Jessica Chenoweth 
Let’s be honest: getting kids excited about learning isn’t always easy. But hand them a tablet or phone and suddenly they’re all ears! The good news is that screen time doesn’t have to be just entertainment. There are plenty of educational apps that can help kids practice reading, math, science, creativity and problem-solving while keeping them engaged.
Whether you’re looking for something to keep the kids busy on a road trip, reinforce what they’re learning at school or sneak a little education into summer screen time, here are 10 educational apps for kids worth checking out.
1. Khan Academy Kids
If you’re looking for a great all-around learning app for younger kids, Khan Academy Kids is a fantastic place to start. Designed for children ages 2–8, it includes activities covering early reading, writing, math, social-emotional skills and more.
The colorful characters and interactive activities make it feel more like a game than a lesson, and parents can track their child’s progress along the way.
Best for: Preschool and early elementary learning
2. ABCmouse
ABCmouse has been a popular choice for parents looking for structured educational activities for young children. The app offers thousands of activities covering reading, math, science, art and music.
Kids can work through different learning paths at their own pace, making it a good option for both preschoolers and early elementary students.
Best for: Ages 2–8 and families looking for a structured curriculum
3. Duolingo ABC
Want to help your little one become a better reader? Duolingo ABC focuses on early literacy with bite-sized lessons that teach letters, phonics, spelling and reading skills.
The activities are short and interactive, which can be especially helpful for kids who aren’t quite ready to sit through a traditional lesson.
Best for: Early readers and preschoolers
4. Prodigy Math
For kids who love video games, Prodigy Math can make practicing math feel like an adventure. Children create a character and explore a fantasy world while answering math questions along the way.
The content adapts to different skill levels, so kids can practice concepts appropriate for their grade.
Best for: Elementary and middle-school math practice
5. Epic
Epic is essentially a digital library designed specifically for kids. It offers thousands of children’s books, audiobooks, learning videos and interactive reading experiences.
It can be a particularly handy app for encouraging kids to read during school breaks—or when you’re trying to convince them to read anything instead of playing another video game.
Best for: Kids who love books and reluctant readers
6. ScratchJr
Ready to introduce your child to coding? ScratchJr lets young children create their own interactive stories and games using simple programming blocks.
Instead of typing complicated code, kids snap colorful blocks together to make characters move, jump, talk and interact.
Best for: Young kids interested in coding and technology
7. NASA
For the kid who constantly asks, “Why?” the NASA app can open up an entire universe of learning. Kids can explore space, learn about NASA missions, see images from space and discover more about planets, stars and spacecraft.
It’s a great way to turn their fascination with space into an educational adventure.
Best for: Space lovers and budding scientists
8. PBS KIDS Games
PBS KIDS Games combines familiar characters with educational games designed around skills like math, science, reading and problem-solving.
Kids can learn alongside favorites from shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Wild Kratts and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!
Best for: Preschool and elementary-aged kids
9. BrainPOP
BrainPOP turns school subjects into short, engaging lessons with animated videos, quizzes and interactive activities. Kids can explore everything from science and social studies to English, math, health and technology.
It’s especially useful when your child comes home from school saying, “I don’t understand this,” and you’re suddenly expected to remember everything you learned in fifth grade.
Best for: Elementary and middle-school students
10. Toca Boca
Okay, technically Toca Boca isn’t a traditional educational app—and that’s exactly why we’re including it. The apps encourage creativity, storytelling, exploration and imaginative play.
Kids can create characters, build stories and experiment with different environments without necessarily realizing they’re developing problem-solving and creative-thinking skills.
Best for: Creative kids who love open-ended play
A Little Screen Time Can Go a Long Way
Educational apps can be a great tool, but they don’t have to replace books, outdoor play, crafts or good old-fashioned family time. The trick is finding apps that fit your child’s age, interests and learning style—and setting reasonable boundaries around screen time.
And remember: educational doesn’t automatically mean better in unlimited quantities. Even the most educational app is best balanced with plenty of time away from the screen.
So the next time your kids ask for some tablet time, try swapping a few minutes of mindless scrolling for one of these apps. They might just have so much fun learning that they forget they’re learning at all!
