There are about 2 million apps available for download on my iPhone. Despite that — or maybe because of it — it can be difficult for me to determine what apps are both entertaining and educational for my kids to use.
So I asked Macaroni Kid moms and publishers, and also turned to experts for suggestions on apps kids love that we can feel good about them using. I was thrilled with the quality of the apps they recommended -- especially since I hadn't heard of most of them before.
Here are seven apps that check the boxes on being both educational and fun for kids. They are listed in alphabetical order:
Endless Spanish
Silly and cute monsters help kids learn Spanish phonetically in the Endless Spanish app. Your kids will be speaking Spanish in full sentences in no time! "Endless Spanish is brilliant in how it uses adorable monsters and comedy to make learning Spanish fun," writes Tech With Kids. Ages 4+
Go Noodle
Go Noodle is an app used widely in schools across the United States that encourages kids to move. "They use it for PE at school, he loves the videos and we often do the dance activities at night now," Macaroni Kid publisher Zulema writes about her son's love of this app. Kids will love dancing to Baby Shark, Peanut Butter in a Cup, and more. Ages 4+
Hopscotch: Coding for Kids
Hopscotch teaches kids basic coding concepts and gives kids the ability to publish the games they've created so other users can play. "Instead of writing complicated text-based code, the app simplifies the process by using object-based programming," writes Popular Science. Ages 9+
PBS Kids Games
This app offers more than 100 educational games all led by your child's favorite PBS characters. It was suggested by Macaroni Kid moms and publishers Toni, Liz, Sarah, and Lorraine -- and was the only app mentioned by more than one parent. Lorraine called it "engaging." And we all trust PBS to create great programming for our kids, right? Ages 4+
Prodigy Math Game
Prodigy, recommended by Macaroni Kid mom Danielle, teaches math facts to kids in grades 1 through 8 and is used widely in schools. "Prodigy is well tuned to keep kids' attention," writes Common Sense Education, a nonprofit providing tech-related resources and educational materials to educators. "They'll love the customization and the setting, and the multiplayer modes will keep them interested long after traditional math activities might lose their luster." Ages 7+
Ready! for Kindergarten
Ready! for Kindergarten, is the school readiness program of the Children's Reading Foundation. Its app was suggested by Macaroni Kid mom Liz. "(This) is a neat program which offers free kindergarten prep," she says. Each game develops a specific core skill and, because it is designed for younger users, games are designed to be played repetitiously, an important learning method for youngsters. You can also track your child's progress in specific skill areas. Ages 2+
Stack the States 2
Stack the States 2, suggested by Macaroni Kid mom Alison, teaches kids about the 50 states in a game format. "This is a clear go-to if you’re looking to help students memorize state locations, shapes, capitals, history, and more," writes eSchool News, a newspaper for educators. Ages 4+
I've already downloaded several of these apps to my phone and am glad to know there are quality educational tools out there for tech-loving kids that parents can feel comfortable embracing too!
Kara Murphy is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Erie, Pa.
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