Top 15 best Educational apps for kids | Android and iOS | 2021 | Free and Paid

As the learning arena moves into more of a digital space than ever before, The educational apps for kids are becoming very significant, and there is no wonder why the mobile apps are of great demand.

Here i list 15 of the amazing educational apps for kids, that have won the hearts of millions.

1. ABCmouse.com. (Best Overall App for Kids)

This award-winning learning program is a great platform for kids from ages 2 to 8, that covers art, music, reading, math and more. There are over 10,000+ exciting learning activities for kids at different academic levels.

It uses fun storyline-based videos, quizzes, and activities, there is even a virtual map outlining your child’s learning path to keep kids engaged, The ABCmouse Progress Tracker feature allows you to track your child's weekly usage, time spent per category, and activities completed by week or month.

ABCmouse available in 7,000+ public libraries nationwide in usa, serving millions of learning sessions.

Ages: 2–8

IOS : ‎ABCmouse.com

Android : ABCmouse.com - Apps on Google Play

2. YouTube Kids. (Best Video App for Kids)

This is a special version of the much loved video app of adults, youtube kids designed exclusively for kids. The app let kids to discover new and exciting interests in a safe environment, that offers entertainment.

Kids can browse through a range of videos, that invoke their inner creativity and playfulness, Safer online experience for kids is assured, as the team has designed a mix of automated filters.

Ages: up to 12

IOS : ‎YouTube Kids

Android : YouTube Kids - Apps on Google Play

3. Science360. (Informative and visually stunning app)

Science360 is a creation of Science360 Knowledge Network, and is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This app is a compilation of latest videos from scientists and universities all around the globe, that teaches kids all things about science.

Content is either produced by NSF, or gathered from scientists, colleges and universities, and NSF science and engineering centers.

The app is very easy to use, as you can find all the icons on the face of the app itself and easy to navigate. You can even save photographs and videos on your phone, so you can access them at any time.

Ages: 8+

IOS : ‎NSF Science Zone

Android : NSF Science Zone - Apps on Google Play

4. Epic. (Best Reading App for Kids)

Epic is a digital library for kids 12 years old and below, Here your child can access a collection of nearly 35,000 books, audiobooks, videos, quizzes, If you want to develop your child’s reading habits and abilities, this app is the best fit.

There are two versions of the app available, Epic for Home, and Epic for Educators. The first one is for kids and parents, who want to enjoy reading and learning in the comfort of their own homes or anywhere, while the second is for elementary teachers and librarians.

Over a million users love this app, as kids can take this digital library wherever they want and boost their knowledge repository, More than 94% of US elementary schools use this app.

Ages: 2-12

IOS : ‎Epic - Kids' Books & Reading

Android : Epic: Kids' Books & Educational Reading Library - Apps on Google Play

5. Google Arts and Culture. (360° Videos)

Parents are on the search for interesting ways to pass the time at home, With the help of Google Arts & Culture, families have the opportunity to enrich their lives with art, culture, history and travel without leaving their house.

360° Videos allow kids to immerse themselves into paintings, sculptures, performances, Museum artefacts, Architecture and outer space.

Kids can explore anything from Egyptian artefacts to Dinosaur fossils, from a selection of Museums, including Neues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu in Berlin, The British Museum in London, Acropolis Museum in Greece and many more.

IOS : ‎Google Arts & Culture

Android : Google Arts & Culture – Apps on Google Play

6. Khan Academy Kids.(Free Educational Games & Books)

Khan Academy Kids makes it easy and fun for young kids to jump in, and immerse themselves in foundational, fundamental, and comprehensive early-learning.

This is an award-winning app, that is rich with thousands of books, songs, educational activities, and games for preschoolers, kindergarteners, toddlers, and first graders. The app features are designed to help them learn reading, math, language, writing, and social-emotional development.

The open-ended games and activities like coloring and drawing are meant to encourage self-expression and creativity.

Ages: 2-8

IOS : ‎Khan Academy Kids

Android : Khan Academy Kids: Free educational games & books - Apps on Google Play

7. PBS Kids Games. (Experience Learning Through Play)

If you want your kid to experience learning through play, then the PBS app is the answer, Here your child can choose from hundreds of games, that focus on various subjects like math, reading, language, and science. In each of these games, childhood favorite characters like Wild Kratts and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood are featured.

Like YouTube Kids, PBS Kids Game also has features for parents to monitor their children’s activities. Finally, they can manage their children’s accounts to ensure a safe, and secure environment for them.

Ages: 2-7

IOS : ‎PBS KIDS Games

Android : PBS KIDS Games - Apps on Google Play

8. Hungry Caterpillar Play School. (Best App for Kids in Pre-School)

This app is perfect to help kids learn the skills they 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, arts and puzzles.

The app’s design has beautiful realistic and 3D details, while staying true to the bright colors, and style of the beloved Eric Carle book it’s based on. Your little caterpillar deserves every chance to succeed.

Ages: 2-6

IOS : ‎Hungry Caterpillar Play School

Android : Hungry Caterpillar Play School: Preschool Learning - Apps on Google Play

9. Lightbot: (Best Beginner Coding App for Kids)

Kids can learn the basics of programming through this simple but effective app, where they are asked to solve puzzles in a video game. App is designed for those in KG to 12 and they can simply play and have fun while learning the real programming logic.

Players can gain an idea about basic concepts of programming, and a practical understanding through programming puzzle game.

The basic option of the app comes with 20 levels, Full version for more challenge comes with 50 levels. Kids can guide a robot to light up tiles and solve levels, while they learn procedures, instruction sequencing, and loops.

Ages: 8+

IOS : ‎Lightbot : Code Hour

Android : Lightbot : Code Hour - Apps on Google Play

10. Quick Math Jr. (Best App for Kids in Elementary School )

Kids know that math can 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 concepts.

It has unique graphics and buildable characters to keep kids engaged, and all answers are handwritten or drawn on the screen, so kids can also practice handwriting.

Ages: 4-8

IOS : ‎Quick Math Jr.

Android : not available

11.Duolingo. (Best Language Learning App for Kids)

Kids can make use of this great platform to learn new languages in a fun-filled space. There are quick and bite-sized lessons prepared to help kids learn over 35 languages easily.

The app is designed by language experts, that enable kids to build vocabulary, and grammar skills through listening, practice speaking, reading, and writing. App works on science-based teaching methodology, that is proven to offer long-term language retention.

Ages: 10+

IOS : ‎Duolingo - Language Lessons

Android : Duolingo: Learn Languages Free - Apps on Google Play

12.Brainpop Jr. Movie of the Week.

This interesting platform provides a diverse animated movie in all weeks, along with related educational activities, and quizzes to keep kids engaged and informed. The application is a great choice for kids in Kindergarten through grade 3.

It covers a range of topics like reading, writing, science, social studies, math, arts, health, and technology.

The app triggers and cultivates critical thinking skills among kids, they are encouraged to make connections and ask questions.

Ages: 6-9

IOS : ‎BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week

Android : BrainPOP Jr. Movie of the Week - Apps on Google Play

13. Elmo Loves 123s. (Sesame Workshop)

Elmo Loves 123s uses everyone's favorite character to get toddlers, and young kids excited about learning their first numbers and counting, which is funny and easy with this app.

Kids would love to explore more about numbers through fun songs and videos, Kids are motivated to grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, while learning the basics through fun-filled methods.

Ages: 2-5

IOS : ‎Elmo Loves 123s

Android : Elmo Loves 123s - Apps on Google Play

14. Puzzle Kids. (Animals Shapes and Jigsaw Puzzles)

The educational apps puzzles are a great platform to improve the kid’s logic skills, that enables them to recognize shapes and patterns. It comes with an easy to use and colorful interface, that makes kids identify, how different shapes fit into a larger picture.

Parents can make use of the app settings to make the games easier, or harder for kids. Kids can get stickers and toys as rewards after winning puzzles.

Ages: 3+

IOS : ‎Puzzle Kids - Jigsaw Puzzles

Android : Puzzle Kids - Animals Shapes and Jigsaw Puzzles – Apps on Google Play

15.Skyview.(Amazing Augmented Reality App)

SkyView is an amazing augmented reality app, that reveals the stars, planets, and other astrological features that surround the user. To do this, Sky View uses the location of your child and overlays the stars, and other features right on top of the camera on the device.

Simply move your iPhone around, and point the camera to discover what constellations and planets are around your region. Your child can research constellations, discover new ones, and take pictures to share with friends and family. This app is fascinating, and can be useful for entertainment, or academic purposes by children and adults of all ages.

Ages: 6+

IOS : ‎SkyView® Lite

Android : SkyView® Lite – Apps on Google Play