When it comes to screen time, educational apps are a great way to ensure time well spent. These standout picks make learning fun and something that your child will look forward to.

While screens are unavoidable in the modern world, you can make sure the screen time your child does get offers something of value. Educational apps can be a fantastic way for kids to learn new skills, reinforce classroom lessons, and explore their interests; all while having fun. Here’s a roundup of some of the best educational apps for kids that are worth checking out.

1. Pok Pok Montessori Preschool

This beautifully designed app offers a calm and open-ended digital play experience rooted in Montessori principles. Instead of levels or scores, kids explore interactive toys that encourage their creativity, logic, and problem-solving skills. Whether they’re connecting pipes or experimenting with sounds, the experience is intuitive, self-directed, and designed to be non-addictive. There are no instructions, either, just thoughtful digital tools that spark curiosity. It’s a great option for parents seeking meaningful, screen-based play that supports the cognitive and emotional development of preschool-aged children.

2. Duolingo ABC

Perfect for preschoolers and early readers, Duolingo ABC teaches phonics, letter recognition, and vocabulary through short, interactive lessons. The app breaks down reading fundamentals into bite-sized activities that feel like games. Bright animations, friendly prompts, and a cheerful design keep kids motivated without being overstimulating. Each session is quick enough to hold a child’s attention, and progress is tracked as kids move through the alphabet. It’s completely free to use, free of ads, and created by the team behind Duolingo’s popular language learning app.

3. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids covers everything from early literacy to math, all presented by colourful characters through engaging mini-games. Designed for kids ages 2 to 8, the app adjusts to each child’s skill level and offers a balanced mix of interactive learning and play. Kids can follow a guided path or explore activities on their own. There are no ads, no in-app purchases, and plenty of high-quality content—all completely for free. It’s a solid, all-in-one learning hub for young kids.

4. Prodigy Math

Prodigy Math sneakily turns math practice into an adventure game. Kids create characters, cast spells, and go on quests, but the catch is that they need to solve math problems to progress. The app adapts to each child’s level, covering topics like addition, fractions, and geometry. It’s free to play, with optional memberships for extras. Kids stay motivated through play, and parents can track their learning along the way.

5. Epic!

Epic! is a digital library packed with over 40,000 children’s books and audiobooks, as well as books you can read to them. It’s geared toward kids aged 5 to 12 and makes independent reading easy and appealing. The app recommends titles based on your child’s interests and reading level, helping build good habits. It’s perfect for quiet time, travel, or supplementing their reading from school. While the full library requires a subscription, the reading experience itself is always ad-free.

The best educational apps are the ones that make learning feel like play, just like the apps outlined above. With the right mix of fun and skill development, these apps can be a helpful addition to any kid’s learning toolkit.