It will be hard to keep kids occupied sometimes, especially when school is out. That’s why you sometimes reach for tablets, phones, or other electronic devices for your kids to play with when they’re bored. But it may be difficult to work out which apps are worth downloading (and even buying), including deciding which of them are safe and kid-friendly. In this article, we will discuss the top 11 apps for preschoolers.
11 Best Apps for Preschoolers
Abcmouse.Com
This pick is an overwhelming favorite among parents. ABCmouse.com is out there both as an app and an internet site. The app also uses fun storyline-based videos, quizzes, and activities. In fact, there’s even a virtual map outlining your child’s learning path to keep kids engaged.
Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
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). This is a great app to have when the kids want screen time, but you don’t. This app may be a perfect way to take reading wherever your device goes, and it’s great for families with kids of varied ages.
Get it for: iOS or Android
Hungry Caterpillar Play School
This app is ideal to help kids learn the talents they’ll need for starting school. Hungry Caterpillar Play School has five main areas of learning for kids to play in — shapes and colors, alphabet, numbers, book reading, and arts and puzzles. The app’s design has beautiful realistic and 3D details while staying true to the brilliant colors and elegance of the beloved Eric Carle book it’s based on.
Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
Quick Math Jr.
Kids know that math may 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 ideas. It has unique graphics and buildable characters to keep kids engaged, and everyone answers are handwritten or drawn on the screen so kids also can practice handwriting.
Get it for: iOS
Stack the States 2
Part game, part educational tool, Stack the States helps kids learn geography and public knowledge about different states through a game. Each right answer leads to winning a state to add to your stack, and the ultimate goal is stacking your states to a certain height. The app keeps itself fun and fresh by offering three other games that youngsters can unlock as they complete different rounds. There’s also a version for countries.
Get it for: iOS or Android
Duolingo
Encourage your tiny tots to take it one step further by asking them to learn a new language 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.
Get it for: iOS or Android
Toca Hair Salon 3
Toca Hair Salon 3 is perfect for kids who are always wanting to play dress up or get crafty. Kids can use this app to imagine, explore, and express their creativity because they will style hair any way they need (think: cut, style, color, curl, braid, and shave) on various characters. There are not any instructions, so kids are liberal to experiment as they need.
Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
Lightbot: Code Hour
Lightbot: Code Hour introduces kids of all ages to the basic concepts of coding and the logic that computer programmers use to write code, all without having to actually code! Instead, the app has kids get Lightbot through different pathways by using functions commonly found in code. This app is a great way to get your kid interested in coding and computer programming, without overwhelming them. Get it for: iOS or Android
Starfall Abcs
Through this app, you can give your 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.
Get it for: iOS or Android
Brainpop jr. Movie of the Week
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 provides younger kids access to those videos, plus short quizzes on them.
You’ll need a subscription to access 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.
Get it for: iOS, Android, or on the Amazon App Store
Swift Playgrounds
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 the 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.
Get it for: iOS
Have a great time with your kids!
