50 Apps All Kids Should Play at Least Once

Last updated: August 11, 2022

Sifting through the app stores trying to find the best mobile games for kids isn't easy, so we've done it for you! Though plenty of other awesome apps are out there, kids should play these at least once. These are some of the best because they offer kids experiences that use the screen in innovative and engaging ways. From art to coding, preschool-skill building to problem solving, and social-emotional learning to endless runners, dive in with this list of 50 standout apps across all age groups. For even more titles, find a curated list that fits your kid's specific interests.

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Busy Shapes 2 Poster Image

APP

Busy Shapes 2

age 2+

Simply brilliant puzzler develops critical thinking.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Education)

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APP

My Very Hungry Caterpillar

age 2+

Famous book inspires activities, encourages kids to nurture.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid (Kids' Games)

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Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings Poster Image

APP

Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings

age 3+

Express feelings in safe, healthy ways with Daniel's lead.

iPad , Kindle Fire Paid (Education)

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Duckie Deck Trash Toys Poster Image

APP

Duckie Deck Trash Toys

age 3+

Discarded and found items inspire creativity, "upcycling."

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Education)

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MarcoPolo Weather Poster Image

APP

MarcoPolo Weather

age 3+

Sandbox tool lets kids explore weather without getting wet.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Education)

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Metamorphabet Poster Image

APP

Metamorphabet

age 3+

Learn letters and words through amazing animations.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid (Education)

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My PlayHome Poster Image

APP

My PlayHome

age 3+

Virtual dollhouse encourages creative play.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire , Nook HD , Windows app Paid (Entertainment)

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Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos Poster Image

APP

Epic! - Kids' Books and Videos

age 4+

Diverse, huge, searchable library of kids' books, videos.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook Free to try , Free (Education)

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Kalley's Machine Plus Cats Poster Image

APP

Kalley's Machine Plus Cats

age 4+

Kid's art-inspired story full of engineering fun (and cats).

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid (Books)

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MarcoPolo World School Poster Image

APP

MarcoPolo World School

age 4+

Learning dialogue makes STEAM videos and games special.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free to try (Education)

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Peep Ciencias: Rampas Poster Image

APP

Peep Ciencias: Rampas

age 4+

Awesome tool to explore STEM concepts on- and offline.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free (Education)

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Toca Nature Poster Image

APP

Toca Nature

age 4+

Create and interact with mesmerizing natural landscape.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire , Nook HD Paid (Education)

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Codespark product image

APP

codeSpark Academy

age 5+

Code, create, and collaborate with cute characters.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Chromebook , Kindle Fire Free to try (Education)

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Gro Garden Poster Image

APP

Gro Garden

age 5+

Free play in virtual sustainable garden requires patience.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire Paid (Education)

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Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox Poster Image

APP

Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox

age 5+

Kids learn concepts of algebra in stellar game app.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire Free to try (Educational Games)

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APP

PuppetMaster

age 5+

Create puppets, craft stories, co-play with cool tools.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Kids' Games)

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Thinkrolls 2 Poster Image

APP

Thinkrolls 2

age 5+

Maze puzzler packed with smart, science fun.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire Paid (Education)

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Toca Hair Salon 3 Poster Image

APP

Toca Hair Salon 3

age 5+

Creative free-styling continues with more options, features.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire Paid (Education)

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Arithmagic - Math Wizard Game Poster Image

APP

Arithmagic - Math Wizard Game

age 6+

Spell-binding math game with increasing challenge.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid (Educational Games)

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Homes by Tinybop Poster Image

APP

Homes by Tinybop

age 6+

Explore homes around the world in impressive detail.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Paid (Education)

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About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.