The Best Educational Apps for Kids in 2026
Screen time doesn't have to mean wasted time. The right app transforms your child's device into a powerful learning tool, but with thousands claiming to be educational, finding quality feels overwhelming. In this article, we've reviewed the best educational apps for kids that truly deliver results.
Table of content
Khan Academy Kids
Platforms: iOS and Android
Khan Academy Kids delivers standards-aligned reading games, math lessons, and interactive activities for children ages 2-8. The app offers over 5,000 educational games covering phonics, counting, problem-solving, and early literacy—all completely free with no ads or subscriptions. Created by learning experts at Stanford, it aligns with Head Start and Common Core standards while letting kids explore at their own pace through play-based learning.
Key Features:
- Age-Adaptive Curriculum. The learning app adjusts content from preschool through second grade, building skills in literacy, math, and creative thinking as your child grows.
- Character-Guided Learning Paths. Five animated characters lead kids through specialized subjects—Ollo teaches phonics, Reya guides writing practice, Peck covers numbers, and Sandy develops problem-solving skills.
- Extensive Digital Library. Access hundreds of storybooks from National Geographic and Bellwether Media, plus read-aloud options in English and Spanish with videos from Super Simple Songs.
- Offline Learning Mode. Download books and activities for learning on the go without wifi, perfect for car trips or waiting rooms.
- Teacher Tools for Classrooms. Educators can assign specific lessons, track individual student progress, and access actionable insights for both small-group and whole-class instruction.
- Personalized Learning Experience. Kids can explore thousands of activities freely or follow a customized path that adapts to their individual learning goals and pace.
Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/kids
ArtEasy
Platforms: iOS and Android
ArtEasy uses augmented reality to project sketches onto any surface through your phone's camera, letting kids trace and learn drawing fundamentals. The app offers 500+ ready-made templates across categories like anime, animals, and nature, plus AI-generated custom sketches. Kids can upload their own images, follow step-by-step lessons, and build real artistic skills beyond simple copying.
Key Features:
- AR Projection Technology. Project any image onto paper, walls, or tables using your smartphone camera, turning any surface into a drawing workspace.
- Custom Image Upload. Add photos from your gallery or browser and transform them into traceable sketches, giving kids unlimited creative possibilities beyond built-in templates.
- AI Sketch Generator. Type any request to instantly create unique, custom drawing templates tailored to your child's interests and skill level.
- Structured Drawing Lessons. Access step-by-step tutorials that teach form, proportion, and structure—helping kids understand drawing principles, not just copy lines.
- Extensive Template Library. Choose from over 500 ready-made sketches across 15+ categories including anime, cartoon characters, animals, nature, and anatomy, with new collections added regularly.
- Personal Template Collection. Save uploaded images and favorite sketches in the My Templates section for quick access and repeated practice sessions.
Website: https://arteasy.app/
Duolingo
Platforms: iOS and Android
Duolingo teaches 40+ languages through bite-sized, game-like lessons that build speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. The app uses research-backed methods combined with AI to personalize lessons at the right level and pace for each learner. Kids earn points, unlock levels, and compete on leaderboards while learning real-world communication skills—all completely free.
Key Features:
- Extensive Language Selection. Choose from over 40 languages including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and even constructed languages like High Valyrian and Klingon.
- Science-Based Methodology. Learn through research-backed teaching methods proven to foster long-term knowledge retention and develop practical communication abilities.
- Gamified Learning System. Earn points, unlock achievements, and compete on global leaderboards while Duo the owl mascot sends friendly reminders to maintain daily practice habits.
- AI-Powered Personalization. Receive lessons tailored to your child's skill level and learning pace, combining language science with adaptive technology for optimal progress.
- Beyond Languages Curriculum. Access additional courses in Math, Music, and Chess using the same bite-sized, effective approach that made Duolingo's language learning successful.
- Offline Learning Capability. Download lessons for practice anywhere, making it perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, or travel without internet access.
Website: https://duolingo.com/
Endless Alphabet
Platforms: iOS and Android
Endless Alphabet teaches letter recognition and vocabulary through interactive puzzles featuring talking letters and animated monsters. Kids drag letters to complete words, then watch short animations that illustrate each word's meaning. The app includes 100 words ranging from simple to advanced vocabulary like "gargantuan" and "cooperate," building literacy skills without pressure or time limits.
Key Features:
- Interactive Letter Puzzles. Drag and arrange talking letters to spell each word, helping kids connect letter shapes with sounds and build phonics skills.
- Animated Word Definitions. Watch delightful monster animations that demonstrate what each word means, making vocabulary memorable and engaging for young learners.
- Stress-Free Learning Environment. Learn at your own pace with no scores, failures, time limits, or competitive elements—just pure exploration and discovery.
- Progressive Vocabulary Building. Start with simple three-letter words and advance to complex vocabulary, gradually expanding language skills beyond basic reading levels.
Website: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.originatorkids.EndlessAlphabet
Prodigy Math Game
Platforms: iOS and Android
Prodigy Math Game turns math practice into an adventure where kids battle monsters, complete quests, and earn rewards by solving curriculum-aligned math problems. The app adapts to each child's skill level, offering 1,400+ skills aligned with Common Core and state standards. Parents can track progress, set goals, and send motivational messages through a dedicated parent portal.
Key Features:
- Adaptive Math Curriculum. Access 1,400+ skills that adjust to your child's strengths and weaknesses, ensuring they practice exactly what they need to master.
- Quest-Based Learning System. Embark on adventures where every battle requires solving math problems, making skill-building feel like gameplay rather than homework.
- Standards-Aligned Content. Practice math questions fully aligned with Common Core and TEKS state curricula, keeping learning connected to classroom instruction.
- Parent Dashboard and Reports. Monitor progress through instant data, monthly report cards, and curriculum progress reports that show which grade-level skills your child has mastered.
- Prodigy English Companion. Build a custom village through reading and language practice, expanding learning beyond math into literacy development.
- Goal Setting and Rewards. Send in-game cheers, set learning goals, and provide rewards to motivate continued practice and celebrate achievements.
Website: https://www.prodigygame.com/
SplashLearn
Platforms: iOS and Android
SplashLearn delivers math and reading curriculum for ages 2-11 through 4,400+ games, worksheets, decodable books, and videos aligned with Common Core standards. The app creates personalized learning paths that adapt to each child's level, offering everything from counting games for toddlers to fifth-grade multiplication and reading comprehension. Parents receive detailed weekly progress reports tracking mastery by subject, topic, and skill.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Grade-Specific Content. Access curriculum spanning PreK through Grade 5, with dedicated learning games for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students that grow with your child's abilities.
- Adaptive Learning Paths. Follow personalized daily milestones that adjust to your child's needs, eliminating the hassle of searching for appropriate learning plans while ensuring curriculum mastery.
- Extensive Resource Library. Choose from over 4,400 games, 4,500+ worksheets, decodable books for early readers, and bedtime stories that keep kids engaged and learning.
- Multi-Subject Curriculum. Master math skills from counting and addition to fractions and geometry, plus reading development including phonics, sight words, and comprehension—all in one app.
- Detailed Progress Tracking. Receive weekly reports directly to your inbox with breakdowns by subject, topic, and skill, plus personalized practice goals and reminders to build consistent learning routines.
- Safe Learning Environment. Practice without timed challenges or pressure, giving kids a secure space to explore, make mistakes, and discover multiple problem-solving approaches.
Website: https://www.splashlearn.com/
Effling Kids
Platforms: Android
Effling Kids replaces paper notebooks with stylus-friendly digital writing practice for preschoolers in Nursery, LKG, and UKG. Kids trace letters, numbers, and shapes in English and Hindi with real-time AI feedback, building handwriting skills through unlimited practice. The app includes a Notes feature that works like a digital whiteboard, plus Toddler Mode for freehand scribbling to develop fine motor skills.
Key Features:
- Bilingual Writing Curriculum. Practice English and Hindi letter formation from A to Z and अ to ज्ञ, plus number writing up to 100 with phonics support and guided tracing steps.
- AI-Powered Feedback System. Receive instant corrections and motivation as kids write, helping them improve letter formation and develop consistent writing habits over time.
- Digital Notes Whiteboard. Transform any device into a reusable notebook where kids can practice freely, and parents or teachers can assign custom writing exercises without paper waste.
- Toddler Mode for Beginners. Let young children develop fine motor skills through pressure-free freehand scribbling before advancing to structured tracing activities.
- Eco-Friendly Paperless Learning. Eliminate the need for physical notebooks and worksheets, saving money while reducing environmental impact through unlimited digital practice.
- Expert-Designed Content. Learn through curriculum developed with preschool educators and early childhood specialists, recognized by Startup India and Startup UP for educational innovation.
Website: https://effling.com/
ABCmouse
Platforms: iOS and Android
ABCmouse delivers a research-backed curriculum covering reading, math, science, art, and music for ages 2-8 through 10,000+ learning activities. The app offers custom learning paths designed by educators, with 10 levels and 850+ lessons that progress from toddler basics to second-grade skills. Research shows ABCmouse doubles early learning gains in reading and math when kids use it at least twice weekly.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Standards-Based Curriculum. Access full academic subjects including reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music across 10 progressive levels that ensure kindergarten and third-grade readiness.
- Research-Validated Learning Program. Follow a curriculum backed by 15+ years of studies and designed by early learning experts, trusted by over 70,000 classrooms and nearly half of U.S. public libraries.
- Custom Educator-Designed Paths. Progress through purposeful learning journeys in reading and math that guide children to the appropriate next step based on their skill level.
- Extensive Activity Library. Explore over 13,000 activities including thousands of books, videos, puzzles, printable materials, songs, games, and animations—plus 900+ resources in Spanish.
- Immersive Learning Worlds. Discover Pet Town, Animal Safari, Hamster Habitat, and other interactive environments where kids earn tickets for completing activities and expand their play experiences.
- Progress Tracking System. Monitor your child's development across all subjects with easy-to-use tools that show exactly which skills they're mastering at each level.
Website: https://www.abcmouse.com/abc/
Epic
Platforms: iOS and Android
Epic provides instant access to over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and learning videos for kids ages 12 and under. The digital library includes Read-To-Me books with voice actors and sound effects, plus downloadable content for offline reading. Kids explore topics at their own pace with personalized recommendations based on interests and reading level, while parents track progress through a dedicated dashboard.
Key Features:
- Massive Digital Library. Access 40,000+ titles including ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, and learning videos across all subjects and reading levels, with new content added regularly.
- Multiple Reading Formats. Choose from traditional ebooks, Read-To-Me books with professional narration and sound effects, or audiobooks that bring stories to life for every type of reader.
- Personalized Reading Experience. Receive book recommendations tailored to each child's interests and reading level, letting up to 4 kids enjoy customized libraries within one family account.
- Built-In Learning Tools. Build vocabulary through Dictionary Lookup, Spotlight Words that highlight new terms, plus quizzes and word games that reinforce comprehension and pronunciation.
- Offline Download Capability. Download books to any device for reading without internet access, perfect for car trips, flights, or anywhere connectivity is limited.
- Progress Tracking Dashboard. Monitor what your children read, send kudos for achievements, share recommended books, and watch their reading skills improve over time.
- Epic Originals Content. Explore 260+ million reads of exclusive stories designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and empathy through captivating adventures available only on Epic.
Website: https://www.getepic.com/
Teach Your Monster to Read
Platforms: iOS and Android
Teach Your Monster to Read covers the first two years of reading instruction through three phonics-based games for ages 3-6. Kids create a custom monster and progress from matching letters and sounds to reading full sentences across magical adventures. Developed with academics at the University of Roehampton, the app works with any phonics scheme and includes minigames that build speed and accuracy.
Key Features:
- Three Progressive Reading Games. Advance through First Steps (letters and sounds), Fun With Words (early combinations and sentences), and Champion Reader (confident sentence reading with all basic letter-sound combinations).
- Academic-Backed Phonics Program. Follow a rigorous curriculum developed with leading academics at the University of Roehampton that complements phonics programs used in schools worldwide.
- Customizable Monster Characters. Create a unique monster companion that accompanies children through their reading journey, meeting colorful characters and completing quests along the way.
- Skill-Building Minigames. Practice phonics accuracy and reading speed through supplementary activities that reinforce learning while keeping engagement high.
- Ad-Free Learning Environment. Learn without interruptions, in-app purchases, or hidden costs—every feature comes included with no commercial distractions.
- Charity-Supported Mission. Support The Usborne Foundation, a registered charity that reinvests proceeds into creating playful educational media addressing literacy and other early learning needs.
Website: https://www.teachyourmonster.org/
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