Are you looking for the best apps for toddlers? We’ve got you covered.
[Company name] has compiled the best apps for toddlers with your busy life in mind, so you can always find the right app when you need it. Whether you’re on a road trip or just trying to get through the day, these are some of our favorites.
Toddlers are a lot of work! They’re constantly curious about everything around them, and they want to learn about everything in their world—even if it means doing something dangerous like putting a fork into an outlet or climbing onto the roof of your house. They’re also easily distracted by what’s happening around them, so it can be difficult to keep their attention focused on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. By using these apps with your toddler, however, you’ll be able to keep them engaged and happy while still getting things done around the house or running errands with them in tow.
Best Apps For Toddlers 2019
It can be challenging to keep kids appropriately occupied sometimes, especially when school is out. Today’s kids are spending a good chunk of their days on tablets, phones and other electronic devices and finding apps that provide kid-friendly, developmental content in bite-sizes pieces can be difficult. Using screen time to help supplement their education can be beneficial and fun, especially since many educational apps include games to make learning more exciting.
Our experts work together with our consumer panel to test the best children’s apps out there based on ease of use, engagement, price point and tech pitfalls. We’ve reviewed dozens of apps to bring you our favorites. These are the best of the best for engaging, entertaining and educational content to help support and aid gaps while keeping your kids entertained, whether they’re in pre-school or high school. Grab your charger (or portable battery) and download the best apps for kids in 2022:
Our top picks
Best Overall Educational App for Kids: ABCmouse.com
Best Educational App for All Ages: Khan Academy
Best Educational App for Reading: Epic!
Best Educational App for Kids in Preschool: Nick Jr.
Best Educational App for Kids in Elementary School: Quick Math Jr.
Best Educational App for Kids in High School: Duolingo
Best Educational App for Kids Learning the Alphabet: Starfall ABCs
Best Educational App for Multiple Kids: Homer Learn & Grow
Best Educational Video App for Kids: Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week
Best Educational App for Coding Kids: Swift Playgrounds
Best Educational App for Learning Piano: Simply Piano
Best Overall App for Kids: ABCmouse.com
best apps for kids abcmousecom
ABC MOUSE
This pick is an overwhelming favorite among all of our testers. ABCmouse.com is available both as an app and a website. It uses fun storyline-based videos, quizzes, and activities — there’s even a virtual map outlining your child’s learning path to keep kids and toddlers engaged. Our parent testers said they loved ABCmouse.com even before we started testing the best apps for kids!
• Ages: 2-8
• Cost: One-month free trial, then $10/month subscription
• Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
RELATED: The Best Toddler Apps That Teach Letters, Colors, Shapes, and Numbers
Best for All Ages: Khan Academy
best apps for kids
KHAN ACADEMY
Teachers, parents, and kids are all a fan of the Khan Academy app that features thousands of free resources on everything from early math to art history. From preschool to high school, children of all ages can enjoy and learn on this non-profit’s platform. All of its programming is entirely free, so you don’t have to worry about subscription fees. Parents of our testers say that the videos helped each kid learn at their own pace. For those with kids under 4, check out their child-friendly counterpart, Khan Academy Kids on iOS or Android, which features a lot of the great elements of the older app at an age appropriate level.
• Ages: 4+
• Cost: Free
• Get it for: iOS or Android
Best Reading App for Kids: Epic!
Best Apps for Kids- Epic!
EPIC!
Epic! is an app for kids with an e-book library that contains over 35,000 children’s books (and it includes a read-to-me feature for little ones who are still learning to read). One of our parent testers says it’s “a great app to have when the kids want screen time, but you don’t!” This app is a perfect way to take reading wherever your device goes, and it’s great for families with kids of various ages.
• Ages: 2-12
• Cost: one-month free trial, then $8/month
• Get it for: iOS or Android
Best App for Kids in Preschool: Nick Jr.
Best Apps for Kids- Nick Jr.
NICK JR.
Nick Jr.’s app offers parents the chance to let their kids enjoy their favorite shows on the go — no TV required! The app has videos from all of Nick Jr.’s shows and a collection of games (both educational and not-so educational) based on Nick Jr. shows that feature your kids’ favorite characters.
To unlock some parts of the app, you’ll need to enter your cable provider’s information. Even without it, your kid will still be able to use the features they’ll be most excited about: full episodes and lots of games!
• Ages: 2-7
• Cost: free, some content requires cable provider information
• Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
Best App for Kids in Elementary School: Quick Math Jr.
Best Apps for Kids- Quick Math Jr.
QUICK MATH
Kids know that math can be boring, but this app transforms numbers into something more creative and interactive. Quick Math Jr. is an app for kids with 12 different math games that feature fundamental math skills and concepts. It has unique graphics and buildable characters to keep kids engaged, and all answers are handwritten or drawn on the screen so kids can also practice handwriting.
• Ages: 4-8
• Cost: Free
• Get it for: iOS
Best App for Kids in High School: Duolingo
Best Apps for Kids- Duolingo
DUOLINGO
The Duolingo Owl (the app’s mascot and icon) has been popping up as a meme all over social media in recent months, so chances are your high schooler knows what Duolingo is. Encourage them to take it one step further and download the app so they can learn a different language.
They can practice through audio, word identification, and oral exercises for over 30 languages — it’s a great way for your child to keep their language-learning skills sharp over the summer. P.S.: Parents can use this app, too!
• Ages: 10+
• Cost: Free, optional ad-free Duolingo Plus is $6.99/month
• Get it for: iOS or Android
Best App for Kids Learning the Alphabet: Starfall ABCs
Best Apps for Kids- Starfall ABCs
STARFALL ABC
This app gives kids a fun, animated introduction to learning letters, vowels, and words. It also includes the sign language alphabet. If you upgrade to the paid version of Starfall ABCs, you’ll get some extra perks like lessons on math and social skills — but the free version is still pretty impressive!
• Ages: 2-5
• Cost: Free, option to upgrade for $35/year
• Get it for: iOS or Android
Best App for Multiple Kids: Homer Learn & Grow
best app for multiple kids homer learn grow
HOMER
Homer Learn & Grow is great for families with lots of littles, since you can add up to four kid profiles on your account and not have to worry about messing up your customization. Testers love how personalized the learning experience is — while onboarding, you’ll fill out a series of questions about your child’s task performance skills. They also enjoy the cool features like the “record your voice” option in phonics. Kids get to learn thoughtfully about numbers, letters and social skills. Note, the free trial can be difficult to cancel if you’re not interested in paying for the subscription.
• Ages: 2-8
• Cost: $7.99/month
• Get it for: iOS or Android
Best Video App for Kids: Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week
Best Apps for Kids- Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week
BRAIN POP JR.
For 20 years, Brainpop has been providing kids all over the world with in-depth, yet easy to understand educational videos on everything ranging from Mozart to food allergies. Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week is an app that gives younger kids access to these videos, plus short quizzes on them.
You’ll need a subscription to access to the full library of videos, but the free version still gets you the movie of the week, plus more free videos on internet safety, bullying and other subjects. Brainpop also has a version for older kids too!
• Ages: 6-9
• Cost: Free, optional subscription is $6.99/month
• Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
Best Kids’ App for Coding: Swift Playgrounds
best apps for kids swift playgrounds
SWIFT PLAYGROUND
Swift Playgrounds is an app for older kids (and adults!) that was created by Apple to introduce people to the coding language that app developers across the globe use. In the app, you can learn the basics of coding language through puzzles, targeted lessons and dynamic visuals. The app is gorgeous to look at and fun to play, but it works best on iPads.
• Ages: 9+
• Cost: Free
• Get it for: iOS
Best App for Learning Piano: Simply Piano
best learning apps simply piano
SIMPLY PIANO
Whether you’re a novice pianist or someone who wants to brush up on lost skills, Simply Piano is a fun, interactive way to learn the piano. All of our testers found that the app helped them learn piano and found it to be a motivating, enjoyable way to learn to play. One tester lauded the program saying she “loved its accessibility and simplistic nature of the lessons.” Another noted her appreciation for the highly guided program, providing the discipline and accountability she needed.
• Ages: 4+
• Cost: Free week trial, $120/year
• Get it for: iOS or Android
How we test educational apps
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The technology and parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute know very well just how dizzying it can be to figure out which kids’ apps are worth downloading and buying (and which are safe and truly kid-friendly) — which is why we tested to find the best ones on the market.
We consulted our consumer panel made up of real parents and their children to whittle down the field to the apps that are age-appropriate, easy to use, informative and fun. Our experts evaluate each app to see how easy it is for children to use independently, how engaging the content is, whether or not it’s worth its price, how long and effectively it can keep children interested, any tech pitfalls and whether it aids children’s development in the ways it indicates.
What to look for in the best educational apps for your kids
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✔️ Safety: It’s important to protect your personal information and avoid getting scammed.Consider how much information the is app requesting from you and if the app requests additional verification when you log in. Aside from personal safety, is the app even safe to download? Check out the number of times the app has been downloaded, the rating, reviews and look over the permissions list as well as the app description before hitting download. We evaluated each of the apps we’ve recommended for safety to help alleviate concerns for you, your family and your devices.
✔️ Features: Consider what you are hoping to get out of this app: Are you just looking for something that will play fun videos or do you want your little one to be able to engage in educational learning games? Some apps offer personalized learning plans that let you check your progress as you move forward, while others are just for one-off entertainment. Depending on what subject you’re hoping for your child to master and how your child learns best, keep an eye out for the extra features of each app to ensure that they’re the right fit for your family.
✔️ Ease of use: One of the best parts about learning apps is the ability for your child to navigate them on their own. Not only will this help them develop their independence and strengthen their problem-solving skills, but will give you a much needed break while they’re entertained. Make sure the app is intuitive enough for them to handle on their own.
✔️ Age: Make sure your picks are age appropriate for your little one. They are sure to be frustrated and upset if you accidentally put them in 7th grade math while they’re only 8! To get the most benefit out of each app experience, make sure that they’re not learning at too low or too high of a level.
✔️ Price: Many of our favorite picks are free, but a few of the more specialized apps feature paid upgrades or monthly subscriptions with access to all of their unlimited games and videos. Consider how much you’re willing to shell out on apps on a regular basis — if your kids are learning and entertained, it may be worth the splurge!
✔️ Engagement: Keeping your child entertained and engaged is one of the most important aspects of a good app. If your kid isn’t excited to hop on and spend time learning new things, watching videos or playing the app’s games, then it doesn’t matter how helpful the app is if they can’t even be bothered to log in.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
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The Good Housekeeping Institute provides expert reviews and advice on everything a parent and their kids needs, including educational apps. The testing for this article was overseen by Rachel Rothman, the GH Institute’s Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about parenting products. Plus, as a mom to three kids under 5, she has plenty of first-hand experience.
In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping, as well as BuzzFeed; she has also covered parenting at People.
best educational apps for toddlers
There are times when handing your child a tablet or a phone is necessary, even if it’s just for a moment of quiet or to check out our 10 best learning apps for toddlers.
Ideally, we would have endless patience and would never need to know what the best learning apps for toddlers are.
But the world is less than ideal and loading your phone or tablet with top-rated educational apps for toddlers can make you feel a little bit less guilty when you hand them a screen.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
10 best learning apps for toddlers
- ABC Mouse
ABC Mouse (Google Play / Apple) is a great casual out for toddlers that cover so many things from colors shapes numbers and can help your child get ready for preschool.
Children can choose between playing on their learning path which is a continuous set of lessons that slowly get progressively more difficult, or they can choose to play with their pets, decorating their room, or trying on virtual outfits.
Plus the songs on there are really catchy.
Because of the variety that’s offered on this app, it is my number one choice.
learning apps for toddlers
- Bugs and Buttons
I never thought I’d find myself describing bugs as cute but Bugs and Buttons (Google Play / Apple) is an adorable learning app for toddlers and preschoolers.
The app teaches things like sorting, colors, counting, and even spatial reasoning with mazes.
It was the first and one of the only apps that I’ve ever paid for my kids. And I have never regretted it.
This app grows with kids through preschool and kindergarten.
- Duck Duck Moose apps by Khan Academy
This is not just one out but several apps, they are all free and they are associated with one of the premier learning sites out there.
I want to share with you my top three.
Fairy Princess Tale Maker
Kids can practice their storytelling and making their own Fairy Princess Tales.
They can choose backgrounds, characters and even record their voice and tell their own stories.
There are characters from many different classic fairy tales including Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Little Mermaid.
Peek-A-Zoo
In this game not only do kids learn the names of animals but they also work on identifying emotions, actions, position words, and activities.
I love this game because of how it works on emotional awareness by asking children to link actions like crying to emotions like sadness.
I think it is a great tool to help children with empathy.
Puzzle Pop
This great app has 27 levels of puzzles that have fun animals that kids will recognize from the Peek-A-Zoo game.
Different levels of puzzles have different puzzle configurations so the challenge is constantly changing.
This puzzle game grows with your child and will continue to challenge them and excite them.
- PBS Kids Games App
Your kids can play with their favorite PBS characters through games that help their early education.
The PBS Kids Game app (Google Play / Apple) is a collection of games from your favorite PBS characters like Daniel Tiger, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Curious George.
There are plenty of learning games for toddlers with games made for children between the ages of 2 and 8 years old.
- Goodness Shapes by Little 10 Robot
This app is another homerun for Little 10 Robot (Apple). Little 10 Robot has a multitude of learning games for kids from toddlers through early elementary.
In this game, shapes with adorable faces take your child through 12 games that help them learn sorting, matching, colors, and shapes.
I love this preschool app for early math and pre-reading skills.
- GoNoodle Game
GoNoodle (Google Play / Apple) it’s a free app that gets your kids moving, making it a win-win.
Using your tablet or phone’s camera children look like they are inside the game.
This game works better on a bigger screen like a tablet.
It allows your child to interact with a game using their body with games like Bubble Pop, Soccer, Flower Power, Space Race, and Rock and Roll.
Learning apps
- Baby Games App
Baby Games (Google Play) is a free app where the youngest toddlers can play easy games like playing with virtual instruments and fireworks and even popping balloons.
And even though it’s free, it contains no ads ever.
Games include First Words, Music Room, Pop n Play, Fireworks, and Baby Phone.
Children learn things like animal sounds, nursery rhymes, and musical notes.
It’s a low frustration game for even the youngest toddlers.
- LEGO Duplo World App
In this app (Google Play / Apple), your kids’ favorite toy Legos can be taken anywhere.
This award-winning educational app for toddlers kids gets to build 3-D structures and explore the Lego world.
With plenty of open-ended play experiences, your child will never be bored with this game.
This game includes activities like the Number Train (numbers and counting), Airplane Adventures (sort luggage and travel to new places), Fun Food (puzzle solving), Construction Site (cause and effect), Play House (social-emotional learning), Under the Sea (nature) and several more.
- Toca Boca Apps
This extremely popular set of apps from Toca Boca have several learning apps to play. Toddlers can do things like hair styling, taking care of sick pets, grow plants, and experiment with science.
For toddlers, you may choose a role-playing app game from Toca Hair Salon 4 or Toca Doctor HD. But the options in the Toca Boca apps are nearly endless.
The Toca Boca brand grows along with your child with an ever-expanding selection of educational apps for toddlers, preschoolers, and children.
- Busy Shapes 2
If you need a game your toddler can play without Wi-Fi, for instance, if you’re going on a flight or a long trip where dead zones a rampant, the Busy Shapes 2 (Apple) is the game for you.
In an online version of the classic game of putting shapes in the corresponding hole, your toddler learns shapes and spatial reasoning skills.
The shapes are made of fruit. The levels become more challenging as you play with having to navigate platforms to get your fruit in its correct shape hole.
Most doctors and researchers recommend toddlers under 18 months get no screen time but children over 18 months old can benefit from using quality educational apps designed for toddlers for up to an hour a day.
Allowing your child to play these learning apps designed for toddlers for more than an hour a day can help parents have some time to handle things like cooking dinner or starting a load of laundry.
Choosing an educational app for toddlers can help alleviate your parenting guilt when you need to give them some screen time.
All of these options are great quality educational apps that teach your toddler skills they will need moving into preschool and kindergarten.
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