The Best 18 Educational Apps for Toddlers & Preschoolers - Happy Toddler Playtime (2024)

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Looking for fun and educational apps to keep your toddler and preschooler engaged and learning? From alphabet and number games to music and creativity apps, the world of children’s apps is vast and varied. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best apps for toddlers and preschoolers that are sure to provide hours of entertainment and learning opportunities.

The Best 18 Educational Apps for Toddlers & Preschoolers - Happy Toddler Playtime (1)

Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers

As a parent or caregiver, you want to ensure that your toddler is learning and growing every day. In today’s digital age, educational apps have become an increasingly popular tool for helping children develop important cognitive and social-emotional skills. But with so many apps available, how do you choose the best ones for your child?

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What to Look for in Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers

When it comes to selecting a learning app for toddlers, there are a few key criteria to keep in mind. Firstly, the app should be age-appropriate and offer content that is suited to your child’s developmental level. The app should also be engaging and interactive, with colorful graphics, fun characters, and interactive games that keep your child motivated and focused. Additionally, the app should be designed with safety in mind, with features that prevent accidental clicks and in-app purchases.

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Learning outcomes are also an important consideration when choosing a learning app for toddlers. Ideally, the app should help your child develop skills in key areas such as language, math, science, creativity, and problem-solving. It should also help your child build important social-emotional skills such as empathy, communication, and self-regulation. With the right learning app, your toddler can develop a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives. In the following blog post, we will explore some of the best learning apps for toddlers that meet these criteria and offer a fun and engaging learning experience.

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The Best Educational Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  1. ABCmouse Early Learning Academy
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ABCmouse Early Learning Academy is a comprehensive educational app designed for children aged 2 to 8 years old. It offers over 8,500 interactive activities across multiple subjects such as math, reading, science, art, and more. The app uses colorful graphics, songs, and games to keep children engaged while learning.

  1. Khan Academy Kids
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Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app that offers a wide range of interactive activities designed for children aged 2 to 7 years old. The app covers subjects such as math, reading, language, and social-emotional learning. It features a variety of animated characters and engaging activities to keep children motivated and entertained.

  1. PBS Kids Games
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PBS Kids Games is an app that features a range of educational games and activities based on popular PBS Kids shows such as Sesame Street and Curious George. The app offers a variety of subjects such as math, science, reading, and more. It is designed for children aged 2 to 8 years old and offers a safe, age-appropriate learning environment.

  1. Endless Alphabet
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Endless Alphabet is an app designed to help toddlers learn their ABCs and basic vocabulary. The app features interactive puzzles and games that help children learn new words and their meanings. It is designed for children aged 2 to 6 years old and offers a fun and engaging learning experience.

More Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  1. Dr. Panda’s Restaurant
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Dr. Panda’s Restaurant is an app that introduces children to basic math and problem-solving skills through a restaurant-themed game. Children get to cook and serve meals to virtual customers while learning about food preparation, money management, and more. It is designed for children aged 3 to 5 years old and offers a fun and interactive learning experience.

  1. Duolingo ABC
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Duolingo ABC is a free language learning app designed for children aged 3 to 6 years old. It offers interactive games and activities that help children learn letters, sounds, and basic vocabulary in English, Spanish, French, and more. The app uses colorful graphics and engaging characters to keep children motivated while learning a new language.

  1. Sago Mini World
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Sago Mini World is a subscription-based educational app that offers a variety of games and activities designed for children aged 2 to 5 years old. The app covers a range of subjects such as math, creativity, and problem-solving. It features a range of fun characters and interactive environments that help children develop their cognitive and social-emotional skills.

  1. Peekaboo Barn
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Peekaboo Barn is an app that introduces children to animal names and sounds through a fun and interactive game. Children get to tap on the barn doors to reveal the animals inside and hear their sounds. It is designed for children aged 2 to 5 years old and offers a simple yet engaging learning experience that helps children develop their vocabulary and listening skills.

More Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  1. Moose Math by Duck Duck Moose
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Moose Math is an app that offers interactive math games and activities designed for children aged 3 to 7 years old. The app covers a range of math skills such as counting, addition, subtraction, and geometry. It uses fun characters and engaging games to keep children motivated and entertained while learning.

  1. Toca Boca Doctor
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Toca Boca Doctor is an app that introduces children to basic healthcare concepts and helps them learn about the human body in a fun and interactive way. The app features a range of medical tools and equipment that children can use to diagnose and treat various ailments. The app also helps children develop their empathy and social-emotional intelligence as they learn to care for and comfort their patients. With Toca Boca Doctor, toddlers can explore the world of medicine and develop important life skills.

  1. Endless Reader
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Endless Reader is an app that helps children learn to read through interactive games and activities. The app features sight words and phonics-based activities that help children develop their reading skills in a fun and engaging way.

  1. Super Why! ABC Adventures
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Super Why! ABC Adventures is an app that introduces children to the alphabet and basic phonics through a range of interactive games and activities. The app features popular characters from the Super Why! TV show and offers a fun and engaging way for children to learn their letters and sounds.

  1. Thinkrolls
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Thinkrolls is an app that offers a range of logic and problem-solving games designed for children aged 3 to 8 years old. The app features a variety of characters and environments that help children develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills.

More Apps for Toddlers and Preschoolers

  1. Dr. Seuss’s ABC – An Amazing Alphabet Book!
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Dr. Seuss’s ABC is an app that introduces children to the alphabet and basic vocabulary through the use of fun characters and engaging games. The app features interactive pages and rhyming text that help children develop their reading and language skills.

  1. Hungry Caterpillar Play School
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Hungry Caterpillar Play School is an app that offers a range of educational games and activities based on the classic children’s book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The app features a variety of puzzles, games, and coloring pages that help children develop their early literacy, numeracy, and creativity skills. The app also includes a parent dashboard that allows parents to track their child’s progress and customize their learning experience. With Hungry Caterpillar Play School, toddlers can enjoy a fun and engaging way to learn and play.

  1. Teach Your Monster to Read
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Teach Your Monster to Read is an app that offers a range of reading games and activities designed for children aged 3 to 7 years old. The app features a fun and engaging storyline that helps children develop their reading skills while also encouraging creativity and imagination.

  1. Little Writer
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Little Writer is an app that helps children learn to write letters and numbers through a range of interactive games and activities. The app features tracing games and letter recognition activities that help children develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

  1. Sago Mini Superhero
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Sago Mini Superhero is an app that encourages children to use their imagination and creativity while also developing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The app features a range of superhero-themed activities and encourages children to use their powers to solve problems and save the day.

These 18 learning apps for toddlers offer a diverse range of educational experiences that can help children develop important cognitive and social-emotional skills while also having fun.

Final Thoughts

Educational apps can be a great way to help your toddler learn and grow. The above-listed apps are some of the best learning apps for toddlers that offer a fun and engaging learning experience. As always, it’s important to monitor your child’s use of technology and ensure they are using age-appropriate apps in a safe and controlled environment.

Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!

for Curious Toddlers

There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!

But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.

Play2Learn for Toddlersincludes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.

Play2Learn Preschoolwhich includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years.That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again!

Thesetoddler and preschool lesson plans and activitieswill definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!

Click here for more information: Play2Learn

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Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

Book:Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids

Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more informationExciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy atAmazon.

Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

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Book:Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids

Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.

Find out more and grab your copyhere.

Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.

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Book:Big Book of Riddles for Kids

Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast?The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles that show them how to think outside the box.

  • 350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
  • Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
  • Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!

Designed for kids ages 6 yearsold and up.

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TV Show:Curious Crafting

I’m so excited to finally share my new crafting TV showCurious Craftingwhich launched July 1 at onTVOkidsandTVOkids YouTube!

Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.

In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.

Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.

This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.

BEST FUN AND LEARNING APPS FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS? PIN IT FOR LATER!

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The Best 18 Educational Apps for Toddlers & Preschoolers - Happy Toddler Playtime (2024)

FAQs

What is the best app for a 2 year old? ›

Best Apps for Toddlers
  • Peekaboo Barn. age 2+ ...
  • Peekaboo Wild. age 2+ ...
  • Pok Pok Playroom. age 2+ ...
  • Potty Time with Elmo. age 2+ ...
  • Sago Mini Friends. age 2+ ...
  • Sound Touch. age 2+ ...
  • Tozzle - Toddler's favorite puzzle. age 2+ ...
  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Friends - First Words. age 2+

What is the best learning app for 3 year olds? ›

Compare the Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers
CompanyAgesApp/ Ebook
Khan Academy Kids Best Overall2 to 8Mobile app
Busy Shapes Best for Fine Motor Skills2 to 5Mobile app
Moose Math Best for Math3 to 7Mobile app
Toca Nature Best for Creative Exploration6 to 8Mobile app
4 more rows
Jul 16, 2023

Why are educational apps good for toddlers? ›

When kids are working with interactive educational apps to learn new concepts, they are also improving their reaction time, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Apps are a space for children to practice their skills.

What a 2 year old should be learning? ›

What most children do by this age:
  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?” ...
  • Says at least two words together, like “More milk.” ...
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask him to show you. ...
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes.

What kind of play should a 2 year old have? ›

Toddlers really enjoy pretending play – doing things they've experienced as part of their daily routine. They'll have fun playing putting teddy to bed or feeding him his dinner. While playing with smaller toys like cars or play farm animals, they'll be able to talk about what's happening.

What is the number 1 learning app? ›

Best Overall Khan Academy

From preschoolers to high schoolers, there are few educational apps that can measure up to Khan Academy when it comes to the wide range of courses it offers to students of all ages. And, best of all: It's free.

What is the best learning method for toddlers? ›

All young children learn through meaningful hands-on experiences—through touching, doing, and moving. And children also learn through seeing and hearing. As you observe your child, you will begin to identify strengths and preferences that tell you something about your child's preferred learning style.

How can I educate my 3 year old at home? ›

Read books to them every day. Sing action songs with movements and do finger plays. Make simple instruments, such as an oatmeal box or coffee can for drums, dry beans in a box for shakers, etc. Give children paint, crayons, chalk, and finger paints to draw and scribble.

What are the negatives of educational apps for toddlers? ›

The Drawbacks Of Learning Apps For Children
  • Distraction. The Internet is full of new and exciting things to learn. ...
  • Attention And Emotional Development. ...
  • Overstimulation Due To Excessive Screen Time. ...
  • Decreased Social Interaction. ...
  • Many Teachers Are Unfamiliar With Educational Technology.
Nov 4, 2023

What age is a toddler? ›

The toddler age range is generally considered to begin around the age of one and lasts through about three years old, or when they enter preschool (and become a “preschooler”!). Don't worry if your little one has passed their first birthday and hasn't hit these developmental milestones yet.

Is CoComelon good for 2 year olds? ›

“There's been some studies that have shown that when children watch shows like that, like CoComelon before age 2 when they look at their executive functions later at age 9, they notice that those kids have difficulty with executive functions. However, we don't really know that that's causing that yet,” said Dvorsky.

Which game is best for 2 year old? ›

Series of matching card games are great fun for two-year-olds. Get kids started on a game of Seek-a-Boo and watch the early learning begin! Seek-a-Boo is a fun game that works to build children's' vocabulary and improve memory skills with matching and repetition.

What is to stimulate a 2 year old? ›

Sing simple songs that involve actions or animal sounds. For example, 'Heads and shoulders' or 'Old MacDonald'. Give your toddler things to sort, like coloured blocks, shapes or pegs, or plastic cups and containers of different sizes. Give your toddler toys with buttons to push to make something happen.

How can I be the best mom for my 2 year old? ›

Toddler Parenting Tips
  1. Encourage your toddler to explore and try new things.
  2. Set up a special time to read books with your child and do it often.
  3. Play matching games like shape sorting and simple puzzles.
  4. Explain in simple terms how things work.
  5. Encourage pretend play with your child.

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