Top 10 Child-Friendly Apps That Actually Teach Something
As a parent, it can be challenging to find quality educational content for your child that is both enjoyable and engaging. With the rise of mobile devices, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless array of apps available for download. However, not all apps are created equal, and many may be little more than time-wasters or even downright detrimental to your child’s development.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 child-friendly apps that actually teach something valuable. From math and reading to science and art, these apps will provide your child with a well-rounded education that will set them up for success in the years to come.
1. Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy Kids is a free app that offers a comprehensive curriculum for children aged 2-12. The app covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, social-emotional learning, and language arts. With interactive games, puzzles, and activities, kids can learn at their own pace and in a fun and engaging way.
One of the standout features of Khan Academy Kids is its ability to adapt to your child’s learning style and needs. The app uses AI to tailor its content to your child’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that they are always challenged and motivated to learn.
Age range: 2-12
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that has been downloaded over 300 million times worldwide. While not exclusively designed for children, Duolingo Junior offers a range of fun and interactive language lessons for kids aged 2-12.
With Duolingo Junior, kids can learn the basics of a new language through games, quizzes, and interactive exercises. The app also offers a range of interactive animations and videos to help kids stay engaged and motivated.
Age range: 2-12
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Free
3. Prodigy
Prodigy is a free online math game that offers a comprehensive curriculum for children aged 5-12. The app uses a unique combination of math games, puzzles, and interactive exercises to help kids develop their problem-solving skills and build their math confidence.
Prodigy also offers a range of customizable features, including a virtual classroom, a library, and a mentor system. This makes it an excellent choice for teachers and parents who want to integrate math into their child’s learning routine.
Age range: 5-12
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Cost: Free
4. Reading A-Z
Reading A-Z is a popular reading app that offers a vast library of interactive e-books, quizzes, and games for children aged 3-18. With over 10,000 titles to choose from, kids can explore different genres, topics, and reading levels to find their perfect fit.
The app also offers a range of features to help parents and teachers track their child’s reading progress and identify areas for improvement. This includes reading comprehension quizzes, vocabulary tests, and personalized book recommendations.
Age range: 3-18
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Subscription-based (starts at $9.95/month)
5. Tynker
Tynker is a coding app that offers a range of interactive courses and games for kids aged 4-14. The app uses a visual interface to teach kids the basics of programming, from block-based coding to text-based languages like Python and JavaScript.
With Tynker, kids can build their problem-solving skills, develop their creativity, and learn the fundamentals of computer science. The app also offers a range of features to help parents and teachers track their child’s progress and provide real-time feedback.
Age range: 4-14
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Subscription-based (starts at $7.99/month)
6. National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids is a popular science and nature app that offers a range of interactive games, quizzes, and videos for kids aged 6-16. With topics ranging from dinosaurs to space exploration, kids can explore the natural world and develop their scientific curiosity.
The app also includes a range of features, such as an interactive map of the world, a wildlife tracker, and a science lab where kids can conduct virtual experiments.
Age range: 6-16
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
7. ABCmouse
ABCmouse is a popular learning app that offers a comprehensive curriculum for children aged 2-8. The app covers a range of subjects, including math, reading, science, and art, as well as interactive games and activities to keep kids engaged and motivated.
One of the standout features of ABCmouse is its ability to adapt to your child’s learning style and needs. The app uses AI to tailor its content to your child’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that they are always challenged and motivated to learn.
Age range: 2-8
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Subscription-based (starts at $9.95/month)
8. Science Bob
Science Bob is a fun and interactive science app that offers a range of experiments, quizzes, and games for kids aged 5-12. With topics ranging from chemistry to physics, kids can explore the science of everyday life and develop their critical thinking skills.
The app also includes a range of features, such as an interactive periodic table, a science dictionary, and a lab guide where kids can conduct virtual experiments.
Age range: 5-12
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
9. Kibin
Kibin is a popular writing app that offers a range of interactive lessons and exercises for kids aged 6-14. The app helps kids develop their writing skills, from grammar and spelling to essay writing and storytelling.
One of the standout features of Kibin is its ability to provide real-time feedback and grading on your child’s writing. The app also includes a range of interactive games and activities to keep kids engaged and motivated.
Age range: 6-14
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Subscription-based (starts at $9.99/month)
10. Smithsonian Tween Tribune
Smithsonian Tween Tribune is a news app that offers a range of interactive articles and quizzes for kids aged 8-14. The app helps kids develop their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills by covering a range of topics, from science and history to politics and current events.
Age range: 8-14
Platforms: iOS, Android
Cost: Free (with in-app purchases)
Conclusion:
Choosing the right educational app for your child can be overwhelming, but with this list of top 10 child-friendly apps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect tool for teaching them valuable skills and knowledge. Whether your child is learning math, reading, science, or coding, there’s an app here that’s sure to engage and motivate them.
Before making a final decision, consider the age range, platforms, and cost of each app. Also, be sure to read reviews and feedback from other parents and teachers to get a sense of which apps are most effective and fun.
By investing in your child’s education with these child-friendly apps, you’ll be giving them the tools they need to succeed in the years to come.
Recommended Age Ranges for the apps:
- Khan Academy Kids – 2-12 years
- Duolingo Junior – 2-12 years
- Prodigy – 5-12 years
- Reading A-Z – 3-18 years
- Tynker – 4-14 years
- National Geographic Kids – 6-16 years
- ABCmouse – 2-8 years
- Science Bob – 5-12 years
- Kibin – 6-14 years
- Smithsonian Tween Tribune – 8-14 years
Recommended Platforms for the apps:
- Khan Academy Kids – iOS, Android
- Duolingo Junior – iOS, Android
- Prodigy – Web, iOS, Android
- Reading A-Z – iOS, Android
- Tynker – iOS, Android
- National Geographic Kids – iOS, Android
- ABCmouse – iOS, Android
- Science Bob – iOS, Android
- Kibin – iOS, Android
- Smithsonian Tween Tribune – iOS, Android
Recommended Costs for the apps:
- Khan Academy Kids – Free
- Duolingo Junior – Free
- Prodigy – Free
- Reading A-Z – Subscription-based (starts at $9.95/month)
- Tynker – Subscription-based (starts at $7.99/month)
- National Geographic Kids – Free (with in-app purchases)
- ABCmouse – Subscription-based (starts at $9.95/month)
- Science Bob – Free (with in-app purchases)
- Kibin – Subscription-based (starts at $9.99/month)
- Smithsonian Tween Tribune – Free (with in-app purchases)