All parents need a break sometimes, and there’s no shame in throwing a screen at the problem (aka: a toddler who’s bouncing off the walls). But no one said it has to be mindless. With the right apps, your kids’ screen time can be an excellent tool for learning everything from letters and numbers to social-emotional skills. Keep reading to discover the best kids and preschool apps that help grow young minds.
Tinybeans Pick: Piknik
Piknik Preschool Apps Bundle (Ages 2-11)
With thousands—yep, thousands—of activities, our favorite characters, and new content every month, it’s no wonder Piknik is our pick (no pun intended) for the best kids’ and preschool app bundle out there. This bundle of 8 complete apps (for the price of what we often pay for just one) keeps up with your kiddos’ ever-evolving interests, spanning games, math puzzles, creativity projects, speech practice, printables, and a ton more. Piknik is designed for kids 2-10 years old (with no ads!), so the whole crew can play their way (for just one price). It also inludes family sharing across Apple and Android devices, plus it’s available offline—just download and go.
Right now, you can snag your free 1-month trial of the Piknik Unlimited Plan with—8 apps for the price of 1—and a 25% discount (regularly $11.99, now only $8.99!) on your monthly subscription every month until you decide to cancel!
Piknik Preschool & Kids App Bundle ($11.99 Now $8.99—discount applied at checkout)—Download Your Free Trial Here!
More Great Preschool & Kids’ Apps
PBS KIDS Games (Ages 2-8)
Daniel Tiger, Pinkalicious, Wild Kratts, Elmo, and more are all waiting to play with kids 2-8 on the PBS KIDS Games App. Hundreds of free educational games are available to play alongside the characters your little ones will instantly recognize, along with parent rescources for you.
PBS KIDS Games—Download Here!
ABC Mouse (Ages 2-8)
A popular (with both kids and parents!) educational app that grows along with kids, ABC Mouse’s games cover everything from math and reading to science, music, and art. With over 10,000 activities to complete, your kids will learn new things well into elementary school. Try ABC Mouse free for 30 days, then $14.99/mo, or a special annual offer of $45.00/yr until you cancel.
ABC Mouse ($14.99/mo, $45.00/yr)—Download Here!
Khan Academy Kids (Ages 2-8)
Easily one of the best toddler apps you can get for free, Khan Academy Kids includes everything from academic basics to social-emotional learning through games and activities. It even teaches kids the importance of exercise and the fun of doing it with dance breaks and yoga videos.
Khan Academy Kids—Download Here!
Starfall (Pre-K-5th Grade)
Starfall has been around for a long time (since 2002!) and remains a staple as one of the best kids and preschool apps. Through colorful graphics and games, your littles can begin learning and recognizing letters and sounds, then move up as they grow, all thr way to 5th grade.
Starfall (Free-$35.00/yr)—Download Here!
Monkey Preschool Learning (Ages 2-6)
Since the launch of Monkey Preschool Learning’s first preschool geared app—Monkey Preschool Lunchbox—their apps have evolved into a full collection of goodies that support ABCs, counting, logic, biology, geography, and math concepts for even the littlest kids. They’re chockful of colors and fun monkeys (of course) that keep young learners totally engaged.
Monkey Preschool Learning ($1.99+)—Download Here!
Sesame Street (Ages 2-5)
We’d never leave out Sesame Street! The collection of apps and ebooks covers everything Sesame Street does best: numbers, letters, art, games, and lots of learning with iconic friends.
Sesame Street—Download Here!
My Very Hungry Caterpillar (Ages 2-5)
It starts with a tiny egg, and as your littles feed him, play with him, and tuck him in for a nap, they’ll be developing nurturing skills and a love of nature. Plus, the My Very Hungry Caterpillar App is pretty darn cute.
My Very Hungry Caterpillar—Download Here!
Duck Duck Moose (Ages 2-12)
Duck Duck Moose partnered with Khan Academy to create a full curriculum of apps for ages 2-10, spanning reading, math, spelling, music, and more. Education, play, and creative expression are all covered, and the collection grows with your kiddos, so you’ll always have a go-to.
Duck Duck Moose—Download Here!
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