University of Kwazulu-Natal

The 10 Best Educational Apps For Kids To Use For Learning

Bonisiwe Shabane
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the 10 best educational apps for kids to use for learning

Did you know there are more than 1.96 million apps available on the Apple App Store? With the overwhelming options for different educational apps for kids out there, it can be difficult to know which learning apps are best. So we’ve done the work for you, with a curated list of 10 educational apps that educate and entertain kids from preschool to high school. We dove deep into the features and benefits of every educational app for kids on this list to bring you the best ones for learning. Students, teachers and parents alike can be confident that they’re getting a high-quality and fun educational experience. Plus, we’ve done our best to find educational apps that offer free versions or a substantial trial period so you can make an informed decision before you buy — because at Prodigy, we believe...

Keep reading to find out which one is right for you! Available on: Apple Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore and at prodigygame.com Parents today are turning to learning apps as powerful tools to support their children’s learning. But do these apps really make a difference? Research suggests they do. A systematic review published in the British Journal of Educational Technology found that 92% of studies reported positive effects of math-focused educational apps on young children, especially during their first three years of schooling.

Similarly, a study in Pediatrics highlights how interactive learning apps for kids not only engage children but also promote active learning, making lessons more effective than passive methods like videos. Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum. Educational apps for kids are more than just games—they are designed to build critical skills like reading, math, problem-solving, and creativity in an interactive way that keeps kids motivated. In this blog, we’ve carefully chosen the best kids learning apps based on reviews, ratings, and educational value to ensure you’re getting the best options for your child. SplashLearn, with over 20 million downloads, is a research-backed online learning app designed to make learning math, reading, and early skills fun and effective for kids. Built on game-based learning principles, the app combines interactive experiences with proven teaching methods to ensure children grasp vital skills like reading, writing, math, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and general knowledge.

Educational studies have shown that active, play-driven learning significantly boosts comprehension and retention in children. SplashLearn taps into this with a curriculum crafted by experts to align with educational standards, ensuring that kids enjoy the process and achieve measurable outcomes. Finding the right educational apps for kids can be a challenge in today’s digital landscape. I’ve spent countless hours exploring apps that not only capture children’s attention but also provide meaningful learning experiences. The best educational apps combine engaging content with solid educational principles, creating experiences where kids learn while having fun and parents feel confident about screen time quality. In my experience testing dozens of options, standout educational apps like Kidloland teach fundamentals from letters and numbers to shapes and colors through interactive experiences.

Many parents I’ve spoken with appreciate platforms that allow them to monitor and support their children’s learning, creating collaborative education opportunities between parent and child. What makes these apps truly special is their ability to adapt to different learning styles and interests. I’ve found that the most successful educational apps have been vetted by teachers and approved by kids, striking that perfect balance between educational value and entertainment that keeps children coming back for more. Educational apps combine entertainment with curriculum-based learning to create engaging digital experiences for children. These applications have transformed how kids interact with educational content, making learning more accessible and enjoyable. The educational app market has grown tremendously over the past decade, with thousands of options now available to parents and educators.

According to research, apps marketed as “educational” cover a wide range of fundamental academic skills including counting, reading, and other core competencies. How often do your kids ask, ‘Mom, can I play with your phone?’ It’s a question many parents hear daily. But what if that screen time could be transformed into a chance for kids to learn, grow, and explore through educational apps? At Timedoor Academy, we believe fun learning shouldn’t end when the school day does. With the right fun learning apps, your child can develop new skills, spark curiosity, and fall in love with education—all while having fun. To help you make the most of screen time, we’ve curated a list of the Top 10 Educational Apps for Kids in 2025—designed for children ages 4 to 12!

– This all-time favorite keeps growing smarter. In 2025, Khan Academy Kids features more personalized learning paths and emotional learning tools, helping kids improve not just academically—but socially too. The app offers a broad range of subjects, from math and reading to social-emotional skills, making it ideal for holistic development. • Timedoor Tip: Great for early learners who enjoy story-based learning! – A charming spin-off from Duolingo, this app is now powered by AI-driven reading tutors. It helps young kids master the alphabet, phonics, and basic reading skills through interactive play.

The app’s bright and engaging visuals keep children interested as they learn essential language skills step by step. • Encourages early literacy in both native and foreign languages. Courtney Schley is deputy director of editorial operations and testing. She has written articles on everything from baby bottles to bedbugs. If you’re looking for apps and games that not only keep young kids occupied but also encourage them to explore, learn, and express themselves, we have some great suggestions. The apps we cover in this guide are good 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,...

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 our favorite apps 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 more details, read about how we selected the apps in this guide.) These math games don’t simply drill facts or emphasize memorization, 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. Disclosure: MyeLearningWorld is reader-supported.

We may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Look, the reality is that screen time is inevitable in this day and age. That’s why it’s important to ensure your kids are using their screen time wisely by learning something new or honing a skill. Thankfully, there are some great educational apps out there that can help kids learn a variety of different things, from math and science to reading and writing. The best kids educational apps not only offer a personalized learning plan but also provide engaging content that keeps kids coming back for more. Even teachers like myself can utilize learning apps for kids as a supplement to further aid their students’ development, particularly in virtual learning environments.

Of course, the app stores are flooded with educational content for kids, which can make finding the right app a bit overwhelming. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best educational apps for kids, covering a variety of different subjects and age groups. I’ve spent months reviewing all of the apps on this list, putting them through the paces, and also having them used by kids to ensure they are fun and engaging while also being educational. I’ve reviewed and ranked the top educational apps for children available in 2024 based on a number of important factors, including educational value, curriculum quality, fun/engagement, ease of use, and age appropriateness (click here... In today’s digital age, educational apps can make learning fun and interactive for kids. Whether it’s math, reading, science, or creativity, there are plenty of apps designed to engage young minds while reinforcing essential skills.

Here’s a list of 10 top learning apps for kids that parents and educators can trust. Best For: Ages 2-8 | Subjects: Math, Reading, Social-Emotional Learning Khan Academy Kids offers a free, comprehensive learning program with interactive activities, books, and games. Its adaptive learning path adjusts to each child’s level, making it perfect for early learners. Why Kids Love It: Colorful characters, engaging stories, and fun rewards. Best For: Ages 2-8 | Subjects: Reading, Math, Science, Art

As we move into 2025, the role of technology in education continues to grow, with more apps than ever offering ways to make learning fun, interactive, and personalized. For parents, this can sometimes be overwhelming. How do you choose the right educational apps for your child, especially between 8 and 13, a critical period for developing foundational skills? The good news is that many educational apps are designed to be both enjoyable and educational. Apps like Kahoot! and Duolingo have been popular for a while, but as we approach 2025, more apps offer even more ways to keep children engaged and learning outside the traditional classroom.

Here’s a curated list of the best educational apps for kids aged 8-13 that you, as a parent, should consider for your child's learning journey this year. These apps focus on everything from math and language skills to creativity and problem-solving, all while making learning feel like play. Why it’s great for kids:Kahoot! is an interactive quiz-based platform that makes learning feel like a game. Kids can participate in live quizzes or create their own, answering fun questions that test their knowledge across various subjects. Whether they’re practicing math facts or quizzing each other on history, Kahoot!

encourages healthy competition and promotes engagement. Why parents love it:It offers a fun, low-pressure environment for kids to test their knowledge and reinforce what they've learned in school. You can create personalized quizzes for them to enjoy, or they can join quizzes with friends or classmates. Free education apps for kids are a convenient and effective resource to help kids learn new skills and gain new knowledge on a wide range of topics. Beyond that, they're interactive and make learning fun and exciting. Some of the best free education apps are a great way for parents or guardians to support kids’ learning at home with accessible lessons and quizzes.

Interested in helping your child learn and prepare for a fulfilling future career in STEM? Join a free award-winning Create & Learn class designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT to introduce your child to the coding, robotics, AI and game-building skills that are increasingly needed in today’s... There are a variety of expert-led free live virtual classes to choose from, including beginner-friendly Scratch Ninja, Minecraft Redstone Engineering, Beginner Roblox Coding, and more! We’ve identified the top free education apps for kids that make learning easy and fun. Some apps below focus on learning specific skills, while others make it easier for teachers to present learning materials to students. Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that offers free, interactive lessons to help learn new languages.

Duolingo gamifies language learning with a points system and elements of competition – but it doesn’t penalize too heavily for mistakes! Duolingo can be used in a school setting by assigning a Duolingo game as homework, incorporating the platform’s warm up and cool downs, and using competition settings as an in-class activity. You can download this app in the App Store or Google Play, or set up an account on the Duolingo website. You can learn to read, write, listen and speak over 40+ languages on Duolingo. Photomath is an app that uses the camera function to help solve math equations that you scan. The app displays a step-by-step breakdown of how the equation is solved, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.

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Did you know there are more than 1.96 million apps available on the Apple App Store? With the overwhelming options for different educational apps for kids out there, it can be difficult to know which learning apps are best. So we’ve done the work for you, with a curated list of 10 educational apps that educate and entertain kids from preschool to high school. We dove deep into the features and ben...

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Keep reading to find out which one is right for you! Available on: Apple Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore and at prodigygame.com Parents today are turning to learning apps as powerful tools to support their children’s learning. But do these apps really make a difference? Research suggests they do. A systematic review published in the British Journal of Educational Technology found that 92...

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Many parents I’ve spoken with appreciate platforms that allow them to monitor and support their children’s learning, creating collaborative education opportunities between parent and child. What makes these apps truly special is their ability to adapt to different learning styles and interests. I’ve found that the most successful educational apps have been vetted by teachers and approved by kids, ...