10 Best Ipad Apps For Kids To Play and Learn

Looking for the best iPad apps to help your kids learn while having fun? Here’s a quick rundown of the top 10 apps that combine education and entertainment. These apps cover everything from math and reading to creativity and problem-solving.

Key Apps and Features:

1. Funexpected Math: Interactive math lessons for ages 3–7 with a focus on concepts, not memorization. Pricing starts at $10.99/month.

2. Magrid: Math education with language-free approach and special features that caters for diverse learning needs. Pricing starts at $79.99/3 months.

3. ABCmouse: Learning for ages 2–8, covering reading, math, science, and more. Costs $9.99/month.

4. Endless Alphabet: Vocabulary-building puzzles for ages 3–11 with animated letter monsters. One-time purchase.

5. Khan Academy Kids: Free app with 5,000+ activities for math, literacy, and social-emotional learning. For ages 2-8.

6. Sago Mini World: Open-ended games for preschoolers, updated monthly. Subscription required.

7. Montessori Preschool: Montessori-based learning for ages 3–7, including math, language, and life skills. Subscription required.

8. Pok Pok: A big world with Montessori-inspired educational toys for preschoolers. Costs $45.99/year.

9. PBS Kids Games: Free games featuring PBS characters, teaching STEM, reading, and social skills.

10. Thinkrolls Play & Code: Logic puzzles and pre-coding activities for ages 3–8. Subscription required.

Quick Comparison:

These apps offer a mix of free and paid options, so you can choose what fits your budget and your child’s needs. Whether it’s math, reading, or creativity, there’s something here for every young learner.

1. Funexpected Math

Funexpected Math is designed for kids aged 3–7, offering 10,000 tasks across 675 lessons. Instead of relying on rote memorization, it focuses on teaching math through experimenting and understanding [1].

The app uses a system guided by a digital tutor that adjusts program based on each child's skill level and knowledge. With just two 15-minute sessions per week, kids can improve their math skills up to three times faster [1].

Key Curriculum Features:

What makes Funexpected Math stand out is its interactive approach to abstract concepts. Using the touchscreen, kids can physically interact with math ideas, making even complicated topics easier to grasp. The app is ad-free and available in 16 languages, making it accessible to a wide audience [2].

Eric, a STEM teacher at Academy at the Lakes in Florida, shared his thoughts:

"This app provides an engaging math learning experience without being too much of a game or nothing more than a digital worksheet. The kids love Funexpected and often ask if they can play during free time" [3].

Pricing and Accessibility

Pricing starts at $10.99 per month or $64.99 annually, offering flexibility for families. The app has received recognition with awards like the Kidscreen 2025 Award, EdTech Breakthrough award, and Webby People's Choice award [2].

Parents appreciate its balance of advanced topics and foundational skills, as well as unique visual style. The app's environment encourages kids to explore, make mistakes, and build confidence in their abilities [1].

2. Magrid

Magrid is a research-backed, language-free math learning app designed for children aged 3–9. Developed in Luxembourg, the app is specifically designed to support children with diverse learning needs, including those with language barriers or special educational requirements.

Core Features and Learning Approach

Unlike many math apps, Magrid uses a visual and interactive approach, eliminating text and verbal instructions to ensure that children can develop math skills without language obstacles. The app focuses on number sense, spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving through engaging, research-based activities.

Magrid offers a structured curriculum tailored to different skill levels:

The app’s distraction-free design ensures that children can fully focus on mathematical concepts without unnecessary visuals or gamified elements.

Pricing and Accessibility

Magrid offers a free trial for individual users, with paid subscription plans available for families, schools, and educational institutions. The app is accessible on iOS, Android, and web platforms.

User Experience and Results

With endorsements from special education experts, Magrid has been adopted in some schools and therapy centers to support early math development. Studies have shown that regular use of Magrid leads to significant improvements in numerical cognition and spatial awareness.

3. ABCmouse

ABCmouse is a learning platform designed for kids aged 2–8. It offers interactive activities spread across 850 lessons in 10 levels [4][7].

Curriculum Highlights

The platform creates a tailored learning path for each child, adjusting as they progress. Kids can explore subjects at their own pace and earn tickets for virtual rewards [5]. Interactive games and themed challenges keep them engaged.

For example, in "Hamlet the Hungry Hamster", preschoolers enhance shape recognition through maze activities. Meanwhile, "Spider Web Shapes" introduces basic geometry by letting kids complete spider webs using matching shapes [8].

Crystal, a mom of two young girls, says:

"Love the progressive activities! I don't have to take the time to search for activities for my 3-year-old, and my 5-year-old just follows along when she's playing by herself… so I know everyone's doing the right things for their ages!" [4]

Parents can track their child's progress using the Progress Tracker and adjust the difficulty when needed [10]. The subscription costs $9.99/month, with an additional fee for the Assessment Center [9][6].

ABCmouse works on computers, tablets, and smartphones, making it easy to use at home or in the classroom [4][7].

4. Endless Alphabet

Endless Alphabet is a fun app designed for kids aged 3–11, helping them build vocabulary through interactive puzzles. With a solid 4.7/5 rating on the Apple App Store, it’s also an Editor's Choice winner [13].

Interactive Learning Features

The app’s design makes learning feel like play. Each word becomes a puzzle, with letters turning into quirky monsters that speak their sounds as kids drag them into the right spots [11]. For example, the word "Juggle" features a red monster juggling letters, while "Nosey" is brought to life by a two-headed monster illustrating the word’s meaning [11].

Endless Alphabet eliminates stress by skipping high scores and time limits, creating a relaxed environment for learning. Its vibrant graphics, fun sound effects, and engaging animations help kids connect words with their meanings. This approach builds phonetic awareness, vocabulary, and reading skills. The app’s success is underscored by its inclusion in Apple’s App Store Best of 2013 [12][13].

5. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app designed for children aged 2–8, with no ads or subscription fees [15]. With a stellar 4.8/5 rating from over 104,000 reviews, it offers more than 5,000 interactive activities that blend learning and play seamlessly [1].

Core Learning Features

The app was developed with input from Stanford learning experts and aligns with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core Standards [14]. It features five engaging characters, including Kodi Bear as the narrator, who guide children through stories and activities, turning learning into an exciting adventure [14].

Library of Resources

Khan Academy Kids also includes a rich collection of materials to encourage independent learning:

• Educational games

• Interactive books

• Animated videos

• Creative lessons

• Coloring pages

Parents frequently highlight the app's positive impact on their children's growth, noting how it keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them. Its research-based design has earned praise from both families and educators. For example, M. Nemerow shared on Twitter:

"My 4-year old is working on @khanacademykids this morning and loving it. The combo of school facts along with social/emotional content is outstanding" [14]

6. Sago Mini World

Sago Mini World is a play-based app designed for preschoolers, boasting over 10 million downloads [20]. This popular platform encourages kids to explore, create, and learn through open-ended activities.

Key Features and Educational Focus

The app's design is all about combining fun with learning. For example, in Pet Cafe, kids practice early math by matching shapes and sorting items [24]. Meanwhile, Trucks & Diggers introduces basic physics concepts, letting children use catapults and plan projects [21].

Dr. Connie Bossert, an Educational Psychologist, highlights the app's approach:

"Driven by curiosity, children love to explore the world. I like how Sago Mini World starts with topics that kids are naturally curious about. Then they present activities that become an irresistible invitation to play and discover and learn" [22].

Learning Through Play

Research shows that play-based learning helps kids absorb concepts faster by making the experience interactive [23]. In Sago Mini Apartment, children complete colorful puzzles to sharpen problem-solving skills. Over in Puppy Preschool, they use a puppy-themed keyboard to express creativity [24].

Jessica Frost, a teacher and educational designer, praises this approach:

"Finally, an app that intentionally supports what educators and early years experts have known all along: when kids are playing, their brains are actually primed for learning!" [22].

With monthly updates [20], the app ensures kids have fresh activities to explore while reinforcing familiar ones. A subscription unlocks access to all games and activities, with the option to cancel anytime [25].

7. Montessori Preschool

This app brings the Montessori teaching method to life digitally, earning a 4.4/5 rating from over 4,200 users. Designed by certified Montessori educators, it's tailored for children aged 3–7.

Educational Features and Learning Areas

The app combines academic learning with practical skills, encouraging children to build independence and confidence. Its self-correcting exercises allow kids to learn at their own pace while staying true to Montessori principles.

Practical Learning Through Play

One standout feature is the focus on practical life skills. Kids can simulate real-world tasks like dusting, plant care, and cleaning in a virtual setting. The "Nurse's Station" activity, for example, challenges children to identify symptoms and choose the right treatments, fostering problem-solving abilities.

Parent Dashboard and Progress Tracking

The app also includes a parent dashboard that monitors a child’s progress and offers tailored suggestions for future activities. However, some users have noted performance glitches and mention that certain language games default to Mandarin, which may require extra parental input[26].

8. Pok Pok

Pok Pok is a creative play app designed to inspire exploration and open-ended learning in young children. It holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating on the App Store, based on hundreds of user reviews.

How It Teaches

The app uses a variety of interactive methods to support child-led learning:

Activities That Build Skills

Pok Pok encourages children to experiment, imagine, and develop critical thinking skills through interactive, toy-like experiences. Kids can engage in:

• Exploring hand-crafted digital playsets

• Discovering cause-and-effect relationships

• Practicing early problem-solving through experimentation

• Engaging in screen time that sparks creativity

Why It Works

"Pok Pok embraces the philosophy that children learn best through play, encouraging curiosity without rigid goals or pressure." – Pok Pok Team.

Many parents and educators praise the app for its ability to foster independent thinking while maintaining a calm and engaging environment. Pok Pok was even awarded an Apple Design Award for its unique approach to digital play.

Designed as a Digital Toy

Pok Pok is ideal for children aged 2–6, with no ads, pop-ups, or in-app purchases. Its simple interface and intuitive design let kids navigate freely, allowing for independent and exploratory learning.

"One of the most thoughtful, engaging digital toys for kids today." – Common Sense Media

"One of the most thoughtful, engaging digital toys for kids today." – Common Sense Media

While Pok Pok doesn’t follow a structured curriculum, it encourages real-world problem-solving and creativity, making it a great complement to traditional learning. Its subscription model provides regular content updates, ensuring that play remains fresh and engaging over time.

9. PBS Kids Games

The PBS KIDS Games app offers free educational games tailored for children aged 2–8, combining fun with meaningful learning experiences [27]. Here's how familiar characters make learning engaging.

Learning With Beloved PBS Characters

The app includes a wide range of games featuring well-known PBS characters. Each character brings a unique focus to the learning experience:

Focused Learning and Safe Exploration

PBS KIDS Games stands out by offering games built around educational goals. These activities help kids develop skills in areas like STEM (science and math), creative thinking, and problem-solving. Plus, the app ensures a secure, ad-free environment, so kids can play and learn without distractions.

Tools for Parents

The app also supports parents with helpful resources. It includes local PBS KIDS TV schedules, details about educational shows, and suggestions for other learning apps. These tools make it easy to integrate PBS KIDS Games into your child's learning routine while giving you control over their screen time.

10. Thinkrolls Play & Code

Thinkrolls Play & Code is a logic puzzle and pre-coding app designed for kids aged 3–8. With over 2,000 interactive activities and a fan base of 10 million, it has earned a perfect 5/5 rating from Common Sense Media [31].

Learning Through Play

This app combines three key elements: logic puzzles that improve problem-solving, brain games to enhance memory and focus, and a coding interface that introduces basic programming concepts.

Adjustable Difficulty Levels

Thinkrolls Play & Code offers three difficulty settings: Basic, Normal, and Hard. Each level includes physics-based and logic challenges where players manipulate objects, collect keys, solve puzzles like "Spot the Difference", and even create their own challenges using drag-and-drop tools [32]. This mix of skills prepares kids for progressively harder tasks.

Encouraging Creativity Through Coding

The app's creative tools let kids take control. With the "Code Your Own" feature, children can design puzzles without needing prior coding or reading skills [33]. In the Community Puzzles section, they can share their creations and try puzzles made by other users [32].

"Delightfully adaptive and engaging experience offers opportunities to practice important thinking skills and essential habits of mind." – Common Sense Education [33]

Recognized Learning Benefits

LearningWorks for Kids gives Thinkrolls Play & Code a Brain Grade of 9.6 and a Fun Score of 9.8 [32]. The app's challenges are designed to promote critical thinking and problem-solving in an engaging way.

Tailored for Every Player

Parents and teachers can customize the app for up to six users. Features like the Help Monster make it easy to adjust difficulty levels, ensuring the app stays fun and challenging as kids grow their skills [33].

Conclusion

Blending play with learning can deliver powerful educational outcomes. iPad apps today combine fun and education, offering tools to help kids improve in math, literacy, and creative thinking.

How These Apps Support Learning

Here’s how the top 10 apps cater to different learning needs:

• Math and Problem-Solving: Apps like Funexpected Math and Magrid personalize lessons to build strong math skills.

• Literacy Development: Endless Alphabet and Khan Academy Kids take children from phonics basics to reading confidently.

• Creative Thinking: Pok Pok and Sago Mini World encourage curiosity and imaginative exploration.

• All-in-One Learning: ABCmouse offers curriculum-based content across various subjects, making it a classroom favorite in the U.S.

Tips for Smart Use

• Set Clear Goals: Define what you want your child to achieve with these apps to align with their development.

• Track Progress: Use built-in tracking tools to adjust activities based on your child’s learning needs [34].

Balancing Cost and Features

Look closely at each app’s features and pricing to find the best fit. While many apps offer free versions, premium options often require a subscription. Also, some studies state that these tools work best when used alongside traditional teaching methods [35].

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