With 75% of kids under age 8 using mobile devices and spending more than 2 hours a day looking at mobile screens, it’s a safe bet to assume your kids are using mobile devices. While it’s important to remember that parents should monitor their kid’s screen time, we also know that mobile apps can be helpful. They can teach kids, and they can give kids something safe to play while their parents are busy with other parenting duties like cooking dinner.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best learning apps for kids, as well as the most popular (and safe) game apps for kids, so you can place a mobile device in your kid’s hands without fear.
Best Learning Apps for Kids
Let’s begin with apps that are designed with education at the forefront.
Duolingo This is one of the most popular and well-respected language learning apps for people of all ages – including children.
Ages: 10+
Cost: free, optional ad-free Duolingo Plus is $6.99/month
BrainPOP – This app is a favorite of teachers because it uses fun movies and quizzes to teach students a wide variety of topics.
Ages: 6-9
Cost: free, optional subscription is $6.99/month
PBS Kids Games – This PBS app is stuffed full of your child’s favorite PBS characters and offers tons of fun, free learning games.
Ages: 2-7
Cost: free
Get it for iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
Kodable – This is an introductory programming app for kids ages 4 – 10. It teaches coding basics and offers gamification.
Ages: 4-10
Cost: free
Get it for iOS
Habitat the Game – Kids work to keep their animals alive while learning about climate change and water conservation.
Ages: 4+
Cost: free
Get it for iOS
Best Game Apps for Kids
In addition to the wealth of free educational apps for kids, there are several outstanding free online games for kids that are safe and fun. Below, we are highlighting various types of free online game apps for kids.
Best Free Puzzle Games for Kids
The best puzzle games are ones that make kids think without realizing it.
Flow Free – This is a very popular puzzle game that everyone loves where one has to connect the matching colored dots without allowing the colored lines to overlap. It is a logic game that kids can play safely.
Ages: 3+
Cost: Free
Get it for iOS, Android, Amazon App Store, Microsoft Store
Wordscapes – This app is quickly becoming more and more popular. It is a puzzle game where users are presented a set of letters, and users have to create words using them.
Ages: 6+
Cost: Free
Best Free Minecraft Games for Kids
If your child is obsessed with Minecraft, then introduce your young person to these similar free options.
Box Island – This is an award-winning app that teaches kids basic coding skills. It also stands out because it is gender-neutral and culturally friendly. We like this app so much that we also featured it in GoKid’s Top 10 Apps For Kids 8-12 In 2019!
Ages: 9-12
Cost: $1 for Android, free in iOS
Get it for iOS
Hovercraft: Build Fly Retry – This app provides another way kids can use their Minecraft thinking skills by designing and building vehicles and then racing them.
Ages: 7+
Cost: Free
Best Free Car Games for Kids
Today’s technology has made it easy for kids to play car racing games without a gaming station.
Mario Kart Tour – The well-known and well-loved Mario Kart game has now been designed for mobile apps, which you can download for free (you do need a Nintendo account).
Ages: 3+
Cost: Free
Asphalt 9: Legends – This is the highest-rated car racing game in the app stores. It looks amazing and provides the same level of game experience on a mobile device as if you were playing on a game system.
Ages: 3+
Cost: Free
Best Free Maze Games for Kids
Kids love to test their skills with maze games.
Mazes and More – This app includes a huge collection of mazes that get more difficult as you progress through the various labyrinths.
Ages: 3+
Cost: Free, In-app purchases
Best Free Arcade Games for Kids
Sometimes, kids just need to play something silly and fun. These game apps fit the bill.
Rolling Sky – This app involves moving a ball and avoiding obstacles. For what sounds very basic, it is tons of fun and addictive.
Ages: 8+
Cost: Free
Get it for iOS
PinOut! – For fans of pinball, this is a mobile version of the classic game. Plus, it’s safe for kids.
Ages: 3+
Cost: Free, in-app purchases
Tape It Up – This is a fun, unique arcade-style mobile app where users have seal packages with whatever is offered – tape, bacon, or something else strange.
Ages: 3+
Cost: Free
Get it for iOS
