself is still great for kids by upper elementary or so. It’s completely free, and offers more than 40 languages to explore. Teachers should check out Duolingo for Schools , too.

Duolingo ABC

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 1

The foreign language learning company has brought its same philosophy to teaching kids how to read. The entirely free lessons focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and reading comprehension, all the skills emergent readers need. The lessons increase in difficulty as children progress, with tailored reviews to help kids strengthen skills they struggle with. It’s aligned with Common Core standards too.

PBS Kids Games

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 2

You know you can trust PBS to provide safe, fun, and educational iPad games for kids. Their collection features stars from popular shows like Daniel Tiger and the Wild Kratts, with hundreds of games on just about every subject. This is one iPad app every parent and teacher needs, especially since it’s all entirely free (and available in Spanish too!).

iCivics Games

Ages: Middle and High School

iCivics has a suite of terrific social studies games that kids will truly enjoy playing. They’ll feel like they’re right in the action as they try to get a new law ratified, run in an election, or try a case in court. These apps are all free, and their website has lots of excellent accompanying resources for teachers.

Bedtime Math

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 3

Bedtime stories are a longstanding tradition, but what about bedtime math? That’s what this free app, along with its accompanying books , aims to do. Each day, the app adds a new fun math problem for parents and kids to do together. (Teachers could also use them as daily problems in the classroom.) Each math problem has three levels of difficulty, and many offer challenge questions too.

Little Alchemy 2

Ages: K to 12

Starting with just a few basic elements (air, earth, fire, and water), players mix these to create dozens of new items, both real and imaginary. For instance, mix water and earth to get clay, then mix clay and fire to make bricks, add brick to brick to build a wall, and so on. This robust free game is completely engrossing, and it encourages both creativity and logical thinking.

World Geography Quiz Game

Ages: Grades 3 to 12

This isn’t one of those iPad games for kids full of animated characters and flashy graphics. It’s a straight-up geography quiz game and a very good one. Kids who are into maps and globes will enjoy checking their knowledge of flags, capital cities, statistics, and much more. The game is free to download and play; you have the option to buy “hints,” but they’re not necessary to enjoy the fun.

Sushi Monster

Ages: Grades 2 to 6

Looking for a fun way to practice math facts? Check out this free app! Sushi Monster is hungry. Feed him the sushi plates to make the correct goal number and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Lyrical Letters

Ages: Pre-K to Grade 12

Combine music with spelling and vocabulary in this charming game, enjoyable for anyone at any age. Listen to the sequence of notes, then play them back to spell the right word. You can also simply play around with the keyboard and synthesizer functions, composing tunes just for fun. Lyrical Letters is free to download and play; you can remove the in-game ads for $1.99.

Ages: Grade 4 and up

Build vocabulary and work on spelling with this innovative word game. As you connect letters to make a word, they disappear from the board, collapsing others around them. New letters are always rising from the bottom, though, so you’ll have to think quickly to stop them from reaching the top and ending the game. The game is free to download, but many reviewers note that it’s ad-heavy; pay $4.99 to unlock the full version.

More Great Educational iPad Games for Kids

Think of this collection of iPad games for kids as your personal set of Montessori activities on the go. From busy boards and blocks to music sequencers and a marble machine, the youngest learners will find plenty to keep them engaged as they develop key skills. Pok Pok is subscription-based ($6.99/month or $45.99/year), with a free 7-day trial.

Hands-On Equations

Ages: Grades 4+

The Hands-On Equations iPad games teach algebra skills in a fun and engaging way. There are three levels available, plus Hands-On Equations Lite, a free version you can try to see if you like it. Level 1 covers the basics of equations, while 2 and 3 build up the difficulty to include order of operations and negative numbers. Levels 1, 2, and 3 range in price from $2.99 to $3.99 each.

Endless Alphabet

Ages: Pre-K

This iPad game has been around for awhile, but parents and kids both continue to love it. Kids build their vocabulary and alphabet knowledge through interactive games and fun animations. They’ll also enjoy the adorable monsters that join in on the game! Get Endless Alphabet for a one-time purchase price of $8.99.

ABCmouse is one of the most popular educational iPad games for kids who are learning to read, count, and more. They offer thousands of learning activities across the curriculum, including hundreds in Spanish. It requires a subscription ($12.99/month or $45/year), but you can try it for free for 30 days to see if you like it.

Adventure Academy

Ages: Grades 3 to 8

Adventure Academy is ABCmouse’s older cousin. Upper elementary and middle school students can learn math, science, language arts, and more. They’ll create their own avatar and make their way around a fully interactive school environment, learning as they go. It has the same subscription rates as ABCmouse ($12.99/month or $45/year).

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Ages: Pre-K to Kindergarten

Everyone’s favorite caterpillar is now available in an app! Play games to match colors and shapes, put together puzzles, and learn to take care of plants and animals. The app is free to download, but it costs $4.99 to unlock all of the available activities.

Ages: Grades 1 to 5

Solve math problems and try to get five Bingo Bugs in a row. Be careful, though, because wrong answers will affect your end score. High scores earn you your very own Bingo Bugs for your collection! There are five modes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and mixed. Math Bingo costs $2.99 to download and play.

Ages: Grades 3 and up

Everything you love about Mad Libs in an app! Kids will get sneaky practice in learning the parts of speech, while creating zany stories that make everyone laugh. You get a limited number of Mad Libs for free, with the ability to buy more packages starting at $1.99.

Sight Words Ninja

Ages: Grades 1 to 4

This is such a fun way to practice sight words! As various words appear on the screen, slice through the target word as fast as you can to score points. At only $1.99, this game is a terrific bargain and one that students will beg to play.

Wee ones will love helping Tim and his family as they learn colors and shapes. The game is available in multiple languages, so you can also use it to help kids learn basic words in Spanish, French, and more. Dino Tim is free to download and $2.99 to unlock all content.

Presidents vs. Aliens

Ages: Grade 3 and up

Learn more about U.S. presidents while you battle aliens in this silly but informative game. As you answer the questions and beat each level, you add a new president to your collection. Then, you can fling these presidents at the aliens to help defend the planet! The app costs $1.99 to download but has no in-game ads and doesn’t require any additional purchases to play. Kids will need to be able to read to play on their own.

Ages: K to Grade 4

This subscription-based iPad game for kids promises to make learning math fun and engaging. Kids set out on missions to earn monsters by solving math puzzles. This is a program that can grow with any child, starting with very basic counting skills and building through to multiplication and division. After a 7-day free trial, the program costs $7.99 a month or $49.99 annually.

Where’s My Water?

Ages: Kindergarten and Up

Swampy lives in the sewers under the city, but he loves to stay clean! His shower is constantly getting stopped up, though, so kids need` to dig through the dirt and avoid obstacles to guide the fresh water to Swampy. This game is a lot of fun, but it’s based on real physics and the movement of water, so they’ll learn while they play. This Disney game costs $1.99 to download and includes additional storylines for purchase.

Stack the States 2

Ages: Grade 3 and Up

Learn U.S. geography the fun way by answering questions and building your own collection of states. Kids master state capitals, cities, landmarks, flags, and more. The app costs $2.99 to download and play, with no ads or other in-app purchases to worry about.

Teach Your Monster to Read

They say the best way to learn something is to teach it to another. That’s the idea behind this popular iPad game, where kids “teach” a monster to read while learning the skills themselves. It covers early reading skills, from letter recognition through phonics and word-building. Download and play for $8.99.

Monster Physics

Kids who love to tinker will get a real kick out of this game. They can design and build their own inventions, then see how (and if!) they would work in the real world. There are 50 different missions for them to invent and conquer alongside their own monster avatar. At only $1.99 to download, with no in-game ads, this one is definitely worth a look.

Cut the Rope

Ages: Kindergarten and up

This game has been around for a while, but it’s popular for a reason. The concept is simple: arrange the objects on the screen and then cut the rope to release the candy into the hungry monster’s mouth. The laws of physics apply here, so kids will learn without even knowing it. The levels get progressively more challenging as you play. Cut the Rope costs $1.99 to download, with the ability to buy hints, solutions, and more puzzles in the app.

Slice Fractions

Ages: Grades 1 to 6

Learn fractions in an interactive environment as you slice through ice and lava to clear the mammoth’s path. There’s no reading involved in this game, so kids can focus purely on numbers and fractions. Slice Fractions costs $3.99 to download and play.

Ages: Grades 2 to 12

You don’t need any coding experience to play this game; you’ll learn as you go. Solve puzzles by guiding a robot to light up tiles with basic commands. Multiple players can save their progress on the same device, so this one’s great for classrooms or families. Some reading is required, but otherwise, even little ones can play on their own. Lightbot costs $2.99 to download and play, without the need for in-app purchases.

Reading Raven

This well-reviewed app teaches basic reading and writing skills, starting with letter recognition and tracing. As their skills advance, so do the challenges, until they’re able to practice reading aloud using voice recording. Reading Raven is a one-time cost of $3.99 to download and play, with no in-game ads.

Did we miss one of your favorite iPad games for kids? Come share your thoughts in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, our favorite online games that are fun and educational too ., you might also like.

40+ Best Online Educational Games for Every Grade in 2023

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Top educational apps for kids of all ages in 2023

From phonics and spelling to maths, languages and even recognising stars in the sky … these top educational apps will help kids learn while they're having fun.

From phonics and spelling to maths, languages and even recognising stars in the sky … these top educational apps will help kids learn while they’re having fun.

While you don’t necessarily want your kids to spend all day staring at a screen, if you can find ways to make their screen-time both fun and educational, so much the better!

• Looking for your child’s first tablet? Have a look at our best buys here.

That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of some of the best apps for both Android and iOS, with a good number of free options, to help you to find a new way to help your kids learn something new without getting bored.

Reading Eggs – Learn to Read

With interactive games, fun activities and thousands of digital story books this is a fun way for kids to practise reading. Designed by primary school teachers, it progresses with your child, with tasks suitable for ages 2-13.

30-day free trial.

Find it on Google Play

Find it on the App Store

DoodleMaths: Primary Maths

Designed by two teachers to help children develop their maths skills while having fun, DoodleMaths meets all UK curriculum criteria for reception, KS1, KS2 and KS3. It also designs a learning program for each child based on their ability.

A well-designed app that helps older kids and adults learn languages. There are more than 30 to choose from including Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and English. The game-like design makes it fun to play, too.

Sight Words & Phonics Reading

From tracing letters to blending sounds, there are more than 500 different reading activities for kids to enjoy in this fun app. Suitable for beginner readers aged 2-8, join Abby the monkey as she journeys through space and travels to magical islands completing learning activities along the way.

Free Find it in the App Store

Magic Piano by Smule

With everything from Bruno Mars to Mozart, this nifty little magic piano guides you through playing a variety of tunes on its three keyboards, by following beams of light with your fingers. Best for children aged 7+.

Lola's Alphabet Train

Lola the cute panda flies through the air on her train stopping to solve letter matching and reading puzzles. An engaging app designed for 3- to 7-year-olds.

£3.99-£4.99

The Wheels on the Bus

This fun app features 10 games, including an interactive sing-along, a colouring page, drawing activities plus much more! Toddlers will love to sing along and 'drive' the bus too... All together now...

Puzzingo Toddler Kids Puzzles

A great app for younger children, Puzzingo offers lots of fun learning puzzles for ABCs and 123s to help kids get to grips with the basics of letters and numbers.

Letterschool – Learn to Write!

Children learn how to trace letters (and the numbers 1-10). Once they've traced the letters they can watch them come to life with graphics and animations. The only downside is the American accent.

On Google Play, the app is known as LetterSchool: ABC Handwriting

A real favourite with Netmums parents, with many saying their children enjoy this app and it helps them get to grips with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Fun and quick moving. Children enjoy trying to move up the levels quickly.

99p-£1.99, Pop Math Lite is free.

Eggs on Legs

Solve the maths problems to crack open the quirky eggs on legs. Different levels of difficulty make this an app that'll last more than a few minutes.

99p Find it on the App Store

Music Sparkles

Learn to 'play' 14 different musical instruments. What's not to love?!

Free Find it on the App Store

Little Writer

A great app for tracing letters and learning all the sounds and letter formations of the alphabet.

89p Find it on the App Store

Star Walk 2

A great introduction to stargazing. Point your device to the sky and the app tells you which stars you can see. Stunning graphics.

For younger children, try Star Walk Kids (App Store) or Astronomy for Kids Space Game (Google Play) by the people behind Star Walk 2.

Free-£2.99

Endless Alphabet

This app uses cute monsters and interactive puzzles to help kids learn new words. The only downside is all letters are upper case.

Free-£7.99

Barefoot World Atlas

A really stunning app that allows children to explore an interactive 3D globe. It features the usual gorgeous illustrations you expect from Barefoot Books.

£4.49

This fun app is based on the Bee-Bot floor robot that's often used in classrooms to teach children about computer science and directions in maths. Designed for ages 4+.

A simple concept for testing children on their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Children have to get correct answers on a grid to complete their bingo square. Each right answer earns them a cute monster. A good mix of fun and challenge for kids aged 6 and over.

£2.49

Find it in the App Store

Reading Raven

An engaging app that teaches children phonics with a step-by-step programme, one lesson at a time. Designed for ages 3-7 it's engaging with illustrations to hold a child's interest as they learn.

£1.89-£3.49

SplashLearn

SplashLearn is a great app for helping kids from nursery age up to year 5 with maths. It's particularly good for kids who enjoy visual learning. There are also options for parents to track how their kids are doing with their learning, so it is well worth a look.

Free 7-day trial, subscriptions from £7.49 a month

Word Wizard for Kids

This award-winning app for ages 4-10, is used in some schools to help teach spelling and phonics. There are loads of different games and activities to try and you can even add your own words, to test kids on spellings they may struggle with.

Free-£3.99

Great fun for preschoolers, this app includes five different learning games with letters and shapes, plus sticker rewards to motivate little learners. They'll exercise creativity by building their very own train.

Squeebles Word Search

Perfect for primary schoolers, the app combines children’s natural love of word puzzles with the colourful Squeebles environment and a great reward system.

You can also add your own words and include any your kids want to practise.

£1.79-£3.59

Further reading

Looking for more educational resources? Check out all our homeschooling info here.

Take a look at : The top kid-friendly apps for 2021

If your kids are addicted to apps, make sure you know which ones they're using and that they're not only safe but age-appropriate. To help take the worry out of what they're looking at, try downloading these kid-friendly apps. From improving their reading and writing to pure fun and entertainment, you'll love them as much as they do!

Looking for more kid-friendly screen time ideas? Check out these ideas, or swap tips with other parents in our Forum below.

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Top 18 best educational kids games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

Some scholarly kids games to play on your iPhone and iPad

Children are put in front of screens quite often these days, and with the variety of educational and kid-friendly apps, I totally understand why. However, note that none of these educational kids' games will substitute the real methodical education, they are rather here to keep them interested and hooked up to learn and educate themselves!

If you’d like your child to lean towards the more scholarly route when it comes to their screen time, we have compiled a list of the best educational games that are children friendly to play on your iOS device! That said, I’d also suggest picking up a strong case if you’re going to let young ones play!

• Take a quick glance at our list of the best free phone games in 2023 !

Click through below to find out what are, in our opinion, the 18 best educational kids' games on iPhone & iPad.

1 Metamorphabet

Metamorphabet is the most wonderful alphabet-learning game out there. Each screen shows you a letter that you can pinch, zoom, tap, and otherwise play with to reveal words that start with this letter. A calm voice reads you the words, tells you what the letter is called and allows you to explore.

Once you have discovered all the words that letter has to offer, a star appears, and in your own time, you can tap to move on to the next letter. It’s a very engaging way to look at the alphabet.

2 Ruffy the Husky: On Ice

Taking you into the article, Ruffy the Husky: On Ice gives you an adorable dog to help you solve a bunch of different little puzzles and games. This app can help children identify shapes, learn to count, listen to animal noises, practice speaking and more. There are a bunch of other cute characters that are also featured, from penguins to seals, which will keep any animal lover captivated as they learn more.

The top one, however, would have to be the husky. This smart dog has a super entertaining way of teaching toddlers and pre-schoolers the shapes, numbers and alphabet, and have a blast while doing so.

Tappity is a science game for ages 4 and up, which breaks down a variety of topics from outer space, to dinosaurs, to tectonic plates and explains them in bite-sized games that any child will enjoy. It's one of our top picks in terms of educational apps because it showcases a little bit of everything.

The game has its own teacher, who walks you through each area, explaining more as you go along. There are interactive experiences, choices to be made, and more in this game, which really brings a fun twist to education!

4 Oinky the Piggy: On Farm

More for toddlers and preschoolers, Oinky the Piggy: On Farm allows younger children to solve sliding puzzles, and then interact with animals. This game is completely focused on barnyard animals, introducing them to the player through these sliding puzzles, before allowing the player to watch them play around on the farm, eat, grow and make sounds.

It’s a familiar world as every child has grown up playing some sort of farmyard game, understanding animals, but this time it’s taken to the digital world. The best part, however, has to be the puzzles. They're as entertaining as physical puzzles and equally challenging.

5 Masha and the Bear Educational

Masha and the Bear Educational is a single app that has a lot of different mini-games within the app that showcase different learning skills. Masha and the Bear is a children's TV show, so this game has the two main characters of that TV show going on an adventure! On the main screen of the game, children can pick from a bunch of different categories; math-related games, spelling games, reading games, and even musical games. Each category then has a bunch of simple to play games within them, that showcase this skill. It's great for children who like playing a variety of games and jump between them quickly.

6 The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Based on the classic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has a lot to offer in its 3D book form, providing a variety of games which help you learn to count, sort and about healthy eating (we wouldn’t want our caterpillar eating too many sweets!) Sprinkled between games are facts about real-life animals - which are just as fun to learn about after you’ve been playing.

This beautiful app is the equivalent of the physical 3D book, with pop-ups and what looks like stunning hand-drawn graphics. It's brilliant.

7 Coco – Educational Game

Another variety game for younger players, aged 5 to 10 years old, Coco focuses on a bunch of children’s puzzles, from math games to memory games to keep children entertained.

The interface for this game is quite soft in color and design, which is quite appealing for children both young and old, and the variety of puzzles and games are very nice - it is worth noting that the game does work for free for a week, then is subscription-based, depending on what you want to use it for.

8 Pinky the Hippo: In the Wild

Pinky the Hippo: In the Wild focuses on teaching children age two and up about colours, jungle animals, and languages. The interface is very child-friendly, with cute animals that can easily have their environment coloured and explored. You can see their shelters and their world, as well as learn about the noises they make. You can also learn different languages through the app, learning how words are said and should sound.

It's an app that will be well-liked by kids, with beautiful graphics and an entertaining play style. That's exactly what makes it one of the best educational kids games for iPhones even today.

9 Endless Alphabet

Endless Alphabet is an interesting app where you are able to select a word, then watch the letters run away, and bring them back to place. These letters are lifelike, wiggling and attempting to get away, but once the word is complete, they all animate together and the game explains what the word means, teaching you exactly what you have been creating.

This is much more than teaching the alphabet. It brings a lot of joy to reading, so it's on our list of best educational kids games for iOS for a reason. Make sure you check it out.

10 Baby Panda's School Bus

Baby Panda's School Bus is a bright and colorful game that has children taking on a bunch of different puzzles, that they can learn from! The game has a big focus on buckling up and driving the bus around, going to various locations where mini-games are waiting. Your child will be taking children to the hospital for check ups, rescuing people who have gotten themselves into dangerous situations, and even bringing your car to a car wash! There are little mini-games around understanding numbers and colors, as well as learning day to day skills. It's a really well made kid's game!

11 Montessorium: Intro to Colors

A look into coloring, Montessorium: Intro to Colors aims to teach you the basic foundations of primary and secondary colors, shades, gradients, names of colors, mixing colors, and practicing fine motor skills. You are able to paint canvases, bringing the world to life in your own way. There are recaps throughout the app, testing to see if you can listen to the name of a color, find it, and select it.

This game is not only beautiful but also oddly satisfying. You'll get to enjoy a world filled with colour and gradients, and let's be honest - it is great for adults too (if you want a beautiful and relaxing game)!

12 Star Walk Kids: Astronomy Game

Made for children aged 6 and above, Star Walk Kids teaches you more about the galaxy. Unlike other apps about the stars, this game is kid-friendly, providing a good interface for younger audiences. You can explore the solar system, see constellations, find the ISS and Hubble - as well as view different animated videos that give more facts and details about what can be found in outer space.

It’s a great dive into the world beyond ours. It should really be included on the list of educational games that you'd play with your kids on your iPhone.

13 Where's My Water? 2

What should you do when your kid does not want to play a regular educational game? That's right! You should find a game that will be both useful and exciting for your child. Where's My Water? 2 is a great game where your kid will have to solve puzzles and complete levels.

In the game, you will find more than 100 interesting levels, cute graphics, and an adorable soundtrack. Moreover, you will find challenge modes that make the puzzles more complicated for older children. Also, your kid can use the hints if he gets stuck.

14 Quick Math Jr.

Quick Math Jr. allows you to adjust the difficulty depending on the age, for 3 and up, learning through different maths games as you play. Questions can be answered in the form of multiple-choice or you can use your finger (or a stylist) to write in the answers, practicing handwriting as you learn.

Quick Math Jr. also has little monster characters that you can create, to help you connect with the games that you are playing. It's actually quite fun from an adult perspective and makes math pleasant and easy to learn for children.

15 Shape Gurus

Shape Gurus aims to teach younger children to identify shapes and place them into their slots, creating larger pictures that can then come to life. They can play mini-games where they must find the shape that doesn’t match the others and ones that can be sorted by size. Creating pictures is where the real fun begins, as shapes are placed into slots, creating more of a picture.

This is the ideal game for pre-schoolers, and it's easy to see why - it's simple to get into, it's fun, and it's highly educational. Everything you could want in one place.

16 Minecraft: Education Edition

Minecraft is a big platform that works like a game engine. Inside the game, you can make a bunch of different content, mechanics, and add interactive elements.

In addition, Minecraft is understandable to children. It is easy to learn due to its simplicity and accessibility, plus, it is convenient that the game has a large children's audience. That is why Minecraft has become a popular tool in education: it is a convenient platform for creating content, and the interest of children around the world in it is huge.

17 Math Bingo

Math Bingo does exactly what the name says - allows younger children to play bingo by answering math questions and putting little bugs on the correct number of a bingo card. To make things more challenging, a timer can be added to see if you can answer the math question in a swift manner. Though the game itself is simple, it’s a fun way to practice mental math.

And with Math Bingo we are closing our list of best educational kids' games for iPhone and iPad! Hopefully, you found the games you were looking for on this list, and if you've got some more title suggestions for us, make sure to let us know!

18 Sago Mini World

Sago Mini World is a game full of games - with over 40 to choose from, there is a lot to keep a young one busy! Instead of focusing on Math and Reading skills, Sago Mini World focuses on understanding feelings and being accepting. There are diverse characters that your child can meet and help out. They can learn what makes characters happy and what makes them frustrated or upset. There is also a lot of freeform play, so kids can build confidence while playing this game!

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Some of the Best Online Learning Games for Kids

By Courtney Schley

To find our favorite learning apps and games for kids, we spent more than 40 hours researching and testing 50-plus apps recommended by educators, experts, and parents. If your family has a tablet and you want it to be more than a game-playing and video-watching device, or if you’re trying to find apps for your smartphone that will do more than keep your kids occupied in a pinch, we have some great suggestions.

As with our guides to STEM and learning toys, we didn’t test scores of apps to try to find the “best” ones. Rather, most of the apps here have been chosen by teachers for their students in classrooms, used by Wirecutter parents and their kids, or recommended by the experts and educators we spoke with. (For details, read more about how we selected the apps in this guide.) The apps we cover in this guide are great learning apps not because they’re designed to make kids smarter, to drill facts, or to replace in-school learning, but because they each offer something fun, unique, and interesting for kids and adults.

The research

Our favorite math apps, our favorite coding apps, our favorite science and exploration apps, our favorite social and emotional learning apps, our favorite ebook app, how we picked and tested.

These math games don’t simply drill facts or make kids memorize but rather use visuals, narratives, and storylines to help kids discover math concepts and build their skills. We like these apps because they offer games and exercises tailored to different ages and skill levels and because they encourage adults and kids to play together.

A family math app: Bedtime Math

Bedtime Math (iOS and Android)

Bringing math home.

This free app makes math a part of daily family life, like a bedtime story. A peer-reviewed study showed that it not only helps improve kids’ math performance but also makes parents feel more comfortable with math.

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How it works: Bedtime Math ( iOS and Android ) seeks to do for math what the bedtime story does for literacy, by turning math into an enjoyable bonding routine between child and caregiver.

The free app offers a daily word problem for children to solve together with an adult during bedtime or anytime. Each exercise centers on a short narrative or interesting fact and poses questions at four difficulty levels, from pre-K through elementary school.

Why it’s great: Bedtime Math is one of the few children’s educational apps that have been evaluated in a peer-reviewed study . This particular study demonstrated that students who used the app significantly boosted their math scores; it also showed that Bedtime Math can help parents mitigate their own math anxiety , a phenomenon that can negatively affect their children’s attitudes toward math and their ability in the subject. Teacher Jennifer Auten told us she liked that the questions were written at a middle-school reading level, meaning an adult must facilitate the discussion but you have a choice of four levels of difficulty based on the child’s age and math level.

Apps for visual math: DragonBox Numbers and DragonBox Big Numbers

DragonBox Numbers (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Visual numeracy.

Cute Nooms help kids visualize and conceptualize numbers and arithmetic operations.

DragonBox Big Numbers (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

More-complex arithmetic.

Kids follow characters called Nooms on adventures, solving long addition and subtraction equations in the process.

Ages: 4 to 8 and 6 to 9

How it works: DragonBox Numbers ( iOS , Android , and Amazon ), aimed at kids 4 through 8, introduces number sense, addition, and subtraction through cute characters called Nooms. (The characters are designed to resemble Cuisenaire rods , math learning aids that introduce kids to arithmetic operations in a hands-on way.) Kids feed, slice, and sort the Nooms, developing familiarity with addition, subtraction, fractions, and ranges. In DragonBox Big Numbers ( iOS , Android , and Amazon ), for kids 5 through 9, players follow the Nooms on more complex adventures, solving long addition and subtraction equations in order to gather and trade resources.

Why it’s great: The Nooms function as digital versions of what classroom teachers call math manipulatives , physical learning aids that help young children understand theoretical math concepts in a concrete way. For older kids, the DragonBox series continues on with algebra and Euclidean geometry.

Many great apps teach coding to kids as young as preschool and progressing through upper elementary grades. We’ve highlighted four of these apps because they’re particularly easy to get started with and don’t require reading or, for the child or the parent, a coding background. Regardless of what app they use, parents should think of coding apps as a family activity, said Pat Yongpradit of Code.org . “You will rarely have such a rich media experience as you can when coding with your kid,” he said.

Coding puzzles for beginners: Lightbot and Lightbot Jr

Lightbot (iOS and Android)

Coding puzzles.

The app’s simple puzzle challenges are easy to jump into for kids and adults with no previous coding experience.

Lightbot Jr (iOS and Android)

Coding puzzles for younger kids.

A slower-paced, easier set of puzzles for kids as young as preschool.

Ages: 9 and up (Lightbot); 4 to 8 (Lightbot Jr)

How it works: In Lightbot ( iOS and Android ), kids solve a series of simple puzzles by lining up commands that make a robot advance over obstacles and light up squares. As they master basic concepts, they add more-complex commands, such as conditionals, loops, and nested statements. Lightbot Jr ( iOS and Android ) follows a similar structure but at a slower pace and with simpler challenges that focus on reinforcing the basics. A minimal amount of reading is required, so pre-readers may need adult help at the beginning.

Why it’s great: Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a nonprofit educational organization that promotes and develops STEM curricula and resources, told us, “The best apps for young students without previous experience are those that teach and help build logic and reasoning skills [and] critical thinking skills, and provide brain teasers.” PLTW’s curriculum writers like the Lightbot and Lightbot Jr apps as ways to get kids as young as 4 started with the basic concepts and logical structures of coding.

A creative coding app: ScratchJr

ScratchJr (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Visual programming.

Using graphical coding blocks, ScratchJr lets kids animate characters and create storylines.

Ages: 5 and up

How it works: In ScratchJr ( iOS , Android , Amazon ), kids select characters and backdrop scenes and drag graphical programming blocks, which snap together like puzzle pieces, to make animation sequences and storylines. Although the app has some written cues, the programming blocks largely use symbols (such as arrows and stop signs) to indicate what they do (such as move the character forward or make them stop). As kids become familiar with how to structure the code, they can create multi-scene stories.

Why it’s great: ScratchJr isn’t lesson-based (though you can consult a variety of curricula and tutorials for the app) but rather designed to give kids a sandbox in which to experiment, learn, and create through trial and error (the app offers sample animations as well). Pat Yongpradit of Code.org , which recommends ScratchJr among other coding apps and games, noted one particular benefit: “It’s very free-form; you’re not basically being directed down a particular path.” Younger kids will need an adult or older child to guide them as they get familiar with ScratchJr .

An app for hands-on coding: Osmo Coding Awbie

Osmo Coding (iOS)

Tangible coding.

The Osmo system uses physical game pieces in conjunction with the device’s screen, making scripting and coding tangible and accessible for pre-readers.

Ages: 5 to 12

How it works: Osmo Coding Awbie requires a base system—a stand and a mirror that attach to the device’s camera and that are compatible with other Osmo games —for the iPad , iPhone , and Amazon Fire . The system allows players to use physical pieces to interact with the screen-based game. Kids use bricks marked with commands, arrows, numbers, and loops to create scripts that direct a silly character through mazes and challenges, picking up prizes such as strawberries.

Why it’s great: Teacher Jennifer Auten, who uses Osmo Coding Awbie and other Osmo games in her classroom, said the fact that it combined an app with physical pieces made kids more patient and thoughtful as they worked through the challenges: “When something is purely on the screen, kids will sometimes end up just tapping as fast as they can, randomly guessing. With the manipulatives, it slows their thinking down.” Auten also noted that the physical pieces made it easier to play the game with multiple people, fostering discussion, collaboration, and group problem-solving. She also likes that Osmo Coding Awbie is open-ended: “Kids can explore and create their own paths.”

In this category we chose these three apps—focused on anatomy, the natural world, and space—because they offer kids unique, open-ended ways to explore science topics. Each app encourages kids to meander, linger, and dive deeper at their own pace.

An app to see what’s inside: The Human Body

The Human Body (iOS and Android)

Seeing what’s inside.

The Human Body offers a visually and aurally interesting way to wander through the body’s organs, systems, and functions.

How it works: In The Human Body ( iOS and Android ), kids explore anatomy by jumping around to different organs and systems—for example, watching a mouth chew food and swallow drink, sliding into a stomach breaking down food, and following flashing nerve signals as they race up to the brain.

Why it’s great: The Human Body focuses less on teaching kids specific anatomical lessons and more on sparking wonder and fascination toward the body and what it can do. The app’s engaging visuals are neither cartoonish nor graphic, and the thoughtful sound effects are as compelling and instructive as the animations: Gurgles, wooshes, creaks, and spurts give kids a visceral sense of what’s happening inside them. You can toggle on or off the text labels that identify the systems and organs, but no reading is required to get deep into the app, making it equally accessible to pre-readers.

An app for discovering nature: Toca Nature

Toca Nature (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Natural-world building.

Toca Nature is an open-ended building app—similar to Minecraft—where kids can explore and shape the terrain, collect resources, and observe wildlife.

Ages: 4 and up

How it works: In Toca Nature ( iOS , Android , Amazon ), kids start with a simple plot of land where they can raise or lower mountains, create lakes, clear or plant forests, and make deserts. They can zoom in to different areas of their terrain to collect and distribute resources (like mushrooms, fish, or berries). As they change and shape the environment, different kinds of animals, plants, and fish will appear, multiply, migrate, or disappear.

Why it’s great: Similar to popular narrative-less building games like Minecraft , Toca Nature harnesses the enjoyment kids get from open-ended creating, wandering, and exploring games, with a unique focus on the natural world. Common Sense Media senior editor Christine Elgersma said that an app like Toca Nature doesn’t have explicit learning goals—it’s not trying to teach kids the names of animals or types of terrain, for example—but rather is “an exploratory app with experiences that a kid really couldn’t have off screen.” By creating and manipulating the environment, and then observing how the plant and wildlife change as a result, kids can see how animals, resources, and the environment interact.

An app for exploring space: Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System

Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Cats in space.

Explore the solar system with a jet-propelled cat.

Ages: 8 to 12, or 6 and up with an adult

How it works: Kids explore the app much as they would read a book, delving into facts, illustrations, and animations about planets, moons, stars, and space exploration. At various points, quizzes and other challenges let you earn sardine treats for Professor Astro Cat.

Why it’s great: Jana Grcevich , an astronomer, science educator, and author , told us she enjoyed the Professor Astro Cat app ( iOS , Android , and Amazon ), along with the popular book series it’s based on, with her then 6-year-old niece. The app requires reading, but the entertaining storyline and fascinating facts make it fun for adults along with younger children.

Social and emotional learning , which includes self-awareness, empathy, communication skills, and building relationships, among other capacities, has increasingly been recognized as a critical component of children’s education. These three apps let young kids explore different aspects of self-expression, emotions, and social play.

An app for self-expression: Me: A Kid’s Diary

Me: A Kid's Diary (iOS)

A digital diary.

This app lets kids explore self-expression through drawing, writing, photos, and audio and video.

Ages: 7 and up

How it works: Kids create a digital diary of their lives by answering questions about themselves; making avatars for family members, friends, and other loved ones; and designing their own media. Kids navigate all these entries on their Me Map, a sort of multimedia landscape of their lives.

Why it’s great: Me: A Kid’s Diary helps kids creatively document their feelings, experiences, and loved ones through different media and modes of expression. In some ways, the app offers an experience akin to social media—uploading photos, making videos, writing reflections, and mapping personal connections—but in an entirely closed environment (there’s no actual communication or sharing within the app). This can create a space for kids to start to explore (and for parents to discuss) digital self-expression and sharing.

An app for emotions: Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings

Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings (iOS, Android, and Amazon)

Exploring emotions.

The beloved PBS character helps young kids identify, act out, and explore their feelings through games, songs and creative activities.

Ages: 2 to 5

How it works: Kids explore the familiar world of the PBS Kids series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood ( iOS , Android , Amazon ) through simple games, songs, and art activities that focus on identifying and exploring feelings and emotions. It offers different ways for kids to practice, talk about, and experience emotions, such as by drawing a picture, taking a photo of themselves feeling angry or happy, or practicing a calming exercise with Daniel Tiger.

Why it’s great: The app is simple and accessible for very young kids, with frequent verbal cues and reminders to help them through the easily navigable interface. “Even without the Daniel tie-in, it could actually still be a pretty successful app for teaching a lot of social, emotional, and self-care skills,” said Harry Sawyers, Wirecutter senior editor and father of three. “But having the familiar characters and songs really helps jump-start their interest if, for example, they ‘have to go potty—stop, and go right awaaaaay!’”

An app for social play: Toca Tea Party

Toca Tea Party (iOS)

Tea for two (or more).

Toca Tea Party presents the elements of a tea party—drinks, desserts, and dishes—for unstructured imaginative play.

Ages: 2 and up

How it works: Toca Tea Party couldn’t be simpler: You set a tea table with plates, cups, drinks, and treats for three guests, and the rest is up to your imagination. There’s no objective beyond pouring drinks, munching treats, and wiping up spills, and the app has a built-in end point: Once you’ve finished the snacks and beverages, the table clears itself and the dishes drop into a sink, ending the party.

Why it’s great: Toca Tea Party isn’t so much a game as a scene for unstructured imaginative and social play for young children. Kids can play alone (perhaps by inviting dolls or stuffed animals as guests) or with one or two others—a unique feature for a tablet game to pull off well. My two daughters, now 4 and 5, haven’t tired of Toca Tea Party after two years, and their play centers on chatting, pretending, and sharing.

An app for reading: Epic! ebook subscription

Epic! e-book subscription

Endless ebooks.

This app allows young readers to choose from up to 35,000 different books for a low monthly cost.

How it works: For $8 a month, kids gain access to some 35,000 children’s books in an intuitively designed app. Epic’s library is updated regularly with new titles, including classics and the site’s original content. Many of the picture books have a “Read to me” function, where a narrator reads the text aloud and the pages turn automatically. The app also suggests books by age and based on what a child has previously read, allowing kids to easily discover new titles at their reading level. Epic! works on iOS, Android and Microsoft tablets and smartphones.

Why it’s great: While some subscription kids’ e-book apps tend to be populated with the kinds of uninteresting titles you’d find in a bookstore bargain bin, Epic! offers an impressive library of children’s books, including many of the beloved classics and award-winning authors you’d find in a well-curated children’s library. (The Wizard of Oz, with the original 1900 illustrations, was one memorable find that gave us many nights of rapt bedtime reading.) The app is simple enough to use that both of my daughters can independently browse books by the cover art and find what interests them—even though they are both pre-readers. Fairy tales abound, but I’ve also found them paging through books about geology, Ramadan, and coding.

Since we began researching learning apps in 2016, we’ve spoken with a range of experts, including a classroom teacher, a child developmental psychologist, a pediatrician, an astronomer, education researchers, app developers, and others.

These have included Kathy Hirsh-Pasek , a professor of psychology at Temple University who has written about and conducted research studies on educational apps for young children; Jennifer Auten , an award-winning teacher in Cupertino, California, who has been using tablet and smartphone apps in her first- and second-grade curricula since the iPad was released in 2010; Christine Elgersma , senior editor, parent education, for Common Sense Media, an organization focused on children’s media; and Pat Yongpradit , chief academic officer at Code.org, a nonprofit that advocates for computer science education. Last, we’ve spoken with parents on our staff for recommendations of apps they and their kids love in categories such as science, music, and coding.

We read articles and reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and child developmental psychologists and educational researchers to learn about kids’ media use and about principles for designing learning apps. Finally, we read through reviews and ratings from well-regarded children’s media sites such as Common Sense Media .

Similar to what we found when researching learning toys , we discovered that developers and app stores often label apps as “educational” with little research or evidence, and few experts, to support those claims. In 2016, the AAP released a broad report on children’s use of digital media, calling for more-rigorous evaluation of apps that claim to be educational: “Unfortunately, very few of the commercially available apps found in the educational section of app stores have evidence-based design input with demonstrated learning effectiveness.” Similarly, in a 2015 article , Hirsh-Pasek writes that educational apps “present a significant opportunity for out-of-school, informal learning when designed in educationally appropriate ways” but notes later on that “[o]nly a handful of apps are designed with an eye toward how children actually learn.”

Experts are still studying what makes learning apps successful pedagogical tools, as well as fun and interesting activities for kids. But after speaking with experts, reading research, and trying out apps ourselves, we identified a few features that seem to be common among great learning apps.

• Offer unique experiences: Several of the experts we spoke to noted that a good educational app should offer children something they couldn’t simply do, learn, or explore in a classroom or the real world. If the app is “basically a worksheet on screen, [or] an experience that could be replicated off screen, then that’s not a good use of the screen,” Elgersma said. “You want it to be an experience that kids could really only have in that screen world.”
• Be open-ended, with limits: Most of the apps in this guide are open-ended in the sense that they encourage kids to independently explore, create, and navigate within the app. But researchers say it’s important to have built-in limits, as well. The AAP has pointed out that digital games have traditionally been designed with rewards and reinforcement designed to keep kids playing as long as possible. The organization recommends that learning apps instead have “automatic ‘stops’ as the default design to encourage children and caregivers to pause the game use and turn to the 3-dimensional world.”
• Be engaging but not distracting: Apps have great potential to engage children through interactive features, but some research has shown that too many bells and whistles can distract children or reduce their comprehension. A good learning app uses interactive, animated, and responsive features to engage kids or enhance their comprehension, not simply to entertain. Hirsh-Pasek has written that parents should evaluate an app’s interactive features and ask: “Do the enhancements actually add value and increase engagement, or do they cause distraction?”
• Encourage interaction: The AAP and other organizations say that learning apps that encourage real-life interaction among multiple people—adult and child, or child and peers—can be especially strong at facilitating learning. The apps in this guide are fun and interesting for kids and adults, and many foster conversation and play outside of the app itself.

As with our guide to learning toys , we focused primarily on apps aimed at kids 3 to 9 years old, though older kids can enjoy many of our recommendations, as well. We chose this age range because, as Hirsh-Pasek has written , “there are so many apps targeted toward [children in this range] that parents and educators do not know how to navigate the marketplace of possibilities.”

All the apps we recommend in this guide adhere to the FTC’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act . Among other things, COPPA requires that websites and apps directed at children under age 13 obtain permission from parents before collecting or sharing personal information from children, or targeting them with behavioral advertising. None of the apps in this guide require children to enter personal information in order to use the app’s functions, and none offer social media sharing or connectivity.

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, et al., Putting Education in “Educational” Apps: Lessons From the Science of Learning , Psychological Science in the Public Interest , April 20, 2015

Yolanda (Linda) Reid Chassiakos, et al., Children and Adolescents and Digital Media , Pediatrics , October 1, 2016

Jana Grcevich, PhD, astronomer, science educator, author , phone interview , December 1, 2016

Jennifer Auten, first- and second-grade teacher, Cupertino, California , phone interview , November 8, 2016

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, professor of psychology, Temple University , phone interview , January 8, 2019

Christine Elgersma, senior editor, parent education, Common Sense Media , phone interview , March 12, 2019

Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer, Code.org , phone interview , April 18, 2019

Meet your guide

Courtney Schley

Courtney Schley, a senior editor covering sleep and appliances, has been at Wirecutter since 2014. She has held several roles at Wirecutter, including research editor, as well as supervising editor of baby and kid coverage.

Further reading

Kids Exercise Videos to Help Keep Your Family Moving (and Sane)

by Ingrid Skjong

Free online exercise videos can help everyone from toddlers to teenagers stay active and calm during a coronavirus self-quarantine. These are our favorites.

How to Set Up a Remote Learning Space for Your Kids

by Melanie Pinola

With many schools closed this fall, it’s time to set up a remote schoolwork area for kids that’ll make learning a little easier.

These Four Video Games Are Fun for the Whole Family

by Haley Perry

If you’re looking for a video game for your next family game night, these are the games we recommend for all ages and skill levels.

8 Time-Tested Sidewalk Games We Love

by Dan Koeppel

Old-school games from the sidewalks of New York are still surprisingly fun—and require not much more than chalk.

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Best Educational iPad Games

iPads for kids are quickly becoming a popular and powerful educational tool at home. iPad games for kids are being used in education around the world with great success. Come home with an iPad and your kids are going to want to play iPad games with it.

Lots of iPad games for kids are fun and genuinely interesting. Every game for iPad has an age-specific rating so that you can tell if the game is right for your child. We've taken care to play every game, so you know it's definitely worth a download. Whether you're new to iPad gaming or are just looking for your next game to download, here are my top picks for iPad games.

Check out the best educational iPad games that are fun and engaging for children of all ages.

• Best iPad Educational Games

1. Kids Academy

Kids Academy is one of the best iPad game for young learners. Their innovative program blends cutting-edge adaptive technology, artificial intelligence, custom learning paths, and game-like elements to enhance children's learning experience. It makes learning engaging and effective by offering interactive games across subjects like Math, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Ages: 3 and over

Related: Puzzle Games

2. MentalUP Educational Games

MentalUP Educational Games for iPad offer learners a variety of problem-solving experiences and critical thinking challenges. The games start with concise instructions before launching into timed exercises. Users can customize the app to focus on specific skills and consider the player's age. It includes a reports page for tracking progress and achievements, and players can personalize their avatars with in-game currency earned by succeeding in games.

Ages: 5 and over

Related: Best brain training apps

3. PBS KIDS Games

PBS Kids Games is a top iPad game for kids, offering over 25 games featuring popular PBS Kids characters. It provides preschoolers with hours of entertainment and education across various activities like pattern matching, racing, and music. The games teach basics about weather, sea life, shapes, and more, while also developing reading skills and strategic thinking. The app regularly updates with new games, expanding its educational content. It's a free and effective choice for interactive learning with beloved children's TV characters.

4. Adventure Academy

Adventure Academy is a multiplayer game for elementary and middle school students, offering thousands of learning activities across subjects like math, reading, science, and social studies. Kids explore these through quests in a virtual world. The activities include videos, games, quizzes, and interactive elements aligned with U.S. and international curriculum standards.

Ages: 9 and over

5. Science Games for Kids - Tappity

K-5 Science for Kids - Tappity is a great app that is like having the perfect science teacher available for children all of the time. The app includes 200+ science lessons, activities, and stories in a curriculum designed for kids ages 4-10. Their content is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards for K-5th Grade.

6. Word Beach: Fun Spelling Games

Word Beach is an ideal iPad game for children aged 6 and older, enhancing their attention, language development, and spatial awareness. This word puzzle game improves their spelling skills, introduces new words, and reinforces the spellings of irregular words. The game involves finding words from letters of a longer word, with progress to the next level upon completion. With hundreds of levels and regular updates, it offers lasting engagement. A daily challenge, presented as a simple crossword, adds variety.

Ages: 6 and above

• Related: Best free games for kids

7. Kids Brain Games

Kids Brain Games is a fun iPad game for kids. The games are challenging children to develop their thinking skills. The variety of puzzles is excellent and cover many different topics and ways of thinking. One moment your child will be matching clocks to times and the next mentally rotating a scene to find its mirror image. Both of these have an element of maths to them but other challenges cover words, problem solving, planning, memory, general knowledge and all sorts of other aspects.

Ages: 5 and under

8. ABCya Games

ABCYa is an educational game for iPad designed for kids in grades K-5, categorizing games by grade and subjects such as letters, numbers, and holidays. The game collection includes arcade, word find, racing, and typing games, among others, with examples ranging from Alphabetical Order for kindergarteners to Division Drag Race for fifth graders. ABCya! allows children to identify their learning levels and select games that meet their educational needs.

9. Coding Games For Kids To Play

Coding Games for kids is a popular iPad game for kids that teaches sequential visual coding. The app comes with an array of free games and encourages children to solve problems, improve logical thinking and increase their memory in a fun and interactive environment. Its fun way to get kids to learn and problems solve in fun way with cool characters and plenty of great games to choose from.

You may also like:

• Android Games for Kids
• Baby iPad Games
• Children's Games

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Screen time

These fun, sweet, thoughtful apps make it even easier to get a little break.

Need a second to finish making lunch? Or just one moment to complete a sentence without being interrupted by your energetic 3-year-old looking to you for round-the-clock entertainment? Truth be told, tablet time saves the day for all parents sometimes. The best iPad games for your 3-year-old are ones that will keep them busy and if they reinforce things your child has learned with you or in preschool, like letters or numbers, well, that’s a bonus.

There are so many apps for 3-year-olds, it can be almost overwhelming to try to pick one to download, especially if your kid is hopping around under foot. From a sea of plentiful app options for kids, we love these 13 apps best of all. From amazing, interactive apps for kids like ABC Mouse, for example, that encourages children to complete puzzles, songs, and games to earn points (with over 2,000 activities to choose from) to lighter fare (see Ballon Pop). And of course, most people know of Khan Academy, which is a go-to ‘educational’ app for preschoolers that kids seem to love, regardless of just how much learning they may or may not be really doing. Most of all, though, screen time is screen time, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) themselves say that about an hour of screen time for kids between the ages of 2 and 5 years old is just fine. So, don’t worry too much about making iPad app-based screen time “educational.” If you need a little break, hand your kid a fun app and take it, guilt-free. Bring on the tablet time!

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We love the concept behind this beloved PBS kids app. All of your kids favorite characters, and games for every level of motor skill ability, it’s an easy favorite. Oh, and it’s free. Get it on Apple or in the Google Play store.

Bluey: Let’s Play!

There’s a Bluey app, and your kid loves Bluey. Therefore, your kid will love the Bluey app. It’s simple math, really. Just do it, you won’t regret spending a little more time with Bandit, Chilli, Bluey and Bingo. Available on Google Play and Apple .

Khan Academy Kids

You may be more familiar with the name Khan Academy from your own high school days, but the educational company now offers online learning tools for children, and they're free. Khan Academy Kids (for ages two to five) was designed with the Stanford Graduate School of Education and provides dozens of activities across multiple subjects while kids collect bugs, hats, and toys as rewards.

Metamorphabet

Kids and parents alike seem to adore Metamorphabet , and alphabet-focused app for 3 year olds. What kid wouldn't enjoy poking, prodding, dragging, and spinning each of the 26 letters to "reveal surprising and luminous transformations." It costs $5, but the rumor is that it’s worth way more than that.

Peekaboo Barn Life

Your child is likely already obsessed with farm animals, now they can work on learning their names and sounds by playing Peekaboo Barn. For just $1.99 in the Apple app store, this sweet game as they tap to find out what an animal is called. With darling animation and super easy to navigate format, even the youngest users can take on this app on their own.

LeapFrog Academy

Whether it's math or STEM skills you're wanting your little one to develop, look no further than LeapFrog Academy . This app offers a variety of interactive games for children ages 3 to 6. Yes, it requires a subscription, but this is a tool you'll be able to use for a few years.

Balloon Pop

The concept of Balloon Pop is mind-numbling simple: Pop the floating balloons on the screen. But you might be surprised to find yourself stealing the iPad away from your 3-year-old so you can have a go on the free app. Regardless of your age, this game is wonderfully mesmerizing.

The Platypus' Search

This $3 interactive book is all about diversity and friendship. Children must take Platypus through the woods on an adventure meeting all kinds of unique characters along the way. As the app's YouTube page explains, kids help the main characters find their lost objects using a flashlight "to look even in the darkest corners. Then they can join the party in the wood, creating a real music band, getting all the characters in the story to play, sing and dance together."

Designed for children ages two to eight, ABC Mouse is a free app that some teachers even recommend. Kids create their own kid avatar and then explore the ABC Mouse classroom. If they complete certain games, they can earn points to go shopping. It’s fun, and your kid just might learn a thing or two.

Toca Doctor

For $4 you can help your curious child (ages 3 and up) start to explore and learn about the body with Toca Doctor . This app lets kids see what it’s like to be a doctor without the need for a voluntary patient (ahem, you!). They can apply bandages, erase scratches, and even squirt eye drops into their eyes.

Bingo ABC is a song-based game app that uses music to teach and entertain kids for free. That means your child will get an introduction to phonics concepts while singing along to classic nursery rhymes and playing games on a colorful animated farm .

Animal Sounds!

With more than 100 animal sounds, this completely free app should give you at least a few minutes to finish writing an email. And you can write it guilt-free, knowing your kid isn't just mooing at a screen, but really learning about animals (critters are divided into farm, Savannah/desert, jungle, insects, ocean, forest, mountain, city/countryside and dinosaurs sections).

Busy Shapes 2

Busy shapes and colors — which is available in both the Apple app store and on Google Play — offers 3D puzzles and 100 colorful levels. We love it as a great distraction for kids during travel, say on a plane or in a car.

Occasional iPad app time truly doesn’t hurt. It’s the same as all other screen time you might use to give yourself, or your kid, a little rest. Enjoy the break, and keep up the great work.

This article was originally published on March 25, 2020

18 Fun and Educational Toddler Apps to Help Kids Learn

Download these apps and turn screen time into learning time.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

We updated this article in March 2023 to add new picks based on recent testing.

Our top picks:

Best Overall

Pbs kids games.

Best Educational

Abc mouse abc mouse.

Best Personalized

Homer learn & grow.

Best for Learning Numbers

Elmo loves 123s.

Best for Understanding Feelings

Daniel tiger's grr-ific feelings.

Best for Encouraging Social Skills

Best to Grow With Your Kids

Khan academy kids.

Best for Pretend Play

Beck and bo.

Best for Reading

Best for 1-Year-Olds

2-3.com baby games.

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test and review all kinds of apps, from workout apps to dating apps . When it came to finding the best apps for toddlers , our on-staff parenting experts and real-life parent and child testers got hands-on with dozens of popular apps to evaluate them for ease of use, age-appropriateness, ability to engage and more.

Here, we review our favorites — some feature your toddler's favorite TV personalities, like Elmo and Daniel Tiger, some will get them up and moving so screen time isn't also sedentary time and many of them are even free. But the good news is that all of them should keep your kids' attention long enough for you to get something — anything! — done.

PBS Kids Games should be a staple in any house with a toddler. GH Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman and her little ones use this app daily in their house. "PBS Kids Games is great because it covers a lot of popular titles with content and games you can feel good about ," she says. You'll find Daniel Tiger, Arthur and all the other popular characters come together to create games so fun kids won't even realize they're educational, making it a great app for kids and students alike . The app is also constantly updated with new games so your kids won't run out of content to explore.

Make learning fun with this educational and exciting app that uses stories, quizzes, games and videos to get kids started on a path to learning about reading, math, science and art. Our testers said they loved and used this app even before they began officially testing it for GH, and our experts appreciate that you can follow your kid's progress on a virtual map that outlines their learning progress so you can both see how far they've come in real time (and celebrate their victories).

Homer Learn & Grow

This app earned itself a GH Parenting Award in 2022 for its exciting way of teaching a variety of important topics like math, reading and social-emotional awareness. Our parent testers like the personalization options that let families with more than one kid customize their learning for each little one, and appreciate the diverse offerings for those of different ages and education levels. Our kid testers liked that the app gave them the chance to record their own voices so they can show off their mastery of each skill.

Learning your 123s can be difficult for toddlers, and this app will help get them on the path to becoming a math wiz. The free preview lets little ones learn 123 and you can download the full version to get games, videos and more on all numbers 1-20 . In fact, all of the iOS apps and Android apps by the Sesame Workshop are great, putting all the Sesame Street friends to good use helping kids do everything from learning their letters to using the potty. But Elmo Loves 123s is one of our favorites because of the cute ways Elmo helps kids learn their early numbers.

You can never have too much Daniel Tiger, and kids and parents will adore this app that helps them explore and understand emotions . This fun pick features games, sing-alongs, art exercises and a "feelings photo-booth" that lets kids take pictures of themselves to better understand expressions. We're fans of all things Daniel Tiger, and appreciate how this app helps little ones get more in touch with recognizing feelings, expressing themselves in positive and valuable ways and understanding social-emotional cues.

Ring ring! It's Elmo. Your kid can learn valuable social skills while making important phone calls to their favorite Sesame Street character. Like FaceTime but with Elmo, this app helps little ones get used to talking over video chat , and lets them practice for those long distance calls with Grandma. Rothman notes that her kids were particularly enthralled by this app during their early toddler years. Aside from video calls, this app also lets you receive voicemails and listen to messages from your furry friend at any time.

Kids can learn reading, writing, math, social-emotional skills and more when they hop on the Khan Academy Kids app. Just like the regular Khan Academy app, which kids can graduate to once they turn four, this toddler-friendly app will help them learn the important skills they'll need once they enter preschool. It allows you to create a personalized learning path for your child , plus, you don't need to worry about paying a subscription fee or slogging through ads since this app — and all the educational content that's constantly being updated — is completely free.

This beautifully animated app lets kids put characters in different scenes, from everyday locations like the grocery store to exotic locales like the jungle. T hey can place characters and objects in the scene, or tap on items to find out what things are called and learn new words . It's a great introduction to pretend-play and online gaming, letting kids play games like matching and ball, learn logic by building each scene and manipulating characters and objects to different areas, expand their vocabulary and more.

Epic! will inspire and encourage early readers to fall in love with books. With more than 40,000 bo0ks on the platform that are ready to read, it's easier than a trip to the local library, and you can search through them by age or interest. Plus, there's even books and quizzes in foreign languages to help introduce your little ones to Spanish, French or Chinese at a young age. You get a free month-long trial before being charged a monthly fee; check with your school, though, because sometimes they can set up free subscriptions for their classrooms.

Your baby gamer will adore the games found on this app that tiny tots won't be able to get enough of. Using sounds, animations and numbers, this app makes it simple to introduce a variety of topics to your kids. Created by a dad who wanted to give back, these free and simple interactive games for the littlest of kids include balloon-popping games, virtual instruments to play and even fireworks so that the youngest members of your family can join in the app fun, starting as early as six months.

Hungry Caterpillar Play School

Nostalgic parents probably remember the Very Hungry Caterpillar from Eric Carle's beloved books from their own early reading days. Not only has this books stayed a staple in the nursery for decades, but its app version helps introduce kids to educational themes with one of their favorite literary characters. This app lets kids take the Caterpillar through games that tackle very basic math, problem-solving and science .

Starfall ABCs

There are a million apps that claim to help kids learn the ABCs, but this one is backed by a nonprofit education company . Kids interact with letters and learn how to make sounds and words. While you can chose to pay for the upgraded version to get a few more bells and whistles, like math lessons, we found the free version to have an impressive amount of content all on its own.

Goodness Shapes

Friendly-looking shapes help kids learn colors, matching and sorting in this preschool-friendly app. You might want to use it as a de-stressing tool, too. Kids can challenge their brains while they practice shape, color and pattern recognition and play some fun games with cute shape characters. One of our favorite things? It's offline, so you don't have to worry about being hooked up to Wi-Fi while playing, and since you pay a couple dollars upfront for access, there aren't any additional paywalls or ads to wade through while playing.

It can be hard to get your steps in if you spend the majority of your time at home on screens, but this adorable app helps encourage your little ones to get active. When it's time for a movement break, this app has videos that gets kids up and exercising so they don't spend all day lounging on the couch. From dance to yoga to mindfulness, there's over 300 videos on here to get you started. The simple, follow-me videos even have an educational twist sometimes (one of our favorites teaches kids about making patterns ). That might go over your toddler's head, but they can still try the moves. While it's geared toward a little bit older kids, little ones can get in on the fun and copy the moves with you.

Cosmic Kids!

Yogis and meditators will appreciate this app geared toward giving toddlers their first taste of mindfulness. A bit of meditation can help everyone manage their emotional wellbeing and stress levels , and Cosmic Kids has over 80 yoga videos and 28 mindfulness sessions. For families looking to get into yoga, this mindfulness app offers videos of workouts geared for kids. (Your toddler may have to do modified versions of the moves since the app is made for a little bit older kids.) The host, Jaime, puts routines together that are themed to Frozen , Star Wars , Minecraft and other kid faves.

It's a little bit like the game Guess Who, where kids have to identify animals who are dancing, wagging their tails or crying. There's also a social/emotional learning component to it, since sometimes they have to identify animals by what they're feeling and pick out who is surprised, crying, happy, sad and more. This app lets kids interact with animals of all sorts and learn more about emotional cues and what they mean. We appreciate that it engages a variety of skills and senses.

Lego Duplo World

Winner of the KAPI Best App award in 2020 (amongst a variety of other awards throughout the past few years), this open-ended app lets kids explore the in-app world and build 3D structures. It's all the fun of Legos without the fear of your kids leaving them on the floor for you to step on. Featuring games with animals, cars, trains and more, this app lets your kids use 3D bricks to build while learning more about how the world and the many things in it function. When they get older, they can connect and play with friends.

Moo, Baa, La La La!

Classic children's book writer Sandra Boynton is known for her dozens of board books for little ones, and this app brings one of your favorite ones to life. With this app, her Moo, Baa, La La La! book becomes interactive , and kids can hear animal sounds and do things like tap the screen to turn day to night. This e-book experience is great for traveling, since you don't have to bring anything along with you to create the perfect bedtime routine and read your little one's favorite book.

How we test apps for toddlers

We know many apps are out there on the market, and how difficult it can be to find out which ones are worth downloading and purchasing for your family. To find the best apps for toddlers, we tested dozens of popular kids' apps designed primarily for 2 to 4-year-olds. After consulting our consumer panel, made up of real parents and their children, we were able to narrow down a list of apps worth considering.

Then, our experts evaluated each app on a variety of factors, like how easy it is to use for both parents and children independently, whether or not it's worth its price, how long and effectively it can hold your kid's attention, whether or not it's age appropriate, if there are any tech pitfalls and more.

What to look for in apps for toddlers

✔️ Safety: To avoid getting scammed and protect your own safety, there are a few things you can keep in mind when signing up for a new app. Consider how much information the app is requesting from you and whether or not it feels necessary. Is there additional verification required when you log in? Parents can check out the number of times the app has been downloaded, the rating and reviews on the Apple or Google Play store to make sure it's even safe for download. Don't forget to look over the permissions list and app description before downloading.

✔️ Features: Some apps offer personalized learning plans or include features that let more than one kid track their own plans at the same time. Others simply offer fun games to keep your kids entertained for a few minutes. Keep an eye out for the extra features of each app depending on what you're hoping to achieve.

✔️ Ease of use: While toddlers are a little young to be navigating apps on their own, some will be able to do so once they get a bit older. Not only will this help them develop their independence and strengthen their problem-solving skills, but will give you a much needed break while they're entertained. Make sure the app is intuitive enough for them to handle on their own.

✔️ Age: The right apps for your kids are age appropriate for many reasons. Not only will this avoid unnecessary frustration when you accidentally put them in 3rd grade reading far before they're ready, but it means you don't have to worry about the content they're consuming. To get the most benefit out of each app experience, make sure that they're not learning at too low or too high of a level.

✔️ Price: Many of our favorite picks are free, but a few of the more specialized apps feature paid upgrades or monthly subscriptions with access to all of their unlimited games and videos. It may be worth a few bucks if it's an app your kid is particularly engaged with.

✔️ Engagement: Keeping your child entertained and engaged is one of the most important aspects of a good app. If your kid isn't excited to hop on and spend time learning new things, watching videos or playing the app's games, then it doesn't matter how helpful the app is if they can't even be bothered to log in.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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Best kids’ apps & games for iPhone/iPad

Put a child in the same room as an iPad or an iPhone and they will instinctively reach for it. Perhaps it’s the bright colours and the feel of the touchscreen; the simplicity of the interface in iOS and iPadOS also plays a part. No matter the reason, kids love messing with smartphones and tablets.

Mobile devices can do a great job entertaining and educating your offspring, but not all apps are created equal. In this article we present the apps and games most beloved of our editors and their children; there’s a blend here of learning, creativity and fun.

Best kids’ apps: Ages 5 and under

Here are our recommendations for children aged 5 and under. Age guidance is approximate, of course, and you won’t need to be told that kids learn and mature at different speeds.

Be sure also to click through to the App Store using the links provided. Have a look at screenshots, any available preview videos and so on, to see if the difficulty, complexity and reading level are appropriate for your child.

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Bloom on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+

There are tools for making music and others that are more about experimenting with sound. Bloom is an iPhone take on the latter, a collaboration between software designer Peter Chilvers and musician Brian Eno that enables you to explore generative audio composition.

That probably all sounds a bit highbrow for kids, but it really isn’t in practice. Essentially, you tap on the screen to play a note, which eventually loops. Keep tapping and a composition appears. It’s a beautiful, relaxing app, and simple enough that even a two-year-old can grasp the basics of how it works.

• Price: Free ( Dino Tim on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+ (made for ages 3-6)

Dino Tim’s family has been abducted by witches, and kids have to solve various educational puzzles in order to save them. The game involves solving colour and geometric shape puzzles, as well as running, flying, jumping and even a little bit of magic.

The aim of the game is to teach kids to recognise basic geometric shapes, as well as to learn about colours and even their first words. The game has been fully translated into a number of languages (French, Spanish and Italian to list a few) which provides your child with a great opportunity to learn a foreign language in a fun way, from a young age.

Endless Alphabet

• Price: £8.99/$8.99 ( Endless Alphabet on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+ (made for 5 and under)

Endless Alphabet proves that dialling down the surreal doesn’t mean an app about letters has to be boring. On the contrary, Endless Alphabet is a lot of fun as you choose a word, watch the letters scatter, and drag them back into place.

The letters come to life when touched, wriggling under your fingers, and once the word is complete, you’re treated to a little animation that explains what the word means.

It’s more expensive than many of the apps listed here, but hugely popular on the App Store with hundreds of positive reviews.

Laugh & Learn Shapes & Colors

• Price: Free ( Laugh & Learn on the App Store )

Designed for babies and toddlers, this app from Fisher-Price offers two simple games. In the first, you tap to hear the name of a shape and tilt the device to make it bounce around. In the second, there’s a keyboard to prod, and each shape has its own song to sing along to. This is, in all honesty, not a terribly elegant app, but in our experience it seems captivating to tiny humans grappling with technology for the first time.

• Price: £1.99/$1.99 ( Miximal on the App Store )

There’s nothing especially innovative about Miximal – it’s yet another of those sliding games, where you make strange combinations of animals. But what sets Miximal apart from its peers is the sense of craft and care that’s gone into the app.

The style is cartoonish, yet all of the animals are very recognisable. Each is animated, too.

Tap one of the sections and it moves and jiggles. Fashion a ‘complete’ animal and it will offer a celebratory alternate animation. Additionally, if your child wonders at any point what strange mixed-up creature is currently on the screen, a quick tap of the play button will give you (and read out) its name.

The Monster at the End of This Book with Grover!

• Price: £4.99/$4.99 ( The Monster at the End of This Book on the App Store )

This updated and improved digital version of the classic Sesame Theme-themed kids’ book is a lot of fun. As Grover performs, the words appear on the screen, highlighted as they’re spoken. And you can interact with the app by touching a knot, for example, to make it unravel. Tap Grover to tickle him.

Monster Mingle

• Price: £2.99/$2.99 ( Monster Mingle on the App Store )

There’s a lot to be said for exploration and play when a child is developing. Monster Mingle’s free-play nature makes it ideal for such things.

You create your own friendly monster by dragging parts to it that are lying about the place, and said monster can then amble about, dive into the ocean or soar into the air. The world features all kinds of strange creatures to discover and interact with, and the goal-free nature of Monster Mingle makes for a stress-free and highly entertaining time.

Montessorium: Intro to Colors

• Price: £4.99/$4.99 ( Intro to Colours on the App Store )

With Intro to Colors, your child learns the basics of colours through a series of matching games. So it starts out matching red, blue and yellow before moving on to secondary levels and gradients. Kids learn to mix and match paint, as well as how to learn to spot and name different colours.

Intro to Colors is a pretty app, which is one reason we like it. But it also makes use of the iPad to deliver something young children would not get from other more traditional means.

Mr Thorne’s

• 99p/99c for Mr Thorne’s Divide + Conquer or Mr Thorne’s Addition Space Station
• £1.99/$1.99 for Mr Thorne’s Times Tables Terra
• All have age rating 4+

London teacher Christopher Thorne must be one of the coolest Sirs on the planet (although he does appear to own several pairs of Timmy Mallet-like specs), and he uses the planets as the theme for his three maths apps.

When you score 10 out of 10 on a particular addition, times table or division test you get to keep a space station or planet, depending on the app you’re using. There’s a mystery challenge when you’ve unlocked all the tests, which is an extra incentive – and different to the Squeebles and Math Bingo reward games.

Each game has three levels: Beginner/Newcomer, First Class/Elite and World Class/Legend. The top level is going to test adults, too, so you can join in and have sum fun.

We recommend all the Mr Thorne maths apps, as they’re simple to use, look great, and should really engage kids in these maths basics.

My Very Hungry Caterpillar

• Price: £5.99/$5.99 ( My Very Hungry Caterpillar on the App Store )

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has munched its way through countless books, a telly animation, and even the odd activities-based app. But My Very Hungry Caterpillar takes a different approach, transforming the ravenous larva’s surroundings into an interactive game.

The result’s not unlike a no-lose Tamagotchi, with you feeding the caterpillar, playing with it, helping it doze under a leaf, and watching it grow. Eventually, like in the original story, the caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, at which point a new egg is laid for the adventure to begin anew.

• Price: Free ( Peek-a-Zoo on the App Store )

There’s an elegant simplicity at the heart of Peek-a-Zoo, and it might at first appear a bit too simple. But any time spent with the app and a small child will dismiss any lingering concerns.

You’ll grow to love the gang of sweet cartoon animals, and the simple questions for the child to answer: who is winking? Who is dressed up? And so on. You soon realise that although this app is very straightforward, it’s cunningly teaching your child all kinds of things, from identifying animals to types of clothing and actions.

Sago Mini Monsters

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Sago Mini Monsters on the App Store )

One for younger monster-creators, before working their way up to the likes of Monster Mingle or DNA Play, Sago Mini Monsters has you coax a monster from gloopy green slime. You then tap colours and paint your beast before interacting with it.

Most interaction comes in the form of feeding the monster dishes that appear, along with prodding and poking horns, eyes and mouths to change their appearance. A quick brush of the teeth and some decorations and the monster’s time is done. You can then take a photo to share before starting the process again.

Shape Gurus

• Price: £2.99/$2.99 ( Shape Gurus on the App Store )

In this interactive story, children are regularly challenged to complete puzzles based around shape-matching. In one case, a little bird flutters towards the outline of a nest, while five brown triangles wait to be dragged into place. Elsewhere, shape and colour matching creates flowers and a watering can.

The voiceover isn’t the best around, but the 27 puzzles and story should keep a child engrossed for a good while, and the journey’s fun enough that it will warrant repeating a number of times.

Teach Your Monster to Read

• Price: 99p/99c ( Teach Your Monster to Read on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+ (made for 3-6)

Kids will love creating personalised monsters who help them learn the basics of reading, starting with letters, phonics and sound combinations before moving on to combinations of sounds and words. The app takes children through the various stages of teaching their monster to read using various mini games, and we suspect they’ll be having so much fun they won’t even notice that they’re learning.

Thinkrolls 2

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Thinkrolls 2 on the App Store )

Thinkrolls 2 is a slight but engaging platform puzzler for tiny hands to tackle. The aim is to help a little ball traverse various traps, collecting coins on the way to meeting up with a friend.

All of the objects you can manipulate (such as expanding platforms, and barrels to drag into water traps) are suitably chunky, and the game is forgiving when it comes to errors, enabling you to replay sections when a mistake is made, such as when tumbling into a hole.

It’s designed for young children and even toddlers can grasp the basic mechanics – although the very young may need a little help from a parent when it comes to the more complex interactions.

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Toca Band on the App Store )

This smart, uncomplicated game is all about creating music from a band of colourful characters. You simply drag them to the stage and they get on with playing their instruments; move them to a spot with a different colour and they’ll change what they’re playing.

Any character plonked in the star position (unsubtly marked with a massive yellow star) gives you the chance to explore more sounds as part of a solo performance – perfect for when you think pianist Dancy Nancy or maracas player Shaky McBones hasn’t had enough of the limelight.

Best iPhone & iPad apps for kids: Ages 6 to 8

Now for some apps that are suitable for a slightly older audience. Here are our recommendations for children aged 6-8.

We’ll repeat ourselves, and point out that age recommendations are approximate. Check out our choices on the App Store before spending any money, to see if the difficulty, complexity and reading level are appropriate for your child.

BBC iPlayer Kids

• Price: Free ( BBC iPlayer Kids on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+ (made for 6-8)

The standard version of iPlayer is the best catch-up app around, providing fast access to shows recently broadcast on the BBC. But while it has age-gating, there’s always the risk a youngster will access something you don’t want them to see.

iPlayer Kids gets around this problem by restricting content to shows from CBBC and CBeebies. The interface is also simpler and chunkier, making it suitable for young children. That said, it still retains important features, notably the option to download shows for offline playback.

• Price: £2.99/$2.99 ( DNA Play on the App Store )

The suggestion that DNA Play can teach 6-to-8-year-olds the basics of genetics is perhaps pushing it a bit. But what this toy does allow for is the creation of almost limitless monsters.

This is achieved by completing ‘DNA puzzles’ (basic shape-matching) and subsequently manipulating the ‘DNA’ relating to a monster’s limbs, torso, face and features (by dragging shapes or just prodding the relevant bits of the monster). There’s also a modicum of interaction, where you can take your monster dancing and skating, and take a photo to share with friends.

Smartly, the app enables you to save a monster before creating another, enabling you to revisit favourites at a later date.

Journeys of Invention

• Price: £9.99/$9.99 ( Journeys of Invention on the App Store )

One of the most ambitious digital books in existence, Journeys of Invention aims to chart the course of science and technology. It’s essentially a series of interwoven chapters, detailing how various inventions have impacted what followed.

Many pages enable you to interact with objects, spinning 360-degree ‘photographs’ with a finger, clambering inside the Apollo 10 Command Module, or sending coded messages using an Enigma machine. Packed with insight and spectacular imagery, it’s the best educational tome on the iPad.

• Price: Free ( Kodable on the App Store )

One of the most valuable skills for a youngster to learn in the digital economy is coding, which is where Kodable comes in (at a very basic level).

SurfScoreLLC’s premise is very simple: “The fuzz family have crash-landed on Smeeborg and they need your help navigating the Technomazes.” The commands to get the fuzzballs through the mazes are all drag and drop so with a little trial and error we can easily find our way through, earn the rewards and get to grips with the fundamentals of coding.

Read our full Kodable review .

Lego DC Super Heroes Chase

• Price: Free ( Lego DC Super Heroes Chase on the App Store )

There’s not much educational content here, but our six-year-old reviewer literally cannot get enough of it. Very useful for rewarding good behaviour.

It’s a simple racer in which you navigate a superhero through the level, avoiding obstacles and collecting coins, then take down the baddy du jour by chucking batarangs or similar. There doesn’t appear to be any significant chance of failure, but kids still appear to get a kick out of succeeding, and from collecting the various characters.

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Loopimal on the App Store )

The idea behind Loopimal is to teach children the basics of making music by way of a colourful and simple-to-use loop sequencer.

That might sound complicated, but it really isn’t. You get a bopping animal, and drag coloured shapes to a looping timeline. When the playhead moves over one of the shapes, the animal performs an animation that alters the music in some way.

Once your child has figured out how it all works, you can split the screen into two or four, creating an oddball four-track menagerie-cum-band that will entertain for hours.

• £2.99/$2.99 ( Math Bingo on the App Store )

Play the game that’s all about numbers to learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Yes, bingo.

Math Bingo’s questions vary according to your child’s maths abilities and personal preferences. There’s a timer, but to start we’d advise disregarding the clock as this can put on undue pressure.

Math Bingo is colourful and features a collection of weird bug aliens to make things more fun. Kids love to win the Bingo Bugs and they can then use them in a game of Bingo Bug Bungie – a sort of pinball game where you fire your collected bugs to knockout coins to beat your highest score. It’s enough to make even reluctant mathematicians give multiplication another chance.

Metamorphabet

• Price: £4.99/$4.99 ( Metamorphabet on the App Store )

This Apple Design Award winner transforms letters into words, often by way of surreal animations. If you fancy seeing a caterpillar gamely driving a car that you can fling about the screen (complete with crashing noises when it lands) or an ostrich tentatively playing with a very solid-looking orange, this is the app to buy.

For kids, it’ll almost certainly captivate more than traditional fare in this space, because of its playful, interactive design. And although the app was created for the 6-to-8 age range, it’s perfectly suitable for younger children (or, for that matter, much older parents).

Monument Valley

• £3.99/$3.99 ( Monument Valley on the App Store )

One of the most beautiful and captivating games ever released, Monument Valley will keep children and adults engaged for hours working our how to help the silent princess Ida through mysterious and mind-bending, fantastical architecture, uncovering hidden paths, unfolding Escher-like optical illusions of impossible geometry, and outsmarting the barking Crow People.

Monument Valley is both surreal and serene exploration and will surely go down in game history as one of the unique greats.

And once you’ve finished it, Monument Valley 2 is available too.

Novation Launchpad

• Price: Free + IAP ( Novation Launchpad on the App Store )

Although we’d argue GarageBand is an approachable and accessible music-making app, it’s perhaps a bit too much for very young children, if only because of the sheer wealth of options. For an initial foray into making a noise, Novation Launchpad is a better bet.

On selecting a genre, you simply tap pads to trigger loops that repeat until they’re turned off or another in its group is selected. Performances can be recorded and shared, and for older kids intent on making their own loops, there’s a one-off IAP that unlocks import capabilities.

(Just make sure with very young kids that you don’t miss them hitting record and merrily leaving the app open for ages, or you’ll wonder where your device’s free space has all gone!)

• Price: Free ( Pure Math on the App Store )

Pure Math has a simpler and cleaner interface than many of the colourful apps in this round-up (hence the ‘pure’ in its name), and a faster difficulty progression, too, so it suits older children best.

You start each level with a score of 1,000, which decreases as time ticks by, and each time you get a question wrong. To begin, the sums are very easy, but with each level, they get harder and harder until even the adults will struggle.

The addition mode is free, but to unlock the subtraction, multiplication and division modes you’ll need to upgrade to the full version for £1.99/$1.99.

Squeebles Times Tables 2

• £3.99/$3.99 ( Squeebles on the App Store )

Squeebles Times Tables 2 features an expanded reward system, fun mini game, six tables modes, unlimited players and plenty of stats and reporting for parents and teachers – thankfully without any in-app purchases or adverts. It’s great for testing kids on their times tables and rewarding them for getting them right.

There are other Squeebles apps for addition, division and so on. See the Key Stage Fun Squeebles website for details of all on offer.

Star Walk Kids

• Price: £2.99/$2.99 ( Star Walk Kids on the App Store )

There are quite a few apps that transform your iPhone or iPad into a virtual means to explore the heavens, but the interfaces can be too complex for young children. Star Walk Kids strips back the popular Star Walk app, simplifying how everything works, thereby optimising it for younger users.

That doesn’t mean it’s bereft of information, however: you can still explore the solar system’s planets, constellations, the ISS and Hubble; and there are nine animated films that enable you to delve a bit deeper into the facts and figures behind some of these objects.

Toca Blocks

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Toca Blocks on the App Store )

Toca Blocks has the appearance of a platform game, but it’s really more about world-building and discovery. You add blocks to a large 2D plane, crafting a chunky world to explore. You can then take control of one of the three characters, each of which has unique abilities that affect how they travel about your tiny world (one can sort of fly, for example, while another smashes through blocks).

Much of the joy in the game comes from experimentation and just seeing what happens, such as when blocks combine to form something new, or a character starts dancing when walking over a glittery floor.

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Toca Dance on the App Store )

We’ll fully admit a sense of bafflement on first opening up Toca Dance, with its icon-heavy interface that doesn’t appear overly concerned about telling you how anything works. But then perhaps that’s the point – you play and figure out what everything does.

On doing so, a strange world of choreography opens up, with you helping a trio of dancers fashion a routine to be performed on stage. The show itself can be interacted with, too, by way of sound effects, or lobbing things at the stage (money; confetti; tomatoes). And everything’s recorded, so you can share a video with friends.

Toca Nature

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( Toca Nature on the App Store )

The developers of Toca Nature aim with their app to capture some of the magic of the great outdoors, and we reckon they’ve succeeded. You get a little square of land, raising mountains or digging rivers with a swipe of a finger. You then tap to plant trees and watch as an ecosystem comes to life.

Brilliantly, you can use a magnifying glass to explore your tiny world, collecting fruit and fish, and using them to feed the animals and birds you find. The blank canvas aspect whenever the app restarts is a pity – it would be nice to have a save slot for ‘your’ world, but otherwise this is one of the finest children’s apps on iOS.

Best iPhone & iPad apps for kids: Ages 9 and over

Finally, here are our recommendations for children aged 9 and over. (Almost all of these focus on the ages 9-11, but we couldn’t resist including Dumb Ways To Die, which is for those aged 12 and over.)

One last time, we will emphasise that age recommendations are approximate. Have a look at screenshots, preview videos and descriptions on the App Store before spending any money, to see if the difficulty, complexity and reading level are appropriate for your youngster.

Comic Life 3

• Price: £4.99/$4.99 ( Comic Life 3 on the App Store )

There are plenty of photo apps that enable you to slap on a couple of stickers, or use filters to transform the look of any image. Comic Life, though, is for the more ambitious storyteller. You select a theme (several are included, from elaborate takes on classic comic styles through to bare-bones pages), and import photos into the panels.

You can then add sound effects, speech balloons and other stickers, thereby creating your very own comic book. For those who get really into the apps, there’s a script editor and the means to add multiple pages. Whatever you make can then be exported to a range of formats, including PDF and flat images.

Dumb Ways to Die

• Price: Free ( Dumb Ways to Die on the App Store )
• Age rating: 12+

Originally conceived as a public safety animation for an Australian metro company, Dumb Ways To Die morphed from a brilliant cartoon and maddeningly catchy tune that kids love to sing into an equally fun game of lethal possibilities. Kids love it and learn how not to get themselves killed at the same time. There are numerous sequels and spinoffs, should the idea appeal.

All together now: “Set fire to your hair, Poke a stick at a grizzly bear. Eat medicine that’s out of date, Use your private parts as piranha bait.”

Earth Primer

• Price: £9.99/$9.99 ( Earth Primer on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+ (made for 9-11)

This beautifully designed app is essentially an interactive textbook, explaining how our planet works. As you leaf through the digital pages, you create volcanos and sculpt mountains, along with, of course, reading through the succinct but informative text alongside the simulations. That should be enough to keep most kids engrossed, but Earth Primer also includes a sandbox that enables you to create and shape a landscape with tools that are only unlocked as you progress through the rest of the book.

We’d say experiencing Earth Primer is reward enough, but turning a textbook into a game is a clever move if a reader needs a little extra encouragement.

• £4.99/$4.99 ( MathBoard on the App Store )

Although more expensive than most maths apps MathBoard can be easily configured for school children of all ages, beginning with simple addition and subtraction problems, multiplication and division, and algebra.

The blackboard theme is cute, although most kids won’t come anywhere a blackboard in school these days.

It is built around multiple choice but encourages working out solutions with a neat scratchboard area where pupils can chalk their sums.

MathBoard’s Problem Solver walks students through the steps required to solve the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations. There are also quick reference tables to hand.

We especially like the configurable nature of MathBoard, where you can determine number ranges, omit negative answers, etc. Activities and quizzes can be timed, either as a countdown timer or elapsed time.

There’s a free version that tackles addition only so you can have a play before forking out for the full version. You don’t need to be a maths boffin to see the value in that!

• Price: £1.99/$1.99 ( Mathmateer on the App Store )

Mathmateer is a fun space-themed maths game in which children can build and customise their own rockets using money they’ve earned while soaring through space.

There are 56 different games ranging from simple counting to division and multiplication, so kids of all ages can enjoy playing. Five player profiles can be created, so you can set up one for each child depending on their skill level.

The only downfall (depending on where you live) is that the money system (used to buy extra rocket parts) is in dollars rather than pounds.

• Price: £3.99/$3.99 ( NAMOO on the App Store )

The idea behind NAMOO is to encourage children to explore the life of plants. The main screen features a tree and component parts you can tap and then interact with by way of 3D simulations. Each is twinned with some simple but engaging text that explains what’s going on.

The app is perhaps a little slight – it doesn’t take long to work through – but it looks and sounds gorgeous. Most notably, the artwork has a striking low-poly design that helps it stand out from more traditional textbook fare, helping it feel modern; this might rope in a few younglings who’d otherwise give it a pass.

Operation Math

• £2.99/$2.99 (App Store links: iPad version and iPhone version )

The Americanism in the app’s name might be mildly objectionable to British buyers, but this action-packed maths app has a lot to recommend it. The app mixes basic maths skills for children with a time-based spy game.

You’re a secret agent battling the evil Dr Odd, and you get new uniforms and spy gear for each mission completed. This game is all about beating the clock, so try it first in training mode when the player has more time to think about the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division equations.

The spy theme is a great idea for making maths a fun adventure.

• Price: £8.99/$8.99 ( Redshift on the App Store )

And here’s another delightful astronomical option. Redshift uses your current location to show you which stars, constellations and planets you should be able to see. If you enable the Follow Sky option, RedShift will update what you should expect to see as you point your iPad or iPhone at different spots in the sky while you pan around. It’s not a cheap option at £9.99, but a deep and rewarding experience.

• Price: £4.99/$4.99 ( Solar Walk on the App Store )

If your kids are feeling bored later tonight, how about a spot of astronomy? The amazing Solar Walk is a great app to get you started. The £4.99/$4.99 app lets you explore the solar system in exquisite detail. You can pinch and zoom around the heavens, examining celestial bodies in an immersive 3D environment from any angle or perspective.

Read our full Solar Walk review .

Xooloo Messenger

• Price: Free ( Xooloo Messenger on the App Store )
• Age rating: 4+ (designed for 6-13)

Xooloo proved a big hit with a six-year-old who was required to stay home from school during the 2020 virus lockdown, and very much missed his friends. On the whole, however, it’s probably better suited to a slightly older crowd.

It lets you create an avatar and then safely and easily send messages, emoji, pictures and a small number of jokey visual effects (a custard pie, a kiss, confetti and more, gradually unlocking as you make more friends) and keep in touch with friends and family.

To make the app more child-friendly, parents are informed when their kids make new contacts, and can view the contacts list at any time (but not the contents of conversations); it complies fully with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The fact that the app is free yet contains neither advertising nor in-app purchases is a further advantage.

Warnings about iDevice use, and further reading

That concludes our roundup of the best kids’ apps for iPad and iPhone, but it’s certainly not our last word on the subject.

If you’re considering a tablet for your offspring, you should first ponder the question are iPads safe for young children?

Remember to protect the device with a kid-friendly case and protect it using parental controls . Be aware also that some apps are expensive to buy or contain in-app purchases designed to tempt unwary kids. Others aren’t appropriate for youngsters.

If you’re looking for more app recommendations, you’ll be delighted to discover that we’ve also compiled lists of the best iOS games , the best free iPhone games and the best free iPad games for the older kids (and adults) to enjoy.

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• Entertainment

24 of the Best Learning Apps for Kids

We tapped tech and education experts for their picks in the crowded children's app space, then gave a panel of junior testers permission to play. What we discovered: Great educational apps for kids are hard to find—but they do exist. Here are some gems to help you out this school year.

MarcoPolo Ocean

Best Marine Life

Kid testers took a deep dive into this colorfully animated app that offers fun building activities plus free play. While making their own submarine and noodling with habitat puzzles, they picked up cool facts about life underwater, such as that an octopus's arm can stretch double its length. As one parent of a tester happily warned, "Be ready for a slew of 'Mom, did you know ___?' " Ages 3 to 7

• Download in Google Play Store
• Download in Apple App Store

Stack the States

Best U.S. Geography

A fun way to learn state capitals, flags, and trivia, this app gives kids multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer earns a player a googly-eyed state, and then comes testers' favorite part: piling up the states like Jenga pieces. "It teaches kids as much about the states as a regular geography class would cover," said a parent of one tester. Ages 8 to 12

Barefoot World Atlas

Best World Geography

This app allows kids to explore countries, landmarks, and historical facts through engaging games and quizzes. One 9-year-old told us the interactive app is a "super-cool and fun" way to learn about geography and word culture. Can't decide where to travel? Kids can shake their device, and the app will take them to a "surprise" destination. Ages 4+

Peekaboo Barn

Best Animal Learning

Tiny testers loved pressing on the barn doors to reveal a new animal and the sounds that it makes. Cool feature: You (or the grandparents) can record your voice saying the animal names for your kid to hear. Ages 1 to 3

Seek by iNaturalist

Best Nature

When you're walking through the park and your child asks, "What's that?" take a snap on this app and it'll give you the answer (plus extra details to impress). One tester used it to ID gulls at the beach and liked that the app saved her nature shots into her own picture gallery. There's also the option to do badge-earning nature challenges as a family. Ages 4+

Best for Coding

Kids can program and code their own interactive stories and games with this app that the MIT Media Lab helped develop. "It's a good example of learning a skill in a fun way without realizing it," said the parent of a 5-year-old tester. Ages 5 to 7

Play and Learn Engineering

Best Engineering

Kids love designing roller coasters and building robots; you'll love the STEM concepts like gravity and momentum they learn along the way. Plus, parents of testers say this app from PBS Kids was a hit among siblings of different ages and even passed the "Will this keep my kid occupied in a restaurant?" test. Ages 3 to 5

Mazaam – the Musical Genius

With 15 games spread across five animal-themed "worlds" and more than 140 musical works, this app helps future Beethovens learn about pitch, tempo, and harmony. In the "World of Eagles," children feed hungry birds while listening to classical music and identifying string and wind instruments. One parent said the app was "both challenging and interesting." Ages 4 to 6

Kahoot! Numbers by DragonBox

Instead of memorizing math facts, kids develop "number sense" with fun, monster-like characters called Nooms. For instance, they can slice the Noom that represents the number 8 in half to create a pair of 4s. Or Nooms can swallow each other to get bigger. Kid testers played intuitively. Ages 4 to 8

Khan Academy Kids

General Learning

Five whimsical characters guide children through a huge catalog of interactive books, engaging lessons across subjects, yoga videos, nature articles, and more. With content that now extends to second grade, this app helps children build both classroom and social skills. One parent of a tester said her daughter couldn't get enough of the coloring pages. Ages 2 to 8

BYJU'S Learning App featuring Disney

This app puts beloved Disney and Pixar characters like Ariel, Belle, and Woody into the role of teachers. But instead of presenting lessons, the characters take kids on fact-packed adventures. "As a teacher myself, I think this app does an excellent job of helping kids with math and reading concepts," said one mom who tried the app with her kids, ages 6 and 8. "My daughter didn't even realize the hidden lesson because she felt she was watching a video." A parent zone and progress-report feature help you monitor their learning. Ages 3 to 8

Hopster: Pre-school Kids Learn

As children navigate the app's tropical island setting, they'll find new and familiar cartoons, books, songs, and games to explore. One mom of a tester loved that after her child had watched a couple of videos, the TV-with-a-twist app prompted her to try a different song or game, encouraging something that was more active. Ages 1 to 4

Writing Wizard

Best for Penmanship

Sound effects, stickers, and rainbow designs turn this app into a cool environment for kids to trace capital and lowercase letters. "The animation kept my 4-year-old daughter's attention," said the parent of one tester. Ages 3 to 7

Epic – Kids' Books & Reading

Best for E-books

This home library of 40,000-plus books, videos, and audiobooks (categorized by reading level and interest) isn't just for bookworms. One parent of a YouTube-obsessed tester was blown away by how user-friendly and motivating this app was: "My son has had it for less than 24 hours and has read almost six books already. Winner, winner!" Ages 2 to 12

Write About This

Best for Creative Writing

Hundreds of writing prompts—some in text format, some photographs—inspired our testers to start writing and telling stories about vacations, family, pizza, and more. Sibs or friends can even work on a piece together. The app also allows kids to start with their own picture or idea. Ages 7+

Teach Your Monster to Read

Best for Phonics

Cute and colorful monsters introduce kids to sounds and then short words. Parents liked that the app reviews what a child has already learned and builds on it in each session. "My kids are actually learning to read while enjoying the gamey features," said a mom of two testers. Ages 4+

Read Along by Google

Best for Reading Aloud

Using Google's speech-recognition technology, the app can tell how well kids are reading aloud from a library of 500-plus stories. A reading pal underlines any word that has been skipped and stars those spoken correctly. It can help boost kids' confidence in reading out loud to their class. Ages 5+

Thinkrolls Play & Code

Best Coding Puzzles

Your child won't realize they are basically in physics class as they help their character move through puzzles and mazes. In "basic," "easy," and "hard" modes, players learn about gravity, elasticity, spatial reasoning, and more. They can even use their newfound precoding skills to create puzzles of their own. "I loved that this app was fun, and that it also stretched my daughter to think critically and problem-solve," said one parent of a tester. Ages 3+

Winky Think Logic Puzzles

Best Logic Puzzles

From simple matching to complex games, this app offers 180 obstacles, mazes, and multi-touch experiences. "My daughter loves the 'aha' moments of figuring out each level," said one parent of a tester who's been motivated to advance through the harder levels. Ages 6+

Montessori Crosswords

Best Crossword Puzzles

Starting with three-letter words, kids advance through four levels, eventually completing multi-word crosswords in thousands of different combinations. One parent of a 6-year-old tester said this app was much easier than having her son sit at the table and sound out and write words. "He's the type who doesn't love reading and writing and really needs some sort of incentive—apparently a cute animation is enough—and this seems to be doing the trick." Ages 3 to 7

Busy Shapes

Best Shape Puzzles

With shape changing and color mixing, this app encourages your kid to think outside the box in order to successfully drag figures into the proper holes. Even though the levels get progressively more challenging, one mom of a tester was happy to see that her 5-year-old was "persistent in figuring out the next level rather than getting frustrated." Ages 18 months to 4 years

Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings

Best Social-Emotional Learning

Who better to teach your child about feelings than the friendly, familiar face from the make-believe neighborhood? Through games that prompt laughter and deep breathing—as well as a photo booth to capture various moods—this app helps kids identify and manage different emotions. Ages 2 to 5

BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week

Best Videos

This collection of three-to-five-minute animated videos has grown to include topics like gratitude, conflict resolution, and mindfulness, in addition to all the great shorts on the arts, math, and history. In the video on empathy, characters explain how children can identify their own and other people's emotions. They then explore how to be compassionate when a friend isn't feeling their best. The videos come with "easy" and "hard" quizzes for an added learning boost. Ages 6 to 8

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Your child can discover new ideas and worlds alongside their fave characters from Wild Kratts , Super Why! , and Odd Squad . Games are added weekly, and the learning goals extend to social skills such as kindness and mindfulness and life skills like healthy habits and daily routines. "My son would have fun with this app even without the characters," said the parent of a tester. Ages 2 to 8

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30 Teacher-Recommended IPad Educational Games for Kids

May 5, 2023 //  by  Brittany Ray

There is no doubt that tangible technology has more than made its presence in schools over the last two decades. Most toddlers know how to work a smartphone in all of its functions by the time they reach kindergarten. So if you are interested in growing your child’s cognitive, reading, math, vocabulary, or any other type of brain skills, check out these iPad educational games below!

30 Ipad Games to Increase Learning

1. zebrainy – abc kids game.

This game was initially designed for children between two and six years old. Zebrainy has over 700+ educational activities for kids that develop many different skill sets. Even better, the language this app uses aligns with what is taught through the Common Core State Standards.

Learn More: Zebrainy Limited

The Noggin app features digital games with all of your child’s favorite characters with a learning boost. Download games easily for that long car ride so they can still play basic math and letter games on the road. This app features anything from interactive videos to silly stories with their favorite pig.

Learn More: Nickelodeon

3. HOMER Learn & Grow

The HOMER Learn & Grow app focuses on the entire list of things you would want your child to be practicing. This app features math games, social and emotional learning activities , and reading skills-building games .

Learn More: Homer

4. Preschool & Kindergarten Learning Games

I have used this app with my kindergartener, and we love it! This app allows us to have bonding time working through different games together. Your child will practice observation skills by recognizing shapes and colors, cognitive skills through various puzzles, and vision through finding differences between scenes. Build your children’s brilliant brains with these cute characters and games.

Learn More: Rosi Mosi LLC

5. Dino Fun – Games for Kids

Elementary school kids are at the age where they like to start taking care of themselves. The Dino Fun app is the perfect game for kids where they can brush their Dino’s teeth, take care of them at the salon, and even potty train their dinosaurs! Also, the educational kid’s games here practice motor skills through learning to tie a virtual shoe and logical thinking skills with math games! One big plus about this app is that there are no pesky game ads!

Learn More: Avocado Mobile Inc.

6. Math Brain Booster Games

Ages: 4 – adult

If you want an educational game for kids and adults alike, then download the Math Brain Booster app. This game lets you practice everything from basic multiplication and addition to more complex math problems . Give yourself or your children regular quizzes on math concepts to help sharpen the mind. This app even allows time limits on certain activities to practice speed with different things, such as multiplication games.

Learn More: Kirill Dyakonov

7. Water Sort Color Puzzle

Your children will love the interesting challenge of sorting all colors so that one single color exists in each tube. This game also has the familiar sounds of pouring liquid which makes this app one for kids who enjoy sensory-type activities .  What’s even better is that this app is free!

Learn More: Vicenter Viet Nam Company Limited

8. State the States and Capitals

Ages: All Ages

Whether you teach preschool or high school, all kids need to know the states and capitals! There is an entire generation of kiddos needing this knowledge! Click on the state to see its name, the capital cities, state abbreviation, flag, famous landmarks, and more.

Learn More: Ecom Enterprises, Inc.

Your child can use this app to learn all about the great unknown from rocket ships to shooting stars. The NASA app features news and stories on space, over 20,000 space images, interactive 3D models, and other educational learning activities with soaring user reviews. Both children and adults can enjoy these enjoyable space learning activities .

Learn More: NASA

10. Wordle!

This app is all the rage with my students and my older children. Teasers on this app are challenging and will help take complex thinking skillset to the next level. Also, Wordle features a variety of puzzles to keep anyone entertained!

Learn More: Lion Studios Plus

11. Jigsaw Puzzles Game

My family loves puzzles. One thing I hate is constantly having to track all the puzzle pieces down. With this charming game, you will never lose another puzzle piece again. You can challenge your kid’s critical thinking skills by choosing puzzles with many pieces vs. only a few. The Jigsaw Puzzle app also has many puzzles to choose from.

Learn More: Easybrain

Nothing says arcade-style games like Tetris. This classic video game challenges anyone’s thinking skills and is fun to play. Take the basic shapes and maneuver them to fit just right to fit this puzzle and keep from hitting the top of the play screen.

Learn More: Play Studios

13. Vocabulary Builder by Magoosh

This is not your classic vocabulary game . The vocabulary builder allows your child to build their skill level with various vocabulary words to build an overall higher level of reading. This app is free and allows you to start at a basic level and work your way up.

Learn More: Magoosh

14. 1st Grade Math Learning Games

Help your child learn the basics of counting with Splash Math! Your child can also practice addition and subtraction , word problems , and more. The learning process is easy for your child and they will use strategic thinking skills in solving various problems.

Learn More: Study Pad, Inc.

15. Trace Letters & Sight Words

Letter recognition is the first step to being a successful reader. Have your child learn their ABCs in real-time by tracing the letters with their fingers, then sounding out the letter. Child developmental specialists also recognize the importance of recognizing sight words in conjunction with early reading success.

Learn More: Vu Dang

16. Little Stories: Bedtime Books

I know my little one loves to read stories before bedtime, and this app has so many cute ones. Your children can choose the story they want, have you read it, or have them read it to you. One great feature of this app is that the stories can be put into “story mode” where the app will read to your child.

Learn More: Diveo Media

17. Flow Free

This popular puzzle game will have your child challenging their motor skills in an interactive environment. Kids will match and pair colors, and race against the clock to solve various puzzles!

Learn More: Big Duck Games LLC

18. Scrabble GO!

Nothing says family game night like a game of Scrabble Go! This app is free and has a few pesky game ads. Also, the learning process for Scrabble has never been easier than with this app. Put your vocabulary skill level to the test with Scrabble GO!

Learn More: Scopely, Inc.

19. June’s Journey: Hidden Objects

June’s Journey is one of the best and most challenging hidden picture games in the app store. Find the matching objects, follow the story, and search for hidden objects and clues. Also, I love object searches because they are challenging and test various skill levels.

Learn More: Wooga

20. Candy Crush Saga

All of you self-proclaimed shape gurus can potentially attest to the challenging concept of this game! My little one loves playing this game with me. This matching game allows my child to match colors, shapes, and sequence patterns. While this game does promote in-app purchases, you do not have to purchase anything to play.

Learn More: King

21. The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail was an essential childhood rite for Millenials! This adventure game allows your child to learn the history of those traveling across the U.S.A in a covered wagon, all while having a ton of fun.

Learn More: Gameloft

22. US History Trivia 

Learn about American History in a fun and challenging way with this trivia app. Whether you have a history test coming up, or you just want to know about the founding fathers a little bit better, this is a fun and engaging trivia app.

Learn More: Google Playstore

23. Project Makeover

Learn self-care and individual style through this fun digital makeover app. Let your creative whims of fashion take you wherever you would like by styling various characters.

Learn More: Magic Tavern, Inc.

24. Pizza Maker Cooking Games

While the age says 4+, I believe this is a toddler-friendly app. Your child will have so much fun creating their pizza by virtually chopping ingredients, putting together their pizza, and eating it.

Learn More: Pazu Games Ltd

25. Google News

Have your older child understand the world by having them look at Google News Daily Headlines. This app will keep both you and your child up on current events and allow them to have a greater understanding of influential societies around the world. Check out our list of teacher-recommended reading websites for kids .

Learn More: Google LLC

26. Idle Human

Learn amazing facts about the human body with the Idle Human app. Your child will learn about all the bones, organs, and even how bacteria and viruses can affect the body.

Learn More: Green Panda Games

27. Shapes! Toddler Kids Games

Calling all children who are shape gurus, they will love the engaging challenge of finding and learning new shapes.

Learn More: Gennadii Zakharov

28. QuizzLand. Quiz & Trivia Game

Solve puzzles, compete against others, and complete your mission. This game will certainly challenge your knowledge retention.

Learn More: MNO Go Apps Ltd

29. Piano Academy

If you are wanting your child to learn piano, then download this app. It is totally free and your child will feel like they have an entire recording studio to compose their musical masterpieces.

Learn More: Yokee Music

30. Schulte Table

Have kids speed read, challenge their vision skills, and increase their mental agility with this speed reading app. The lightning-fast challenges in this app will make your child smarter and faster.

Learn More: Artem Tselikov

• Toddler Toys

The 9 best apps for toddlers that are educational and fun

In the "real" world, we would probably have no issue trying to keep our little ones away from screens and kids' tablets (we wish), but bear in mind, screen time doesn't have to be devoid of educational value; the best apps for toddlers can help keep your tiny tots entertained and happy, while stimulating their brains at the same time.

If you're a parent (or nana and grandad), then you probably know the battle of purely wanting to finish the washing up, or have brunch in your local restaurant, peacefully, without a shrieking two-year-old demanding all your attention and apps for toddlers can provide that bit of peace and quiet. Many of them are easy to use and don't require Internet connection, making them ideal for car journeys.

Best apps for toddlers at a glance:

• Best toddler app for reading: ABC Mouse, £12.99 • Best toddler app for counting numbers : Elmo Loves 123s, free • Best toddler app for objects: Beck and Bo, £5.99 • Best toddler app for learning colours : Goodness Shapes, £1.99

While it’s vital to reduce and manage screen time , there are so many [kids' video games]{href='https://www.motherandbaby.com/baby-and-toddler/more/toys-and-education/the-screen-time-debate-what-impact-does-it-really-have-on-children' } and children's games for tablets or mobiles, including digital literacy apps and counting games that will help give your child the boost in their imaginative skills and communication.

We have chosen our favourite best apps for infants and young children, from different characters like animals and Elmo, with some that will encourage your little one how to identify colours and sounds. And, with most of them free you will never have to worry about its cost, giving you more time to tick off and do the tasks on your to-do-list.

How we chose and tested the best apps for toddlers

Our mum testers assessed the best learning apps for toddlers based on usability, design, quality and value for money, as well as how engaged the children were when using the apps.

Find out more about how we test products for Mother&Baby on our 'how we test' page.

The best educational apps for toddlers 2024:

Best toddler app for reading.

www.abcmouse.com

ABC Mouse is one of the best educational apps for kids, as it encourages early reading, from pronouncing the names of each letter, with the sounds they represent. Your little one will gradually be able to identify words, starting with a few and upgrading to paragraphs. It also includes sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, and practice writing.

One review said: "Love the progressive activities! I don't have to take the time to search for activities for my 3-year-old, and my 5-year-old just follows along when she's playing by herself... So I know everyone's doing the right things for their ages!"

Elmo Loves 123s

Best toddler app for counting numbers.

www.sesamestreet.org

When we think of the best free apps for toddlers, Elmo Loves 123s comes to mind. Learning numbers can be a little tricky for toddlers, but with this clever app, it will help put them onto the path of counting numbers and maths. The free preview will get your child confidently starting on their 123's, and allow you to download the full package to get some exciting games, videos and numbers from 1-20.

One review said: "Thanks for creating a fun and intuitive app. This has kept our daughter engaged, happy and on-top of her numbers throughout."

Beck and Bo

Berst toddler app for objects.

www.avokiddo.com

This bright and colourful animated app lets kids place characters in different scenes, encouraging their imagination. From real-life looking locations, like the corner shops to exotic locations like the zoo, your child will be able to use their own initiative, and tap on items while learning new phrases.

One review said: "My daughter love this cute little game which allows her to move and interact with elements in a variety of scenes; all the while learning what each is. The graphics are super cute with some very cute simple annimations. They were thoughtful of parents too, hiding the settings behind a protected area."

Goodness Shapes

Best toddler app for learning colours.

apps.apple.com

This app will teach your toddler new shapes, colours, pairing and sorting in this preschool-friendly and entertaining app. Kids can challenge their brains while identifying pattern recognition and playing some fun games.

One review said: "My son is two and I’ve scoured the internet trying to find good apps to help him learn. I read about this app I forget where, and when I found it on the App Store I wasn’t sure about spending the money, but figured what the heck. Well he has totally taken to this app, and searches for it on the iPad. It’s just little touches like when he touches the Sun it goes oOo :). He’s learning his colors and shapes, and enjoying it!!! I just bought the whole bundle, and hope the rest of this developers apps are also good!"

Peek-a-Zoo by Duck Duck Moose

Best toddler app for identifying animals.

www.duckduckmoose.com

Is your little tot a lover of animals? Come and play at the Peek-a-Zoo! Through a range of fun animal activities, kids will learn and recognise animals, emotions, actions, sounds, and colour.

One review said: "I just can't say enough good things about Duck Duck Moose apps, they are just great!"

Lego Duplo World

Best free learning app for kids.

Lego Duplo World is one of the best apps for 2 year olds all the way up to adult age (we know us parents get enjoyment out of these games too)! Jam-packed with fascinating play experiences featuring animals, buildings, exciting vehicles, and trains to help your child's imagination and creativity through fun learning. Your child can explore each scene to figure out what’s in it, discover how everything works and—of most importantly—play with it in 3D.

One review said: "This app is simply fantastic! My child loves them and so do I. The variety of game scenes, the promotion of early childhood skills and the opportunity to play together with my child make this app a real treasure. In addition, the regular updates and new content are a nice surprise."

Starfall ABCs

Best toddler app for learning the alphabet.

Your child will be able to learn and recognize letters while forming the skills they need to become bold and comfortable readers. It's recommended for all ages and anyone who needs help learning the alphabet, but we think it's particularly one best apps for 3 year olds, to get them ready with basic skills before school.

One review said: "My mom is an elementary school teacher and has this on her iPad. We were surprised to see my 17 month old son pick up the iPad and able to play the game despite never having used an iPad before. Fast forward a month later and my now 19 month old has his own fire tablet with this game being his favourite. He’s still so young, get he plays the game proficiently and repeats the letters and words clearly. Today, I even heard him saying the letter H when he heard the horn in the game.

Moo, Baa, La La La

Best toddler app for sounds.

Epic children's book writer Sandra Boynton is known for her many board books for little ones, and this app brings one of your favorite ones to life. With this app, her Moo, Baa, La La La! book involves interaction, and animal sounds, while magically tapping the screen to turn day to night.

One review said: "My kids have loved this book for a long time! There are many interactive elements of it!"

Best toddler app for movement

Baby Games is a fun collection of fun toddler games to entertain your baby. Included are bursting the balloons, playing music until jack pops up, touching a mole before it disappears, listening to animal sounds, car noises, planes and trains.

One review said: "Very entertaining, even for a 1 year old. I like that they made it hard to back out of the game so little ones can play without mom having to re-enter the game (because of little fingers accidentally closing it).. The balloon pop is her favorite (she is 12 months old)! Starting out, little ones often just keep their hands on the screen. This doesn't affect the game, and the balloons popped as they rose up to her fingers. She eventually figured out how to pop them! Success! Great little App!"

How much screen time should my child have?

It's important to mange your child's screen time , even if they are on educational apps.“By its very nature, the internet provokes what we call a ‘Butterfly mentality’; where the brain flits from thing to thing without having to focus for very long,” says Martina Barrett, Managing Director at  VAKS: Tuition & Revision Centers .

"When children are constantly on iPads and smartphones, it’s no surprise they find it increasingly difficult to sit in a classroom and concentrate for up to an hour at a time. We are finding that children become tired quicker, their engagement with printed texts is not as great, and even their motor skills are suffering from the constant use of touch screens as opposed to toys and tools that require manual manipulation.”

Are educational apps good for toddlers?

Nowdays, there seems to be an app for everything, including colouring games and apps for toddler speech delay to name a few. Educational apps can be a great way to teach your child skills such as counting, shape-sorting, writing and colour recognition, as they turn the information into games and interactive formats. Many children's games apps feature popular characters from books and TV shows, which can also help to engage your tot.

However, apps don't replace human interaction and should only be used to reinforce learning, rather than be their only source of information. Chat to your child and use books, props and activities to teach them life skills - lead by example.

How to keep your toddler from exiting an app

It's not only frustrating when your little one exits an app for the hundredth time and gets you to open it again - it can be dangerous too (for example if they're using your mobile and start calling someone or manage to purchase something without your consent).

Mummy to a little girl,   Adejumoke Ilori   is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.

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Town hall recap: health science pathways, dr. shari camhi on purpose, media literacy and a decade of district leadership, juan jose gonzalez and gina schuyler on community college networks and radical dual credit, recent releases.

Health Science Pathways Guide

New Pathways Handbook: Getting Started with Pathways

Unfulfilled Promise: The Forty-Year Shift from Print to Digital and Why It Failed to Transform Learning

The Portrait Model: Building Coherence in School and System Redesign

Green Pathways: New Jobs Mean New Skills and New Pathways

Support & Guidance For All New Pathways Journeys

Unbundled: Designing Personalized Pathways for Every Learner

Credentialed Learning for All

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New learning models, tools, and strategies have made it easier to open small, nimble schooling models.

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The climate crisis is the most complex challenge mankind has ever faced . We’re covering what edleaders and educators can do about it. 

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Focusing on how making a difference has emerged as one of the most powerful learning experiences.

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This campaign will serve as a road map to the new architecture for American schools. Pathways to citizenship, employment, economic mobility, and a purpose-driven life.

Web3 has the potential to rebuild the internet towards more equitable access and ownership of information, meaning dramatic improvements for learners.

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Getting smart collective, impact update, 30 of the best educational ipad games: kid’s edition.

“The 30 Best Educational Games for the iPad: Kid’s Edition” first appeared on OnlineCourses.com. Parents and teachers who trust little Muffy and Junior with their shiny iPads don’t have to worry about how access to shoot-‘em-up video games will rot their precious little gifted and talented program minds. Instead, they can download some of the following alternatives to help them build up their brilliant brains that will totally go on to win Nobel Prizes someday.

Math Ninja :

Stack the countries :, highlights hidden pictures :, the oregon trail :, lego super heroes movie maker :, math and letters air control :, brainpop featured movie :, early jamestown :, garageband :, thinkertoy :, kapu toys :, mathboard :, ultimate word search free (wordsearch) :, rocket math :, civilization revolution :, i spy riddle race :, coin catcher :, let’s create pottery :, iwritewords :, mathemagics – mental math tricks :, story wheel :, what’s the difference :, time, money & fractions on-track :, dr. frankenstein’s body lab :, soundtouch :, monster physics :.

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37 comments, scott strong.

Hello, I recently released an iPad game to the App Store that I think should be considered for your top-30 list. It's a simple memory matching game that allows kids to match concepts in order to learn about the particular topic. For example, in the Numbers topic, the user can select to match numbers to Roman numerals, or to the spelling of the number in English, French or Spanish. There are currently topics for the following: Animals, Colors, Countries, Shapes, Numbers, and Time. The name of the game is "Match To Learn", and it can be found at this URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/match-to-learn/id583563447?ls=1&mt=8 . Or, to learn more about the game visit my website at http://www.pureforte.com/match-to-learn. Thank you for your consideration, and please contact me if you have any questions. regards, - Scott

I recently released an iPad game to the App Store that I think should be considered for your top-30 list. It is Essay Starter. I want introduce you with Essay Starter. You can find it on next link. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/essay-starter/id593023126?mt=8 I want to invite you to feel free to try this app and write review if you are interested about it. What is Essay Starter? The new iPad app "Essay Starter" is here...Make writing easy. The new iPad app "Essay Starter" is perfect for students, writers, and professionals, anyone whose writing involves a research component. Use the split screen feature to view your research on one side, and take notes on the other. Select text from research material and insert it directly into your notes, along with an automatically generated footnote. Description Be inspired! Writing is easy when you have easy access and control of your sources. Automatic footnotes let you stop worrying about references and just write. Split screen mode lets you open and read multiple PDF files, and take notes at the same time. Get your writing started quickly: * Upload your research as PDF files * Automatic reference information for footnotes * Edit optional additional bibliographical information for footnotes * Read and highlight PDF files on the full screen or split screen * Easily navigate within PDF files with tile view * Create a new worksheet to make notes and start your essay * Use split screen to view the worksheet and PDFs at the same time * Select PDF text and send it to the worksheet, with an automatic footnote reference * Easy file management system * Left or right handed layout

Chuck The Turtle

Hello everyone! You should try Chuck The Turtle! It is a fun and educational game for kids. They get to paint, jump, do puzzles, cross some dangerous roads, jump, climb and much more! Chuck the Turtle is easy to play, rewarding and mind-challenging!! Check it out and also watch the video: http://itunes.com/apps/chucktheturtle http://youtu.be/ObGMIc9HgqI

Liz Griffiths

There are some things the iPad can't replace: http://buildingblocksmedia.blogspot.com/2013/03/there-are-some-things-ipad-just-cant.html

"Hello, Another great new app for kids is Jazzy World Tour. They have a free version. My kids have learned so much from it. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jazzy-world-tour-free-musical/id574909527?mt=8"

Love Space Exploration? This is the only ABC learning app that focus on Space. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kBGWoEaAuw

Ashley Wells

Nice to hear this thanks for sharing. I want this for my son.

Sheer portability and convenience of app, makes learning activity a complete joyride for both parents and kids.

Maryna Petrenko

Hi, Our new educational app "City Letters" is now available on App Store. City Letters teaches children to identify alphabet letters, recognize their sounds, trace them, and solve exciting puzzles and mini games: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/frugoton-city-letters-education/id730991933?ls=1&mt=8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M66cp7ni958

Paweł Kitajewski

I would like to recommend you Joypa Colors. It is interactive coloring game for kids 3 years+ While making progress object on your screen are coming to life. Trees are bending, sun starts to move on the sky, animals are starting to move it's simple but brilliant :) It can be played on your tablet or smartphone. Game can be downloaded for free on Appstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/joypa-colors-free-interactive/id789651365?mt=8 And Google play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dm.joypacolorsfree

Superb list...Math ninja is best math game for kids ever. Math is always boring subject for kids and by this game kids will learn math vey easily.

igeniuspets

iGeniusPets is a fun pet game with 9 mini educational games. Available on both ios and android. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igeniuspets-lite/id817614884?ls=1&mt=8

Our son loves playing this animal app called MiniPlaces on our iPad http://goo.gl/iXY6so. Games like these helped to stimulate his interests in animals and going to the zoo as he got older.

Great blog! I have published a new educational slide puzzel game for iPad called Scramble Fest that is available for free on the App Store. It features a total of 300 puzzels ranging in subjects from animals to people and architecture. Presented in an original manner this game includes a variety of stage designs that challenges the player to get ahead in the game. Why don't you take a look at the iTunes page? https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scramble-fest-free/id838310529?ls=1&mt=8 There's also a paid version that costs $0.99 and doesn't include ads. To see more of the game be sure to check out the Facebook page which features a number of videos here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scramble-Fest/515100568601397?ref=ts&fref=ts And the official website: http://www.royniginal.nl/ScrambleFest/index.html Enjoy! And feel free to contact me at any time. Best regards, Roy

Hello, Check this Fun & Educational Math App for kids:"Flappy Owlet - The Adventures of a Baby Bird". It’s a free game that test your reflexes and first grade math skills. App store url: goo.gl/w2eCWV

Excellent list, I would also add Bubble Shooter puzzle game - its educational value lies in rather something different than schools subjects.. This game can improve responses and fast thinking, absolutely love it!

Parks j Daniel

Such a fantastic educational game for kids listed here in this post. Educational game are best way for teach to child some educational activities. I like all the games appears here.

How about an educational game that is full of interactivity, animations, fun, vocal and sounds for many repeat plays? Jungle game provides endless entertainment and learning to your kids! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZuF_AtQV_E&feature=youtu.be https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jungle-educational-game/id929575979

Rodel Ednalan

More apps availlable at Educational Fun For Kids

learning system

Sheer portability and accessibility of app, makes acquirement action a complete joyride for both parents and kids.

Thanks. Play new filled puzzle game and help Astropup save Earth. The simple tap mechanic have some complex challenges. Discover black holes, radiation, space anomalies & the dastardly alien fleet in Astropup. Free to Download for ‪#‎iPhone‬, ‪#‎iPad‬ and ‪#‎iPod‬ touch. Download Link: http://bit.ly/astropup-ios

I try to review mobile games best for kids at my site here: mobileappsforkids.wordpress.com

Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share the project I've been working on for such a long time... Dino Kids Free is already for Apple : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dino-kids-free/id958288574?l=fr&ls=1&mt=8 and Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...e.DinoKidsFree See example in Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0asTg2Acw4 Thinks for your support.

parks daniel

awesome list..loved all these games..after i read these facts : http://goo.gl/KnRXAf

I think you could add this game to the list also. It is loved by kids of all ages from all over the world and it has over 200.000 downloads worldwide. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.dlgames.GuessThatAnimal

Great way to learn through play is to pick boardcraft game, which is a set of educational games adapted for children of all ages, supporting development, creativity, imagination.your child create new game by drawing and then play in tablet. very simple.

Hey! We are working on a puzzle game with deep narrative element. Both the story and the puzzles are designed to require deep concentration and the puzzles teach visual pattern recognition skills. It is designed both for adults and children. We will be searching beta testers in future and would love feedback from both adults and children. If you think this interesting please follow us: www.galacticechoes.com Best regards, Jaakko

"NUMBERS SWAPPER" is a smart educational game for ages 8 and up. it is published on iPhone but could play on other Apple devices. the player organizes and manipulates numbers that are close or look alike. it teaches digits/place value in a fun way. Also "MONEY MATTERS" can be played on the iPhone/Apple devices. It teaches budgeting, quick adding, decision making and avoiding bankruptcy. it has nice graphics and different levels of difficulties.

Taylor Donaway

I really think my new baby sister will like the game hangman and Braimpop.Maybe even Mathninja and Madlibs.

Patricia C.

Hi, I don't like to post these kind of comments but I would like to recommend this puzzle.. My son love it. I think is because of the colors and sounds. Sadly is only for android. But I'm using my husband's tablet. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.queleas.wheelspuzzlesforkids

Thank you for the list! Here is one more for children who are learning how to read: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/hales-tale-learn-to-read/id1184892804

Hello everyone! I would add to this list the educational website Koikiwi http://koikiwi.com/ where kids could learn about ecological issues while they playing games. It's set of games: action games, puzzle games, trivia and other fun games - which all are focused on ecology, the environment and the future of our planet.

Shweta Kale

Great! Thanks for sharing your information. They are really useful games. I have just come across an article, which says they are brain child award winner. You can give it a read to the link. https://logicroots.com/MathBlog/tillywig-brain-child-award-winner-2019/

The theme of kids' computer games is the same - an anonymous person brutally fights an anonymous enemy. This type of kids' computer game infuses violent behavior into kids. Playing computer games has become the biggest addiction among kids. They even save money to buy the latest game titles.

Please consider Rocket Mouse by Sofielafée in your selection. Rocket Mouse is an original English French learning game for preschoolers, made by parents and available on iPad, iPhone and Android

Diya Kapoor

Thanks for sharing this useful list. During lockdown, I am trying to engage my son in taking some brain games or learning quizzes. One of his favorite learning app these days is : The Quizopedia. You can also install for your kid for free GK and many more quizzes and practice tests. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thequizopedia/id1480799124

reetamorson

Hi, You have build such an amazing site. thanks for sharing this amazing information with us. It is really going to be very helpful for kids. You may also visit: https://www.thelearningapps.com/

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Best Apps for Kids Age 5–8

The best mobile apps for kindergartners and early elementary schoolers cover a spectrum of entertainment and educational offerings. At this age, socialization and creativity are key -- and believe it or not, there are several quality apps for that! When choosing apps for this age group, go beyond the usual arcade games (although those can be fun) to apps that help kids express their feelings and unleash their creativity . Check out the rest of our app tips for more advice on how to find and download the best picks for your kids.

Crazy Gears

Fun STEM-themed free play with easy offscreen connections.

DIY.org – Creative Challenges

How-to videos ignite curiosity and nurture key skills.

Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox

Kids learn concepts of algebra in stellar game app.

Faces iMake - Right Brain Creativity

Kids make fanciful facial art using everyday objects.

GoNoodle Games

Jump, wave, and wiggle with fun immersive movement games.

GoNoodle - Kids Videos

Get hearts pumping with fun, kid-friendly movement videos.

The little line

Sweet animated story of friendship uses kids' own drawings.

LOOPIMAL by YATATOY

Create sound sequences with music blocks, cute creatures.

Marble Math Junior

Younger kids' version of great math app holds its own.

Monkey Word School Adventure

Cute monkey guides kids through six early-reading games.

Pango Build Park

Imagine, create, and play at custom theme parks.

Plum's Creaturizer

Make creatures and take pics outside for fantastic fun.

PuppetMaster

Create puppets, craft stories, co-play with cool tools.

Superhero Comic Book Maker

Engaging way to make stories with great graphics and audio.

Adorable physics platformer creates little problem-solvers.

Thinkrolls Play & Code

Delightful puzzles inspire innovation and problem-solving.

Toca Hair Salon 4

Free-play styling game grows, now with in-app purchases.

Creative challenges, social media for kids with purchases.

Interactive word-builder impresses with lots of options.

Barefoot World Atlas

Delightful way to learn about animals, people, and more.

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25 Best Educational Games for 3 Year Olds to Uplift Learning

5 Online Games for 3-Year-Olds

5 toy games for 3-year-olds, 5 board games for 3-year-olds, 5 card games for 3-year-olds, 5 active games for 3-year-olds.

As your precious little one grows, so does their amazing brain! At three years old, their brain is like a sponge, soaking up everything around them. It’s a fascinating time for their development, and the games you play with them can have a big impact.

SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

Did you know that during these early years, their brain is forming connections at an incredible pace? Did you know that 80% of a child’s brain develops during the first three years of their life? When your child’s brain produces excess synapses during the first three years, it becomes more responsive in later life. So it is important to stimulate the 3-year-old’s brain as much as possible. And there is nothing better than games for 3-year-olds to develop their mental and physical strength.

This article will take you on a stroll through the best 25 games for three-year-olds to improve their mental and physical abilities while keeping them fruitfully engaged.

25 Learning Games for 3-Year-Olds for Fun Learning and Entertainment

It is difficult to grab a three-year-old’s attention for a long time. They have the shortest attention span with interested in everything bright on Earth. Games for three-year-olds have to be fun yet educational. Here are the best games for 3-year-olds:

We all love playing online games, and so do our kids. Online games are another reason for screen exposure for our kids and an opportunity for them to learn from it if we, as informed parents, choose the right games for our children. So, it is wise to allocate a portion of the screen time we have allotted for our kids to online learning games. Take a look at some of the best games available online.

1. SplashLearn

Skill: Math and reading skills

Price: Free for teachers and a 7-day free trial for parents. Subscription starts at $4.99 per month.

SplashLearn is one of the best games for 3-year-olds to improve their math and language skills . This platform has interactive visuals, sound quality, and a storyline to engage young children. All the games have a simple interface and language that toddlers can easily understand. In addition, this platform has several helpful resources for parents and teachers to educate young students, like blogs, research notes, curriculums, etc.

2. Balls and Boxes

Skill: Memory improvement 

Price: Free 

Balls and Boxes is a challenging and one of the many free games for 3-year-olds available online. It is an award-winning educational game that is easy to play but hard to get right. It has three boxes, and each box has a ball. The balls get shuffled at each level, and players must remember which ball belongs to which box. It is a great brain teasing game to improve your toddlers’ memory and overall brain development.

3. Create Mosaics

Skill: Memory and logical reasoning skills 

This free game for 3-year-olds online can help them learn colors and improve their logical skills. It is a simple grid of four and six different colors. Children have to follow the color grid and fill in the right colors in the large blank grid in the center of the screen. 

4. Counting Pizza Party

Skill: Counting skills 

Price: Monthly subscription starts at $8.00 per month

Counting Pizza Party is a fun game where kids make pizzas and improve their counting skills. They get to decide what type of pizza they want to make and select its topping as well. When the customers make a request, it is up to your child to get the correct amount for topping on their pizza.

5. Learning Shapes

Skill: Shapes

By playing this game, 3-year-olds can learn basic shapes with the help of animated characters such as squares, rectangles, circles, hearts, and so on. The game has two types of exercises – coloring and shape-recognising activities. 

After online games, let’s explore kids’ very first and favorite love, toys, and learning toy games for them.

A 3-year-old kid is exploring their world curiously. Everything from insects to planes piques their curiosity. In this arena, toys cater to their developmental needs and natural curiosity. Toy games provide them with sensory experiences, encourage imaginative play, and offer them a sense of control and mastery. They allow kids to mimic real-life situations, experiment, and create, fostering enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment. Following are some of the most amazing toy games filtered from a whole lot just for you!

6. Toddler Chicken Egg Toys

Skill: Color matching and motor skills

Price: $18.99

It is one of the top educational games for 3-year-olds and is perfect for stimulating their color senses and motor skills. This game is also ideal for children suffering from sensory disorders. This simple game can enhance their contextual understanding and color-matching skills.

7. The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

Skill: Math skills, social and strategic planning 

Price: $15.79

A family of four can enjoy this strategic game and improve the mathematical skills of their toddlers. In this game, 3-year-olds will learn to win a game by feeding their squirrels first. The gameplay is simple — spin the spinner, squeeze the matching colored acorn with the squirrel squeezer, and place it into a log. This game involves multiple elements,  perfect for entertaining your toddler.

8. The Honey Bee Tree

Skill: Hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and dexterity

Price: $17.97

This honey bee game is educational and fun for a 3-year-old. Your toddler will experience thrill and excitement while removing leaves from the tree without disturbing the honey bees. Players who have fewer honey bees in their trays at the end will win this game. It is a strategic and sensory game that can develop your child’s brain and keep them entertained at the same time.

9. WinkleStar Dartboard

Skill: Motor skills, color matching, and identifying fishes

Price: $12.59

Unlike the traditional dart boards with sharp darts, this is a unique kids-friendly dartboard with round balls as darts. So, it is a completely safe and educational game for young children. The dartboard contains different colors, fish images, and patterns to improve toddlers’ color, shape, and print recognition skills. It is a perfect classroom and party learning game for 3-year-olds. 

10. Cootie Bug Building

Skill: Color matching and motor skills 

Price: $8.99

Cootie is a classic educational game for three-year-olds. This is a fun party activity for toddlers to learn color-matching skills and improve their hand-eye coordination. Players have to spin the spinner and hope to land on the bug part they need to complete their Cootie bug. The player who builds the bug first wins the game.

Everyone has fond memories of playing board games as kids. Their popularity lies in their ability to create suspense and happy feelings in moments of victory.  Board games enhance children’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Through them, kids also learn qualities like teamwork and sportsmanship. Now that we know how important board games are for children, let’s see a few best ones around.

11. Candy Land

Skill: Color matching and strategies 

Price: $12.99

Candy Land must have brought your childhood’s nostalgic memories back. It is a classic board game that every child has played. Over the years, different versions of the game have been created. But the traditional version with colored cards, sweet illustrations, and four gingerbread players is the best. Children must pick the cards and move their plastic players on the board to explore different landscapes and mountains while targeting the castle.

12. Chutes and Ladders: Peppa Pig Edition

Skill: Counting, addition, and color recognition 

Price: $9.99

Chutes and Ladders is the best party game for three-year-olds. Four players can play this game at one time. There are multiple versions of this game available today. So, based on your child’s interest, you can get the game. This game helps toddlers improve their counting and number-adding skills. Children have to spin the spinner and count numbers to move their player on the board squares and aim to reach the 100th square. This way, Chutes and Ladders inject a dose of thrill and excitement into the gameplay.

13. Magnetic Maze

Skill: Creativity, imagination, and motor skills

Price: $22.99

As the name suggests, it is a magnetic board with vibrant images and graphics. Your child has to use a magnetic ball to move it from point A to B while crossing a maze. Children will use their imagination and strategic skills to move balls in the magnetic maze. It is a simple game to stimulate imagination and creativity among toddlers.

14. Hi, Ho! Cherry-O

Skill: Math Skills

Price: $11.99

Hi Ho! Cherry-O is yet another classic board game for three-year-olds. In this game, children have to spin the wheel and pick cherries from the tree based on their instructions, like 1, 2, 3, etc. They will learn to read, count, add, and subtract while picking the cherries. 

15. Disney Classic Characters Matching

Skill: Identify similarities and differences

Price: $14.39

If your child is a big fan of Disney movies, this game is perfect for them. You will get 72 tiles with Disney character pictures like Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Dumbo, The Incredibles, Donald Duck, Goofy, etc. Children have to pick the matching photos and name the Disney character. You can also make this game fun by giving a time limit for finding the right Disney character match.

Card games are ageless as much as they are entertaining. It is a perfect way to spend quality time with your friends and family. A session of card games builds memories you cherish for years to come. Kids can also be introduced to card games for their age and understanding. Card games often involve memory, math, and critical thinking, entertainingly enhancing cognitive skills. Let’s take a look at a few superb card games we have put together below!

16. Lingo Cards

Skill: Language and memory skills

Price: $14.99

Do you want to teach your mother tongue to your toddlers? If so, you can play lingo cards with them. These are regular 52 cards with two jokers. However, a phrase from your selected language will be printed on each card. So, you can show different cards to your children and teach them words with phonetic pronunciation. These lingo cards are available in various languages like Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, etc. 

17. Smack It!

Skill: Memory and motor skills

Price: $6.99

It is a fast-paced and rowdy card game for three-year-olds. Your entire family can play this game together and spend some quality time. Players must sit in a circle and swiftly swipe cards in the center. But they must remember when to say smack it and win the game. These cards are also perfect for playing classic games like wars and Slapjack. 

18. Gimme 5

Skill: Counting and patterns

Price: $4.99

This game is a toddler version of Snap. It has a hundred colorful cards that you can divide equally among your toddlers and let them put cards individually in the center pile. However, they will try to use their power cards to make their opponent give away their card as a punishment. It is the perfect classroom card game you can play with over ten kids.

19. Steal The Bacon

Skill: Matching skills 

Steal The Bacon is the tastiest fun game for 3-year-olds. This card game contains delicious breakfast cards like pancakes, bacon, etc. Players have to match breakfast cards, and when their breakfast plate matches their opponent, they rush to steal the bacon from their plate. The player who steals the bacon first obviously wins the game.

Skill: Matching and memory skills

Price: $9.94

BLINK is a fast-paced family card game. In this game, two players race against one another and try to match different colors, shapes, and counts of two cards. You can play a card with four yellow stars on any card with yellow symbols (color), on a card with any number of stars (shape), or a card with four symbols of any kind (count).

It’s a game of speed & focuses with no reading or counting, so it’s perfect for young children.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

Yes, active games make children anything but dull. When children involve themselves in active play, they experience an adrenaline rush that makes them more robust, confident, and intelligent. Therefore, there should be no undermining of physically active play for children. Qualities a child does not learn in the physical constraints of a classroom; he learns effortlessly in the playground. Following are a few great active games for 3-year-olds:

Price: $26.99

Elefun is a cute elephant that produces butterflies from its trunk. It is the best activity game for toddlers. The game is pretty simple, you have to plugin the Elefun, and it will first produce a trumpet sound before throwing butterflies out of its trunk. After that, children can use a net to catch butterflies, and the one who catches the most butterflies will win the game. With this game, you will get 20 butterflies and three nets. So, three-year-olds can play this game with their friends and do some physical activity.

22. Toy Rocket Launcher

Skill: STEM skills

Price: $19.99

For unlimited outdoor entertainment, you can give this toy rocket launcher to your toddler. It is not only a fun toy to create foam rockets. It is a scientific and technical toy that teaches children how to apply the right amount of pressure at the right angle to fly a rocket. Also, assembling this toy rocket requires some basic engineering skills. So, if you have a little engineer or scientist in your family, you should definitely play this activity game with them.

23. RaboSky Bean Bag Toss

Skill: Motor skills and important sensory development

Price: $24.99

When toddlers toss bean bags into the interactive holes, this will not only improve their motor skills. But it will also improve their tracking, visual, coordination, and aiming skills. It is a perfect party and classroom game to keep energetic three-year-olds active all day.

24. Whack A Mole Game

Skill: Motor skills  

Price: $38.99

Whack A Mole Game is the best educational and entertaining game for 3-year-olds. It is an electronic game that automatically pops up moles, and children have to use hammers to whack them all. You can set the game’s speed based on your child’s ability. It is also available in eight languages that help improve language skills among children. With hand and eye coordination improvement, this game improves visual and tactical senses in young children.

25. Hover Ball

Skill: Motor skills

Price: $45.95

To tire out energetic toddlers, this is the perfect indoor soccer game. It is a football, but it is made of foam and travels in the air. Kids will have a blast kicking around this hover ball. The best thing about this ball is that it travels in the air. Therefore, it is perfect for playing indoors without breaking anything.

“Play is the primary way children were designed to learn” – Kathy Hersh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff

These captivating learning games are tailored for the enjoyment of 3-year-olds . They effectively blend education with entertainment, ranging from engaging board games to interactive online experiences. With a variety of options available, some offered at no cost while others require a fee, you can immerse your toddlers in these games and witness their developmental progress firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can i pick the best games for my three year olds.

While selecting the best games for three-year-olds, check the educational and entertainment levels in the game. The game should teach a skill or value to children. In addition, it is an advantage to have some entertainment value in the game because it is hard to retain the attention of young children.

Should I allow my kids to play online games?

Online games are helpful to entertain and educate children when parents are busy with other errands. Having said that, monitoring your child’s screen time is equally essential.

How many hours of play does a 3 year old need?

Toddlers should be allowed at least one hour of free, unstructured play and at least half an hour of structured adult-led structured play.

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The 11 Best iPad Games for Kids of All Ages

Keep them happy and occupied with great entertainment on iPad

• University of Texas at Arlington

The iPad can be the ultimate family entertainment system, with tons of games and entertaining apps that are perfect for kids of all ages. Every game for iOS has a minimum age rating so that you can tell if the game is right for your child.

Many games are free downloads that offer in-app purchases. Other games cost between $.99 and $2.99, with the expensive games rarely going for more than $6, so you don't have to break into your kids' piggy bank to pay for their entertainment.

Turn off in-app purchases before installing games on iPad for your kids. Some games can seem like a great deal until you get the bill with the in-app purchases. If you're looking for virtual reality games for kids, there's a list for that , too.

Candy Crush Saga

Fantastic artwork and unique board designs.

Hundreds of new stages.

A great take on the classic matching game.

It's easy to break the piggy bank on in-app purchases.

Some levels are nearly impossible to pass.

Cost of gold has risen, but the prizes have been reduced.

Appropriate for kids ages 4 and older.

Candy Crush has taken on a life of its own since its release. It mixes the classic connect-the-matching-symbols gameplay with everyone's favorite pastime: eating candy. Candy Crush Saga is good for toddlers, too, because just tapping the screen results in a lot of graphical fun. Older kids will enjoy the puzzles the game presents, and even adults will find it engaging.

Minion Rush

Great costumes.

3D environments based on scenes from the Despicable Me movies.

Download and play for free.

Can be glitchy.

Updates may wipe out progress.

Slow play without certain minions.

Appropriate for kids ages 9 and older.

The endless runner game has exploded since Temple Rush hit the app store, and although many games in this genre are just Temple Rush with new graphics or a new theme, Minion Rush adds fun new gameplay mechanics and includes the humorous charm of those cute little minions. Kids will enjoy this game because it's quick to play and fun to compete for the highest score.

Miracle Merchant

Great graphics and music.

Challenging daily tasks.

Solitaire-style gameplay.

Tutorial not much help.

Could use more variety.

Too difficult for younger children.

Appropriate for kids ages 12 and older.

Miracle Merchant players are apprentices of a master alchemist, where they learn to mix and match different ingredient cards to make potions for their customers. The cards change daily, and daily tasks keep players coming back for more. The gameplay is Solitaire-style and offers amazing graphics and fun music. The basics of the game are easy to learn, but mastering it is difficult.

Fruit Ninja 2

Fantastic graphics and sound effects.

Modes give lots of play options.

Solid folllowup to the original Fruit Ninja.

The game is a bit buggy.

Lots of ads, especially at higher levels.

Some in-app purchases reach $30.

Few games have as many customer reviews as Fruit Ninja 2 and manage to stay above 4 stars, and there's a reason for that. Fruit Ninja 2 is good old-fashioned slicing and dicing fun, with a simple concept and yet enough challenge to keep kids swiping. The goal: Slice as much fruit as you can without slicing through a bomb and blowing your virtual finger off.

Alto's Adventure

Gorgeous graphics.

Play as a snowboarder on never-ending mountains.

Interesting story line.

Is difficult in places.

More characters would be nice.

Alto's Adventure is a infinite runner-type game, where the player is on a snowboard racing down mountains and doing backflips. The game is not too hard and not too easy. The graphics are stunning and the story is interesting, if limited. This app is designated as an Editors' Choice game by Apple.

Where's My Water?

More than 200 puzzles for hours of gameplay.

Water moves realistically.

Easy-to-use controls.

Syncing with iCloud can be glitchy.

Paid app with in-app purchases.

Need in-app purchases for the best experience.

If cleanliness is next to godliness, Swampy is going to make one fun little deity. Rather than slinging birds at boards and stones, Where's My Water? concentrates on teaching kids the value of bathing by helping Swampy the alligator stay clean despite the actions of Cranky, the antagonist of this story. Where's My Water? is one of the best games for kids on the iPad.

Cut the Rope GOLD

Outstanding graphics.

Great way to learn about physics.

Lots of levels to keep you interested.

Difficult for children under 10, despite the rating.

Paid app contains ads.

Om Nom loves his candy, but he needs a little help getting it. Cut the Rope GOLD is a physics puzzle game in which kids use ropes to move a piece of candy, swinging it across the screen and — with luck — into Om Nom's mouth. Fortunately, it's not as simple as it sounds, forcing kids to think about how to get past the various obstacles standing between Om Nom and his candy.

Slice Fractions

Playful learning at its best.

Best for kids aged 5 to 12.

Teaches important math concepts.

Challenging for kids under 6.

Difficult for kids who learn by listening.

Some levels require abstract thinking.

Many kid-friendly games are about having fun, not about learning something new. Plenty of educational apps in the App Store can engage a child's mind, but when a game blends having fun with learning, it definitely deserves a mention on this list.

Slice Fractions manages to capture fun inside a game that's all about learning fractions. It's ideal for kids who are ready to move beyond whole numbers and conquer division.

Bubble Ball

Create your own levels or play levels created by others.

A fun way to learn physics.

The first 48 levels are free.

Won't challenge older kids.

Graphics aren't terribly sophisticated.

Rudimentary user interface.

What do you get when you have an addictive physics-based puzzle game made by a kid rather than just for kids? You get Bubble Ball. Developed by 14-year-old Robert Nay, Bubble Ball enjoyed a million downloads in its first two weeks on the App Store. The game doesn't have the fun graphics found in titles like Cut the Rope and Fruit Ninja, but it does contain engaging play that will please puzzle lovers ages 4 to 94.

AniMatch: Animal Matching Game

Great sound effects.

Really holds young kids' attention.

A great spin on the classic memory game.

Can't turn off sounds.

Not updated recently.

Appropriate for kids ages 2-3.

Would a list of the iPad games for kids be complete without a matching game? Whether you use playing cards spread out on a table or cute animals aligned on a tablet, there's just something about matching up pictures that can delight your little ones. AniMatch: Animal Matching Game is a great iPad game that a two- or three-year-old can enjoy — if you can get the iPad away from the older kids.

Drawing Pad

Has just about every drawing tool you can think of.

Print, share, and save your kids' drawings.

Great for kids of all ages.

The app can be unstable.

Parent's need to monitor the app's access to social media sites.

Can be challenging to fine-tune colors.

Last on this list is an app that's not a game. Drawing Pad is simply a vehicle for an activities that all kids enjoy: drawing and using their imagination. Not only can your kids use the virtual crayons in Drawing Pad , but they can save their work and even share it by email or on social media.

As of 2022, of the almost 3.6 million apps at the App Store, 984,000 are games. Games are the most popular App Store category and are downloaded twice as much as the 2nd most popular category (business).

Of all the apps at the App Store, 92.3 percent are free downloads (many with optional in-app purchases). The average price for an game that isn't free is under $3.

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The 7 Best Apps for Toddlers of 2024

The best educational and entertaining apps for toddlers

Finding just the right app for your toddler is tricky: Toddlers are naturally curious and want to learn, but their attention spans are generally too short for formal education. They need a lot of play mixed in, including games, puzzles, and activities, because play is one of the primary ways toddlers learn about the world around them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) feels so strongly about the link between play and child development that it recommends pediatricians write a “prescription for play” at well-child visits for kids up to age 2. The best apps for toddlers seamlessly combine simple, interactive playtime with subtle opportunities for learning. We've rounded up the best apps for toddlers that are affordable, created for little hands, and offer the perfect blend of learning and play.

Best Apps for Toddlers of 2024

• Best for Parental Monitoring: Bark
• Most Comprehensive: ABCmouse
• Best Free Apps: PBS Kids
• Best Educational: Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
• Best on iPad: Toca Boca
• Best on Android: Balloon Pop
• Best Role-Playing: Toca Doctor
• Our Top Picks
• Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
• Balloon Pop
• Toca Doctor
• See More (4)

Final Verdict

• Compare Apps

Methodology

Best for parental monitoring : bark.

Courtesy of Bark

• Price: $14/month
• Ages: All ages
• iOS/ Android: Both

The Bark app offers parent alerts for both security threats and screen time limits. These aid in ensuring healthy and safe device usage. 

Set screen time limits

Restrict inappropriate apps and websites

Get parental alerts for cyberbullying and online predators

Monitor device's location

App can be easily deleted by the child

Alerts are delayed

Requires a sizeable amount of storage space

With Bark’s settings and parent alerts, users can have peace knowing that their child’s devices are safe. Bark monitors texts, email, YouTube content, websites, search history, social media, and apps. It has alerts for screen usage, cyberbullying, potential predators, and many other safety threats. Bark also offers resources and professional recommendations to parents when security issues arise. 

The Bark alerts help save its users time. There is no longer the need to personally monitor or comb through your child’s texts and other activity. The app’s dashboard gives parents an overall view of their child’s internet usage. Its reports detail which sites they frequent, if there are any security threats, how much time they spend in each app, and conversations across all apps. 

The best perk of the Bark app is the peace of mind it offers parents. The screen time limits and security features promote a healthier relationship with the phone or tablet.

Most Comprehensive : ABCmouse

• Price: $13 per month
• iOS/Android: Both

As a comprehensive learning program, ABCmouse can supplement your child’s preschool education or help them learn important skills from home.

Multiple learning tracks for math, reading, art, and more

Ticket reward system lets kids “buy” virtual prizes

Can be customized for your child’s age and skill level

Recurring monthly investment

Some kids may not be challenged enough by the content

ABCmouse, an educational app with a subscription-based service, gets our vote for the best overall app for toddlers. Although it isn't free, it certainly goes the distance if you're looking for a great educational app for young children. It begins in a virtual classroom where kids can select from several different adventures. There are many to choose from, and they teach reading, math, coloring, counting, and music skills.

ABCmouse allows you to add your child's age in the settings so it can create a customized experience for kids from as young as 2 through age 8. Although it is our pick for best app for toddlers, ABCmouse is also an excellent choice for older kids, who can enjoy learning and play on the app for several years.

If you have lots of little ones, you can add up to three siblings to your subscription for the same monthly fee. It's easy to switch between users so all your kids can get in on the action with activities appropriate for their age and learning level. The content gets more difficult as your child enters school and progresses through the early elementary grades. ABCmouse has lots of fun rewards, too.

Best Free Apps : PBS Kids

• Price: Free

Free, fun, and full of your kid’s favorite characters, the PBS Kids apps offers games, videos, and other cool content for kids ages 2 to 8.

Familiar, toddler-favorite characters

Kids play within the worlds of favorite TV shows

Watch PBS Kids shows without a television

Games are only somewhat educational

Only select shows are available in full or for download

Who doesn't love PBS? It's been a staple in child entertainment and learning for decades, from "Sesame Street" to "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood"—and it's still going strong today. With the free PBS Kids Video and PBS Kids Games apps, your kids can play games and watch videos based on today's most popular PBS shows, like "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" and "The Cat in the Hat." Suitable for kids as young as 2 years old, the PBS Kids apps have something for everyone, teaching early science and math skills in fun and full-color games.

Best Educational : Monkey Preschool Lunchbox

 Monkey Preschool Lunchbox

• Price: $2–$5

Preschoolers can build basic skills with seven easy-to-navigate games centered on letters, shapes, colors, and more.

Made for preschoolers to use without a parent

Reinforces toddler-friendly skills like matching and counting

Sticker rewards to track your child’s progress

May be too simplistic or repetitive for your child

Some users dislike the sound effects

Your toddler won't even realize they're learning when you download the fun toddler app Monkey Preschool Lunchbox. Little ones will learn colors, shapes, and counting in an effortlessly fun interface led by the adorably lovable monkey, Milo. Each activity that's successfully completed comes with an immediate reward: Your toddler can choose a digital sticker to add to their collection.

Best on iPad : Toca Boca

• Price: Free to $4
• Ages: 4+

The Toca Boca suite of apps for kids is an interactive way to explore the world by cooking, cutting hair, building a neighborhood, and taking care of pets.

Dozens of games to choose, including some free

Some games can be purchased as a bundle for discounted pricing

Games for beginners, animal lovers, budding engineers, and more

Some games are not as interesting or appealing as others

Hard to know which game your child will like until you try it

Toca Boca has become one of the most popular brands for apps for young children. With its fun, engaging suite of apps, full of bright colors and great sounds, Toca Boca brings to life a host of activities like cooking, taking care of pets and sick patients, hairstyling, and even chemistry. For the youngest set, try a role-playing app like Toca Doctor (more on this one below) or a simple app like hairstyling (kids can’t get enough of the hairdryer). And as they grow, your kids can design and build their own city with the Toca Life apps.

Best on Android : Balloon Pop

Courtesy of Google Play Store

• Ages: Not indicated
• iOS/Android: Both (works better on Android)

The concept is simple but compelling, offering gameplay that’s educational or just for fun.

Different game modes for education, like letters and numbers

Can be played just for fun to keep your child busy

Easy for even little hands to play

Can get boring or repetitive after a while

Free for basic play, but more levels requires in-app purchases

This free app is part of a group of apps from App Family. Available on the Android platform, they're fun for various ages. The puzzles make a great choice for older kids, while toddlers will be instantly drawn to the game, which allows them to pop balloons as they rise from the bottom of the screen to the top. It's simple enough for even the youngest players to grasp, and it's also fully customizable. Change the size of the balloons and the speed at which they move, making it easier for beginners and more challenging as your child masters the game.

Best Role-Playing : Toca Doctor

 Toca Doctor

• Ages: 3+
• iOS/Android: iOS 

Kids love to play pretend doctor, but you don’t have to be their volunteer patient anymore; puzzles and silly animations encourage them to test their medical skills on the app instead of you.

Includes interesting graphics of the human body for anatomy learning

Physics-focused “mini games”

Teaches basic skills but also encourages empathy and critical thinking

Best for 3-year olds; may not hold an older child’s attention

Once you’ve played all the levels, there’s no way to advance or do more

Spark your toddler’s empathy or pave the way for a future in medicine with the Toca Doctor app. Part of the popular suite of Toca Boca apps, this full-color app boasts several educational games for toddlers set against a medical theme. This is one of the most simple Toca apps, suitable for kids as young as 3. Kids can cover boo-boos of different sizes with bandages, “erase” scratches with cotton balls, brush teeth to chase away germs, or squirt eye drops into eyes. This game will keep your little ones occupied for more than a few minutes!

If you’re hoping to use an app for educational advancement, ABCmouse.com is worth the monthly investment. Its 850 lessons for kids from pre-K through second grade help little ones master math, phonics, science, social studies, and reading skills through fun, interactive games. If you're looking for peace of mind when monitoring your child's screen time, Bark is a great choice.

Compare the Best Apps for Toddlers

Frequently asked questions, how much screen time should toddlers have.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies younger than 18 months have no screen time at all. Toddlers 18 to 24 months old can start to enjoy some high-quality programming and apps alongside a parent or caregiver. Kids 2 to 3 years old should get no more than one hour of screen time a day.

It’s also a good idea to establish screen time limits when your child is a toddler. Doing so will make these guidelines easier to enforce as they get older. Also, try to keep bedrooms and mealtimes screen-free for all, and schedule lots of non-screen activities into your toddler’s day.

What Are Some Pros and Cons of Apps for Toddlers?

High-quality, interactive, and age-appropriate apps for toddlers can help them learn and expand their cognitive skills and develop their technical and media literacy. If you and your toddler play with apps together, it also can strengthen your parent-child relationship.

However, children learn best from interacting with others, so too much screen time may be detrimental to their social and emotional development. If you give your child an iPad or phone when they’re bored, upset, or frustrated, they’re missing opportunities to develop important self-regulation and problem-solving skills .

How Can I Keep My Toddler Safe While Using an App?

Parent monitoring apps are a great way to prevent your child from accidentally stumbling onto unsafe or explicit content. They also provide parents with a snapshot of their child’s usage. Organizations such as Common Sense Media rate and recommend apps for their age appropriateness and educational value. However, the best form of parental control is you.

Set clear boundaries with your child, and have frequent conversations about how they spend their time in an app. A combination of modeling healthy device use and parental monitoring apps is a great way to ensure the safety of your child.

What Are Good Apps for 1- and 2-Year-Olds?

Many apps for toddlers feature age ranges beginning at age 2. Activities can include learning experiences for topics like coloring, counting, music, letters, shapes, and even early skills for science and math. ABCmouse.com, PBS Kids, and Monkey Preschool Lunchbox all offer options for young toddlers to play while learning age-appropriate skills and concepts.

When rounding up the best apps for toddlers, we searched for apps that catered to the 2- to 4-year-old set; while some of these apps can be used by older kids, we sought out apps that didn’t require a lot of reading or even dexterity (since toddlers are still building those skills). We also looked for apps that encouraged learning alongside play, whether it was colors and numbers, pre-literacy, role play, or motor skills.

Verywell / Designed by Amelia Manley 

Yogman M, Garner A, Hutchinson J, et al. The power of play: a pediatric role in enhancing development in young children . Pediatrics . 2018;142(3):e20182058. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-2058

American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media. Media and young minds . Pediatrics . 2016;138(5):e20162591. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-2591

Canadian Paediatric Society, Digital Health Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario. Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world . Paediatr Child Health . 2017;22(8):461-477. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx123

By Sarah Bradley Sarah Bradley has been writing parenting content since 2017, after her third son was born. Since then, she has expanded her expertise to write about pregnancy and postpartum, childhood ages and stages, and general health conditions, including commerce articles for health products. Because she has been homeschooling her sons for seven years, she is also frequently asked to share homeschooling tips, tricks, and advice for parenting sites.

The best iPads for kids in 2024

The best iPads for kids, based on our on own hands-on testing

• How to choose
• Battery life compared
• How we test

1. The list of best iPads for kids 2. How to choose 3. Battery life chart 4. How we test

Having one of the best iPads for kids is one way to get a device that can act as an all-in-one tool for your child's education, entertainment, gaming, and content creation. 

Apple's tablets aren't the cheapest around, but the plethora of apps, services and tools available when you own one means today's iPads are impressively versatile slates. They're great for browsing the web, watching videos and conducting video calls, plus some light gaming when it's time for some fun.

This best iPads for kids list focuses on the Apple tablets that make the most sense for younger humans to use. We've added labels to each which give you some further suggestions on which are best for what ages, but you know the kids you're buying for (and what they can handle) best.

If you just want a quick recommendation, the 2021 iPad is great as a kid's first iPad because it's the cheapest Apple tablet you can buy, yet still delivers the full iPad experience. If you get a newer model you'll pay over $100 more, yet the upgrades you get on the latest base iPads won't make much difference to a pre-teen.

Looking for more recommendations? Here's our roundup of the best iPads you can buy for kids right now, based on our hands-on testing and reviews of all the latest models!

The quick list

The best ipads for kids you can buy today.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

1. Apple iPad 2021

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The 9th Gen iPad 2021 offers minor but meaningful improvements over its predecessors, and despite being the cheapest iPad it's just as well-built and versatile as its pricier siblings. The iPad 2021 offers a great screen, good sound and battery life, and even faster performance than before. If the kid you're buying this for participates in a lot of video calls, you'll be impressed by how much clearer they look on this iPad vs the previous models, as Apple's upgraded the 1.2MP front-facing camera to a 12MP sensor. And that lens is smarter than ever thanks to Center Stage, Apple's new trick to keep you in the frame when you move around on video calls.

The iPad 2021's A13 Bionic chip delivers excellent performance, which is great since iPadOS 15 is getting smarter and features like LiveText (which lets you copy and paste text out of images) are improved with a faster processor. Aside from that, the new iPad is very similar to the previous model, meaning it doesn't support the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil or Apple's Magic Keyboard, and it still charges via Lightning cable. However, it's also the only iPad to still sport a wired headphone jack, which gives a child the option of plugging in a pair of headphones for private listening — and that sounds ideal for long plane trips or car rides.

Read our full iPad 2021 review .

2. iPad mini 6 2021

The iPad mini 2021 offers the full iPad experience in a lightweight, portable design that's small enough to fit comfortably in even the tiniest hands. Unlike the base iPad, the iPad mini 2021 sports the thin bezels and flat-edged design of the iPad Air, and it also offers support for the second gen Apple Pencil. Plus, its A15 Bionic processor is remarkably fast and its battery life is shockingly good for a tablet this small.

But, yes, we like the iPad mini 6 most for its size. Even young kids should have no trouble holding and carrying it around, but the screen is still big enough and bright enough to let you comfortably watch videos or read books. However, if you're buying an iPad so a kid can get some schoolwork done, you might want to consider a different model — none of Apple's detachable iPad keyboards are compatible with the iPad mini 6, so if you want a more comfortable typing experience than tapping on the on-screen keyboard you'll have to dive into the world of third-party Bluetooth keyboards. Plus, Best Buy just knocked $100 off all iPad mini 6 tablets .

Read our full Apple iPad mini 6 (2021) review .

3. Apple iPad Air (2022)

Apple's Pad Air 2022 is basically an upgraded version of the base iPad that's more ideal for consuming and creating content, and its $599 starting price might be worth it if you want to give a child a premium tablet that you can trust them to take care of for years to come.

Thanks to the addition of Apple's M1 chip, the iPad Air 2022 is almost on par with the iPad Pro. That isn't to say the Air is now a Pro replacement, but the gap in power is considerably smaller. This, along with its relatively affordable starting price, could make this new iPad Air more compelling than the iPad Pro for budget-minded shoppers who still want the best iPad their money can buy.

Overall, the latest iPad Air is an almost perfect tablet. While there's still some room for improvement, it's hard to put this sleek, powerful slate down. This is arguably the best tablet for most families, if you want something a bit better than the base iPad.

See our full iPad Air (2022) review .

4. iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch)

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 may have the bigger, brighter screen, but with a starting price of $1,099 its far too expensive to recommend buying for any but the oldest and most responsible kids. The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 is still expensive ($799), but its a reasonable iPad to give an older kid who can be trusted to use it for creative work without abusing (or losing) it. 

It's worth the money, too, with a gorgeous screen and epic battery life (13 hours) as well as all the power of Apple's remarkable M1 chip, which is powerful enough to handle even the most demanding video and image editing apps. 

The 11-inch iPad Pro 2021 is a great gift for kids who want to practice their digital art and video editing skills, but it also excels as an entertainment device. Its bright and colorful display is sharp, its four speakers provide much larger sound than you might expect from such a thin device, and if you're willing to pay extra the amazing (and optional) Magic Keyboard offers the simplest, smoothest iPad typing experience ever, making this a great device for typing up notes and papers.

Read our full iPad Pro 2021 (11-inch) review .

How to choose the best tablet for you

Still unsure which iPad is right for the kid(s) in question? Here are some important things to consider.

Screen size: Apple sells iPads in a variety of screen sizes ranging from 8 to 11 inches. If you expect your kid to be watching a lot of videos or playing games mostly at home, you'll want one of the larger models like the base iPad 2021 or the iPad Air. But if the kid in question will be toting the iPad around a fair bit, or has smaller hands, consider the iPad mini 6 — it has a screen that's just as good as its bigger siblings, but it's a bit smaller and easier to hold.

Budget: You can spend anywhere between $330 - $800+ on an iPad for kids, or more if you splurge on extras like an Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard.  If you can afford the higher end of that spectrum, the $599 iPad Air or the $799 iPad Pro 11-inch are excellent tablets that will serve an older child well for years. If you have a smaller budget or don't want to trust a younger kid with such an expensive tablet, the base iPad ($329, or $299 with educator's discount) is a better choice because it offers all the capabilities of an iPad without the higher price tag of its siblings. 

Age: How old is the kid you're buying this iPad for? Obviously if it's for you and your family, buy whatever you like, but if you're getting a tablet for a specific child, we recommend you don't shell out for the high-end options unless the lucky kid you're giving it to can be trusted not to break or lose a $500+ tablet. The entry-level iPad 2021 is plenty good enough for kids ages 5-12, though if you want something smaller the iPad mini 2021 is also quite good — though it does cost $499. If this is for an older kid who can be trusted with an expensive device, the $599 iPad Air and $799 iPad Pro 11-inch should serve them well for years.

Battery benchmarks: comparison

Battery life is one of the key things to consider when buying an iPad for a child, and you can't always trust manufacturer claims about how long they'll last on a single charge.

That's why we put every tablet we test and review through a series of battery tests, then average the results and compare them against the competition. I've assembled the tested battery life of every tablet on this page here in one handy chart, including every tablet recommended in our guide above as well as some other competing tablets, just to give you a sense how our recommendations stack up to the competition.

When we test tablet battery life we run the tablet through our custom performance benchmark, which times how long the tablet can last on a full charge when endlessly surfing the web via Wi-Fi. If you use your tablet in a more dynamic way, like say playing games while streaming podcasts, you will likely burn through your battery faster than we did.

So while I stand by our testing and the battery life results we compare in the chart below, I want to be clear that your own experience will vary! 

How we tested these tablets

First, we run as many benchmarks as that iPad will allow, to see how fast they are in ways that can be compared directly against competitors. We then use colorimeters and light meters to measure how colorful and bright these tablets’ screens can get. After that, we put them through our in-house battery test, which times how long it takes — while surfing the web with brightness at 150 nits — to drain a tablet of a charge.

After that, we do the same things you or your kids do — browse the web, watch YouTube , play games, write messages — and then a lot more. We try and write some (or all) of our tablet reviews on the tablets we're testing, and we try to test out an attachable keyboard if possible.

For more information, check out our  how we test page  for Tom's Guide.

Alex Wawro is a lifelong journalist who's spent over a decade covering tech, games and entertainment. He oversees the computing department at Tom's Guide, which includes managing tablet coverage and reviewing many himself every year.

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Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. A lifelong PC builder, he currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice. 

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