Top Educational Apps for Preschoolers in 2025 – Best Picks for Early Learning
Introduction
Finding the best educational apps for preschoolers can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which ones are truly beneficial for your child?
In this guide, we’ve curated top-rated early learning apps backed by trusted educational sources like Edutopia, Parents Magazine, and Common Sense Media. Whether you’re looking for math games, reading practice, or creative play, these apps make learning fun, interactive, and developmentally appropriate.
Why Educational Apps Matter for Preschoolers
Children aged 2–6 are at a critical stage for developing language, numeracy, problem-solving, and social skills. High-quality apps, when used in moderation and alongside real-world play, can:
Support school readiness
Reinforce classroom concepts at home
Encourage independent exploration
Introduce technology literacy in a safe environment
Top Educational Apps for Preschoolers (Expert-Backed Picks)
1. Moose Math
Age Range: 3–7
Cost Model: One-time purchase
Why It’s Great: Recommended by Edutopia, Moose Math teaches early math skills like counting, addition, and subtraction through interactive town-building games.
Source: Edutopia
2. ABCmouse
Age Range: 2–8
Cost Model: Subscription
Why It’s Great: With over 10,000 activities across math, reading, science, and art, ABCmouse offers a complete learning path from preschool to early elementary.
Source: ABCmouse
3. Starfall
Age Range: 3–6
Cost Model: Mostly free; optional paid workbooks
Why It’s Great: This ad-free platform teaches reading through phonics-based games.
Source: Starfall
4. PBS Kids Play & Learn Science
Age Range: 3–6
Cost Model: Free
Why It’s Great: From PBS Kids, this app offers hands-on science exploration designed for preschool curiosity, based on early childhood research.
Source: Edutopia
5. BrainPOP
Age Range: 4–8
Cost Model: Subscription
Why It’s Great: Combines engaging videos with quizzes and interactive activities, aligned with educational standards.
Source: BrainPop Jr
6. Khan Academy Kids
Age Range: 2–8
Cost Model: Free
Why It’s Great: Features thousands of lessons in reading, math, and social-emotional skills—completely ad-free and developed by education experts.
Source: Common Sense Media
7. Lingokids
Age Range: 2–8
Cost Model: Subscription (free tier available)
Why It’s Great: Play-based learning app with 1,200+ games, songs, and puzzles, recognized by UNICEF and TIME for educational impact.
Source: LingoKids
8. Pok Pok
Age Range: 2–8
Cost Model: Lifetime purchase or subscription
Why It’s Great: Montessori-inspired, calm, and exploratory play app with hand-drawn animations and offline mode.
Source: Pok Pok
9. Endless Alphabet
Age Range: 2–5
Cost Model: One-time purchase
Why It’s Great: Teaches vocabulary and letter recognition through delightful animations and interactive puzzles.
Source: Common Sense Media
10. Sago Mini World
Age Range: 2–5
Cost Model: Subscription
Why It’s Great: Over 40 open-ended play experiences that encourage creativity, independence, and emotional learning.
Source: Common Sense Media
Tips for Parents to Maximize Learning
Co-Play With Your Child: Shared screen time helps reinforce concepts and encourages conversation.
Set Healthy Limits: Follow pediatric guidelines (about 1 hour/day for preschoolers). At Little Darling Preschool, our classes are 30 minutes AND we offer live preschool chess classes.
Diversify Content: Mix subjects—don’t just stick to math or reading.
Balance Digital & Physical Play: Apps should complement, not replace, hands-on activities. During our live preschool chess classes, students receive a free chess board as part of their Premium package.
Conclusion
High-quality educational apps can be a valuable part of your preschooler’s learning journey when chosen wisely. Whether you go for free options like Khan Academy Kids and Starfall, curriculum-based tools like ABCmouse and Lingokids, or creative play apps like Sago Mini World and Pok Pok, these resources make screen time meaningful, safe, and fun.
At Little Darling Preschool, we turn screen time into learning time with Live preschool chess enrichment classes. Make sure you check us out for more online educational fun!
