As education keeps shifting toward digital learning, parents are often left wondering which learning apps for kids are worth downloading and which ones are just fancy games in disguise. Children today grow up with screens around them all the time, and instead of fighting it, many parents try to use technology in a positive way. That is where well-designed learning apps can help. They give kids a space to explore maths, reading, creativity, problem-solving, languages, science and almost everything else.
The good thing is that learning apps, when chosen carefully, can support real learning at home. And with so many apps available now, parents need a practical, realistic guide that is not too technical. This is that guide. I’ll break down the learning apps that actually help kids grow. And because many parents also support older kids with revision, you can check our earlier article on exam revision tips if you want strategies for older children.
Let’s get into the world of learning apps for kids and understand what works in 2025.
What Makes a Good Learning App for Kids
Not every colourful app with cartoons is educational. A real learning app usually has a few key elements:
It should be age-appropriate.
It should teach something useful.
It must be simple for kids to navigate.
It should encourage creativity or problem-solving.
It must respect privacy and follow child safety guidelines.
Parents also prefer apps that don’t bombard kids with ads, because advertisements distract children and sometimes expose them to things they shouldn’t see. When looking at learning apps, focus on quality, not just popularity.
Benefits of Learning Apps for Kids
Learning apps provide more than entertainment. They can help children:
learn concepts faster
improve hand-eye coordination
develop confidence
stay engaged for longer
practise safely at home
explore new interests
build early literacy and maths skills
In many households, these apps also support remote learning routines. In our earlier article about exam revision tips, we discussed how digital tools help older students stay organised. For younger children, learning apps serve the same purpose, just at a simpler level.
Best Learning Apps for Kids in 2025
Here is a complete, honest breakdown of the apps parents trust the most.
1. Khan Academy Kids
One of the most respected free educational apps, Khan Academy Kids covers reading, phonics, simple maths, creative activities and early science concepts. The interface is friendly and encourages kids to explore without getting overwhelmed.
Why kids love it
Bright animations
Variety in activities
Rewards and encouragement
Why parents trust it
Safe content
No distracting ads
Supports school curriculum basics
2. ABCmouse
ABCmouse is a structured learning path system. It feels like a small digital school where kids move through lessons step by step. The app covers reading, maths, science, art, and music.
Why families enjoy ABCmouse
Organised curriculum
Easy for kids to follow
Great for early learners aged 2 to 8
While it’s a paid app, many parents feel it’s worth the price because of the structured lesson design.
3. Duolingo ABC
This version of Duolingo focuses only on early reading and language learning. It’s perfect for preschool and early primary students. The app teaches letters, sounds, phonics, and basic reading skills.
What makes it special
Short lessons
Cute animations
Encourages slow, steady learning
It’s also free, which is a big advantage.
4. PBS Kids Games
This app is popular in the US, but many parents around the world use it because it features educational games based on well-known shows. The games are designed by educators and focus on problem-solving and understanding basic concepts.
Why it works
Safe environment
Hundreds of mini-games
No harmful content
5. Reading Eggs
If your child struggles with reading, Reading Eggs might help. It breaks reading down into step-by-step lessons, from learning letters to full sentences. Many teachers also use it in classrooms.
Strengths
Interactive reading paths
Colourful visuals
Fun activities after each lesson
Reading Eggs works well for ages 3 to 12.
6. Prodigy Maths
Prodigy transforms maths into an adventure game. Kids solve maths problems to move through the game world. It’s clever because children feel like they’re playing rather than studying.
Why it’s effective
Engaging storylines
Flexible difficulty
Great for primary students
Parents can track progress through the dashboard, which helps them see where the child is improving or struggling.
7. Toca Boca Apps (Toca Kitchen, Toca Hair Salon, Toca Life)
These apps are not strictly academic, but they encourage creativity, storytelling, and imagination. Children learn through pretend play, which is an essential part of child development.
Why kids love Toca Boca
No pressure
Open-ended learning
Fun and imaginative
These apps don’t teach numbers or reading directly, but they build creative thinking.
8. BrainPOP Jr.
BrainPOP Jr. introduces kids to educational videos covering science, history, reading, culture, social skills and more. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy watching and learning visually.
What makes BrainPOP Jr. strong
Simple explanations
Friendly characters
Interactive quizzes
It’s also widely used in schools, so many children already feel familiar with its style.
9. ScratchJr
ScratchJr teaches kids the basics of coding. Kids create animations, stories, and projects by dragging blocks. This teaches logical thinking and problem-solving, without pressure.
Why it stands out
Supports early coding skills
Encourages creativity
Great for ages 5 to 7
Coding is becoming a core skill, so introducing it early is a great idea.
10. Montessori Preschool
This app uses the Montessori teaching approach, which focuses on independence and hands-on activities. Kids learn reading, writing, shapes, counting, and practical skills.
Strong points
Calming design
Practical life lessons
Well-structured exercises
Parents who prefer the Montessori method find it especially useful.
Safety Considerations for Kids’ Apps
Since kids are the primary users, safety is the most important factor. Parents must choose apps that follow child safety guidelines and offer transparency. In the UK, many schools and organisations follow practices that fall under child safeguarding guidance, especially when selecting online tools for children.
When checking an app, look for
clear privacy policies
no harmful ads
safe chat or no chat at all
appropriate content
parental control options
Children should not be exposed to things they are not ready for, and safe apps make a big difference.
How Parents Can Support Kids Using Learning Apps
Apps help kids learn, but parental involvement makes them even more effective. Here are simple ways to support your child:
Use apps together sometimes.
Ask them what they learned after a session.
Celebrate small achievements.
Set limits so they don’t get addicted to screens.
Balance digital learning with books and physical play.
Kids learn best when apps are just one part of their learning routine.
Blending Learning Apps With Real-World Activities
Apps shouldn’t replace real-world experiences. Combine app-learning with real activities. For example:
If the child uses a reading app, read a physical book with them.
If they use a maths app, practise counting real objects.
If they enjoy coding apps, encourage them to build something with blocks.
If they use drawing apps, give them crayons and paper afterwards.
Learning becomes stronger when digital and physical activities complement each other.
Learning Apps and Older Kids
Some parents assume learning apps are mostly for younger children. But older kids also use educational tools to improve study habits. For example, in our earlier article on exam revision tips, we talked about how older students benefit from apps that keep them organised or help them practise exam-style questions. The same principle applies to adolescents, but with more advanced apps.
Choosing the Right App for Your Child
Before downloading anything, ask yourself:
Does my child enjoy this type of activity?
Is the app suitable for their age?
Does it match what they’re learning in school?
Is it safe and ad-free?
Can I track their progress?
You don’t need dozens of apps. Two or three strong ones are enough for daily learning.
Conclusion: Learning Apps Can Support Kids When Used Wisely
The best learning apps for kids are the ones that strike a balance between fun and education. Children learn naturally when they are curious and enjoying what they’re doing. Apps like Khan Academy Kids, ABCmouse, Reading Eggs and Prodigy blend learning with creativity and exploration. Parents just need to guide kids gently, set limits and choose apps that are safe and purposeful.
Learning apps are not here to replace books, teachers or real-world play, but when used wisely, they can make home education more effective and enjoyable. And as kids grow older, they can transition into study habits similar to the ones we discussed in our guide on exam revision tips. Technology evolves, but good learning always comes from a mix of guidance, curiosity and practice.
