The right free apps for kids can be a wonderful, no-cost tool to keep kids entertained while also encouraging learning. However, in-app upgrades and purchases can ruin the fun and can even lead your kid to inappropriate web content.
In order to avoid unintentional purchases or sending kids to unintended places, parents and caregivers can do some due diligence. That can be as simple as test-driving the app before letting your little one at it. And read the descriptions carefully on free kids apps, because each app store will tell you whether or not an app contains in-app purchases.
To help on your quest for kid-friendly apps, we’ve found 15 of the best free mobile apps for Android and Apple, for kids of all ages that don’t contain hidden in-app purchases.
Best free apps for kids ages 3-5
1. ABC Kids
A one-stop shop for all of your kids’ favourite ABC shows, including Bluey, Play School and Peppa Pig, with just enough education mixed in with the entertainment. There’s also a parental control to restrict video viewing.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
2. Play School Art Maker
Unleash creative potential with the Play School Art Maker, which lets kids incorporate characters from the beloved show into their own slideshows and animations.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
3. Funbrain Jr.
Kids as young as 2 will get a kick out of these games that promote literacy, maths skills and problem solving with engaging characters and cute animations.
- Download it from Apple App Store.
4. ABC Reading Eggs
This highly interactive app promotes early literacy and a love of reading, building on knowledge step by step. While it’s perfect for kids just getting to grips with words, it will keep pace with growing learners right into the tween stage.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
5. Peek-A-Zoo
Kids from 2 to 7 can get to know the names of animal, find out what they sound like, what they look like, even how they feel. A fun way to learn about movements, positions and emotions through engaging animal characters.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
Best free kids apps for ages 5-8
6. Sushi Monster
Children practice addition and multiplication facts by feeding hungry monsters plates of sushi. Kids can earn points, stars and trophies for correct answers.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
7. Aaardman Animator
Kids who love Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and other Aardman creations can have a go at making their own animations.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
8. ScratchJr
This app introduces early primary school children to coding through simple coding tasks that make a character move, dance, jump and sing.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
9. Mind Games
This app has plenty of games to challenge the budding brainiac – memory, pattern recognition and attention to detail all get a thorough workout.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
10. Khan Academy
“Learn anything” — it’s a big claim but Khan Academy can satisfy even the most curious young minds. Includes interactive exercises, videos and articles for just about every subject, from maths to geography.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
Free kids apps for ages 8-10
11. Libby
Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, digital comic books and magazines from your public library at the touch of a button. All you need is your library card. Kids can explore solo in the kids’ section or you can find a book to read together.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
12. Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the best free apps for learning languages. Children learn a foreign language using games that let them earn hearts and prizes. All lessons are free, and kids have the option of learning French, German, Spanish, Chinese and more.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
13. Pet Bingo
This adventure game helps kids brush up on their addition, subtraction and multiplication skills while caring for digital pets. They can play games to unlock new pets and get everything needed to help them grow.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
- Download it from Amazon.
14. Mathletics
Making maths fun and relevant is one of the greatest challenges in childhood education. Without overly gamifying, Mathletics takes the pain out of arithmetic with a huge range of fun exercises and videos.
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
15. Smiling Mind
While this mindfulness app is also for adults, there’s a separate track for children 5 to 12. The content gives kids resources to handle stress and the difficult questions that arise as they get older. And the guided meditations even come with Australian accents!
- Download it from the Apple App Store.
- Download it from Google Play.
