Reading Apps, Games, and Websites

Last updated: August 13, 2024

Reading is one of the greatest activities that anyone can do -- it engages your imagination, it can help you learn, and it can help entertain you as well. We've gathered some of the best apps, games, and websites for building your kids' reading skills. Together, these resources cover reading skills from letter recognition, phonics, and sight words to vocabulary building and comprehension. So whether you're on the go or on the couch, start here and make learning to read fun and engaging. For even more tips to encourage a love of reading and get your kids hooked on books, be sure to check out our Apps for Kids Who Think Reading Is Boring.

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ReadAskChat for Children 0-6 Poster Image

APP

ReadAskChat for Children 0-6

age 2+

Simple stories, convo starters for parents to use with kids.

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

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Abound Parenting Poster Image

APP

Abound Parenting

age 3+

Discussion starters for parents to cultivate kids' literacy.

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

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AlphaTots Poster Image

APP

AlphaTots

age 3+

"E" is for an excellent educational app.

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

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Duolingo ABC - Learn to Read Poster Image

APP

Duolingo ABC - Learn to Read

age 3+

Enjoyable drills thoroughly cover ABC basics, step by step.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free (Education)

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Elmo Loves ABCs Poster Image

APP

Elmo Loves ABCs

age 3+

Learn the alphabet with tracing, puzzles, videos, and songs.

iPad , Android , Kindle Fire Paid (Educational Games)

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Hooked on Phonics Learn & Read Poster Image

APP

Hooked on Phonics Learn & Read

age 3+

Super, step-by-step reading journey starts with the basics.

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

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Reading Eggs - Learn to Read Poster Image

APP

Reading Eggs - Learn to Read

age 3+

Comprehensive program covers fundamentals and much more.

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

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APP

Reading Raven

age 3+

Learn-to-read games offer kids solid lessons at own pace.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (Education)

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Starfall ABCs Poster Image

APP

Starfall ABCs

age 3+

Animated alphabet app with fun pictures and sounds.

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

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Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic Poster Image

APP

Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic

age 4+

Excellent interactive early phonics storybook.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (Education)

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Bob Books #2 - Reading Magic HD Poster Image

APP

Bob Books #2 - Reading Magic HD

age 4+

Spelling games offer fab way to learn to read.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (Educational Games)

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Intro to Letters, by Montessorium Poster Image

APP

Intro to Letters, by Montessorium

age 4+

Digital sandpaper letters and sounds for preschool practice.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Education)

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Joy of Reading - learn to read Poster Image

APP

Joy of Reading - learn to read

age 4+

Varied mini-games focus on phonics; subscription required.

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

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Montessori Letter Sounds - Phonics in English, Spanish, French & Italian Poster Image

APP

Montessori Letter Sounds - Phonics in English, Spanish, French & Italian

age 4+

Self-directed, fun, simple lessons will engage prereaders.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Education)

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My WonderBooks Poster Image

APP

My WonderBooks

age 4+

Multilingual library, lovely visuals for classic kids' lit.

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

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Poio by Kahoot! Learn to Read Poster Image

APP

Poio by Kahoot! Learn to Read

age 4+

Solid learning content nestled in fun, game-based adventure.

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

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Read with Phonics Poster Image

APP

Read with Phonics

age 4+

Alien-themed phonics games are thorough but lack variety.

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

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Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen Poster Image

APP

Sesame Street Alphabet Kitchen

age 4+

Sweet word-building with TV friend; vowel toys optional.

iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid (Education)

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Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos Poster Image

APP

Skybrary – Kids Books & Videos

age 4+

Classic reborn as fee-based e-library with great selection.

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

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WEBSITE

Starfall

age 4+

Outstanding learn-to-read site sure to engage little ones.

(https://www.starfall.com/)

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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.