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Fun & Learning: Best Educational Apps for Kids

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These apps make parenting a bit easier and turn learning into a fun experience for the little ones, as they develop essential skills through play.
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Free Apps

Who doesn’t love free? These apps do not require a subscription and are the best free apps we’ve tried.

 
Lex Davis profile picture
No ads, suitable for pre-k - 2nd grade, interactive lessons in common core subjects, and independent learning. It’s a low stimulation app; colorful but not overly bright visuals, engaging without being overwhelming, and sounds aren’t jarring. Will al...
Free, fun educational app for young kids | Khan Academy Kids
 
Lex Davis profile picture
My oldest was previously in a charter school that teaches a grade ahead and this was one of the apps they had us use. It's basically phonogram flashcards. I think this is fundamental in learning how to read. This app was a game-changer in helping my ...
‎Phonics With Phonograms by Logic of English
 
Lex Davis profile picture
Teaches kids how to read and write with hands-on learning and interactive stories. Can also be used offline.
Duolingo ABC
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Lex Davis profile picture
If you didn’t know PBS is a free app for TV shows and games. There’s only a few that we use and this is one of them. This app includes us parents to join in on turning daily activities into fun, learning experiences. Also, has parenting tips and sugg...
PBS Parents Play & Learn Mobile Downloads | PBS KIDS
 
Lex Davis profile picture
Encourages early science learning with core scientific concepts and builds problem solving skills. Suitable for ages 3+. My 2 year old will play this with no issues but sometimes needs help with certain games.
Play and Learn Science Mobile Downloads | PBS KIDS
 
Lex Davis profile picture
Much like PBS science, it encourages your little one's curiosity. This one is geared towards pre-school aged kids and explores STEM concepts through play.
Play and Learn Engineering Mobile Downloads | PBS KIDS
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Subscription Apps

At some point, we had paid for a year's subscription for all of these apps, not all at once of course. I feel these apps have really helped jumpstart my children's education/have them ahead of the game.

 
Lex Davis profile picture
One of our favorites. My now 7 yo loved this app as a toddler. I feel he really learned so much from this. From his ABC’s and 123’s to reading, math, and art this app has everything as well as Spanish. This has a lesson path for your child's grade le...
Endless Learning Academy
 
Lex Davis profile picture
Offers personalized lesson plans based on your child's age, interests, and skill level. It's ad free and we had a great time exploring the thousands of interactive activities this app provides. Unlike other apps that have a week trial, this one has a...
HOMER | The Essential Early Learning Program and App for Kids 2-8
 
Lex Davis profile picture
A fun and efficient way to learn phonics which is essential for learning to read, IMO.
Your Child Will Learn To Read, Guaranteed | Hooked On Phonics
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Lex Davis profile picture
Low stimulation, no ads, just pure fun learning and encouraging curiosity. Can also be used without internet!
Pok Pok | Award-winning, Montessori-inspired app for creative kids
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Lex Davis profile picture
A fun, different way to learn math. This is great for visual learners like my children. Honestly, they’re probably going to be better at math than me.
Monster Math
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Lex Davis profile picture
If you purchase an Osmo for your iPad/Tablet, they have a lot of fun, interactive apps. The Reading Adventure comes with a wand so you point at the word you’re reading, the ABCs app uses silicone sticks and rings so the kids can form shapes and lette...
Osmo | Play Beyond The Screen
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Articles

If you're on the fence with using learning apps and/or want to know the good and the bad of using these apps, read through these articles.

 
Lex Davis profile picture
There's always going to be pros and cons to everything. You decide what's best for you and your family.
Pros and Cons of Educational Apps for Toddlers
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Lex Davis profile picture
As this article mentions, finding the right balance between tradition and technology is key.
Learning Apps: Are They Good For Your Child's Education?
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Lex Davis profile picture
I'm okay with educational screen time for the young ones, with supervision and limits, of course.
Educational apps can benefit young children, study finds
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