Top Educational Apps for Kids in 2025 That Make Learning Fun

Screen time can feel like a constant battle, right? But what if those hours on a tablet or phone could actually benefit your kids?

In 2025, the world of educational apps has grown in amazing ways, offering tools that make learning fun, engaging, and even addictive in a good way. These apps go way beyond simple ABCs and 123s.

They introduce kids to storytelling, problem-solving, creativity, coding, science, and so much more.

The best part is that they’re designed in a way that kids genuinely want to use them, turning lessons into games and challenges that keep their attention.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the top educational apps for kids in 2025, highlighting the ones that are transforming screen time into real learning time.

Key Takeaways

• Educational apps can make learning engaging for kids of all ages.
• There are fantastic apps available for preschoolers focusing on early literacy and numeracy.
• Early elementary kids can benefit from apps that gamify math and reading.
• Older children can explore coding and new languages with interactive apps.
• When choosing apps, consider age appropriateness, educational value, and safety features.

Why Use Educational Apps for Kids?

Let’s be honest getting kids to sit still and focus on schoolwork can feel like a never-ending challenge. Most of the time, they’d rather be glued to a screen, whether it’s games, videos, or social media.

But here’s the good news: screen time doesn’t always have to be wasted time. With the rise of educational apps for kids, that same screen can become a powerful learning tool.

These apps work like a bridge between playtime and study time. Instead of zoning out in front of endless cartoons or mindless scrolling, kids get to actively participate in activities that sharpen their minds.

They solve puzzles, play interactive games, unlock rewards, and explore new challenges all while learning important skills like reading, math, problem-solving, or even beginner coding.

What makes these apps so effective is their hands-on design. When kids are engaged and having fun, they’re far more likely to absorb and retain what they learn.

It doesn’t feel like a chore; it feels like an adventure. And for parents, that’s a win-win: your child is entertained and learning at the same time.

Whether it’s boosting school performance or sparking new interests, the top educational apps for kids in 2025 turn screen time into growth time.

The Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

The preschool years are a magical time when kids are naturally curious and eager to learn about the world around them.

At this stage, children thrive on play-based learning, and educational apps can be a perfect way to blend fun with foundational skills.

Think of them as interactive activity books that go far beyond paper and crayons packed with colors, sounds, songs, and games designed to capture short attention spans.

The right apps can introduce early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and even creativity in a way that feels effortless. For parents, these tools turn screen time into an opportunity for growth and discovery.

ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse.com is one of the most popular educational apps for kids, especially for preschoolers.

It offers a complete learning program that covers reading, language arts, math, science, and art, all organized into a step-by-step path.

Kids can explore hundreds of activities games, puzzles, books, and songs that gradually build knowledge while keeping them entertained.

It feels like having a full preschool curriculum at your fingertips, and since it works across multiple devices, it’s easy to fit into daily routines.

Khan Academy Kids

Completely free and packed with quality content, Khan Academy Kids is a fantastic choice for families.

It helps children practice reading, writing, math, and even social-emotional skills through interactive books, fun activities, and engaging videos.

The app automatically adjusts to each child’s learning pace, making it approachable for beginners but still challenging enough to encourage growth.

Parents also love that it’s ad-free with no in-app purchases, ensuring a safe and distraction-free learning environment.

Homer

Homer stands out for its focus on early literacy and personalized learning. The app adapts to your child’s reading level and interests, creating a unique pathway that makes reading fun and rewarding.

Kids can dive into stories, play word games, and expand their vocabulary while building confidence in reading.

Beyond literacy, Homer also includes math games and creative activities, making it a well-rounded option for preschool learning. It’s a great way to spark a love for books and learning at an early age.

Top Educational Apps for Early Elementary (Ages 6-8)

Alright, let’s talk about apps that are perfect for those early elementary schoolers, roughly ages 6 to 8.

This is a super fun age where kids are really starting to grasp new concepts, and these apps can make learning feel like a game.

We’re looking for things that are engaging but also genuinely teach them something useful, whether it’s math, reading, or even coding basics.

It’s all about keeping them curious and building a good foundation for school. Plus, finding apps that are safe and easy for them to use on their own is a big win for parents too!

Prodigy Math Game

Prodigy is hands down one of the most popular math learning apps for kids and for good reason. Instead of drilling endless math problems, it transforms practice into a fantasy adventure game.

Kids create their own character and explore a magical world, but here’s the catch: to advance in the game, they need to solve math problems.

From battling monsters to unlocking treasures, every step is tied to answering questions correctly.

The app covers math skills from grade 1 all the way through grade 8, so it grows with your child as they progress.

The basic version is completely free, which is a huge plus, though a premium membership unlocks extra features like more items and customization.

What parents love most is that kids don’t even realize they’re doing math practice they’re too busy enjoying the adventure.

It’s a fantastic way to turn what can sometimes feel like a chore into something kids actually look forward to.

Epic!

If your child is a book lover or you’re hoping to encourage them to become one, Epic! is a digital library built just for kids.

It gives access to over 40,000 books, including eBooks, read-along stories, audiobooks, and even educational videos.

The variety is incredible, from picture books for younger readers to chapter books and non-fiction for older ones.

What makes Epic! especially powerful is its ability to spark a love for reading. Kids can choose from a massive selection based on their interests, which keeps them engaged and motivated to read more.

Parents also get progress tracking, so you can see what your child is reading and how much time they’re spending on it. Epic! offers a free 30-day trial, after which it becomes a monthly subscription.

For families looking to make reading more accessible, this app can feel like having a personal library right in your pocket.

ScratchJr

ScratchJr is the perfect introduction to coding for younger learners. Instead of typing complex code, kids use colorful drag-and-drop blocks to program characters and bring stories or games to life.

They can make characters move, dance, jump, and interact with one another, all while learning the basics of sequencing, logic, and problem-solving.

Designed specifically for ages 5 to 7, ScratchJr makes coding approachable and fun. Kids get to be creative while building essential 21st-century skills without even realizing they’re learning programming concepts.

It’s not just about coding, though. Through storytelling and game design, children also strengthen their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.

For parents who want their child to get a head start in technology, ScratchJr is a fantastic option that introduces coding in a playful, age-appropriate way.

Engaging Educational Apps for Older Kids (Ages 9-12)

As kids reach the later years of elementary school, they’re ready for learning experiences that are more challenging, interactive, and inspiring.

At this stage, the right educational apps can do more than just reinforce school subjects they can spark curiosity in entirely new areas like coding, foreign languages, or even creative design.

These apps aren’t just about play; they’re powerful tools that can build lifelong skills and interests.

Duolingo

If you’ve ever wanted your child to pick up a second (or even third) language, Duolingo is one of the best apps to make that happen.

Designed to feel more like a game than a study session, it turns language learning into quick, bite-sized lessons that are easy to fit into a child’s routine.

Each lesson mixes reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice, so kids get a well-rounded experience that feels both fun and practical.

What sets Duolingo apart is the way it uses game mechanics to keep learners motivated. Kids earn points, unlock levels, and collect streaks for practicing consistently.

These little rewards make it exciting to keep coming back day after day.

And with more than 30 languages to choose from including Spanish, French, Japanese, and even less common ones like Welsh or Hawaiian there’s something to pique any child’s interest.

Parents love that Duolingo makes language learning accessible and stress-free, while kids love that it feels like playing.

By the time they stick with it for a few months, you’ll be amazed at how much vocabulary and confidence they’ve gained.

Tynker

Tynker is one of the best apps to introduce kids to the world of coding. Starting with drag-and-drop coding blocks, it teaches the basics of programming in a way that feels intuitive and fun.

As kids progress, they can transition to real coding languages like JavaScript and Python, giving them skills that are directly useful in today’s tech-driven world.

One of Tynker’s coolest features is its project-based learning. Kids can create their own video games, design interactive stories, or even control drones and robots.

This not only makes learning engaging but also helps kids see the real-world applications of coding.

By solving problems, debugging code, and testing their creations, children develop resilience, logical thinking, and creativity.

Parents will also appreciate that Tynker offers structured courses and self-paced challenges, so kids can learn at their own speed.

It’s a great step toward preparing them for future careers in technology, engineering, or digital design.

Canva for Kids

By the time kids reach ages 9–12, many love to express their creativity, and Canva is the perfect platform for that. Canva’s kid-friendly version introduces design in a safe and simple way.

Kids can create posters, digital presentations, invitations, and even simple social media graphics with easy drag-and-drop tools.

What makes Canva especially valuable is that it combines creativity with real-world digital skills.

As children learn how to use layouts, fonts, images, and colors, they’re not just making fun projects they’re also gaining a foundation in digital literacy and visual communication.

These are skills that will be useful in school and beyond.

It’s also incredibly collaborative. Kids can work on projects together, which is perfect for group assignments or just for fun with friends.

For children who enjoy art and design, Canva can be both an outlet for creativity and a learning tool that builds confidence.

BrainPOP

BrainPOP takes education and makes it approachable through animated videos, quizzes, and interactive games.

Covering a huge range of subjects from science and math to history, arts, and even health it’s like having a mini-classroom on your tablet.

Each topic is explained in a way that’s clear, fun, and age-appropriate, making it easier for kids to absorb complex concepts.

What sets BrainPOP apart is how well it balances learning with entertainment. Kids enjoy the funny, engaging characters, while parents appreciate the educational depth.

There are also activities and quizzes after each video, which help reinforce the lessons and encourage critical thinking.

BrainPOP is especially helpful for homework support or for kids who are curious about topics beyond what they’re learning in school.

It sparks curiosity and makes kids want to dive deeper into subjects they might not otherwise explore.

Fun Learning Apps

These apps are designed to make learning feel less like a chore and more like an exciting adventure.

They tap into kids’ natural curiosity, creativity, and love for exploration exactly what we want to encourage at this age.

By turning lessons into games, challenges, and interactive experiences, these tools help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and new skills without them even realizing they’re learning.

Whether your child is interested in coding, reading, science, or creative projects, these apps make it easy to explore new subjects, practice skills, and discover hidden talents.

Perfect for curious minds, these apps also promote independence, allowing kids to learn at their own pace while building confidence.

From interactive games and story-based lessons to hands-on experiments and creative challenges, there’s something to spark every child’s interest.

Want to see the full list and find even more cool apps that make learning fun?

Don’t miss out to visit our website today to explore all the top educational apps for kids in 2025 and give your child a head start on learning in the most engaging way possible.

The Ultimate Takeaway: Best Educational Apps for Kids in 2025

So, what’s the big takeaway from all these amazing educational apps for kids in 2025?

Technology has come a long way, and there’s now an incredible variety of apps that make learning exciting, interactive, and fun.

From turning math practice into epic quests with Prodigy, to inspiring a love of reading with Epic!!

Or introducing coding and creative thinking with ScratchJr and Tynker, there’s truly something for every child’s curiosity and interests.

When choosing apps, it’s important to consider what fits your child’s personality and learning style. Some kids love games and challenges, while others thrive with creative storytelling or hands-on experiments.

The right app can turn screen time into productive learning, helping children develop essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence.

Remember, the goal is to make learning feel like an adventure, not a chore.

With the apps we’ve highlighted covering preschoolers, early learners, and older kids you have plenty of options to keep your child engaged, motivated, and excited about exploring new subjects.

So, if you’re ready to take learning to the next level, dive into these apps and see which ones capture your child’s imagination.

For a full list of top educational apps in 2025 and more expert recommendations, be sure to visit our website today and discover all the tools that can make learning both fun and meaningful.