The 20 Best Educational Apps for Toddlers in 2025
Screens are everywhere, but not all screen time is created equal. When used thoughtfully, the right educational apps can help toddlers develop language, motor skills, creativity, and confidence — all through interactive, age-appropriate play.
From Montessori-inspired environments to alphabet adventures and gentle bedtime stories, this year’s best toddler apps blend learning with fun in ways that keep kids engaged while giving parents peace of mind.
Below, we highlight 20 of the best educational apps for toddlers in 2025, each with a short overview, target age range, focus area, key features, and insights from parent reviews.
Overview of the Best Educational Apps for Toddlers
| # | App | Age Range | Category / Focus | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khan Academy Kids | 2–5 yrs | Comprehensive Learning | Full curriculum; no ads; literacy, math, SEL | Free |
| 2 | Pok Pok | 2–5 yrs | Montessori / Open-Ended Play | Calming design; no rewards; creative exploration | $6.99/mo |
| 3 | Lingokids | 2–5 yrs | Multi-Subject / Games | English, math, science, music; adaptive levels | Freemium / $14.99/mo |
| 4 | Endless Alphabet | 2–5 yrs | Phonics / Literacy | Animated word puzzles, letter sounds | $8.99 (one-time) |
| 5 | PBS Kids Games | 2–5 yrs | Multi-Subject / Characters | 100+ ad-free games with PBS characters | Free |
| 6 | Duolingo ABC | 3–5 yrs | Literacy / Phonics | Letter sounds, reading, simple tracing | Free |
| 7 | Sago Mini School | 2–5 yrs | Imaginative Play / STEAM | Hands-on mini games; low-stimulation design | $7.99/mo |
| 8 | ABCmouse | 2–6 yrs | Early Learning Curriculum | 10,000+ activities, reading + math tracks | $12.99/mo |
| 9 | Funexpected Math | 3–7 yrs | Math / Logic | Game-based math challenges; adaptive | $6.99/mo |
| 10 | AlphaTots Alphabet | 2–4 yrs | Literacy / Motor Skills | 26 interactive letter games | $2.99 |
| 11 | Moose Math | 3–5 yrs | Numeracy / Counting | Math games by Duck Duck Moose | Free |
| 12 | Peekaboo Barn | 1–3 yrs | Animals / Cause & Effect | Animal sounds + naming | $1.99 |
| 13 | Daniel Tiger’s Day & Night | 2–4 yrs | Routines / Emotions | Morning & bedtime habits, empathy | $2.99 |
| 14 | ReadingIQ | 3–5 yrs | Books / Reading | 7,000+ early reader titles | $7.99/mo |
| 15 | Monkey Preschool Lunchbox | 2–4 yrs | Early Math & Logic | Sorting, matching, counting games | $1.99 |
| 16 | Nighty Night! | 1–4 yrs | Bedtime / Calm | Gentle animal lullabies; emotional learning | $3.99 |
| 17 | Toca Boca World | 3–6 yrs | Creativity / Open Play | Build, decorate, role-play stories | Freemium |
| 18 | Bimi Boo Preschool Learning Games | 2–5 yrs | Skills / Variety | Shapes, colors, puzzles, memory | $6.99/mo |
| 19 | Starfall ABCs | 2–5 yrs | Alphabet / Reading | Phonics and interactive letters | $35/yr |
| 20 | Noggin by Nick Jr. | 2–6 yrs | Learning + Shows | Educational videos & games with Nick Jr. characters | $7.99/mo |
App Details and Parent Insights
1. Khan Academy Kids
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Comprehensive learning (literacy, math, logic, social-emotional skills)
What’s Inside: Dozens of activities, storybooks, and videos organized by skill area — all 100% free and ad-free. Characters like Kodi the bear guide toddlers through fun lessons.
Parent Insight: Parents rave about the breadth of topics and safety. One reviewer called it “a guilt-free screen time app that feels like preschool in your pocket.” The only downside? Some activities skew slightly older for two-year-olds.
2. Pok Pok
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Montessori-inspired open-ended play
What’s Inside: A digital playroom filled with simple, calm activities like drawing, cooking, and building — all without levels, ads, or timers.
Parent Insight: Loved by Montessori parents, Pok Pok feels soothing rather than overstimulating. One parent review praised it for “inviting creativity instead of chaos.” Pricey but worth it for the peace of mind.
3. Lingokids
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Multi-subject learning through games
What’s Inside: English, math, science, and social-emotional activities with songs, interactive stories, and challenges.
Parent Insight: A frequent favorite on parenting blogs, Lingokids gets points for its variety and frequent content updates. Some parents note it’s “Disney-level engaging” — just monitor usage to avoid binging.
4. Endless Alphabet
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Early literacy / phonics
What’s Inside: Animated monsters teach vocabulary and letter sounds through silly word puzzles.
Parent Insight: A staple for early literacy, Endless Alphabet is “the one app parents actually enjoy hearing from the back seat.” Reviewers love that it feels more like storytelling than rote learning.
5. PBS Kids Games
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Educational mini-games with familiar PBS characters
What’s Inside: Over 100 ad-free games featuring Daniel Tiger, Elinor, and the Kratt Brothers. Covers math, science, and reading.
Parent Insight: Parents trust it for being safe and wholesome. One reviewer wrote: “I can hand it over without worry — no ads, no surprise pop-ups.” Interface can feel clunky, but content quality wins out.
6. Duolingo ABC
Age Range: 3–5 years
Focus: Literacy, phonics, early reading
What’s Inside: Teaches letter sounds, tracing, and reading basics with bright visuals and short lessons.
Parent Insight: Described as “the toddler cousin of Duolingo,” parents appreciate its no-cost structure and clear phonics path. Perfect for pre-readers ready for sight words.
7. Sago Mini School
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Creative exploration / STEAM foundations
What’s Inside: A collection of mini-games that teach early concepts like sorting, building, and storytelling.
Parent Insight: Parents love its whimsical characters and slow pace. “It feels like Mr. Rogers turned into an app,” said one reviewer. Great for independent play.
8. ABCmouse
Age Range: 2–6 years
Focus: Comprehensive curriculum for preschoolers
What’s Inside: Over 10,000 games, books, puzzles, and songs teaching reading, math, and art.
Parent Insight: A veteran in early learning, ABCmouse offers tons of value for its subscription. Parents recommend pacing the content — “don’t try to finish it all at once.” Some interface clutter, but trusted by teachers.
9. Funexpected Math
Age Range: 3–7 years
Focus: Math and logic reasoning
What’s Inside: Short math puzzles that build foundational skills like pattern recognition, symmetry, and spatial reasoning.
Parent Insight: Parents call it “a smart math game that actually sticks.” Younger toddlers may need guidance, but it’s ideal for bridging preschool into kindergarten.
10. AlphaTots Alphabet
Age Range: 2–4 years
Focus: Letter recognition and phonics
What’s Inside: 26 interactive letter games (“B” for building, “C” for cutting). Combines alphabet learning with action verbs.
Parent Insight: Parents describe it as “simple, colorful, and perfect for wiggly toddlers.” Excellent for car rides or short learning bursts.
11. Moose Math
Age Range: 3–5 years
Focus: Counting and numeracy
What’s Inside: Math-focused mini-games designed by Duck Duck Moose, a Khan Academy company.
Parent Insight: Fun graphics and easy gameplay make it a favorite for preschoolers. One parent noted, “My 4-year-old learned addition without realizing it.” Works well for reluctant learners.
12. Peekaboo Barn
Age Range: 1–3 years
Focus: Animal sounds and vocabulary
What’s Inside: Toddlers tap barn doors to reveal animals and learn their names and sounds.
Parent Insight: Simple but delightful, Peekaboo Barn is often a first app for babies. “Perfect for one-year-olds,” said a Common Sense Media review. Teaches cause and effect beautifully.
13. Daniel Tiger’s Day & Night
Age Range: 2–4 years
Focus: Daily routines and emotions
What’s Inside: Interactive morning and bedtime routines led by PBS’s Daniel Tiger, encouraging healthy habits and empathy.
Parent Insight: Parents of toddlers love the gentle guidance. “It’s like a digital routine chart,” one reviewer said. Great for easing transitions or bedtime resistance.
14. ReadingIQ
Age Range: 3–5+ years
Focus: Digital library / early reading
What’s Inside: Thousands of read-aloud and leveled books — from classics to Disney stories — organized by reading level.
Parent Insight: Parents appreciate the variety and progression system. “It’s Netflix for kids’ books,” said one parent, “but I still prefer reading aloud together.” Best used alongside physical books.
15. Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
Age Range: 2–4 years
Focus: Sorting, colors, counting
What’s Inside: A cheerful monkey guides toddlers through mini-games that teach colors, shapes, and basic numbers.
Parent Insight: A classic app still loved in 2025. Parents praise its simplicity — “short, snack-sized games that hold attention but never overwhelm.”
16. Nighty Night!
Age Range: 1–4 years
Focus: Bedtime, emotional learning
What’s Inside: Children “turn off” lights for animals as they go to sleep, narrated softly to promote calm.
Parent Insight: Parents adore it as part of bedtime routines. “It’s the only screen time that makes my kid sleepier, not wilder.” Perfect for gentle endings to the day.
17. Toca Boca World
Age Range: 3–6 years
Focus: Creative storytelling and role play
What’s Inside: A virtual world where kids can decorate homes, cook meals, or create stories with characters.
Parent Insight: Loved for creativity and self-expression. Some parents warn of optional in-app purchases, but many say it “inspires real-life imaginative play afterward.”
18. Bimi Boo Preschool Learning Games
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Foundational skills
What’s Inside: Over 100 mini-games teaching shapes, patterns, and memory skills.
Parent Insight: Great visuals and easy navigation. One reviewer noted: “It feels like preschool packed into your phone.” Freemium model can be limiting in free tier.
19. Starfall ABCs
Age Range: 2–5 years
Focus: Alphabet and early reading
What’s Inside: Colorful animations introduce letter sounds, words, and phonics through repetition.
Parent Insight: A long-time teacher favorite. “Old-school but gold,” said one parent educator. Works best as part of a balanced phonics routine.
20. Noggin by Nick Jr.
Age Range: 2–6 years
Focus: Educational shows and interactive games
What’s Inside: Ad-free videos and games featuring Blue’s Clues, Dora, and Bubble Guppies, teaching empathy, problem solving, and literacy.
Parent Insight: “It’s like Netflix with a conscience,” one parent wrote. Ideal for families who prefer familiar TV characters but want educational value.
How to Choose the Right App for Your Toddler
Choosing the best educational app depends on your child’s age, interests, and your comfort with screen time. Here’s how to narrow it down:
1. Match to Developmental Stage
Ages 1–2: Simple cause-and-effect apps like Peekaboo Barn or Nighty Night! are ideal.
Ages 2–3: Transition to interactive exploration apps like Endless Alphabet or Sago Mini School.
Ages 3–5: Introduce light academics — phonics (Duolingo ABC) and counting (Moose Math).
2. Balance Structure and Freedom
Younger toddlers thrive on open-ended exploration (Pok Pok, Toca Boca World), while older preschoolers benefit from scaffolded lessons (ABCmouse, Khan Academy Kids).
3. Look for Ad-Free and Safe Interfaces
Avoid free apps overloaded with pop-ups or rewards. The best options (PBS Kids, Khan Academy Kids) are completely ad-free.
4. Read Real Parent Reviews
Blogs like My Bored Toddler and Common Sense Media provide candid parent insights on usability, pricing, and content depth.
5. Keep Screen Time Balanced
Experts recommend short, supervised sessions (10–15 minutes). Pair digital play with real-world interaction — count real toys, draw letters on paper, and keep conversation flowing.
FAQs
How do I pick a good educational app for my toddler?
Choose apps that are intuitive, ad-free, and developmentally appropriate. Prioritize those emphasizing creativity and problem-solving rather than endless rewards.
Are educational apps okay for toddlers?
Yes, in moderation. Apps designed for ages 2–5 can reinforce language and motor skills. Co-play (listening, talking, reacting together) maximizes the benefit.
What’s the best free educational app for toddlers?
Khan Academy Kids and PBS Kids Games top most lists because they’re ad-free, comprehensive, and 100% free.
How much screen time is appropriate for toddlers?
Pediatric guidelines recommend less than one hour of high-quality, supervised screen time per day for children ages 2–5. Interactive apps count as the “better” kind of screen use.
Which apps are most trusted by educators?
Khan Academy Kids, Starfall ABCs, and Endless Alphabet are frequently endorsed by teachers for foundational reading and math readiness.
Final Thoughts
Educational apps don’t need to replace hands-on play — they can complement it beautifully. A well-chosen app invites your child to explore sounds, shapes, and stories while building confidence and curiosity.
If you’re mindful about what your toddler is watching and interactive in how they use it, screen time can become learning time — full of laughter, imagination, and discovery.