Apple’s iPad is a great tool for parents of young children. The iPad can be used to do everything from watch movies on long road trips to play educational games at home.
There are tons of apps available for preschoolers in the App Store and it can be difficult to know which ones are best. This list of the best apps for preschoolers aims to help you find some gems that will be both fun and educational for your child.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Preschoolers Ipad
Apps for preschoolers can open up a world of possibilities and fun (not to mention keep them occupied in waiting rooms, traffic jams, and long lines). But how do you decide which apps to download? Our reviews will guide you toward the best apps out there so you don’t waste your time on the stinkers. These quality educational preschool apps teach the ABCs, 123s, colors, shapes, and generally offer experiences that kids can’t easily have offscreen. Remember: Getting your little ones to use them is easy, but getting them to stop might be a challenge. And playing with them or helping them make connections offscreen will help the experience be more educational. Check out our app tips for more advice.
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Fabulous – Cuentos y Cantos Poster Image
APP
Fabulous – Cuentos y Cantos
age 2+
Delightful stories and tools in Spanish help social growth.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2020)
Hungry Caterpillar Play School Poster Image
APP
Hungry Caterpillar Play School
age 2+
Engaging learning games, parent tips via subscription.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2018)
ReadAskChat for Children 0-6 Poster Image
APP
ReadAskChat for Children 0-6
age 2+
Simple stories, convo starters for parents to use with kids.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)
AlphaTots Poster Image
APP
AlphaTots
age 3+
“E” is for an excellent educational app.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook HD (2011)
Another Monster at the End of This Book…Starring Grover & Elmo! Poster Image
APP
Another Monster at the End of This Book…Starring Grover & Elmo!
age 3+
Great sequel keeps the spirit of the original book and app.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Kindle Fire (2011)
Artie’s World Poster Image
APP
Artie’s World
age 3+
Connect-the-dot drawing fun; free content limited.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2016)
Beck and Bo Poster Image
APP
Beck and Bo
age 3+
Beautiful discovery app combines logic and creativity.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Busy Shapes & Colors Poster Image
APP
Busy Shapes & Colors
age 3+
Smart sorting series adds colorful layer.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)
Canticos Bilingual Preschool Poster Image
APP
Canticos Bilingual Preschool
age 3+
Games, sing-alongs, and books promote bilingual learning.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2020)
Daniel Tiger’s Day and Night Poster Image
APP
Daniel Tiger’s Day and Night
age 3+
Friendly tiger helps kids with morning, evening routines.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2013)
Daniel Tiger for Parents Poster Image
APP
Daniel Tiger for Parents
age 3+
Grr-ific songs and videos in two languages.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)
Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings Poster Image
APP
Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings
age 3+
Express feelings in safe, healthy ways with Daniel’s lead.
Devices: iPad, Kindle Fire (2014)
Daniel Tiger’s Storybooks Poster Image
APP
Daniel Tiger’s Storybooks
age 3+
Learn little life lessons with beloved friends.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2017)
DRAWNIMAL by YATATOY Poster Image
APP
DRAWNIMAL by YATATOY
age 3+
Innovative combo of paper, app, and ABCs.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2014)
Dr. Panda & Toto’s Treehouse Poster Image
APP
Dr. Panda & Toto’s Treehouse
age 3+
Delightful tree house feels like a kid’s dream house.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2014)
Duolingo ABC – Learn to Read Poster Image
APP
Duolingo ABC – Learn to Read
age 3+
Enjoyable drills thoroughly cover ABC basics, step by step.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2020)
Elmo Loves ABCs Poster Image
APP
Elmo Loves ABCs
age 3+
Learn the alphabet with tracing, puzzles, videos, and songs.
Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2011)
Endless Alphabet Poster Image
APP
Endless Alphabet
age 3+
Cute ABC and vocab app will appeal to a wide range of ages.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows app (2014)
Fiete – A day on a farm Poster Image
APP
Fiete – A day on a farm
age 3+
Adorable day-in-the-life teaches importance of daily tasks.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2014)
Grandma’s Preschool Poster Image
APP
Grandma’s Preschool
age 3+
Explore cute classroom for basic intro to preschool themes.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2015)
Highlights Monster Day: Play at Home Game for My Preschooler Poster Image
APP
Highlights Monster Day: Play at Home Game for My Preschooler
age 3+
Preschoolers help cute monsters navigate their day.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2016)
Khan Academy Kids Poster Image
APP
Khan Academy Kids
age 3+
Creative early-learning activities engage and inspire.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2021)
Kidomi Poster Image
APP
Kidomi
age 3+
Great curated content, parent controls; flawed navigation.
Devices: Android (2018)
LeapFrog Academy Learning Poster Image
APP
LeapFrog Academy Learning
age 3+
Excellent educational content from trusted source.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Kindle Fire (2019)
Metamorphabet Poster Image
APP
Metamorphabet
age 3+
Learn letters and words through amazing animations.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2015)
Monty’s Backyard Adventure Poster Image
APP
Monty’s Backyard Adventure
age 3+
Darling dog game will delight tots as they learn.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2018)
Mother Goose Club Rhymes Poster Image
APP
Mother Goose Club Rhymes
age 3+
Quality, fee-based video library with books, games.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2018)
My PlayHome Poster Image
APP
My PlayHome
age 3+
Virtual dollhouse encourages creative play.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook HD, Windows app (2013)
PBS Kids Games Poster Image
APP
PBS Kids Games
age 3+
Free fun with familiar characters and learning games.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2018)
Peg + Cat Big Gig Poster Image
APP
Peg + Cat Big Gig
age 3+
Fun preschool app combines music, math, and creativity.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Nook HD (2014)
Peg + Cat: The Tree Problem Poster Image
APP
Peg + Cat: The Tree Problem
age 3+
Help Cat out of trees with spatial skills; expect smiles.
Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2015)
Peep Ciencias: Colores Poster Image
APP
Peep Ciencias: Colores
age 3+
Excellent tool for learning colors, co-use on and offscreen.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2018)
PBS KIDS Video Poster Image
APP
PBS KIDS Video
age 3+
TV show clips in easy-to-navigate app for young kids.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Picture Dots Poster Image
APP
Picture Dots
age 3+
Fun, free tool ignites curiosity, creativity, and STEAM.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2018)
Play and Learn Science Poster Image
APP
Play and Learn Science
age 3+
Preschoolers and parents explore science on- and offscreen.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2018)
Preschool Puzzle Town Poster Image
APP
Preschool Puzzle Town
age 3+
Delightful puzzles for preschool players.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)
Reading Eggs – Learn to Read Poster Image
APP
Reading Eggs – Learn to Read
age 3+
Comprehensive program covers fundamentals and much more.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2018)
Reading Raven Poster Image
APP
Reading Raven
age 3+
Learn-to-read games offer kids solid lessons at own pace.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2012)
Sago Mini School App: Product Image
APP
Sago Mini School
age 3+
Fun preschool games, light learning; subscription required.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2022)
Starfall ABCs Poster Image
APP
Starfall ABCs
age 3+
Animated alphabet app with fun pictures and sounds.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2021)
Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers HD Poster Image
APP
Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers HD
age 3+
Cheerful preschool math app covers wide range of skills.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Kindle Fire (2013)
Toca Band Poster Image
APP
Toca Band
age 3+
Super cute music app lets kids mix beats and sounds.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2013)
Toca Doctor Poster Image
APP
Toca Doctor
age 3+
Some bug-popping and blood appear in fun and silly puzzles.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2011)
World of Peppa Pig Poster Image
APP
World of Peppa Pig
age 3+
Fun, simple, supportive activity sampler for preschoolers.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2018)
Blaze and the Monster Machines Poster Image
APP
Blaze and the Monster Machines
age 4+
STEM concepts ride along with racing fun.
Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2015)
Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic Poster Image
APP
Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic
age 4+
Excellent interactive early phonics storybook.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2012)
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Poster Image
APP
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
age 4+
Adorable monster de-stresses kids with Sesame Street style.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2013)
Bugs and Numbers Poster Image
APP
Bugs and Numbers
age 4+
Engaging math games span preschool through early elementary.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2012)
The Cat in the Hat Builds That Poster Image
APP
The Cat in the Hat Builds That
age 4+
Upbeat feline offers fun STEM exploration on- and offscreen.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2018)
Dr. Panda’s Hospital Poster Image
APP
Dr. Panda’s Hospital
age 4+
Easy, intuitive app teaches young kids medical care basics.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Drawing Pad Poster Image
APP
Drawing Pad
age 4+
Great drawing app is a window to self-expression.
Devices: iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2010)
Epic! – Kids’ Books and Videos Poster Image
APP
Epic! – Kids’ Books and Videos
age 4+
Diverse, huge, searchable library of kids’ books, videos.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromebook (2020)
Fiete Math – for 1st grade and preschool Poster Image
APP
Fiete Math – for 1st grade and preschool
age 4+
Manipulate numbers with fun and ease; best in small doses.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2016)
Grow Forest Poster Image
APP
Grow Forest
age 4+
Fun, interactive forest encourages sustainability.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2017)
HOMER Learn & Grow Poster Image
APP
HOMER Learn & Grow
age 3+
Personalized early literacy program chock-full of choices.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2020)
Lucy & Pogo Poster Image
APP
Lucy & Pogo
age 4+
Sweet story teaches inclusion with charming art, activities.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2016)
MarcoPolo Ocean Poster Image
APP
MarcoPolo Ocean
age 4+
Preschoolers build, explore, and play in colorful ocean app.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2014)
MarcoPolo World School Poster Image
APP
MarcoPolo World School
age 4+
Learning dialogue makes STEAM videos and games special.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2018)
Montessori Preschool Poster Image
APP
Montessori Preschool
age 4+
Play mini-games for coins in multifaceted classroom.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2020)
More Trucks — by Duck Duck Moose Poster Image
APP
More Trucks — by Duck Duck Moose
age 4+
Kids make motion and action with trucks, cars, and more.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2013)
Noah’s Ark Animalibrium Poster Image
APP
Noah’s Ark Animalibrium
age 4+
Charming open-ended balancing act is fun, with limitations.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2019)
Peep Ciencias: Rampas Poster Image
APP
Peep Ciencias: Rampas
age 4+
Awesome tool to explore STEM concepts on- and offline.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2018)
Poio by Kahoot! Learn to Read Poster Image
APP
Poio by Kahoot! Learn to Read
age 4+
Solid learning content nestled in fun, game-based adventure.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2020)
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos Poster Image
APP
Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos
age 4+
Classic reborn as fee-based e-library with great selection.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Sparkle Stories Poster Image
APP
Sparkle Stories
age 4+
Soothing stories for kids who need calm.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2017)
Starfall Learn to Read Poster Image
APP
Starfall Learn to Read
age 4+
Great reading activities fit a range of skill levels.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Toca Kitchen Poster Image
APP
Toca Kitchen
age 4+
Imaginative cooking game with no rules is just right.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2011)
Toca Tailor Poster Image
APP
Toca Tailor
age 4+
Fashion design tool less girl-centric than similar apps.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2012)
Toca Tea Party Poster Image
APP
Toca Tea Party
age 4+
Transform iPad into a tea table with cute, imaginative app.
Devices: iPad (2013)
Toca Train Poster Image
APP
Toca Train
age 4+
Virtual train set for fun, discovery learning.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire (2012)
Tongo Music – for kids and families Poster Image
APP
Tongo Music – for kids and families
age 4+
Whimsical music wonderland inspires; interaction limited.
Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)
best free apps for 6 year olds
After a year of remote learning and maybe lots of (not-so-great screen time), high-quality, educational apps are a great way to satisfy your kid’s appetite for digital fun while closing learning gaps due to the pandemic. The costs can add up, though, so we rounded up some of our favorite free educational apps to serve up plenty of “sneaky learning” without breaking the bank. Some are even 100% free, offering full access for no cost at all.
We based choices on parent reviews and expert ratings (all 4+ stars) on Common Sense Media, research and current trends. A d you can find most of these in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Check out the best free learning apps for kids of every age and grade level below!
Best Free Learning Apps for Kids
Bedtime Math
Ages: 3+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
The Bedtime Math app delivers a new story-based math problem involving basics like addition and subtraction each night, making math a fun, nightly habit for you and your kid.
What we love:
Together you and your kid can bond over a simple, 2-minute ritual before bed. With math problems ranging from pre-K all the way to high school, the app grows with your child’s skills. And hey, you may get to brush up on your own math along the way!
Possible downsides:
Some may feel the word problems lack variety, and a few videos the app suggests referencing for expanded context into the stories can only be found on the web.
Best free learning apps for kids: Bedtime Math
Itsy Bitsy Spider by Duck Duck Moose
Ages: 3+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
This colorful, simple app introduces toddlers to phonics and rhythm through the classic nursery rhyme, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” The music is paired with zany graphics kids can click on as the song repeats. Each time it plays, the rhyme is a little different, providing plenty of variety for your little one.
What we love:
The app is infused with silly humor designed to get little ones giggling.
Possible downsides:
Kids might get tired of it after playing it through a few times.
Best free learning apps for kids: Itsy Bitsy Spider by Duck Duck Moose
Khan Academy Kids
Ages: 3+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
Khan Academy Kids feels like having your own digital preschool teacher! It has tons of different activities that are catered to your little one’s skill level so they can learn at their own pace. The app features a huge database of activities and educational games tailored to early learners. It focuses on diverse topics from math, phonics and executive function to creative expression and socio-emotional development.
With content focused on developing language and math skills, cognitive thinking, and social-emotional learning, Khan Academy has tons of value for your little one. The mini interactive games and activities are all introduced playfully with no disruptive ads.
What we love:
Parents can let their kids’ free play and give them opportunities to explore, experiment and even express themselves with drawing and narration games.
Possible downsides:
Some parents have reported that they have to reset their password every time they log in.
Khan Academy Kids
PBS Kids Games
Ages: 3+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
Shows like PBS have already been shown to improve cognitive, linguistic, and social outcomes for children three to five years of age, but research shows kids who consume PBS content in more interactive ways, such as in games, benefit even more. One of the best apps for preschoolers, it features the beloved PBS family of characters and offers more than two-dozen mini games based on PBS TV shows.
What we love:
This is another app that offers enough varied content to grow with your child. As an added bonus, kids will recognize their favorite PBS characters, from Daniel Tiger to Wild Kratts, only adding to the fun. It’s available on Kindle Fire on Amazon.
Possible downsides:
Some users feel the activities are too straightforwardly educational, with the fun factor taking a back seat. But for the most part kids seem to find it entertaining.
PBS Kids Games
Breathe, Think and Do with Sesame
Ages: 4+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
This modified meditation app from the iconic children’s program Sesame Street can teach your child to calm down, and cope with and work through feelings and everyday frustrations in a way that’s fun and engaging.
What we love:
While kids learn the skills and tools for dealing with emotions in any environment or situation, you can also track their progress and identify which challenges they need the most help with (anxiety, bedtime or taking turns, for example).
Possible downsides:
While great for toddlers and preschoolers, it may not appeal to children 5 years and older.
Best free learning apps for kids: Breathe, Think and Do with Sesame
Hopster Coding Safari for Kids
Ages: 4+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Hopster Coding Safari offers young children an awesome introduction to “pre-coding,” without needing any previous coding knowledge to get started. For instance, kids start out by using logic to place a bear in a cave through horizontal and vertical paths. The beauty of this app is that it can help your child learn basic coding logic with little to no reading skills.
What we love:
The app teaches coding basics using a fun, step-by-step approach, starting with the logic needed for learning problem-solving skills needed for when they’re ready to start diving into programming languages.
Possible downsides:
The interface can create the mistaken impression that users have lost all their progress when tapping on the link to reach the second level, which can be frustrating. It’s also only available on iOS.
Hopster Coding Safari for Kids
Toca Life World: Build Stories
Ages: 4+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
This beginner’s world-building app lets young kids build their very own stories. They begin by tapping on a location, like a post office or theater. Then they can add and create characters, customize their clothing, build their own buildings and move from location to location. Some locations even let kids record their voices and movements.
What we love:
The free version comes with eight locations, 39 characters and plenty of content to give your kid a good amount of interactive play.
Possible downsides:
While many fans of the app love that they can integrate other Toca Life apps and purchase more locations and characters to make the experience more exciting, some parents may not want the extra effort and expense.
Took After School teaches young kids about extra-curricular activities.
PBS KIDS ScratchJr
Ages: 6+
Available on iPad, Android
PBS Kids has teamed up with the MIT developers behind the Scratch programming language to introduce kindergarteners and 1st-graders to coding fundamentals. This fun story-making tool features popular PBS characters whose actions kids can direct using simple code blocks. The game also provides backdrops and story starters to get them creating their own custom scenes.
What we love:
The app focuses less on coding instruction and more on creativity and having fun.
Possible downsides:
Some feel the interface is on the busy side, and the myriad of choices may be overwhelming to some kids.
Best learning apps for kids: PBS Kids
BrainPOP Featured Movie
Ages: 8+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Microsoft
What if watching a movie every day were good for you? With this app, it definitely can be. Every day there’s a new, kid-focused educational video available on topics ranging from history to holidays and current events. And after each video, kids can apply their new knowledge with a quick, interactive quiz.
What we love:
There’s something new every day, which keeps kids coming back for more.
Possible downsides:
While the content isn’t offensive or scary, some of the movies and quizzes may be too advanced for some kids at this age.
Best free learning apps for kids: BrainPOP
Duolingo
Ages: 11+
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromebook
Bonjour! If your kids (and you) are interested in learning new languages, look no further. Duolingo is a leading language-learning program that helps older kids build skills and vocab in 35+ languages—including Spanish, French, Chinese, German and Italian. This fun, free app has helped millions of learners worldwide pick up new languages through learning games and flash cards. Whether your child wants to dabble in several or master just one, Duolingo is the perfect introduction.
What we love:
The app makes learning simple with an easy-to-grasp visual map. Many themes, immediate and gentle feedback, mini-lesson popups and hints keep kids motivated to maintain their progress.
Possible downsides:
Though the app is highly recommended by parents, the best way to master a language is through actual practice and conversation. Some vocab words also allude to themes parents could consider inappropriate (i.e. “wine”).
Best free learning apps for kids: Duolingo
Epic Basic
Ages: 12 & under
Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromebook
No list of kids’ learning apps is complete without Epic. Now introducing Epic Basic, which gives kids one free book a day, every day, with thousands of titles to choose from. And if your kid loves reading on Epic Basic, you can upgrade to Epic Unlimited to access our full library of 40,000+ books and videos. On average, kids read twice as many books after upgrading to Epic Unlimited.
What we love:
From books for little ones learning their ABCs to chapter books for older kids, every book is another opportunity for kids of all ages to become strong, confident readers.
Possible downsides:
Your kid may not want to stop reading. If you’re on board with that, you can always upgrade to Epic Unlimited.
Epic
That’s our list! We hope you check out some of these free learning apps for kids. For some of our other recommendations, check out our post: “Best Educational Apps for Kids” or for little ones, “Best Apps for Preschoolers.”
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