12 Best Learning Apps That Make Education Fun for Kids

In today’s fast-paced world, helping our kids learn and grow is more important than ever. With technology becoming an integral part of our lives, there’s a growing trend that parents and caregivers can’t ignore – the use of learning apps for kids. These apps have quickly become a trusted companion in our children’s educational journey. But why are they so important, and why should we pay attention to this trend?

Well, let’s break it down in simple terms. As parents, we want the best for our little ones. We want to see them succeed, explore, and become the best versions of themselves. And in this digital age, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it’s a part of everyday life. Learning apps are like magic windows that open up a world of knowledge, creativity, and fun for our kids. They make learning exciting and accessible, right at our fingertips. A study by FIU’s Center for Children and Families found that educational apps significantly support early learning in children under six.

In this blog, we’re going to dive into the top learning apps for kids. We’ll break down what makes them special, who they’re best suited for, and why they’ve earned a place on our list.

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12 Best Learning Apps for Kids

1. SplashLearn

SplashLearn is an all-in-one educational platform that offers comprehensive learning in both math and English Language Arts (ELA) for kids. It provides a personalized learning experience that covers a wide range of skills through interactive games, lessons, and activities.

Features:

• Math and ELA curriculum from pre-K to grade 5
• Adaptive learning technology
• Engaging games and activities for both subjects
• Progress tracking and detailed reports for parents and teachers

Price: Subscription-based with free trial period, absolutely free for teachers 

Age Group: Designed for kids aged 3-10

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: SplashLearn stands out as a versatile educational platform that not only helps children build strong math skills but also fosters proficiency in English Language Arts. Its adaptability, comprehensive curriculum, and engaging content make it a valuable asset for children’s learning journeys in both the subjects.

2. ABCmouse

ABCmouse is a comprehensive early learning app that covers a wide range of subjects, including reading, math, science, and art. It offers interactive lessons and activities that keep children engaged while they learn.

Features:

• Age-appropriate curriculum
• Over 9,000 activities and lessons
• Progress tracking for parents
• Fun animations and games

Price: Subscription-based, with a free trial period

Age Group: Designed for children aged 2-8

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: ABCmouse is a top choice due to its extensive curriculum and interactive content. It’s suitable for a wide age range and helps kids build a strong foundation in various subjects.

3. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is an educational app for kids that offers a diverse range of activities, from math and reading to socio-emotional development. It’s designed to encourage a love for learning in young children.

Features:

• Engaging characters and stories
• Adaptive learning pathways
• Offline access to content
• Progress tracking for parents

Price: Free

Age Group: Ideal for children aged 2-7

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: Khan Academy Kids is a fantastic free resource that provides a holistic approach to early education. Its adaptive learning feature tailors content to each child’s level.

4. Duolingo ABC

Duolingo ABC is one of the best kindergarten apps that focuses on teaching children the fundamentals of reading and writing in their native language. It uses gamified lessons and colorful visuals to make learning fun.

Features:

• Phonics-based learning
• Interactive stories and activities
• Progress tracking for parents
• No ads or in-app purchases

Price: Free with optional in-app purchases

Age Group: Geared towards kids aged 3-7

Platforms: Available on iOS and Android

Why We Choose It: Duolingo ABC stands out for its focus on literacy skills. It’s an excellent choice for parents who want their children to develop strong reading and writing foundations.

5. ScratchJr

ScratchJr is a coding app for young children. It introduces them to the basics of programming through creative and interactive projects, fostering computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop coding blocks
• Storytelling and animation projects
• Encourages creativity and logic
• No in-app purchases or ads

Price: Free

Age Group: Suitable for kids aged 5-7

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and Chromebooks

Why We Choose It: ScratchJr is an exceptional app for introducing kids to coding concepts in a playful and age-appropriate manner, promoting STEM skills early on.

6. Sago Mini World

Sago Mini World is a collection of fun, interactive games designed for preschoolers. It encourages creativity, exploration, and problem-solving through delightful mini-adventures.

Features:

• Dozens of games and activities
• No in-app purchases or ads
• Promotes imaginative play
• Child-friendly interface

Price: Subscription-based, with a free trial period

Age Group: Ideal for kids aged 2-5

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and Amazon devices

Why We Choose It: Sago Mini World is all about fostering creativity and early learning in a safe and enjoyable environment, making it perfect for preschoolers.

7. Prodigy Math Game

Prodigy Math Game is an engaging way for kids to practice math skills through a fantasy-themed, role-playing game. It adapts to a child’s skill level and curriculum, making math fun.

Features:

• Curriculum-aligned math challenges
• Interactive battles and quests
• Real-time progress reports
• Motivating rewards and characters

Price: Free with optional premium features

Age Group: Geared towards kids in grades 1-8

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: Prodigy Math Game gamifies math learning, helping kids build confidence and proficiency in mathematics while having an enjoyable adventure.

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8. Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs is an app dedicated to teaching children how to read. It combines engaging activities, interactive lessons, and comprehensive reading programs to develop literacy skills.

Features:

• Guided reading lessons
• Phonics and sight words practice
• Progress tracking for parents
• Over 2,500 e-books

Price: Subscription-based, with a free trial available

Age Group: Designed for kids aged 2-13

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: Reading Eggs is a top choice for its systematic approach to teaching reading, making it an effective tool for children of various age groups.

9. BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week

BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week provides educational videos on a wide range of topics, helping kids understand complex concepts through short, animated movies.

Features:

• Age-appropriate videos
• Quizzes and activities for comprehension
• Variety of subjects covered
• Engaging and informative content

Price: Subscription-based, with a free video each week

Age Group: Designed for children aged 3-7

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: BrainPOP Jr. offers a digestible way for young children to explore a breadth of educational topics in a fun and engaging format.

10. Teach Your Monster to Read

Teach Your Monster to Read is an engaging and interactive phonics and reading game that helps children develop essential literacy skills by guiding a friendly monster through various adventures.

Features:

• Phonics-based reading lessons
• Mini-games and challenges
• Progress tracking for parents
• Highly engaging for young learners

Price: Available for free through the website; app versions may have a one-time purchase cost.

Age Group: Designed for kids aged 3-6

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: Teach Your Monster to Read is a well-loved app that effectively teaches phonics and reading skills through fun gameplay, making it a valuable resource for early literacy development.

Related Reading: Best Reading Apps for Kids

11. MarcoPolo Learning

MarcoPolo Learning offers a comprehensive curriculum for early learning. It covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, and social studies, through interactive lessons and activities.

Features:

• Age-appropriate curriculum
• Engaging lessons and activities
• Progress tracking for parents
• Personalized learning paths

Price: Subscription-based, with a free trial period

Age Group: Ideal for kids aged 3-7

Platforms: Available on iOS, Android, and web

Why We Choose It: MarcoPolo Learning provides a well-rounded and interactive early education curriculum that’s both engaging and educational.

12. Todo Math

Todo Math is an app that focuses on developing math skills in young children. It offers a wide range of math activities and games that adapt to each child’s abilities.

Features:

• Math curriculum aligned with standards
• Adaptive learning pathways
• Fun math games
• Progress tracking for parents

Price: Subscription-based, with a free trial available

Age Group: Geared towards kids aged 3-8

Platforms: Available on iOS and Android

Why We Choose It: Todo Math provides a comprehensive and adaptive math curriculum, ensuring that children of varying abilities can build strong math foundations.

In this section, we’ve explored some of the best educational apps for kids, offering a wide array of enriching experiences for learning and growth. From phonics and math to imaginative play and science exploration, these apps for kids’ learning cater to diverse interests and age groups, ensuring that young learners can embark on an engaging educational journey tailored to their needs.

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5 Pros and Cons of Learning Apps for Kids

Learning apps for kids have become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are good reasons for this trend. However, like anything else, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore these in simple terms:

5 Pros of Learning Apps for Kids

1. Engaging learning: Kids learning apps make education fun! They use colorful graphics, interactive activities, and games to keep kids engaged, making it easier for them to grasp new concepts.

2. Personalized learning: Many apps adapt to a child’s level of skill and progress, offering customized learning experiences. This tailoring ensures that each child gets the right challenges and support.

3. Convenient access: Learning apps are accessible anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a device and an internet connection. This means kids can learn at their own pace, even outside of school hours.

4. Interactive practice: Apps often provide instant feedback, helping kids correct their mistakes and reinforcing what they’ve learned. This interactivity enhances understanding.

5. Variety of subjects: Learning apps cover a wide range of subjects, from math and science to reading and art. They provide a holistic learning experience.

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5 Cons of Learning Apps for Kids

1. Screen time: Spending too much time on screens can be concerning. It’s essential to balance screen time with other activities, like outdoor play and reading physical books.

2. Limited social interaction: Learning apps are primarily solitary activities. They don’t offer the social interactions and collaborations that traditional classrooms do.

3. Potential for distractions: Kids might get distracted by other apps or content on the device, reducing the effectiveness of the learning app.

4. Overreliance: Relying solely on learning apps for education can make kids miss out on hands-on and real-world experiences that are equally important for development.

5. Quality varies: Not all learning apps are created equal. Some may not have quality content or could contain ads or inappropriate material. It’s crucial for parents to choose carefully.

In a nutshell, learning apps can be fantastic tools for children’s education, offering engaging and personalized learning experiences. However, they should be used mindfully, with attention to screen time limits and the quality of content. Balancing digital learning with other activities is the key to reaping the benefits while addressing potential drawbacks.

7 Tips To Choose An Educational App for Your Kid

Choosing the right educational apps for your kids can be a bit like finding the perfect puzzle piece—it should fit just right. Here are some simple tips to help you pick the best ones:

1. Age-appropriateness: Look for kid-friendly apps that match your child’s age and developmental stage. Apps usually have age recommendations. Choose the ones that align with your child’s age to ensure the content is suitable.

2. Interactive and engaging: Kids learn best when they’re having fun. Pick apps with interactive games and activities. Look for those that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

3. Safety first: Safety is non-negotiable. Ensure the app is safe for kids to use. It should have no ads or pop-ups leading to external or adult sites. Look for apps with parental controls and privacy settings.

4. Reviews and recommendations: Don’t just take the app’s word for it. Read reviews from other parents or caregivers. They can give you insights into how well the app works and its educational value.

5. Try before you buy: Many apps offer free trials. Take advantage of these to see if the app suits your child’s learning style and preferences before committing to a purchase.

6. Your child’s feedback: Involve your child in the decision-making process. Ask them what they enjoy and find interesting. Their input can help you choose apps that resonate with them.

7. Trial and error: Don’t be afraid to try out a few different apps. Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be open to exploring various options.

Remember, it’s not about finding the “perfect” app; it’s about finding the one that works best for your child’s learning journey. These simple tips can help you make informed choices and ensure that the educational apps you select are both fun and educational.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age,  apps for kids’ learning are more than just a trend; they’re a valuable resource in shaping our children’s learning experiences. In this blog, we’ve explored some of the best learning apps for kids, each carefully chosen for its unique educational value and engaging features. From teaching reading and math to encouraging imaginative play and science exploration, these apps offer a wide range of opportunities for children to grow, learn, and have fun.

Selecting the right educational apps for your child doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve provided simple tips to help you make informed choices. Remember to consider age-appropriateness, educational content, interactivity, safety, and your child’s preferences.

With the right apps and a supportive environment, we can help our kids grow into curious, confident, and capable learners ready to take on the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are learning apps safe for kids?

Yes, reputable learning apps for kids prioritize safety by offering age-appropriate content and features, as well as parental controls to monitor usage.

Are these learning apps safe for kids to use independently?

Yes, the apps chosen in this blog prioritize child safety and offer age-appropriate content. However, it’s a good practice for parents and caregivers to supervise young children while they use these apps and review privacy settings.

Can these kid’s apps replace traditional learning methods?

Children’s learning apps can complement traditional methods but should not replace them entirely. They provide engaging opportunities for skill development but should be part of a balanced learning approach.