Best Creative Apps

Last updated: January 25, 2022

There's a lot of media content that kids can consume -- movies to watch, games to play, music to listen to -- but it's important for kids to balance those activities with creativity. Not only do we want kids enjoying art and music, but also we want them to see themselves as the next media creators so that they can make media that represents them and their stories. These apps allow kids to color pictures, edit photos and videos, make music, express themselves in writing, and tinker and build with digital tools. Studies suggest that using apps to create, not consume, can be a great way to turn screen time into learning time. Want more ideas to spark inspiration? Check out our Tech Creation Learning Tools for Kids, and see the creative juices flow.

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Art Class with Dr. Panda Poster Image
APP

Art Class with Dr. Panda

age 3+

Fun, directed crafts best as inspiration for offscreen art.

Beck and Bo Poster Image
APP

Beck and Bo

age 3+

Beautiful discovery app combines logic and creativity.

Crayola Create and Play Poster Image
APP

Crayola Create and Play

age 3+

Delightful creativity and game combo for subscription.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free to try (Kids' Games)
Dr. Panda Plus: Home Designer Poster Image
APP

Dr. Panda Plus: Home Designer

age 3+

Kids' art becomes virtual furniture; best with toy.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free to try (Kids' Games)
DRAWNIMAL by YATATOY Poster Image
APP

DRAWNIMAL by YATATOY

age 3+

Innovative combo of paper, app, and ABCs.

Mac, Izzy & Friends Poster Image
APP

Mac, Izzy & Friends

age 3+

Kids explore, experiment, create with fun tools and prompts.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free to try (Education)
Bug Art Poster Image
APP

Bug Art

age 4+

Beautiful bugs inspire creativity in well-rounded app.

Draw and Tell HD - by Duck Duck Moose Poster Image
APP

Draw and Tell HD - by Duck Duck Moose

age 4+

Easy-to-use story creator is also a fun art app.

iPad Free (Education)
Drawing Pad Poster Image
APP

Drawing Pad

age 4+

Great drawing app is a window to self-expression.

Elmer's Photo Patchwork Poster Image
APP

Elmer's Photo Patchwork

age 4+

Use camera to create collages; few options for further fun.

Lipa Theater: Story Maker Poster Image
APP

Lipa Theater: Story Maker

age 4+

Create and record stories in cute digital puppet theater.

Faces iMake - Right Brain Creativity Poster Image
APP

Faces iMake - Right Brain Creativity

age 5+

Kids make fanciful facial art using everyday objects.

iPad Paid (Education)
LOOPIMAL by YATATOY Poster Image
APP

LOOPIMAL by YATATOY

age 5+

Create sound sequences with music blocks, cute creatures.

Pango Build Safari Poster Image
APP

Pango Build Safari

age 5+

DIY safari landscapes come to life in scene-building app.

Plum's Creaturizer Poster Image
APP

Plum's Creaturizer

age 5+

Make creatures and take pics outside for fantastic fun.

PuppetMaster Poster Image
APP

PuppetMaster

age 5+

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

Toca Hair Salon 4 Poster Image
APP

Toca Hair Salon 4

age 5+

Free-play styling game grows, now with in-app purchases.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free to try (Education)
Zigazoo icon image
APP

Zigazoo

age 5+

Creative challenges, social media for kids with purchases.

Book Creator Poster Image
WEBSITE

Book Creator

age 6+

Magically easy way to create and publish books.

Build a Truck - by Duck Duck Moose Poster Image
APP

Build a Truck - by Duck Duck Moose

age 6+

Rollicking monster-truck fun, minus the noise.

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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.