Top 10 Must-Have Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Fun & Educational)

Khan Academy Kids stands out as my top recommendation for toddlers because it offers a comprehensive learning experience completely free of charge. This app has been thoughtfully designed by early childhood education experts to support whole-child development through engaging activities.

What makes this app special is how it adapts to your child’s progress, offering personalized learning paths that grow with them. My 2-year-old started with simple shape recognition games and gradually moved to more complex puzzles as her skills developed.

When my daughter was hospitalized, Sago Mini World was the first app that brought a smile to her face. This delightful collection of open-ended play experiences features adorable characters in various scenarios that encourage creativity and exploration.

What I love most about Sago Mini World is how it allows children to play at their own pace without pressure or frustration. There are no wrong answers or failed levels – just joyful discovery that builds confidence and fine motor skills.

Peekaboo Barn is a simple yet engaging app that introduces toddlers to farm animals and their sounds. The straightforward gameplay – tap on the barn to see and hear different animals – makes it perfect for even the youngest app users.

I keep this app on my phone for those unexpected moments when I need to keep my toddler occupied for a few minutes, like waiting at the doctor’s office. The simplicity means children can navigate it independently, while still learning animal names and sounds.

As a mom who worries about overstimulating apps, Pok Pok has been a revelation. This Montessori-inspired digital playroom offers calm, open-ended experiences that encourage exploration without the flashy animations and sounds that dominate many children’s apps.

My daughters love building cities and exploring the various toys within Pok Pok. I appreciate how it encourages creativity and problem-solving in a low-pressure environment. It’s the one app I feel completely comfortable letting them use for longer stretches of time.

Nighty Night is a beautiful bedtime app that helps transition toddlers to sleep time. Children help put various farm animals to bed by turning off their lights, accompanied by gentle narration and soothing music.

We’ve incorporated this app into our bedtime routine on special nights, and it’s become a calming ritual my daughters look forward to. The simple interactions and peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for winding down before sleep.

ABCmouse is a comprehensive early learning academy that’s widely used in preschools and kindergartens across the country. With over 10,000 learning activities across 10 levels, it provides a structured curriculum covering reading, math, science, art, and more.

What sets ABCmouse apart is its complete learning path that guides children through activities in a logical progression. My daughter’s preschool teacher recommended it for home use, and I’ve been impressed by how it reinforces what she’s learning in school.

The PBS KIDS Games app brings beloved educational characters like Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, and Sesame Street friends together in one free collection of learning games. Each game is designed by educational experts to teach specific skills while entertaining children.

I appreciate how this app connects to shows my children already love, extending the educational value of PBS programming. The games reinforce concepts from the shows, making learning feel familiar and fun.

Lingokids offers over 1,600 learning activities that make education feel like playtime. Voted the #1 children’s learning app, it covers a comprehensive curriculum including language, math, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

What impressed me most about Lingokids is how it grows with your child. My younger daughter started using it at age 3 for basic vocabulary, and now at 5, she’s using the same app for more advanced concepts like early reading and simple addition.

HOMER Learn & Grow delivers personalized learning pathways based on your child’s interests and abilities. This research-backed app focuses on building critical early reading skills while also covering math, thinking skills, creativity, and social-emotional development.

What makes HOMER special is how it tailors content to each child’s interests. My dinosaur-obsessed daughter was much more engaged with reading activities featuring T-Rex and friends than with generic content, making learning feel personally relevant.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox is a classic preschool app that has stood the test of time. This collection of seven simple games teaches counting, matching, colors, shapes, and letter recognition through quick, engaging activities.

Both my daughters loved this app at preschool age. The simple games are perfect for short attention spans, and the monkey’s enthusiastic reactions to correct answers always brought smiles. It’s an excellent “starter” educational app for young preschoolers.